PepeM

Because panache.

CAT7RDR

Experiment with what works for you. I just purchased a $20 long sleeve hi-vis jersey off Amazon. For $20 the fit, zipper, pockets and sleeve length all work for me.

I'm a twice a week rec rider, I could care less about high end names. Frankly, I purchased higher end LG jerseys a few years ago that have not held up and I will not buy that brand again.

Seattle Forrest

I bought a cheap kit on Amazon for the bibs. The jersey and bibs both had hang tags saying Coolmax. It might even be true.

Good god that kit smells awful after riding in it! I drove an hour and a half to ride yesterday, I leaned the hard way not to do that with cheap kit.

I've also bought inexpensive things (not bike clothes) that have worked really well.

How many $10 jerseys do you have to buy to find one that's on par with a $100 one?

caloso

I was just thinking of this thread while I was riding back from my lunch workout. I was wearing a Castelli jersey from 4 seasons ago. It must get worn once a week during warm weather and it still looks new. Colors are bright, hems and seams tight, elastic snug, zipper still works perfectly. Totally worth it.

shelbyfv

For $20 I'm willing to try one from Ebay. Links to something good? Full zip, solid colors or tasteful geometrics ( think Rapha.) No cheesy cartoon characters or funny sayings, accurate size chart. Thanks!

Sy Reene

In totalus totum, expensive jerseys are better fit and better looking than cheap jerseys. Though the best return IMO, is the expensive jerseys from this season, bought next season, when they're discounted by 50% or whatnot.
For example, here's a place to start:

https://www.steepandcheap.com/mens-l...0+TO+*%5D&nf=1

DrIsotope

Just because a jersey is inexpensive doesn't mean it's cheap. It's called shopping smart. I got a $120 Sugoi Climber's jersey for $17, and a trio of $40 Canari Optic Nova (which aren't exactly Rapha quality, but are an absolutely fine jersey) for $6-7 each. Also, the econo $40 jerseys from The Black Bibs-- very nice. Well made, excellent fit.

I have a selection of $100+ jerseys, I just never paid full price for them.

DaveLeeNC

FWIW, I have four Louis Garneau low end jerseys that I bought online from somewhere for $25 to $35 each, depending on the deal I found. I find them very comfortable, they fit me (obviously a personal thing - have no idea how someone can say that a given Jersey fits great without a reference as to the body type), the pockets work better than any other pockets that I have ever had, and they are all plain (I don't like to look like a bill board).

OTOH, EVERY one of them has a broken zipper (half zippers in the front). So I probably won't buy any more of them, but I will wear these in the summer when the zipper will be down anyway.

I find the question asked in this thread to be very reasonable. I would reword it to say "what is it that you get that you like when you spend a bunch on a jersey that you don't get when you don't spend a bunch on a jersey".

dave

Sy Reene

hopefully, the answer isn't "a $100 better zipper"

seau grateau

+1 I don't know who pays full price for cycling kit, but I've literally never done it.

Makel

Cuz I can.

wphamilton

I have a drawer full of jerseys and athletic wicking shirts, and several long-sleeved hanging in the closet. I might have splurged on one, but the rest were either on clearance or sale or chinese shot in the dark. Since I ride every day, and I'm likely to use them all before washing, I just grab one at random. No care for style, I don't care what the "fit" is, and haven't yet thrown any away, I personally see no reason whatsoever to spend appreciably more for a jersey. If I only rode a couple of times a week in some group ride, I might be more conscious of style and brand and conforming with the group, but that's not the case.

Dr.Lou

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This!

I have both and never had trouble with either, same with bibs - I have many sets of cycling clothes in the rotation so none get used repeatedly. The only jerseys or bibs/shorts I've seen show significant signs of wear are those that experienced a crash or some fat sucker that wears his/her kit so tight their kit looks more like a sausage casing. I am not a fast rider so a jersey that fits a little loose won't effect my performance in TTs. Buy what makes you happy and wear it proudly.

woodcraft

I don't pay big bucks, but can no longer tolerate a jersey that flaps,

so a random or club-fit loose jersey is no bargain at any price.

bruce19

I buy Assos kit on sale because it fits me. And, yes, I am superior.

ridingfool

I find one of the biggest things that makes a cheap Jersey off Amazon verse a better one that cost . A hundred dollars or more is the zipper and back pockets on the cheap ones the stitching on the back pockets seam to rip and hold your stuff less tight and try unlippipping your cheap Jersey going 20 mph on a hot day . With the better quality ones zipper seams to work much better. But as far as material goes both all about the same many cheap jerseys use the same material

seypat

Proper decorum clearly states that one must be wearing a BIG $ Jersey to attempt the bidon flip. I'm guessing it's the same for the back bottle balance as well. If you are trying to get noticed, a Cheap @ss jersey won't do.

seypat

At this point in the discussion, I think the parameters need to be defined. The OP listed top end as BIG $. The low end can be referred to as Cheap @ss. What about the brands in between? Also, is it necessary to list all of the BIG$ brands in all caps? It worked for MEILENSTEIN.

RidingMatthew

guess it depends on what you consider big money? I have free jerseys and jerseys i have bought online so far each has their purpose and the get worn.

RidingMatthew

i agree a nice fitting jersey with good stitching and decent zipper are worth more money... imho

TimothyH

Chapter III is where it's at now.

Fabric is second to none and they use actual chest sizes in one inch increments - 38, 39, 40 and so forth. Fit is perfect - not loose but not painted on either.

Unlike some brands (Assos, a-hem) with frighteningly delicate zippers, those on Chapter III jerseys are substantial. They don't feel like they are going to break every time they are touched.

Lots of small details and classy styling, not gaudy or cartoonish like some of the latest style du jour. I could name names

Patient shoppers can find them at very deep discount. I got a Forbici 1.25 for $89 last September. I want a 1.28 Milan San Remo.

The Chapter III website has some stuff on sale right now including the OneMoreLap 1.22 for about $89 and the MonzaMilano for $70, depending on exchange rate.


-Tim-

MSchott

Those look great but you are paying a lot for that great fit. A lot.

noodle soup

Doesn't that defeat the purpose of a compression shirt?

UniChris

Sure, but buying it a size larger doesn't defeat the actual desired goal of a cheap reasonably fitting breathable shirt to ride in.

LAJ

Good point. Rules are important.