why pay BIG $ for a jersey?
#76
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I'm quite late to the discussion but I wanted to answer the original question with an input about my two most expensive jerseys. One is a Sportful Celsius and the other is a Le Col Hors Categorie Hex
These are designed for all day riding when it starts cold and becomes warm or hot later in the day. Sounds perfect for a mountain ride where the base is much cooler than the higher elevation areas. The price point comes into play because it's part of Sportful's Research and Development sector that spent years into making a jersey that otherwise seemed impossible. How do you create a jersey that can keep you warm when it's cool but still keep you cool when it's warm?
The SS18 version is on sale now for around $85 with additional discounts around 20%, more or less depending on the outlet. Just like the rest of their jerseys these are race day fit with tight sleeves, shallow pockets that are tight to the body, and a high quality zipper. Do they perform as described? Somewhat, but really I just find them to be warm. Not hot and not cool, just somewhere in the middle. I mostly use it in the wet.
Where to begin? These are advertised as a top level race day jersey with none other than five time Olympic gold medalist and world champion Sir Bradley Wiggins himself wearing them. Race jerseys fit tightly to avoid drag. Race day jerseys have shallow pockets because riders aren't shoving teddy bears and souvenirs inside them. Race day jerseys are made from lightweight breathable material because typically the rider is sweating profusely either over a long distance or a quick short distance.
This jersey failed on all aspects. The torso is loose, and checking other reviews this doesn't seem uncommon. The arms have an obscene amount of silicone grippers for some reason. Huge deep pockets in the back that fit my entire arm in each of them. And the material is like nothing I've seen on any other jersey, it's heavier and less breathable than expected. I would buy this product if it was on sale for $35, and then wear it once a month just to look like a posh butthead.
Conclusion, more expensive jerseys cost what they do in order to give racers a competitive advantage, albeit miniscule. $25 jerseys can do the job. My POC Fondo Light has an MSRP of $130 but was on sale for $30, I call it cheap because it's just an overpriced version of some generic jerseys I've worn. I've had a spill in my Sportful jerseys over gravel and the clothing surprisingly didn't rip. My POC had one spill and it was completely ruined from the arms all the way up the collar. Less durable material. You really get what you pay for. Usually. Unless you don't.
Sportful R&D Celsius MSRP $143.99
These are designed for all day riding when it starts cold and becomes warm or hot later in the day. Sounds perfect for a mountain ride where the base is much cooler than the higher elevation areas. The price point comes into play because it's part of Sportful's Research and Development sector that spent years into making a jersey that otherwise seemed impossible. How do you create a jersey that can keep you warm when it's cool but still keep you cool when it's warm?
The SS18 version is on sale now for around $85 with additional discounts around 20%, more or less depending on the outlet. Just like the rest of their jerseys these are race day fit with tight sleeves, shallow pockets that are tight to the body, and a high quality zipper. Do they perform as described? Somewhat, but really I just find them to be warm. Not hot and not cool, just somewhere in the middle. I mostly use it in the wet.
Le Col Hors Categorie Hex MSRP $189.39/£150
THIS was a waste of money. THIS is the kind of jersey that just says I have money and don't know how to spend it.Where to begin? These are advertised as a top level race day jersey with none other than five time Olympic gold medalist and world champion Sir Bradley Wiggins himself wearing them. Race jerseys fit tightly to avoid drag. Race day jerseys have shallow pockets because riders aren't shoving teddy bears and souvenirs inside them. Race day jerseys are made from lightweight breathable material because typically the rider is sweating profusely either over a long distance or a quick short distance.
This jersey failed on all aspects. The torso is loose, and checking other reviews this doesn't seem uncommon. The arms have an obscene amount of silicone grippers for some reason. Huge deep pockets in the back that fit my entire arm in each of them. And the material is like nothing I've seen on any other jersey, it's heavier and less breathable than expected. I would buy this product if it was on sale for $35, and then wear it once a month just to look like a posh butthead.
Conclusion, more expensive jerseys cost what they do in order to give racers a competitive advantage, albeit miniscule. $25 jerseys can do the job. My POC Fondo Light has an MSRP of $130 but was on sale for $30, I call it cheap because it's just an overpriced version of some generic jerseys I've worn. I've had a spill in my Sportful jerseys over gravel and the clothing surprisingly didn't rip. My POC had one spill and it was completely ruined from the arms all the way up the collar. Less durable material. You really get what you pay for. Usually. Unless you don't.
This is an honest review. It would be nice to see more like it. No beating around the bush.
#77
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#78
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I have found no difference in quality between the shorts and bibs coming from the same brand. The fit? Sure, since by definition shorts and bibs will fit differently.
#79
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I will say that I have been very happy with my $30 jerseys from an Australian seller on Ebay. I bought a retro Eddy Merckx Jersey from him because I liked the design.
I liked the jersey so much for the fit and money, that I ordered another with a different design. The seller is cycling-retro-jersey (8789)
I can't see myself paying over $100 for a jersey ever, seeing how good the fit and quality of these is. They have everything I need in terms of rear pockets, different weight / ventilated materials on different parts of the jersey, etc. Very nicely made jerseys.
Shorts however, is a different story. I am quite particular about the fit of the shorts / chamois, and will gladly pay more for a better fitting one.
I liked the jersey so much for the fit and money, that I ordered another with a different design. The seller is cycling-retro-jersey (8789)
I can't see myself paying over $100 for a jersey ever, seeing how good the fit and quality of these is. They have everything I need in terms of rear pockets, different weight / ventilated materials on different parts of the jersey, etc. Very nicely made jerseys.
Shorts however, is a different story. I am quite particular about the fit of the shorts / chamois, and will gladly pay more for a better fitting one.
#80
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Jerseys have a little less impact on overall ride quality, and if you race, you're in a team kit a big percentage of the time, anyhow.
BB
__________________
Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
Formerly fastest rider in the grupetto, currently slowest guy in the peloton
#81
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The justification for high quality bottoms has everything to do with the chamois. Lots of people can make a spandex short or bib that fits and is supportive - it's spandex after all. But when you find that chamois that perfectly matches your personal anatomy, has exactly the amount of padding you require, and suits your saddle and position on the bike, you'll pay whatever it takes.
Jerseys have a little less impact on overall ride quality,
BB
Jerseys have a little less impact on overall ride quality,
BB
Agree with you on the tops. I'm more accepting of a top if the fit is not perfect, or the material is not the greatest, but it's a miserable ride when the bottoms are bad.
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#82
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Wear and details.
Most jersey's I've seen seem to use very similar fabrics, probably sourced from the same two or three mills that specialize in making sports fabrics. They're mostly laminated poly blends, with different pore sizes and wicking properties. There are a few outliers like whatever Garneau uses on their Lemmon jersey, which feels more like an ultra-thin, soft fine cotton t-shirt or merino wool. And actual merino wool.
The main differences I see between my $15-$20 jerseys and the pricey stuff is how long the reflective logo bits last before falling off from normal use and washing (I mostly handwash); and how well the zippers work without snagging or other problems.
The fabrics feel pretty similar in regular use, but over time the construction quality becomes apparent. On local group rides, I've seen Rapha jerseys worn until they're almost transparent but the zippers still work and the logos hang on. My year old cheap $20 oddly named jersey (Spurnfried or Commodeo or something goofy) has reflective logos peeling off, but the zipper and fabric are good -- so far.
Even within a manufacturer's lineup I see significant differences. My cheap Garneau jerseys have peeling logos. My better Garneau jersey has better attention to detail. While there tends to be a lot of markup in any apparel, you still usually get what you pay for.
But that's true of almost any clothing. Fabrics are often similar, but details matter. Zippers and other closures are often compromised on cheaper clothing. And cheaper clothing tends to have poorer stitching, or they don't finish the lock stitches so everything tends to unravel (which seems to mean the same thing as ravel, but fancier).
Most jersey's I've seen seem to use very similar fabrics, probably sourced from the same two or three mills that specialize in making sports fabrics. They're mostly laminated poly blends, with different pore sizes and wicking properties. There are a few outliers like whatever Garneau uses on their Lemmon jersey, which feels more like an ultra-thin, soft fine cotton t-shirt or merino wool. And actual merino wool.
The main differences I see between my $15-$20 jerseys and the pricey stuff is how long the reflective logo bits last before falling off from normal use and washing (I mostly handwash); and how well the zippers work without snagging or other problems.
The fabrics feel pretty similar in regular use, but over time the construction quality becomes apparent. On local group rides, I've seen Rapha jerseys worn until they're almost transparent but the zippers still work and the logos hang on. My year old cheap $20 oddly named jersey (Spurnfried or Commodeo or something goofy) has reflective logos peeling off, but the zipper and fabric are good -- so far.
Even within a manufacturer's lineup I see significant differences. My cheap Garneau jerseys have peeling logos. My better Garneau jersey has better attention to detail. While there tends to be a lot of markup in any apparel, you still usually get what you pay for.
But that's true of almost any clothing. Fabrics are often similar, but details matter. Zippers and other closures are often compromised on cheaper clothing. And cheaper clothing tends to have poorer stitching, or they don't finish the lock stitches so everything tends to unravel (which seems to mean the same thing as ravel, but fancier).
Last edited by canklecat; 05-30-19 at 05:27 PM.
#83
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I will say that I have been very happy with my $30 jerseys from an Australian seller on Ebay. I bought a retro Eddy Merckx Jersey from him because I liked the design.
I liked the jersey so much for the fit and money, that I ordered another with a different design. The seller is cycling-retro-jersey (8789)
I can't see myself paying over $100 for a jersey ever, seeing how good the fit and quality of these is. They have everything I need in terms of rear pockets, different weight / ventilated materials on different parts of the jersey, etc. Very nicely made jerseys.
Shorts however, is a different story. I am quite particular about the fit of the shorts / chamois, and will gladly pay more for a better fitting one.
I liked the jersey so much for the fit and money, that I ordered another with a different design. The seller is cycling-retro-jersey (8789)
I can't see myself paying over $100 for a jersey ever, seeing how good the fit and quality of these is. They have everything I need in terms of rear pockets, different weight / ventilated materials on different parts of the jersey, etc. Very nicely made jerseys.
Shorts however, is a different story. I am quite particular about the fit of the shorts / chamois, and will gladly pay more for a better fitting one.
The justification for high quality bottoms has everything to do with the chamois. Lots of people can make a spandex short or bib that fits and is supportive - it's spandex after all. But when you find that chamois that perfectly matches your personal anatomy, has exactly the amount of padding you require, and suits your saddle and position on the bike, you'll pay whatever it takes.
Jerseys have a little less impact on overall ride quality, and if you race, you're in a team kit a big percentage of the time, anyhow.
BB
Jerseys have a little less impact on overall ride quality, and if you race, you're in a team kit a big percentage of the time, anyhow.
BB
Cue Spinal Tap video link...
#84
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If you're so good, you are able to notice a justifiable difference with the $100 upgrade. BTW, there's a ~$400 device, Aeropod, that could actually measure the drag coefficient.
#85
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#86
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I bought a jersey from aliexpress company called raccmer (actually paid a little more to get it via amazon, $16) and quite like it, but the quality compared to castelli and some other stuff is noticable. for one, the stitching on one of the sleeves is coming apart and I've only worn it maybe a dozen times (and wash on handwash cycle). But the fit (small) is good for me and not baggy or otherwise too much of a club fit. I've had good luck with a couple of pairs of spexcel bib shorts and they've been good for a year so far. You can get by with some of these cheap jerseys, but the quality difference is noticable.
#87
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#88
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When it's 104°, I can tell the difference between a Rapha Pro Team Flyweight and my other jerseys. Evaporative cooling can be felt. It's really remarkable.
Also, +1 on the chamois. Elastic Interface pads are top shelf and not cheap. The Space 2 chamois in my 7Mesh bibs is like riding in your rich uncle's Cadillac.
-Tim-
Also, +1 on the chamois. Elastic Interface pads are top shelf and not cheap. The Space 2 chamois in my 7Mesh bibs is like riding in your rich uncle's Cadillac.
-Tim-
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#89
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And an AeroPod that links to the power meter and speed sensor, measures wind velocity, and calculates the drag coefficient (times the front area) in real time.
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/04/...ic-sensor.html
#90
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I can be comfortable in any shorts or pants that fit. I can ride 100 km in street pants, and then ride the next day, and not complain. The only reason I wear bibs is because I'm not a plumber.
I set a lot of my PRs in my most aero jersey.
I set a lot of my PRs in my most aero jersey.
#91
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Current team is called Sweet Spot Cycling, they run a bike trainer studio in Lakeside. The owner won Cross Nationals in his age group last year so at least one of us isn't a wannabe! I'm actually doing Bike MS this weekend from Varina out to Williamsburg and back, should be a lot of riders out that way all weekend.
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#98
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The best deals i've found lately are the one-year-old jerseys from some of the local cycling events. These jerseys sold for $140-$160 at the event, but a year later are available for $20-$30. Some great patterns, and they sure fit and feel like top-notch kit. Check out whoever supplies rides in your area with branded jerseys, and then poke around that company's site and see if they have an "off sales" section for the extras.
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Why pay for style
In many cases, you are paying a premium for style, not the quality. I buy my shirts at a retail outfit and can see the difference. The suggestion to buy last year's race shirt is probably the most cost effective, but I'd feel awkward riding with a race shirt that I didn't earn.
#100
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I bought a Giant-branded jersey at a shop that was closing. Paid about $20. Decent quality, nice look. Then I saw the same on ebay but long sleeves. I thought I would take a chance on them being the same. The long sleeves are about two inches too short.
So that's one reason to pay, so it will fit.
So that's one reason to pay, so it will fit.