The folks at the local bike shop claim that a cycling jersey is the last purchase most new cyclists make. Apparently, when people decide to take up cycling they usually get a helmet at the same time they buy their new bike, then a few days later come back to buy padded cycling shorts. Some time later they come back to buy cycling shoes and finally a cycling jersey. I imagine one of the reasons they wait on buying the jersey is the cost. However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a quality cycling jersey. The folks at eCyclingstore.com recently sent me a eCycle Criterium Cycling Jersey for review purposes—this jersey is very inexpensive, yet it performs as well are jerseys that cost three times as much.
eCycle Criterium Cycling Jersey
The eCycle Criterium Cycling Jersey is made of a DryMax Polyester fabric. This “waffle style” fabric is extremely lightweight and very breathable. I’ve ridden with this jersey during the most humid days we’ve had this summer and it wicks moisture away from the skin as well as any of other jerseys I own.
The front of this jersey has a full-length zipper—you can zip it all the way up when you get cold or unzip it entirely for extra ventilation. It also has an elastic waist and cuffs to keep the jersey in place. One of the best things about this jersey are the three large storage pockets on the back. Some jerseys have such shallow pockets that I am scared to put my cell phone in them for fear of it falling out. The pockets on this jersey are large enough to hold my cell phone and enough carbohydrate gels and bars for a long ride.
Deep Pockets On The eCycle Criterium Cycling Jersey
The eCycle Criterium Cycling Jersey is available in four different colors (White, Red, Blue, and Neon Yellow). This jersey comes in five sizes (S, M, L, XL, and XXL) and is true to advertized size. However, since not all manufacturers define sizes the same way, it is important that you consult the eCyclingstore sizing guide before placing your order. This jersey retails for $60, but it is currently on sale for only $25 (this has to be one of the best buys on cycling clothing you can find).
This jersey, along with hundreds of other styles, is available from the eCyclingstore.com Website. I spend a lot of time researching cycling products and eCyclingstore.com has the largest selection of cycling jerseys I have ever seen! They offer a “100% Satisfaction Guarantee” that you won’t find at most other places (“If you are unhappy with any purchase from eCyclingstore.com, just let us know within 30 days of your purchase and we’ll refund, exchange, or credit your purchase.”). They also offer free shipping on orders over $50.
billgncs
September 21, 2012 at 8:32 AM
one of my favorite reasons to cycle is to wear those bright colored jerseys!
All Seasons Cyclist
September 21, 2012 at 10:14 AM
I sometimes wear strange jerseys when I am on an off-road trail, but on the road I ALWAYS wear a bright, hi-vis jersey so I won’t get hit by a car!
timscyclingblog
September 23, 2012 at 8:45 AM
I use lights, day in day out, roadsigns are yellow around here and you look like a banana, so wear whatever you like and use lights to be seen, that’s my feeling on it. In fact, I have a real distain for yellow cyclists
Carrie
September 21, 2012 at 12:26 PM
At least in my case, the folks at your local bike shop proved to be correct: When I bought my bike, I also got a helmet and padded bike shorts; about two months later, I upgrades to clips and cycling shoes. I think I purchased my first jersey somewhere between the bike and cycling shoes, but I don’t remember. Twenty-five dollars is a great price!
All Seasons Cyclist
September 21, 2012 at 12:51 PM
I’ve spent enough time (and money) at the local bike shop to trust them when they talk about customer buying habits. I am always amazed at how well they understand their customers — I can’t say that about a lot of other bike shops.
irishkatie
September 21, 2012 at 5:18 PM
Hmmm…I have yet to get the clipless pedals and shoes …. but have a bazillion jerseys! (Ok…maybe 6 jerseys…almost a bazillion right?)
And $25 is wickedly inexpensive. You can buy 2 and get free shipping! (I am so going to look.)
I get most of my jesery’s …well, actually, ALL of them from ride events. I am not sure how well made they are, or how well they perform. I tend to get them as a souvenir gift to myself. They have ranged anywhere from about $40 to $70 if I recall correctly.
The one thing I look for in jerseys I realize (and meant to comment on this on that woman’s jersey blog) … was a higher neck cover. It seems to help both for rain and sun. In the rain if its high enough it would spill into your jersey. As for sunny days, this is where it can be a big difference as it helps to keep the sun from burning the back of your neck!
All Seasons Cyclist
September 21, 2012 at 5:52 PM
Most of the jerseys I’ve seen from ride events are a case of “getting what you paid for.” Some of them are actually made by good companies, but with cheaper material. I hadn’t thought about the higher neckline in back — makes sense to me.
irishkatie
September 21, 2012 at 8:16 PM
Nods….one of them I can tell is not of very high quality as it’s already starting to run from a snag I got. But for me, its my souvie! And it also goes to good causes too…one was a diabetes ride …2 are from dog charity type rides, ermmm….ok, one is for a garden grounds…lets see..what else do I have …uhmm…I have 2 others I think…ack.
timscyclingblog
September 23, 2012 at 8:42 AM
Same here, I look like a tramp if you see my feet as I wear old trainers (with a stiff enough sole), clothing is reasonably priced cycling specific clothing, never yellow, I don’t want to look even more of a banana than I already am.
Maybe my trainers are stiff enough to be comfortable enough that I have never invested in clipless pedals and proper shoes, I put that money into my bike and a fair bit more
All Seasons Cyclist
September 24, 2012 at 12:20 AM
I don’t always wear yellow — during hunting season I wear Blaze Orange to keep from getting shot by deer hunters (and I am NOT joking about this).
Charles Huss
September 21, 2012 at 7:51 PM
It’s true. I have not bought a cycling jersey yet although I may consider it. My riding is mostly to work and back but I suppose I can wash it in the sink when I get to work, hang it up and have it dry for the ride home. It may help on hot days, although summer is over. Even here in Florida it should start to get cooler soon. I guess I need to start looking into cool weather gear soon since I start my ride before the sun comes up.
All Seasons Cyclist
September 21, 2012 at 10:15 PM
Charles, Florida “winter” gear is what we Yankees call “late summer” gear.
If you look at the links I have on the right hand side of this blog you can see a lot of reviews I’ve written for “Spring and Fall Cycling” — I think most of this clothing would work well for a Florida winter.
Charles Huss
September 22, 2012 at 5:24 AM
That is why I left Chicago. Our average low for January here is around 50 degrees, although I have seen high 20s. Anyway, I will check out your reviews. Thanks.
Chatter
September 24, 2012 at 11:11 PM
I am just now looking at jerseys. I would thing the hi viz and brighter colors would be a plus on the roads. We have some crazy drivers in the Atl. One thing I saw that I am concerned about with their jerseys is that their 2x or top x rating supports only a 47 or less inch chest. I have a 49/50 inch chest so it might be too tight. Might have to try one and see how it fits in the chest.
All Seasons Cyclist
September 24, 2012 at 11:25 PM
Chatter — A friend of mine is also a “Big and Tall” guy and he gets his jerseys from…
http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/bigjersey.htm
I’ve not tried these jerseys out myself, so I can’t tell you how they fit. However, my friend seems to like them and they look pretty good as well.
Chatter
September 24, 2012 at 11:29 PM
I have been there allot,not bought yet, but have loaded a cart many times. Their prices look pretty good, but I don’t always like the final look of some products. If a 2x is a little tight but mostly baggy then I have more options and pricing options is all I was thinking. I am looking to buy a pair of bike shorts and swimming jammers from aerotechdesigns. Thanks for the heads up. Will try to review the products on my blog if you are interested in a follow up. Now that I have a bike coming in soon, so looking forward to doing some riding and getting some road under my belt. As people drive crazy here I am sticking to as bright and noticeable as possible.