The Best Bike Jerseys for Any Type of Cyclist
A cycling jersey is an important piece of a rider’s kit, and a good one is well worth the investment. While it’s true you don’t need a bike-specific top, you’ll find cycling jerseys are moisture-wicking and designed to help reduce wind resistance, a major make-or-break factor when it comes to ride enjoyment. They’re designed to make it easy to access snacks and water without stopping your bike, and their tech fabrics are critical for moisture management to help keep you cool and dry.
There is a huge variety of bike jerseys available these days, including aerodynamic options for fast road rides, temperature regulation technology for the shoulder season, layering options for inclement weather, and jerseys made for durability and endurance.
Best Bike Jerseys
What to Consider
Intended Use
When choosing a cycling jersey, consider the primary type of riding you’ll be doing. Are you looking for a form-fitting jersey for aerodynamics on fast road rides? Something looser for all-day comfort on a gravel tour? Do you want a classic mountain bike look, or a more styled road-jersey fit? For hot rides, a lightweight, sweat-wicking jersey with short sleeves is important for moisture management, but windy or cooler rides will be more comfortable with a heavier material that can be layered under a wind jacket or over a base layer.
Features
Most cycling jerseys will have a few main style and feature options to choose from. Look for full-zip or half-zip styles depending on how much venting you’ll need, take note of sleeve length and style, choose between high-neck or scoop-neck styles for wind protection, and decide on the number and placement of pockets you’ll want for stashing snacks and soft-flask bottles.
Material
Every jersey on this list is sweat-wicking and built for high-output activity, but the percentage of specific materials used varies from style to style. If you want something more form-fitting with added stretch, a higher percentage of Spandex or Lycra is a good bet. Fully polyester jerseys will have a more casual fit. Some jerseys are built with specialty fibers from 37.5 and PolarTec, which increase the comfort and cooling, but those materials can drive the price up.
How We Selected
To choose the best bike jerseys on the market, we looked at cycling apparel designed for a variety of riding styles, durations, and potential conditions. We looked at men’s and women’s options, as well as the best size-inclusive choices. The jerseys we’ve featured include a variety of options for all types of riders in a range of price points.
