MOUNTAIN BIKE JERSEYS AND TEE SHIRTS
Many questions arise when buying a new cycling jersey, whether it's your first or a new addition to your cycling wardrobe. With hundreds of different options in the cycling jersey category, it can be daunting to find the type of jersey that best suits your specific needs. Fabrics, fit, features and overall design approach all have a significant impact on whether the jersey is not only comfortable to wear, but also performs well. We're here to show you the best mountain bike jerseys and help you make your next purchase the best one.
What are the different types of mountain bike jersey?
A mountain bike jersey is an essential part of your cycling clothing set. The differences in quality and price can sometimes be quite significant, without you being able to see why at first glance. The first thing many people look at when they want to buy a new cycling jersey is the look, which isn't all that surprising, of course. However, you first need to determine for yourself the circumstances in which you (often) enjoy cycling, so that you can choose the type of jersey that's right for you.
Classic MTB jersey
Are you new to cycling, or do you occasionally go out at weekends in fine weather? Then a basic cycling jersey is probably for you. These shirts are generally not too tight and simply breathe well. If you wear a basic mountain bike jersey, you can get away with this outfit in many circumstances. And for bad weather, a good rain jacket will keep you comfortable on the bike. The advantage of a basic MTB shirt is that it's very affordable.
Waterproof MTB jerseys
Does it rain all day? In that case, it's probably best to wear a waterproof cycling jersey. This type of mountain bike jersey can withstand a few showers. And if the weather is slightly changeable, you'll still feel good riding. What's more, many waterproof cycling jerseys are also windproof. This will keep you even warmer on your bike.
MTB jerseys for hot summer days
For hot summer days, there are very thin mountain bike jerseys that keep you cool. They're also ideal if you're planning a tough mountain ride on a sunny day. The best thing about these mountain bike shirts is that they're very light, airy and extremely breathable. In fact, they're so breathable that you also need to apply sunscreen to your body if you don't want to get sunburned. All in all, these cycling jerseys are ideal for climbs or very steep roads.
Features and technologies
MTB jerseys have seen many improvements over the years, with the arrival of numerous new technologies. From sleeves to SPF protection, today's MTB shirts have everything you need for a much better riding experience.
Sleeves and hem
When you're on your bike, ill-fitting clothing can become a nuisance or a distraction. Most jerseys have silicone grips on the hem and sleeves. Jerseys designed for racing often have "laser-cut" sleeves, designed to act like a second skin and offer better aerodynamics.
Front zipper and pockets
Full-length zippers keep you cool on long, hot rides. Look for a jersey with a neck zipper to prevent chafing. MTB T-shirts usually have three pockets on the back for food and essentials. Some jerseys also have a zipped pocket for money or other necessities. Winter MTB jerseys sometimes have a waterproof pocket.
Wind and rain resistance and SPF protection
Today's wind and rain protection fabrics are designed to be breathable, but you'll sometimes find jerseys with lighter fabric panels to increase ventilation, usually in the back and under the arms. If you're riding in bright sunshine, remember that the sun's rays will penetrate the fabric after a while. Some of today's jerseys feature fabrics with built-in sun protection.
Points to bear in mind when buying a mountain bike T-shirt
Since wind and weather don't stop many cyclists from riding, there are now MTB jerseys to suit every need. Whether it's hot, rainy or windy, brands have come up with innovations. But, as with almost every purchase, doubts arise: what should I look for? What's best for each type of pedaling?
Think about how you're going to use your cycling jersey.
Will you be cycling on the road, in the mountains or in enduro? There are many types of cycling, and therefore many types of jersey. The type of cycling you do is essential when it comes to choosing the right jersey for you. So, depending on your discipline, one jersey will suit you best. If you're looking to maximize your performance, in the mountains and especially on the road, it's important to choose a MTB jersey that's close to the body to promote aerodynamics, as well as a MTB shirt that's as light as possible and has flat seams.
When looking for a jersey, you should also pay particular attention to the breathability it offers. If you give your all on your bike, it's more than likely that sweat will always be your traveling companion. The jersey should therefore be an ally, not just another obstacle. If, on the other hand, you ride occasionally and for more recreational purposes, you may have a little more latitude when it comes to choosing a MTB jersey. In that case, it won't matter if it's a little looser. You can also be a little less demanding in terms of features, but never forget that quality counts.
Another aspect to note is your own morphology: if you're very slim, you'll need a "fit" or very tight configuration around the chest, whereas if you're not so slim, you'll need a mountain bike tee shirt with a more "regular", relaxed or classic cut.
The importance of weather and time of year
As you might have guessed, it's not the same to go cycling in the middle of July as when the thermometers are at their lowest, in which case you'll need at least a long-sleeved jersey. It's true: the weather is fundamental. Features like those mentioned in the previous point, lightness and breathability, are particularly important if you're planning long rides in hot weather or in summer. Flat seams to prevent chafing will be an exceptional ally.
If your itinerary involves significant changes in altitude, weather conditions may vary on the same day. In this case, there's nothing better than a versatile MTB jersey, the best choice being one that includes insulating fabric to protect you from the cold and breathable panels to wick away moisture. Whichever type of jersey you choose, it's essential to always wear a vest, either short-sleeved or sleeveless for summer, and longer-sleeved, warmer or even thermal for winter.
But the best is undoubtedly to combine your jersey with a cycling vest. It's essential for long downhill rides or when the temperature drops significantly, to keep your trunk, and especially your chest, insulated.
Pay attention to jersey composition
Every time you buy a garment, whether for cycling or any other sport, even if it's for everyday use, you need to take a close look at its composition: the label says a lot about a product. In the case of mountain bike T-shirts, the most common materials are polyester, merino wool or lycra. Many MTB jerseys are also made from spandex, an elastic, sweat-resistant material.
Advantages and disadvantages of each material? As with everything else, there are different colors to suit different tastes. But everyone agrees that polyester has few rivals when it comes to moisture wicking. What's more, it's an antifungal fabric, meaning it prevents the proliferation of fungi. Merino wool, meanwhile, is highly water-resistant: its ability to repel moisture is up to 10 times greater than that of fabrics such as nylon or polyester. And because it doesn't retain odors, it doesn't need to be washed as often.
Don't forget safety
Those of us who love cycling and seek excellence in the accessories we buy often make the mistake of paying attention only to the technical aspects. Safety is just as important. That's why attributes such as jersey visibility should also be on the list of things to consider.
Many manufacturers choose to use bright colors in their MTB jerseys, such as orange or red. Even fluorescent hues like yellow, green or pink are common in this type of clothing. All these elements will make you safer by making you more visible to drivers, especially if you're riding on the road.
How to choose the right MTB jersey size?
It's important to choose the right size for obvious reasons of safety and usability. The most accurate tool for measuring yourself at home is a flexible tape measure or tailor's tape. GH pros love them, and they're cheap! If you don't have one, you can measure yourself without a soft tape measure by using string or ribbon instead (make sure it's not stretchy), then measuring the string with a ruler or yard stick.
Before you start, wear light, tight-fitting clothing and underwear that's not too padded. As you measure yourself, keep the tape level all around your body, parallel to the ground. For accurate measurements, the tape should fit snugly, but not too tightly. Try to breathe deeply, sit down and stand up to check that the tape doesn't squeeze when you move and breathe - this ensures that clothes of this size won't be too tight.
The measurements you get will tell you what size to take when you make your purchase, since the size tabs indicate what size MTB jerseys correspond to.
How to care for your MTB shirt
Before your clothing goes into the washing machine, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure that your MTB jerseys and shorts last longer. For example, when you get home, it's important to check whether you've sweated a lot. If this is the case, and you're not going to wash the garments in the next few hours, it's best to immerse them in water to rinse them and let them dry before washing. If you leave them in the hamper, the sweat may deteriorate them more quickly. Here are a few tips on how to care for your mountain bike tee shirts:
- Wash your cycling clothes separately;
- Machine wash or hand wash. Never dry-clean;
- Always use cold water;
- Rinse thoroughly;
- Do not centrifuge your cycling clothes;
- Use liquid or neutral soaps;
- Never use bleaches or bleaching agents;
- Never use fabric softeners;
- NEVER iron your cycling clothes;
If you still have any doubts about these tips, the best thing to do is to check the instructions on the labels of our garments.
