Cycling jersey benefits

wile1000

At what point does a cycling jersey start doing its job? I have a fairly flat 20 min cycle to work and just wear tank tops / t-shirts / light cycle jacket depending on the weather, however my fashionable side is starting to develop an itch.

I don't want to become a 'Fred' (complete with oh-so-classy look of hybrid bike, bike rack, panniers and dirty runners) but am shopping around for a smart looking plain jersey and quite like what probikekit has to offer.

But for a 20 min cycle am I going to get hotter and sweatier than in an airy t-shirt, given that jerseys perform best when your body starts to warm up and sweat? (I can currently get away without a shower on arrival to the office).

seamus

They shouldn't catch in the wind if you get the right size and even the lightest jersey will have a windbreaking effect. Unlike a cotton T-shirt which will let the wind cut right through you and will cause the wind to drag on you.
If it rains the jersey doesn't become a skinsuit.

They also have little elasticated pockets, good for carrying keys, wallets, etc, which could otherwise fall out of the pockets on your shorts.

I wouldn't go spending mad money on one though just for your commute. I wear an old bike jersey for riding to work, I wouldn't use a new one for it. You could get a running t-shirt which has similar qualities and can be similarly stylish but for about €20.

Bunnyhopper

At the point where you put it on and start to look like a god.

irishbuzz

A good base layer is more important for what you're looking to achieve.

Jawgap

wile1000 wrote: »

.......

I don't want to become a 'Fred' (complete with oh-so-classy look of hybrid bike, bike rack, panniers and dirty runners) but am shopping around for a smart looking plain jersey and quite like what probikekit has to offer.

.....

I think that's a POB (pedestrian on a bicycle) you're describing - being a Fred (or even a MAMIL) is an honourable role in cycling.:)

Chainreaction tend to be a bit cheaper than probikekit, and there's always the local bike shop - they'll always have a bit of kit on special. If you get something with short sleeves it'll do for the summer then you can add arm warmers to get through the autumn.

+1 on a decent base layer.

Urban Frog do some nice if pricey base-layers - I've a long sleeve version of their black base-layer and often wear it as a jersey - the only problem is the lack of pockets.

awec

I've often wondered which of the jersey's are deemed to make you a "Fred"? Is it the ones with the logos all over them?

Lumen

awec wrote: »

I've often wondered which of the jersey's are deemed to make you a "Fred"? Is it the ones with the logos all over them?

Jawgap

awec wrote: »

I've often wondered which of the jersey's are deemed to make you a "Fred"? Is it the ones with the logos all over them?

I'd say not because some club jerseys are plastered with logos.

I would have thought any self-respecting Fred wouldn't been seen in anything as crass as a team jersey - wool is the starting point.

Any proper Fred jersey should be made of wool - and not Merino, but the itchy stuff yer Ma or Nana used to knit geansies from.

pauldoo

What's a Fred??does asking that make me a Fred????

studiorat

wile1000 wrote: »

At what point does a cycling jersey start doing its job? I have a fairly flat 20 min cycle to work and just wear tank tops / t-shirts / light cycle jacket depending on the weather, however my fashionable side is starting to develop an itch.

Too late !
Tank top already says Fred...

Jawgap

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_(bicycling)

It's in Wikipedia so it must be true.......

studiorat

Well there should definitely be a official Boards Cycling forum policy with supporting documentation on what constitutes Fred-ism.

Me, I'm go with the sandals, beards, randonneur bars agus na mudgardaí.

A lá Dick Ballantine :

Jawgap

Let's all quote @studiorat's post!:D

EDIT:- awww, he cheated and changed it!

studiorat

ha ha

You mean this one !!

I thought the size was in pixels and not feet!!

Jawgap

Had to get a bus to find the 'thanks' button!

kumate_champ07

Running tshirts are a better choice, I wear them all the time. Im anti brand names but I find Adidas to be the best. They have inovative designs and fabrics

le petit braquet

studiorat wrote: »

Well there should definitely be a official Boards Cycling forum policy with supporting documentation on what constitutes Fred-ism.

Me, I'm go with the sandals, beards, randonneur bars agus na mudgardaí.

A lá Dick Ballantine :

pic snipped

That looks disturbingly like an illustration from Dr Alex Comfort's "Joy of Sex" (or so I'm told:D)

Tonyandthewhale

Well if you take the job of the jersey as preventing you from being seen in public in a tank top then it starts doing its job the minute you put it on.

Jawgap

le petit braquet wrote: »

That looks disturbingly like an illustration from Dr Alex Comfort's "Joy of Sex" (or so I'm told:D)

nah, but this does......