Cycling jerseys can be very expensive, but they don't have to be. The best budget cycling jerseys can still be good quality and contain many of the performance-enhancing attributes of kit more than double the price.
Cycling-specific clothing is designed to be at its most comfortable when on the bike. In conforming neatly to your body, you won’t find excess material restricting the range of motion as you pedal or flapping about in the wind, meaning your focus can be wholly on the ride.
It also brings aerodynamic benefits which will increase your speed. Don't think that this won't be of advantage to you – it is quite amazing how much faster you are wearing a form-fitting jersey than a baggy one. Along with a better position, more aerodynamic clothing choices can make as large a difference to your speed as a flashy aero bike.
Naturally, there are likely to be compromises when buying cheaper cycling clothing and more technical materials, such as breathable waterproof fabrics, are unlikely to perform as well at the budget level.
But the 'basics' can punch well above their weight and in this guide we've focussed on one of the essentials that form the basis of every cycling-specific wardrobe: the jersey.
In the warmer months, you can cycle for hours without the need for any other bits of kit beyond a helmet for safety and perhaps a pair of sunglasses and gloves. In the cooler months, a good jersey will still form the basis of your cycling wardrobe, albeit perhaps one with long sleeves.
An excellent option, the Boardman short sleeve jersey is a no-frills affair, but it does include a zipped pocket for keys and a credit card as well as having reflective details for visibility in low light. Fantastic value.
dhb's soft-touch fabric feels great against the skin and wicks moisture away pretty well for ride-long comfort. There are reflective logos and a full-length zip whilst the 2 rear pockets work well with the narrower women's cut.
The Neo Racer's slim fit will not suit all riders, but it does feel and look suitably 'pro' and aero. Mesh inserts and a good, breathable fabric make it ideal for summer rides or sunny alpine climbs but it doesn't provide much in the way of insulation if the temperatures drop.
A classic-looking jersey from Specialized, the RBX Sport is 'comfortable' rather than 'race' fit, but it is still nicely close-fitting without being restrictive. The performance fabric with Hydrofit finish moves moisture well and you will either love or hate the low-key colours.
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We have rounded up some of the best budget cycling jerseys for you to invest in. Most of these products also come in a women’s version. Those that do will also have the relevant link.
Rather bright coloring (although you can get it in plain navy blue)
A straightforward jersey that offers everything you need without any unnecessary extras inflating the price, just what you'd hope from the best budget cycling jerseys. You get three decently sized rear pockets, as well as an extra zippered one.
The silicone gripper in the hem keeps it from riding up, while the fabric is breathable and quick-drying. A full-length zipper and reflective highlights add to its practicality.
It is nice that Boardman has not gone with plain, boring black, opting instead for an eyecatching blue striped design. If it is a little too loud for you, a plain navy version is sold as well.
Best fabric
(Image credit: dhb)
dhb Women's Short Sleeve Jersey
Specifications
Material: 100% polyester
Colors: Dark red, navy, teal
Sizes: UK8-UK16
Reasons to buy
+
Quality wicking fabric
+
Reflective logos
+
Two large rear pockets
Reasons to avoid
-
Colors may not suit all tastes
While dhb's Women's Short Sleeve Jersey may have a 'entry level' price tag, it has plenty of detail to help you enjoy your cycling in comfort.
Updated in 2021, it's now made from a soft-to-the-touch fabric that has moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool during warm weather and hard efforts.
There's also a full-length zip (replacing the previous quarter-length zip) and two large rear pockets that should provide plenty of space for snacks and other ride essentials.
Other benefits include reflective logos and inserts to improve your visibility in low light and a silicone gripper on the hem to help keep the jersey in place throughout your ride. Finally, it's offered in three subtle colors.
Most breathable fabric
(Image credit: Van Rysel)
Van Rysel Neo Racer Road Cycling Jersey
Specifications
Material: 69% Polyester, 31% Elasthane
Colors: Fluoro yellow, black, red, electric blue
Sizes: S-XL
Reasons to buy
+
Close 'pro' fit
+
Lightweight - just 117g claimed (medium)
+
Breathable fabrics for summer use
+
Three rear pockets
+
Full zip
Reasons to avoid
-
Pro fit might not suit everyone
Van Rysel, Decathlon's in-house clothing brand, presents incredible value. This race-fit jersey has an RRP of £34.99 but packs in plenty of detail.
The jersey contains breathable mesh inserts on the side, making it well-suited to the warmer months. The rest of the fabric also has moisture-wicking attributes as well as 'diagonal elastic' for support. Impressively it weighs in a just 117 grams for a size medium - making it a smart choice for mid to high-intensity rides.
Elsewhere there is a full-length zip, three rear pockets and some reflective detailing on the rear. In short, It's a great example of how some of the best cheap cycling clothing balances value for money with plenty of quality and detail.
This is a no-nonsense jersey ideally suited to those who prefer a clean and classic look. It features a full front zipper, three standard rear pockets and the fabric contains what Specialized describes as a "Hydrofit finish" for evaporation of moisture and quick drying.
Specialized list this as a 'comfortable fit'. That means it's close-fitting without looking like a skin suit. It comes in three colors all of which are pretty understated, just like the jersey itself.
Best Best Budget Cycling Jersey Buyers Guide: How to choose and what to look for
Do cycling jerseys have pockets?
Cycling jerseys, by tradition, have at least three rear pockets. These are useful for keeping keys, phones, or any tools such as pumps and spares you might need on a ride. It's therefore desirable for the pockets to be made from quite an elastic material to prevent the pockets from sagging.
Some jerseys also include a zippered pocket which can be very useful for keeping values, providing peace of mind that there’s no chance they’ll bounce out.
What is the best material for a cycling jersey?
There are few things worse than the boil-in-a-bag feeling of clothing that doesn’t breathe well. To help regulate your temperature and to help mitigate the horrible feelings of sweat fabric clinging onto your skin, highly breathable fabric is desirable for cycling clothing.
Most cycling-specific jerseys will feature a breathable fabric - even at the budget level. Naturally, some will be more effective than others but as a rule at this lower price point, you'll be looking at a polyester and elastane blend that combines a degree of stretch with the ability to wick moisture away from the skin.
Merino wool is another fabric that aids moisture management and therefore makes for a sensible material choice for cycling jerseys. It's also resistant to odours and keeps you warm even when it's wet. It's not typically seen in cheap cycling jerseys but it's worth looking out for during the sales when a bargain could be had.
Do I need a cycling jersey with a full zip?
The best budget cycling jerseys will usually come with a full zip. These give you full flexibility when it comes to ventilation. You may think you can get by with just a quarter zip, but when you’re struggling up a climb with the sun shining relentlessly on you, sometimes you need just a little more.
A full-length zipper also lets you take your jersey on and off without having to first empty your pockets. A quarter-length zip forces you to take the jersey off over your head, inverting your rear pockets and spilling their contents.
How should a cycling jersey fit?
A jersey that hugs your body like a second skin isn’t a necessity, but it still should be form-fitting. A baggy jersey can cause uncomfortable bunching of the excess material and will flap in the wind, which is annoying as well as inefficient.
All good cycling jerseys come with some form of gripper around the hem to prevent them from riding up. Some also have grippers on the sleeves for the same reason. Watch out for jerseys with grippers that dig in so strongly as to be uncomfortable.
How we test
Regardless of price, a good cycling jersey needs to be practical, breathable, durable and comfortable when in the riding position. These budget cycling jerseys were worn for many miles of testing, carrying spare layers, snacks and tools to check that they passed muster. Of course, fit is a matter of personal preference and body shape, but these reviews should give you a good idea of what to look for when choosing a jersey on a budget.
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After winning the 2019 National Single-Speed Cross-Country Mountain Biking Championships and claiming the plushie unicorn (true story), Stefan swapped the flat-bars for drop-bars and has never looked back.
But his favourite rides are multiday bikepacking trips, with all the huge amount of cycling tech and long days spent exploring new roads and trails - as well as histories and cultures. Most recently, he’s spent two weeks riding from Budapest into the mountains of Slovakia.
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