Whether you’re new to cycling or an experienced rider, knowing what kit you need can be confusing – especially with so many cycling kit options out there. So what cycling jersey is right for you? The answer is… it depends. It depends on how you like to ride, what the weather is up to and most importantly: what makes you feel great, so you can focus on enjoying your ride.
In our ultimate guide to choosing a cycling jersey, we’ll shed some light on the benefits of wearing a jersey, the key features you’ll want to look out for and the differences between the ranges we offer here at Stolen Goat. Helping you to find the perfect cycling jersey that matches your adventures, and suits your style.
Map:
Why do I need a cycling jersey?
What’s the difference between a road cycling jersey and a mountain bike jersey?
Which Stolen Goat road cycling jersey is right for me?
Why do I need a cycling jersey?
Ultimately, what you wear on the bike is up to you. Whether that’s your favourite old cotton t-shirt, a Spiderman costume or something in between. We’re all about Freedom here at Stolen Goat, and that includes the freedom to wear what you like. Your ride, your rules.
That being said, a cycling jersey is a great option to help you get the most out of your time on two wheels. Designed to offer comfort, style, performance and practicality, a cycling jersey offers a number of benefits that will have you riding happy.
Breathable, quick-wicking and fast drying
Cycling jerseys tend to be made from a mix of polyester and elastane, meaning they are more breathable and more comfortable to wear when you’re cycling. Here at Stolen Goat, our cycling jerseys are made from premium technical fabrics which offer superb breathability, designed to keep you at a comfortable temperature when you’re working up a sweat. Our jerseys are also quick-wicking – meaning they quickly move sweat away from your body – and fast-drying. So you’ll never get that horrible t-shirt sticking to your back feeling. Not only is it unpleasant, but it can also leave you feeling hot and sticky or worse, suddenly getting cold if the temperature drops or the wind picks up. A cycling jersey will help to keep you feeling comfortable, so you can enjoy your ride.
Supportive and aerodynamic
A cycling jersey is designed to offer a supportive fit that sits close to your body, meaning it won’t flap around in the wind while you ride which would cause extra drag and make you work harder! Switching loose fitting clothing for a cycling jersey means you’ll ride faster, for less effort.
Close-fitting doesn’t necessarily mean uncomfortable. When you’re choosing a jersey, you’ll want to look out for kit that offers 4-way stretch (something that we have across our full range of jerseys here at Stolen Goat). A jersey with 4-way stretch fabric will move with you and contour to your body. The result? An optimal fit for all riders, regardless of shape or size, and all-day comfort even on your longest bike rides.
Practical: built in storage for your essentials
Another great benefit of wearing a cycling jersey is the pockets! Most cycling jerseys feature rear pockets specifically designed to keep things like your phone, keys, puncture repair kit (and those all-important bike snacks) safe and easy to get to. Many of the Stolen Goat jerseys and jackets also feature an extra waterproof zipped pocket to keep your stuff safe and sound, whatever the weather.
Be adventure ready all year round, with UV protection and weatherproof options
Plenty of summer cycling jerseys will have UV protection built into the fabric – a must-have if you’re planning to be out on your bike enjoying the sun on your back!
And, with the right cycling kit when the seasons change, your cycling plans don’t have to. Invest in a good quality winter cycling jersey or jacket, and you can keep the good rides rolling without having to wear hundreds of layers and overheat the minute you hit the first hill. Look for thermal, waterproof and wind-resistant styles which will keep you warm and dry on your autumn and winter rides with minimal bulk. Many autumn/winter cycling jerseys will also feature reflective detailing – an essential to help keep you visible when you’re riding in gloomy conditions.
What type of cycling jersey do I need?
Finding the type of cycling jersey that’s right for you comes down to a balance of a design that you love, a fit that makes you feel good and the performance qualities you need for your preferred style of riding. Here at Stolen Goat, all of our jerseys are designed to offer comfort and performance for all kinds of riders – no matter what shape or size you are and no matter how far or fast you like to ride. But each of our ranges has its own unique qualities, so you can choose your preference depending on what adventures you’ve got planned.
Tarmac or trails? The difference between road cycling jerseys and mountain bike jerseys
The first thing to consider when you’re choosing a cycling jersey is the type of terrain you mainly plan to ride on. If you’re riding out on the roads, you’ll typically be travelling much faster so you probably want a road cycling jersey, which is designed to fit closely to your body to reduce drag. But if you’re taking your mountain bike down to your local woods, you’ll be less concerned with how fast you’re riding. So a jersey that offers both breathability and a relaxed fit will be more of a priority than aerodynamics. The Stolen Goat mountain biking collection has been designed specifically for the more laid back style of off-road riding. Our mountain bike jerseys offer a looser, more casual fit than a road cycling jersey – more akin to a casual t-shirt in looks, but with the technical performance and breathability you’ll need to keep you comfortable out on the trails.
That doesn’t mean to say you can’t ride your road bike in a mountain bike jersey or vice versa. It all just depends on what you’re looking to get out of your bike rides. If you simply want to enjoy your time on two wheels and you feel more comfortable and confident heading out on the road in a looser fitting MTB jersey – go for it!
Summer jerseys vs winter jerseys
When you’re shopping around for a cycling jersey, you might notice that many brands have separate summer and winter cycling jerseys. A summer cycling jersey will generally be lightweight and designed to help you stay cool when you’re riding in warm conditions. They’re unlikely to offer much in terms of waterproof qualities, but they will be breathable and may also offer UV protection. Some brands – ourselves included – also have a long-sleeved lightweight jersey, which can be worn in warm conditions when you want a bit of extra sun protection for your arms.
On the other hand, a winter jersey will typically be made from a thicker, slightly heavier fabric designed to keep you warm in cooler temperatures. Alongside their thermal properties, winter cycling jerseys are likely to offer you more in the way of water- and wind-resistance for wet or gusty rides.
If you’re just getting into cycling and you’re not sure you’ll be heading out on your bike so often during the winter months, you might want to opt for a summer cycling jersey for now which you can always layer up with add-on items such as gilets, base layers and accessories such as arm warmers on cooler days.
Which Stolen Goat road cycling jersey is right for me?
Ready to add a new road cycling jersey to your collection? We’ve got a few different types in our collections at Stolen Goat – and the best cycling jersey for you will depend on the weather conditions you’ll be riding in, or the type of fit you’re looking for.
“I want… ride all day comfort for warm weather cycling” // The Ibex Range
If you’re looking for all round comfort and a close, but not ultra-serious, fit then our Ibex range is for you. Sitting at the heart of our main collection, our Ibex jerseys will become a staple in your cycling wardrobe. Offering all the practicality and versatility you need, with a splash of Stolen Goat style. Because practical should never mean boring. The Stolen Goat Ibex jerseys come in our classic close, yet comfortable ‘bodyline’ fit with 4-way stretch, made with premium breathable, quick-wicking and fast-drying fabric. With three rear pockets and a 4th water-resistant zipped pocket, these jerseys are perfect for your Sunday morning explores, all day adventures, café rides or taking on the morning cycle commute in style. Plus, you can layer your Ibex bodyline jersey up with accessories such as arm warmers or a gilet – making it versatile for a range of conditions.
The performance you need, in styles you love. Comfortable enough to wear all day long. The Stolen Goat Ibex bodyline range is the ultimate choice for your everyday cycling adventures.
SHOP IBEX BODYLINE JERSEYS
Women’s
Men’s
“I want… protection from the elements when the seasons start to change” // The Kiko Range
The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of your adventures on two wheels for the year! When the weather changes, your riding plans don’t have to. As we make our way into the changeable conditions of autumn, you’ll want a cycling jersey in your collection which can keep you warm and dry, without overheating.
The Stolen Goat Kiko long-sleeved thermal jerseys bring versatile weather-ready performance to the ride all day comfort of our classic Bodyline fit. These thermal cycling jerseys are designed with changeable autumnal conditions in mind. Ideal for those days where the weather can’t quite make up its mind, our Kiko jerseys offer superb performance across a range of cooler temperatures (6-16°c). Made with wind- and water-resistant Tempest protect fabric, with a soft fleece-like lining and just the right amount of breathability to keep you warm and dry, but never “boil in the bag”. They also feature small but mighty reflective details to keep you visible… and come in a range of stunning designs to brighten up grey and drizzly autumn days!
SHOP KIKO JERSEYS
Women’s
Men’s
Gear up for autumn cycling and shop the Kiko range >>
“I want… to keep cycling throughout the winter months” // The Alpine Range
There’s nothing quite like getting out in the crisp winter air on your bike to help you shake off the winter blues. If you’re planning to keep riding throughout the winter months, you’ll want proper deep winter cycling kit that will keep you warm, dry and comfortable even in the harshest of conditions. Ride out in kit that isn’t up to the job, and you’ll find yourself quite quickly getting cold, wet and miserable! But get some winter cycling armour in your kit collection and you’ll be ready to head out with confidence, knowing you’ve got everything you need to fight the freeze.
Our Alpine winter cycling jackets are designed to keep you warm and toasty when the temperature plummets. Made from an insulating windproof, waterproof fabric our Alpine jackets are available in our close yet comfortable Bodyline fit, or – newly introduced with our AW22 – our ultra-aerodynamic Epic fit. Whatever your style, however you like to ride… our Alpine jackets will become your go-to winter warmer.
SHOP ALPINE JACKETS
Women’s
Men’s
Check out our Winter cycling collection for everything you need to stay cosy when the temperatures plummet, and if you’re heading into your first winter on the bike make sure you read our winter riding tips for some advice on how to enjoy cycling all year round.
“I want… a supportive, ultra-aerodynamic cycling jersey” // The Epic Range
If you want to optimise your aerodynamics, or simply prefer a tighter, slightly more supportive fit, then our Epic range is for you. Made with the same 4-way stretch as our Ibex Bodyline range, our Epic jerseys still offer a fantastic fit for all shapes and sizes. They just sit closer to your body and offer a wide, supportive waist band, ultra-aero sleeves and a lower neckline – designed for riding down on the drops.
Shop the aerodynamic Epic range >>
“I want… a super breathable cycling jersey for riding in hot conditions” // The Climbers Range
If you want to feel fresh when the weather really hots up, you’ll want to check out our Climbers range. These jerseys are the most breathable cycling jerseys in our collection, designed specifically for hot weather riding. Our Climbers jerseys are made from CoolLight, an ultra-lightweight, ultra-breathable material which is quick-wicking and fast-drying – ideal for cycling in the summer. Whether it’s a heatwave at home, or an overseas adventure – a Climbers jersey is a great option to have in your kit drawer to help you keep your cool when the heat is on.
Shop the Climbers range >>
Need a hand choosing the right cycling jersey?
Stolen Goat have been creating award-winning cycling apparel for over 10 years now, working with industry-leading suppliers to develop a range of pro-level kit that’s designed with everyday cycling goats like you in mind. We’re always more than happy to chat all things cycling, so if you need a hand deciding which cycling jersey is right for you, get in touch: help@stolengoat.com
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