|   jerseys vs. T-shirts | Jazz Chimp
Jul 14, 2002 12:25 PM | | I must be the rare exception. I have read with interest the posts of numerous riders about the benefits of jerseys over T-shirts. I have read why wicking does a better job of controlling core temps, how wicking reduces drag, how it cuts back on funk, etc., etc..
Wicking jerseys to me represent the feel of polyester, and thus the feel of what it must have been like to be a teenager in the 60's. I've always hated P-E and I'm frightened senseless of the late 60's.
The argument that a sweaty T-shirt inhibits perspiration and thus cooling seems to me to be a pile of pop culture horse $%#%. A body cooled by an outside source is not in need of perspiration.
I've tried several brands and I keep getting the same nasty, plastic feel to my jerseys. As far as T-shirts creating odor and "stickiness" I would agree to a point. However, my experience is that I can wear a T-shirt several times a week and while it doesn't smell great it does smell like natural sweat. My wicking jerseys are "FUNK" when they dry after one ride. That dry, nasty pore-busting BO funk!
Am I using the wrong jerseys or am I allergic to this material?
J C |
| nothing but jerseys for me. | mikeb
Jul 14, 2002 1:11 PM | | |
| re: jerseys vs. T-shirts | lnin0
Jul 14, 2002 2:24 PM | | I agree that jerseys tend to get a lot funkier smelling than a cotten t-shirt but I think it is partly due to their construction. The matierial of jerseys is designed to wick water away which also means the water in the washing machine. On top of that your BO is caused by oils in your body - another thing that doesn't mix well with water, so when this stuff gets trapped in a wicking material it is hard to get out. To me it seems like a washing only temporarily cures the smell.
However, I disagree that jerseys feel like the polyesters of the late 60's and 70's. Although they are made of polyester blends, I think the technology has come quite a ways. In fact, most of my jerseys (the ones that look like t-shirts) don't feel anything like polyester. And although they do not feel like cotten either many of them feel just as soft or softer.
One thing about cotton is that it retains moisture and dries slowly. Since evaporation produces cooling and is prolonged in cotten, it can keep you cooler in tropical climates. However, in any temperate climates it takes so long to dry it can actually rob you of body heat.
For me, I can't say I really notice my core body tempature changing that much no matter what I wear in the summer. However, I do notice a sticky wet t-shirt that stays that way for the entire ride. It bothers me more than feeling like I'm wearing something from the 70's (granted some jersey look more obnoxious than Mike Bradey's wardrobe). I also notice I get more chills if I wear a cotten t-shirt in the spring or fall (those days that are a little cooler but when even a light jacket is too much), probably due to the t-shirt staying wet when the air outside is a bit cooler than the summer.
But anyway, to each his own. Ride On! |
| re: jerseys vs. T-shirts | Jrm
Jul 14, 2002 2:25 PM | | wearing a t-shirt UNDER a jersey defeats the purpose of wearing a jersey for its wicking ability. I only wear t-shirts over the jersey, usually for better coverage or on cool days.
Cotton or blend T-shirts get soaked from sweat and trap heat and moisture between your skin and the shirt. sweat turns light colored t-shirts yellow and washing them with bleach in orderto get rid of the smell just makes the shirt fall apart. |
| re: jerseys vs. T-shirts | Boer
Jul 14, 2002 3:00 PM | | They are cool and even when damp you are still exposed to air . My big beef with jerseys is that; 1. They shrink after one season. 2.They cost way to much. 3.Most people wouldn't wear garish colors, but for some reason in the woods it's ok. (reminds me of golfers) Yes, I know they make them in plain colors too.
Since sweat, bug spray, the occasional abrasive quality of the ground and sometimes blood can be hard on clothing, tanks work great for me.
The best part about cotton tank tops is that I can usually get three or four of them for the price of a jersey.
(Any color but white which is to hard to clean.)
...but of course they do nothing for helmet hair. |
| re: jerseys vs. T-shirts | Romte
Jul 14, 2002 3:46 PM | | I have never understood the use of jerseys off-road. There are MANY synthetic t-shirts that do just as good of a job (if not better) of wicking away moisture. I personally like the looser cut of a T. Plus the jerserys are very expensive for what they are, but then again I am not one to criticise expensive stuff for the bike. |
| Synthetics only, but does NOT have to be jersey | Lord Opie
Jul 14, 2002 4:13 PM | | Just like Romte said, "There are MANY synthetic t-shirts that do just as good of a job (if not better) of wicking away moisture."
You can get great gear usable for biking from hiking stores -and- save money. Another REASON to use ONLY sythetics is for cool/cold days. Did you know that under the "right" circumstances, you can die of hypothermia in JUST 60 degree weather? |
| check out | Dal\l
Jul 14, 2002 7:00 PM | | under armour, i bought it for lacrosse to wear under my pads and now use the shirts and shorts for running (with a t and mesh shorts over them) and the shorts under baggy shorts for riding, works like a charm, easy to clean and dont smell funk (at least not to me), and not too expensive
-DaN |
| re: jerseys vs. T-shirts | mkl22
Jul 14, 2002 8:12 PM | | ride bare bodied. if you can. cheaper! :) |
| re: Zoic Libertee | TommyTrails
Jul 15, 2002 4:56 AM | | I wear these while riding almost exclusively. They feel light and cool and come in a variety of colors..and are relatively cheap..never go back to a cotton T although I follow the arguement for natural materials.
Try 'em! |
| Coolmax/Wickwear T-shirts | Birdman
Jul 15, 2002 5:18 AM | | or Zoic jerseys that look like T-shirts. I only wear jerseys if I run out of Coolmax T's or I am patrolling (and I wish they'd make a NMBP coolmax T).
JMJ |
| Nike Dri-Fit Lite for me ... | Philber
Jul 15, 2002 10:27 AM | | Very lightweight, even when wet, excellent moisture wicking, and no funky colours. |
| |
