Whether you’re heading out on your mountain bike for the very first time or hitting the trails after a long break, there are many things to keep in mind, from buying car bike carriers for your needs to choosing the right clothing. You may be used to wearing something like a baggy t-shirt when out on your bike, but it’s best to consider wearing an MTB jersey for maximum performance.
A loose-fitting design provides comfort and ensures better manoeuvrability on the bike, but also gives you room for body armour, so you can protect yourself while learning new techniques and skills. Moreover, it will keep you cool as good quality mountain bike jerseys are made from breathable fabrics that wick away sweat as you ride.
Another often overlooked benefit is the placement of seams. A regular cotton t-shirt usually has a seam that runs up and over the shoulder, while a specific jersey for mountain biking has seams that run from the neckline to the armpit, preventing chafing over the shoulder and allowing your arms to move freely at the same time.
Whether you choose a short or a long sleeve design is up to your personal preferences. Short sleeves lend themselves more to summer weather and long sleeves are more common for autumn and winter. But there are some other things to consider when looking for the right jersey for you and here are a few tips and advice on how to make the right choice.
How to Choose Your Mountain Bike Jersey
Mountain biking opens up a whole new world of exploration on your bike and it looks very different from road biking. When you ride beyond the pavement, make sure to wear clothing and gear that fits what, how and where you ride. To begin with, you can find mountain bike jerseys and shop online, so you can enjoy time on your bike more.
Weight Fabric
As previously mentioned, high-quality jerseys use specially designed moisture-wicking fabric that will wick away sweat from your body as you ride and dry quickly. But there are different weights of fabric that you may consider before making a purchase. Lighter weight fabric is great for hot weather bike riding as it breathes more easily. A heavier-weight fabric, on the other hand, can keep you warm if it’s cooler outside.
Level of Protection
Another thing to consider when choosing your mountain biking top is the level of protection you need. Your choice will likely be influenced by the type of riding you will be doing along with the weather. If you’re downhill mountain biking or riding enduro, a long-sleeve or ¾ sleeve jersey is a great choice to cover your body armour or elbow pads and ensure some protection on your arms if you crash.
Colour, Style and Design
There are many different styles you can find, from form-fitting XC-style jerseys to heavy-duty long-sleeve downhill jerseys and more. Most brands offer a variety of designs and colours, so you can easily find an MTB jersey for sale that meets your personal preferences. They can either be tight-fitting with a traditional cut, zip collar and rear storage pockets or loose, motocross-inspired jerseys with no pockets.
Fit and Cut
It takes more than navigating size charts to find the perfect size. Your riding style can play a big role in how a biking top should fit, so you can choose between downhill (DH) and trail/all-mountain, or cross-country (XC) jerseys – whatever feels most comfortable in your favourite riding position and doesn’t restrict your movement or bind.
They come in different fits and cuts, so there is something appropriate for every rider and every body shape. Just make sure it’s long enough to cover your lower back when riding in an active position on the bike. As a rule of thumb, make sure the cut of your jersey matches the cut of your shorts, so they will create a proportional silhouette.
Glasses Wipe
This can be found as a separate microfibre wipe on a tag in a pocket or sewn under the hem at the front of the jersey. It’s designed for cleaning goggles or glasses in an easy and convenient way while biking.
Pockets
A jersey with pockets is not essential, but it’s definitely convenient and useful. They are great for keeping your car keys or phone safe while riding, and if they’re deep enough you don’t need zips.
Anti-Odour
Many jerseys have special compounds mixed in with the fabric to prevent odour build-up. Your riding partners will surely thank you.
Mesh Back
Very often, mountain bikers ride with a pack and, for that reason, some jerseys feature a more breathable or lighter weight back in order to increase wicking in this area.
Final Thoughts
Getting out on the trails is all about adventures, exploring the world around you and having lots of fun. However, you should look good and feel comfortable while doing it. A carefully chosen jersey is one of the most important parts of mountain biking gear and you want to make sure to take proper care of it and keep it for longer. Follow the wash and dry instructions on the tag on your jersey, so it can continue to provide ultimate comfort while riding.
