3 Pieces of Cycling Apparel Worth Buying

Cycling apparel has gotten complicated with all the fabric technology claims and premium pricing flying around. As someone who’s tested countless jerseys, shorts, and jackets over years of riding, I learned everything there is to know about what clothing actually improves your ride versus what’s just expensive marketing. Today, I will share it all with you.

A Jersey That Fits Properly

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. A cycling jersey isn’t just a t-shirt with pockets—the cut matters. Jerseys have longer backs (to cover you in the riding position), raglan sleeves (for arm movement), and rear pockets positioned where you can actually reach them.

The fit should be snug without being restrictive. Loose jerseys flap in the wind, catch air, and the pockets bounce around. Too tight and you can’t breathe properly on climbs.

Material matters for sweat management. Look for polyester blends that wick moisture away from your skin. Cotton jerseys exist but get soggy and uncomfortable within miles. You don’t need to spend more than $40-60 for a perfectly good jersey—the expensive ones mostly add minor weight savings and slightly better zippers.

Padded Shorts or Bibs

That’s what makes cycling shorts endearing to us distance riders—they solve the saddle comfort problem that ruins otherwise good rides.

The chamois (padded insert) reduces friction and provides cushioning where your sit bones contact the saddle. Without it, rides over an hour get uncomfortable, and multi-hour rides become painful. The tight fit prevents fabric from bunching and creating new pressure points.

Bib shorts (with suspenders instead of a waistband) stay in place better and don’t dig into your waist. They cost more and require more effort to deal with during bathroom breaks, but many riders prefer them for longer rides. Start with regular shorts and decide if bibs are worth the upgrade for your riding style.

A Windproof Layer

A lightweight wind vest or jacket transforms your temperature comfort range. Wind chill drops perceived temperature significantly at cycling speeds—a 55°F day feels much colder when you’re creating your own 15-20 mph headwind.

A thin wind layer that packs into a jersey pocket lets you start cold morning rides comfortably and remove it as you warm up. It’s also essential for descents after hard climbs—you generate heat climbing, then hit cold air at speed going down.

Look for something with a full-length zipper for ventilation options and reflective elements for visibility. Water resistance is nice but not essential unless you regularly ride in rain. Weight and packability matter more than features you won’t use.

What You Can Skip For Now

Arm warmers, leg warmers, base layers, rain jackets, aero suits—all of these have their place, but they’re refinements, not essentials. Get the basics right first. A good jersey, proper shorts, and a wind layer cover most riding conditions. Add specialized pieces as you identify specific problems with your current setup.