Cycle jerseys – why such a difference in prices?

Polaris is amongst my better

Polaris is amongst my better fitting/wearing kit, certainly wears better than Rapha does IME, also DeMarchi and a LIDL long sleeve are absolutely spot on for us bigger chaps.

I don’t find some of the expensive gear sizes up that well, even in non race someone with a big chest like mine (47″) it looks like it’s actually fitted for someone with a full on V shaped body/super athletic figure, this is why i always ask other measurements.

As for chinese jerseys, i bought one (Franklin) and the sizing is okay as race fit goes if not actually a little snug around the midriff but then i could lose a kg or 5.

These things can be quite

These things can be quite personal, but I am not sure all ‘cheap’ kit is bad.

My kit comprises the following brands:

Castelli, dhb, Endura, Santini, Decathlon, Aldi own brand

A few observations on some of these:

Decathlon: mixed results. Shorts/tights that I’ve had have generally not been great.  The cycling tops were cheap and okay, but generally a bit loose in places.

Castelli: lovely kit, but expensive (and comes up a bit small – buy larger size than usual)

dhb: been great over a few years, but seems a bit more expensive these days now that the brand is well established.

Aldi own brand: Been excellent for me.  My absolute favourite cycling jersey (for autumn/winter/spring) is an Aldi own brand thing.  I love it.  I use it in sub-zero up to around 10 degrees (celcius) and it is fantastic in every way – temperature control, fit, comfort, pockets, etc.  Perhaps it is a bit boring (plain red with some reflective bits), but that’s fine for me.  I wish I had bought more than one (and hope they come back into store this autumn)

I bought a couple of the Aldi summer cycling jerseys they were selling in the last month.  They fit (me) well on the body; are a good length; good pockets; very comfortable.  The arms are not quite right though.  They are a bit loose on my thin arms, especially behind my triceps when I am slammed over in the drops.  But again, given what I paid, they’re great jerseys and seem to be holding up well so far to the wear-wash cycle.  I’d be happy riding all day in one of these.

I have various other bits of Aldi kit that have generally performed well ahead of what I would expect, given the price.  BUT, I always bought this stuff in person, so I was able to evaluate carefully what I was buying before parting with cash (as an example, I considered their bib shorts, but after taking a long, hard look at them, decided against).

I just took a punt on jersey

I just took a punt on jersey from China, I liked the unusual design. When it came to sizing it was a little confusing, me being on the larger end of the spectrum but following the guide I asked for ex 1 Large. On receiving the jersey I was quite pleased with the fit, nearer a good fit than many of the home manufacturers (China import) sizes. A few of my cycling friends have been delighted at the price and quality of clothing from far East sources. I still order club jerseys from a Brit source.