Your finisher jersey from the cycling marathon has faded, your favourite cycling shorts are already worn through? Then it's time for a new cycling outfit - although you can treat yourself to a new outfit just because it looks good. Especially if it's not too expensive: that's why we asked 23 manufacturers to send us their visually coordinated jersey and trouser combinations for around 150 euros to test. For this price, you can expect good quality and stylish design, beyond the discounter specials. And in view of the fact that some premium brands charge 200 euros each for their cycling haute couture jerseys and shorts, a 150 euro set still feels like a bargain.
The cut makes the difference
Whether cheap or expensive - the requirements for road cycling clothing remain the same. The cut of the jersey and shorts must anticipate the bent-over position on the bike. The jersey must therefore be shorter at the front than at the back, which in turn must be long enough to cover the low back. If the waistband keeps the jersey in shape during the ride and does not move up the back when reaching into the back pockets, important criteria for a good jersey have already been met. With women's jerseys, this is quite a challenge for the manufacturers due to the often tailored cut.
Pillow fight
Trouser pads are a complex topic - and a highly individual one. How big, how thick, how firm, how structured - there's plenty to philosophise about. But the only thing that really helps is trial and error. The basic rule is: the pad must be positioned in the right place in the trousers and the cut and elasticity of the trouser fabric must match the pad. Pants made of thin, very elastic fabric in combination with a thick, firm pad may feel spongy on the saddle - and vice versa.
In our comparison test you will find these models with all the test results below as a PDF download:
Jerseys and trousers for women:
- Gore Bike Wear Power 2.0 Lady Jersey and Power Lady Bibtights short+
- Löffler Performance bike jersey and Hot Bond bike shorts
- Mavic Cloud Jersey and Cloud Short
- Pearl Izumi W Elite Jersey and W Symphony Cut Short
- Santini Charme Jersey and Rea Shorts
- Scott W's Scott Shadow Pro S/SL and Short W's Scott Shadow Pro
- Specialised RBX Comp Sleeveless Jersey and RBX Comp Short
- Sugoi RPM Jersey and RPM Bib Short
- Vaude Wo Gutero Tricot and Wo Pro Pants
Jerseys and trousers for men:
- Agu Dobiacco Jersey and Dobiacco Bib Short
- Bellwether MN Edge Jersey and MN Aciom Bib
- Bioracer PHA Short Sleeve Jersey and Race Proven One Bibshort
- Bontrager Race Jersey and Race Bib Short
- Craft Active Bike Logo Jersey and Logo Bib
- De Marchi Pro Jersey and Pro Bib Short
- Endura FS 260 Pro Jersey and FS 260 Pro Bibshorts
- Exteondo Gizon Jersey and Bira Bib Short
- Giordana Trade Basic and Laser
- Gore Bike Wear Power Jersey and Power 2.0 Bibtights
- Löffler Bike Jersey Performance and Bike Bib Shorts Winner
- Mavic Sprint Jersey and Sprint Bib Short
- Odlo Tarmac and Balance
- Pearl Izumi Elite Persuit Jersey and Elite In-R-Cool Bib
- Protective Matthew and San Remo Bib 2
- Redvil 133 Jersey narrow fit and 210 Bib Short
- Rose Pro II jersey and Pro II bib shorts
- Santini Honor Jersey and Max Honor
- Scott Shirt Scott Helium Top and Bibshort Scott Helium 20
- Specialised Racing SS Jersey and Racing Bib Short
- Sugoi Evolution Jersey and Evolution Bib Short
- Vaude Me Ebako Tricot and Me Advanced Bib Pants
- Vermarc Short Sleeve Sport LIne and Short Elite Gel
Downloads:
download
