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The weather statistics are mercilessly clear: the average temperatures of the last two summers were two degrees higher than the average from 1981 to 2010. The number of days with temperatures of around 35 degrees has also increased - a heat that we are otherwise only familiar with from beach holidays. Special cycling jerseys are no help at all against global climate change, but they can improve well-being and performance in the heat.
Cycling jerseys: what should cycling clothing do in summer?
The manufacturers have extra light kits in their range for this area of use. Some jerseys have labels with temperature scales up to 35 degrees, and special cycling shorts occasionally use material that is supposed to reflect the sun's rays so that the black fabric heats up less. We were unable to test its function, but the low material weight, air-permeable structure and quick drying of the outfit are guaranteed to help you through the dog days. Pants and jerseys for the hottest days of the year should be light and airy so that sweat is effectively cooled. In the TOUR test: 14 summer kits for women and men between 140 and 360 euros.
Cycling jerseys: The overview: All test products
Seven summer kits for men
Seven summer kits for women
The test results: Which cycling jersey is the best? Which trousers win the test?
There is no clear winner in this test because a direct comparison could have been unfair given the wide price range: The retail prices for a set of jersey and trousers range from 140 euros for the Pearl Izumi women's kit to 360 euros for the Gore men's outfit. The Assos kit, which is hardly cheaper, scored best among the men, but otherwise price and test success are pleasingly unrelated: The second-placed men's set from Sportful costs 140 euros less. The relatively inexpensive Rapha kit and the inexpensive jersey from Pearl Izumi were also convincing in the women's category. The lightest men's kit comes from Gorewear, the lightest women's kit from Pearl Izumi.
How TOUR tests
1. equipment/handling
Jersey The jerseys include details such as the cuffs, waistband, extended back, jersey pockets, zip and reflective material. They are given sub-scores, which are averaged to give an overall score. Jerseys with the same features can therefore be rated differently here. Special points are awarded for details such as an additional zip pocket or extra reflective material. In terms of handling, we differentiate between zips that are easy and those that are difficult to operate and check the loading of the jersey pockets. -> 40 per cent of the jersey rating
Trousers In the case of trousers, the equipment rating mainly relates to the leg cuffs and the straps or, accordingly, the waistband. Comfortable wearing properties are important here. If the thighs pinch or the straps tend to twist, points are deducted. -> 20 per cent of the trouser rating
2. wearing comfort/cut
Jersey The cut must anticipate the bent racing bike position, i.e. be short at the front and longer at the back. At the same time, the fabric should not bulge at the front and the trousers should overlap sufficiently at the back. As with the features, the overall score is determined by the details, such as the feel of the fabric, the shape of the collar or any zip pressure points at the neck. -> 40 per cent of the jersey rating
Trousers As with the jersey, the overall score is determined by the feel of the fabric, which is made up of material and elasticity. What is important here is the necessary basic tension, which above all must not be too soft, as well as the smooth fit of the leg cuffs and braces. -> 50 per cent of the trouser rating
Weight/drying (jersey)
We only determined this score for the jerseys by weighing them and then sprinkling them with a defined amount of water. The lighter the jersey is and the quicker it dries, the better the score. -> 20 per cent of the jersey rating
Pads (trousers)
The position of the pad in the trousers and the feel when pedalling were assessed. Well-averaged pads that offer good cushioning on the saddle in any position on the racer and fit inconspicuously without noticeable pressure peaks can score points here. Pads with noticeable edges or inelastic and thick models that create the typical nappy feeling are devalued. For a better categorisation, we have measured all the pads and noted their values in the table. -> 30 per cent of the trouser rating
Matthias Borchers
Editor
