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It's been a while since I've done a Max's Guide To Cycling For N00bs.  We've already covered the topics of helmets, accessories and cycling nicks.  I promised last time I'd do a guide on jerseys, so here it is!

There is a reason the Tour de France competitors wear those skimpy little jerseys.  It's not a fashion statement by any stretch (although some people manage to make them look good!).  Cycling jerseys are "technical" clothing, meaning that they have been designed with a specific purpose in mind.  In the case of cycling, a good jersey exhibits these properties:

• Wicking:  The material of the jersey encourages moisture (ie sweat) to evaporate away from the body.  This helps cool the rider, and, importantly, prevents chafing.  I sometimes see people out riding in cotton T-shirts, and they always look like they're swimming in sweat.  Aside from the obvious unappealing aspects of this (we can smell you before we see you), riding in a wet T-shirt is unattractive.  You won't look like this guy:
  
  
  
  You'll look more like this guy:
  
  
  
  Nobody wants to be that guy.  Look for jerseys made of CoolMax or similar.  When you examine the label, look for words like "wicking", "fast-drying" and "breathable".
• Weight:  Ok, I know what you're thinking.  "Maxxxie, I'm a million kilos, surely it doesn't matter if I wear a heavy shirt?".  Well, it does.  A heavy shirt will be uncomfortable to wear on a long ride.  It will pull in places you never knew a shirt could pull.  It will get caught in the breeze and cause wind resistance.  I know we don't cycle in wind tunnels, but the wind resistance can be annoying, not to mention make a tough ride even tougher.  A heavy shirt will stick to you and make you feel yucky.  A heavy shirt will also prevent heat from escaping, which can result in heat stroke.
• Pockets:  Cycling jerseys almost always have pockets at the back.  They allow you to carry things like your keys, mobile phone, wallet, snacks etc without the need for a carry-bag or backpack.  The deeper the pockets the better.  Three pockets are better than two.  Some jerseys offer lined pockets for use in rainy weather.
• Zippers:  Cycling jerseys come with zippers at the front.  Cheaper jerseys will have a short zipper, one that finishes at just above chest level.  This is OK, but the really nice thing about a longer zipper is that you can pull it down during a ride, allowing the wind to blow on your chest, which in turn helps prevent over-heating.  You do NOT want to find yourself collapsed on the side of the road because you're heat struck.  Where possible, buy jerseys that have 3/4 or full-length zips.

Jerseys come in short-sleeved varieties:

 

 

Sleeveless:

 

and long-sleeved:

Jerseys come in many varieties, and you should not feel compelled to buy one that looks like the TdF ones if that's not your style.  For me, a jersey is as much about aesthetics as it is about function.  There are many vendors of jerseys that aren't covered in logos and labels and sponsorship crap.  Primal Wear is best known for its unusual designs:

If you want a jersey that helps a worthy cause, consider purchasing one of these (click the picture to go to the worthy cause's web site):

The Fat Cyclist is Elden Nelson's blog, and has transformed from a cyclist's riding stories into a gripping account of his wife's battle against breast cancer.  She passed away not long ago.  Purchase of a Fat Cyclist jersey provides funding into cancer research.

The LiveStrong Foundation also funds research into cancer.

If you are overweight, you might find that your options are limited purely by your size.  Unfortunately, the cycling clothing manufacturers seem to think that people come in the following sizes:  Small, Petite and Elfin.  The good news is that if you look hard enough, you will find jerseys in realistic sizes.  Don't be embarassed to buy something that's XXXL.  Whilst it's considered XXXL in cycling circles, in the real world it's more like an L or XL.  Make note that some jerseys use "European cut" or "Athletic fit", which is a nice way of saying "buy a size bigger than you normally would".  If you're a woman, consider purchasing a mens jersey.  Where possible, consult the manufacturer's sizing charts to determine the right fit for you.

So - that's it for this edition of Max's Guide To Cycling For N00bs.  Stay tuned for the next Guide, which discusses actually riding your bike!