1. Price – This is often the primary concern for many during the customization process. The goal is usually to set a budget and secure an affordable price, but overly focusing on cost requires caution. As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” The main costs of custom cycling jerseys include fabric, padding, heat transfer paper, heat transfer ink, labor, and operational expenses. Each manufacturer sets its prices based on production costs. The most critical cost factors are fabric, heat transfer ink, padding, and labor. If you encounter unusually low prices, pay special attention to these four aspects. Remember, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Extremely low prices may prompt some manufacturers to cut corners to secure orders, which could be detrimental to customers.
2. Jersey Fabric – Cycling jerseys are sportswear that requires specialized fabrics and materials. Currently, the mainstream fabrics are: For tops (both summer and fleece), 100% polyester; for bottoms, there are two parts: dyed sections use 88% nylon and 12% spandex (some manufacturers use 88% polyester and 12% spandex to reduce costs), while printed sections use 88% polyester and 12% spandex. (Nylon is more than twice as expensive as polyester—this will be explained further in the printing section.) The quality of raw materials can vary depending on the supplier and origin. While domestic premium brands have matured, Italian and Taiwanese fabrics and yarns are generally superior. However, authentic Italian fabrics come at a premium, whereas Taiwanese fabrics offer better value. The differences are noticeable—lower-quality fabrics tend to be stuffy, non-breathable, non-moisture-wicking, and prone to odor, while high-quality ones are breathable, moisture-wicking, anti-mold, anti-bacterial, and UV-resistant. Some even counteract polyester’s heat retention, offering a cool and dry feel. Functional composite fabrics, such as three-layer laminates (a warm fleece layer, a waterproof and breathable membrane, and an outer protective mesh), are expensive but worth it. Conventional fleece series provide basic warmth. Other features like windproofing and waterproof breathability won’t be detailed here.
3. Cycling Seat Padding – Popular options include foam, silicone, and microfiber padding. Foam is the most common, widely used, and technically mature, though quality and pricing vary greatly—even the best and worst pads can be foam-based. Silicone has been a recent trend, but it’s largely a marketing gimmick. True silicone pads are thick, which can lead to power loss during cycling and reduced breathability. However, for ultra-long rides (over ten days or more), silicone may be recommended. For regular or competitive cycling, silicone is not advised. (Many counterfeit silicone pads exist at moderate prices.) Microfiber, or suede-like padding, has poorer breathability and less versatility than foam but can be chosen based on needs without blind faith.
4. Jersey Printing – Digital heat transfer (also called thermal sublimation) is the most popular method today. It locks dye pigments into the fabric, resulting in sharp, vibrant designs that resist fading from sun exposure or washing without affecting the fabric’s breathability, moisture-wicking properties, UV resistance, or anti-microbial features. Other methods like screen printing or roller printing apply ink only to the surface, clogging fabric pores and causing discomfort, hence their rarity in cycling jerseys. Note that heat transfer requires fabrics with at least 60% polyester for optimal results.
5. Heat Transfer Ink – This is crucial, as it’s a chemical that directly contacts the skin. Reputable brands use eco-friendly Italian ink. Some cut costs with Korean or domestic inks, which are less mature and may fade under prolonged sun exposure, potentially irritating sensitive skin.
6. Sewing Quality – High-quality jerseys feature neat, tight stitching, precise pattern alignment, and reinforced stress points. Skilled sewing requires experienced tailors, slower production, and rigorous QC processes. Mass-produced, low-cost jerseys lack these standards.
7. Zippers – Quality matters here too. YKK zippers are the gold standard, but beware of counterfeits. If a manufacturer claims to use YKK, ask for proof of purchase.
8. Company Capability – Visiting the factory for an on-site inspection eliminates risks. Opt for reputable manufacturers with reliable after-sales service. Request third-party payment methods like Alipay—a trustworthy supplier won’t refuse. Their pre-sales design communication, production follow-up, and post-sales support reflect their professionalism and accountability.
By mastering these points, you’ll spot quality manufacturers with ease. Ask about fabric composition, functionality, and request detailed specs. Inquire about ink sources, padding types, and zipper brands—you’ll soon be a half-expert on cycling jerseys.
Reputable manufacturers should openly provide this information. Notable domestic brands include Beijing’s JAKROO, Shenzhen’s Andobike, CCN, and Hangzhou’s SOBIKE A (for reference).
(Excerpted from online article by Anduo Girl)