Last time we talked about saddle selection and the different specifications of long-distance saddles. Today, I’ll share insights on cycling jerseys, especially the functionality and advantages of cycling shorts. This article is for exchange and discussion, especially for those who have already purchasedSpecialized saddles. The personal experiences shared here might be exactly what you’re curious about. So, take this opportunity to exchange insights and experiences with one another.
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They say playing with bikes can make you poor for life, while playing with DSLR cameras can make you poor for three generations. This topic has been around since my university days when I first got into cycling. Even now, looking back on past experiences, there’s always an inexplicable "Loser"-like melancholy. Back then, seeing others geared up for rides used to fill me with so much envy. Through persistent effort over the years, although I still can’t compare to the rich and handsome or second-generation wealthy, I can now comfortably afford some ideal gear. So, the once-"Loser" me has also started considering product choices based on functionality. Of course, I must emphasize that functionality is also based on price—what we call cost-performance ratio.
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Now, having been immersed in cycling for over 10 years, I’ve personally tried out numerous brands and equipment, big and small. Below, I’ll share my insights and recommended products I love. Cycling jerseys are essential for road cyclists, though not necessarily for mountain bikers. But it’s still better to wear cycling jerseys. No matter how flashy they look, their functionality is quite impressive. Whether it’s insulation, wind resistance, UV protection, or muscle support, cycling jerseys offer all these benefits. Speaking of bike saddles, they’re definitely important—I won’t elaborate too much here as I’ve already shared a post on that last time, so I’ll skip several hundred words. A good saddle can ensure that during long rides, it minimizes potential harm to the reproductive system. Then, the most important part of cycling jerseys is arguably the cycling shorts pad. A high-quality, well-crafted cycling short/pants should have the following features:
1. Lightweight design. Though not absolutely crucial, it directly affects riding comfort.
2. Breathability. This isn’t directly related to material thickness—the key lies in the product’s material. Thickness doesn’t necessarily correlate with breathability. As you may know, Helly Hansen, one of the earliest and largest suppliers of base layers, offers their Lifa material, which provides optimal breathability regardless of thickness.
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3. Cut and elasticity. The tailoring method and how different panels are joined are very important. It should align with human anatomical movement principles, especially the seams, which are generally better placed on the outside. This prevents painful friction against muscles. As for elasticity, looser isn’t always better. There’s a brand called SKIN, famous for compression wear. I own six or seven summer sets of their gear, and their elasticity is unparalleled. The role of elasticity is to wrap the muscles as closely as possible, reducing irregular muscle tremors, thereby helping slow down the buildup of lactic acid.
4. Most importantly, the design of the shorts pad. The pad design must match the shape of commonly available saddles on the market. Not all so-called 3D-designed pads can achieve this. Choosing the wrong one can not only fail to reduce pressure but may even cause more localized—or even critical—pressure on important areas. Personally, I prefer the Assos brand, but their lowest-end options still cost two to three thousand yuan, which is honestly not sustainable for long-term use.
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During my time studying and working abroad, I also came across many brands, big and small, such as Scott, Enduro, Altura, Pearl Izumi, Gore, the two aforementioned brands, and many more I won’t list individually. Among them, aside from Gore’s mountain biking jerseys offering decent cost-performance, the others are fairly average. Especially after returning to China, I found the selection on Taobao to be rather limited. So, besides sticking with Assos, Skin, and Gore (limited to mountain biking gear), there’s another high-cost-performance brand, which isSpecialized. At this point, you might be ready to throw bricks—but actually, not everything from Specialized is outrageously expensive. Their mid-to-low-end cycling jerseys perform just as well as the high-end models of the aforementioned brands. Especially if you’ve already been usingSpecialized saddles, theircycling shortscan truly deliver an extraordinary experience.
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To be continued.