A cycling jersey costs more than a T-shirt because of its technical fabric, extra sewing and small production runs, plus any brand and shop costs added on top. For Australian summer riding, a cheaper jersey is worth it if it has wicking fabric, a full-length zip, back pockets and a waist gripper.
In short
- Jersey prices stack fabric, sewing, small runs, and brand and shop costs.
- For hot rides, pay for wicking fabric, mesh panels and a full-length zip.
- Race cuts and pro team logos are optional for most riders.
- A cheap jersey is fine if the page lists its specs, sizing and returns.
Why do cycling jerseys cost so much?
A jersey price is made up of several costs: fabric, sewing, the scale of production, and brand and shop costs. Below is what each one adds.
Fabric comes first. A modern road jersey is lightweight synthetic sportswear made to move sweat, and many use a second, lighter fabric in the side panels. Cutting two fabrics into several panels is more work than running up a basic T-shirt.
Then there is the sewing. A full-length zip, three loaded back pockets and a gripper at the waist all add steps and labour.
Scale plays a part as well. Cycling is a small market next to everyday clothing, and each design needs every size, which for us means 2XS to 7XL. Our guess is that this lifts the cost per jersey across the market, because setup costs are spread over fewer pieces.
Brand costs sit on top. Professional cycling is heavily sponsored, so a label paying for team kit, advertising and shop space needs to win that money back. Distributors and bike shops take a margin too. That is honest work, though none of it makes a 35°C morning any easier.
What are you paying for on a hot ride?
Summer is when the useful parts of a jersey earn their money. November is already warm across much of the country, and the long days bring longer rides with more sweat and more water to carry.
Three back pockets take the extra bottle, food and phone, sitting on the back panel where you can reach them. A full-length zip lets you open the front on a climb, which you will want by mid-morning. Add a gripper at the waist and the hem stays put even with loaded pockets.
Our jersey versus T-shirt guide goes through the differences one by one, and best cycling jerseys for hot weather looks at summer picks.
Printing adds to the price too. We use full sublimation printing, where dye goes into the polyester itself and can run right to the edges. That lets a loud design cover the whole jersey without a printed layer sitting on top of the fabric.
Which costs can you skip?
| What you pay for | Who notices it | Worth paying for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wicking fabric with mesh side panels | Every rider, especially in the heat | Yes |
| Three reinforced back pockets | Anyone carrying water, food or a phone | Yes |
| Full-length zip | Anyone on a hot day or a climb | Yes |
| Silicone waist gripper | Anyone with loaded pockets | Yes |
| Size chart based on body measurements, and fair returns | Anyone buying online | Yes |
| Race cut and aero extras | Racers chasing seconds | Optional |
| Pro team logos | Fans | Your call |
| A well-known label | People who care about the label | Your call |
Commuters and weekend bunch riders will mostly notice the top five rows. Nothing is wrong with wanting the bottom three, but they will not change how a jersey feels on the way to the café. A design you like counts for something as well, and our funny cycling jerseys make a case for that.
Is a cheap cycling jersey worth it in Australia?
It is, provided the product page shows what you are getting. Fabric cannot be felt through a screen, so judge the listing on what it names: the fabric, the pockets, the zip, the gripper, a size chart and a returns policy. We would skip any page that leaves those out, whatever the price.
Two of ours, as an example. The Men's OCG Plain Color Block Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey, at A$69.99, lists 100% moisture-wicking polyester, three reinforced back pockets, a full-length hidden zip and a silicone waist gripper. For cool early starts in the hills, the Women's OCG Originals Basic Colors Long Sleeve Cycling Jersey, at A$75.99, lists a 140 GSM polyester body, 110 GSM mesh side panels and the same pockets and zip.
A bargain that does not fit is wasted money. Our sizes run small, so check the size chart before you choose, using your own chest, waist and hip measurements. The cut is club fit, so size up if you are between sizes. Should the size still be wrong, we offer 60-day store-credit returns on non-customised items. Customised orders are final.
How do we keep our prices down?
We design in house and work directly with manufacturers, no middleman. Everything is made to order in sizes 2XS-7XL, which means no racks of unsold jerseys to pay for. The trade-off is planning: order well ahead of a ride or event you have in mind, and ahead of Christmas if it is a present.
Our range is designed for everyday riders who like some personality in their kit. Anyone racing for results may want something built for that job.
Buying a matching kit is often the cheapest way to get a full outfit. The Men's OCG Plain Color Block Short Sleeve 2 Piece Cycling Kit is A$129.99, less than a jersey and padded knicks bought one at a time, and it clears free shipping on orders over A$125 on its own. For more plain pieces, see OCG Basics, or browse our Under $80 collection, where short sleeve jerseys, long sleeve jerseys and knicks all sit. More designs are in Cycling Jerseys.
What should you check before a Black Friday or Christmas buy?
Sale season pulls your eye to the discount and away from the jersey. Work out the final price first, then read the specs as though nothing were on sale, since a big percentage off says little about the garment.
- Look for the fabric, pockets, zip and gripper on the page.
- Have your body measurements handy when you open the size chart.
- Read the returns policy, and whether a sale item is covered by it.
- Add shipping to the total before you compare two prices.
- Buying a gift? Our guide to buying cycling clothes as a gift helps with the size question.
Plain basics for summer riding
Online Cycling Gear
Men's OCG Plain Color Block Short Sleeve 2 Piece Cycling Kit
$129.99$139.99
Shop Now
Online Cycling Gear
Men's Pro-Band Classic Plain Color Gel Padded Cycling Shorts
$69.99$74.95
Shop NowFrequently asked questions
How much should a cycling jersey cost?
No single number is right, and price alone tells you little. Compare what the page lists with what you will use. Our plain short sleeve jersey is A$69.99 as we write this.
Are expensive cycling jerseys cooler in summer?
Not automatically. Look at the listed fabric and side panels, and at the zip, instead of the price. A higher price can pay for sponsorship, advertising and shop margin as easily as it pays for fabric.
Why are custom cycling kits so expensive?
Many brands charge more for custom kits because they add design fees and set minimum orders. At Online Cycling Gear you pay no design fees and there is no minimum order, so our custom kits cost less than most of the market. Our custom club kit guide explains how an order works. Customised orders are final.
Does Online Cycling Gear make its own jerseys?
No. We design in house and work directly with manufacturers, no middleman.