Cycle Jerseys for the Big Lads

[anonymous-user]

I can't be the only one having this problem so I'm hoping someone can pass on some experience. I've been getting into cycling a lot recently, and really enjoy it, I've got a decent road bike and I've even done a couple of triathlons, so whilst I'm no fatty, I don't have the body of most male cyclists (i.e. similar to a 12 year old's upper body). I actually have shoulders, arms and a chest. I've played a fair amount of rugby in my time so you can probably imagine my upper body build up (cue the usual unfunny 'powerfully built' gags that plague this forum )

I recently ordered a Team Sky jersey from Wiggle.co.uk, and went for the biggest size they stock (XXL) and it's still just ridiculously tight. The sleeves feel like they're cutting off my blood supply to my arms, and the entire thing looks like it's been sprayed on. I'll be sending it back.

I'm a 46" chest and a 17.5 inch collar. Slim fit shirts fit me fine, but these cycling jerseys are taking slim fit to another level. The XXL I tried was more like a Medium at best in normal sizes. I'm getting fed up of riding in cotton t-shirts and wanted something a bit more fit for purpose that is made from appropriate sweat wicking material, with rear pockets for nutrition, spares etc.

Does anyone have experience of somewhere that sells decent cycling jerseys (either long or short sleeves, branded or unbranded) with the rear pockets, that actually fits a full size man, rather than a 12 year old boy?

Thanks!

Iain

[anonymous-user]

try some mountain bike stuff rather than road specific stuff,its normally a bit looser but still good quality materials, Endura and Altura are pretty good places to start.

[jackh707]

I'm 6 foot 44 inch chest 17inch neck and a reasonable set of shoulders not quite as big as you but not your avereage cyclists build...
My castelli jersey is XXXL, it's a spot on fit for me... not loose at all, it's snug on the arms but certainly far from cutting of the circulation.

[jackh707]

just looked upthere sizes... XXXL is as large as they go, probs not very useful...

[XG332]

If you want cheap tops. The muddyfox range at sport direct come in under £15
Ive got a xxl and fits nicely,
Nothing flashy but does the job for me.

[Gizmoish]

XG332 said:

If you want cheap tops. The muddyfox range at sport direct come in under £15
Ive got a xxl and fits nicely,
Nothing flashy but does the job for me.

This is what I wear. (Large, for 42" chest). They're a bit rubbish, but fine as a base layer.

[waynegas]

I have spent the last 10 years weight training and like the op I don't have a cyclist look about me, however I really enjoy being on the bike and a great way to keep fit. I have problems findinging cycling clothes to fit as I'm 6"4, 17.5 stone and have a 19" collar. So I have found the best fit clothes for me have come from china via eBay as some go up to 5xl and it fits me really well. It's just a suggestion, the only downside is they can take upto a month to arrive.

Wayne.

[bga]

I've got a couple of Endura tops (XXL I think) which fit fine. 18" neck, 48/50" chest, excuse for being a fat sod ex rugby player type build. I tried a couple of LBS but they generally had sizes for those with less relaxed muscle. Evans had a good selection of brands & sizes which made it easy to find stuff that fits & not rely on a bit of guesswork.

[dontdobends]

Lusso in Manchester manufacture cycle garments for big lads 01617245222

[anonymous-user]

Thanks chaps, some good suggestions there. To complicate matters I'm stateside, so would prefer an online seller to a local store. I'll check out some of the names given in this thread.

I had seen the fake chinese version of the team gear, and while I usually avoid fake stuff, I'm trying to justify it to myself on the basis that the real stuff doesn't fit! What's the quality like of these chinese jerseys? Do they fit ok?

[ChrisMCoupe]

Surely you're like a Medium in the US?

The only issue i find is having to go up a size just get my arms in, I swear they expect even large cyclists have pipe cleaners for arms.

[anonymous-user]

Yeah, clothes are generally bigger over here, but not cycling stuff. There appears to be some form of unwritten rule in the cycling world that they have their own clothing sizing system which is 60% scale of everyone else's

[bakerstreet]

I have just bought a DHB Windslam Jersey in XXL and I'm a 45in chest and its snug, but still comfortable.

I also have a Altura Airstream jersey and that is a L and that is fine for fit, but its not done much work and the cuffs are falling apart too.

If you have doubts on sizes, I would go to evans or large LBS and and try a few brands on. I've heard that Gore sizes are reasonable.

[rhinochopig]

Have you tried jackamo


Joking apart, I'm a similar build. I tend to wear on-one or mountain warehouse merino tops (the latter being baggier). They're drop hem but no pockets.

[AndrewM]

Try Prendas Cyclisimo - up to 5XL which fits me fine with a 48" chest - some fantastic designs and they guys are really good to deal with.

http://www.prendas.co.uk/

[anonymous-user]

AndrewM said:

Try Prendas Cyclisimo - up to 5XL which fits me fine with a 48" chest - some fantastic designs and they guys are really good to deal with.

http://www.prendas.co.uk/

That looks more like it, thanks

[B1G GK]

Muddy Fox and Karrimor for me, got a couple of Altura tops that are snug.
Maybe they dont want us Bear Wrestlers in cycling gear

[anonymous-user]

you could try these guys http://www.roadrags.cc if you want something less 'bright'. Although given the driving/observation standards on the roads, perhaps bright is better

[mr mac i]

Only just started cycling as part of my commute and don't want anything too tight etc; been looking at some of the Karrimor running gear in Sports Direct.It all seems much less expensive than the cycling kit for the transferable stuff like HiVis, training tops etc.

Won't help the op much being in the States but someone else just starting and not wanting to spend a lot might benefit.

Edited by mr mac i on Sunday 20th January 19:05

[julianm]

This supplier is excellent & the Nalini stuff very good quality - even have a `King size` page! Check the sizing guide.
http://www.trikotexpress.de/en/King-sizes/
Postage from Germany offset by very good prices. Keep pedalling until you are just xxl!