The Best-Rated Bicycle Jerseys

Swobo Merino Bike Jersey

Merino wool is known for its softness and its versatility as a fabric, and Swobo uses it to great effectiveness with its Merino 753 jersey ($110 as of 2010). The inner layer of the jersey fabric is composed of Merino wool to feel comfortable against the skin, regulate body temperature and wick away moisture, and the outer layer is made up of synthetic material to provide a wind and rain barrier. On gearjunkie.com, gear reviewer Stephen Krcmar noted "performance-wise, it's great," "it dried quickly and was comfortable" and lived up to its claims of durability and core-temperature regulation.

Ground Effect Ricochet

For warmer weather, Ground Effect's Ricochet women's jersey ($50 as of 2010) keeps riders cool and dry. Ground Effect employs Intercool fabric, composed of a polyester inner layer to wick away sweat and a cotton outer to draw the moisture to the exterior to evaporate. Calling it "practically an essential buy," Bikeradar.com said the Ricochet "seems to work amazingly well" at wicking moisture away from skin quickly, "with the added bonus of feeling kitten-soft against the skin."

Nalini Aquila

When it comes to versatility, it's hard to beat Nalini's Aquila jersey ($239 as of 2010). The Aquila is composed of a windproof front and breathable fabric in the back and features removable sleeves for warmer rides. Listed as "Bicycling Magazine's" Gear of the Day in 2009, the reviewer said called it "unique" and "sublime," saying the sleeves don't compromise the jersey's fit and it's "perfect for high elevation rides, or warm rides that start, or end, cool."