Skinsuit Vs Jersey & Bib Shorts — A Cycling Kit Style Comparison Guide
What’s the most comfortable gear?
Is one choice more aerodynamic than the other?
What are the actual differences between a skinsuit vs a jersey and bib short kit?
Let’s get into it.
What’s The Difference?
If you’re not familiar with the different types of cycling kits, well, that’s about to change.
Both styles are highly specialized, aerodynamic, and have several important features that are essential when cycling at a competitive level.
The more common style for most cyclists is the jersey and bib shorts combination.
Many recreational cyclists choose to get professional-grade jerseys and bib kits to make their rides easier, reduce their drag, and maximize their comfort.
The materials used in competitive grade cycling kits are ultra-smooth to minimize wind resistance, moisture-wicking to keep you dry, and even use custom stitching so the seams don’t catch the wind.
The primary difference between the two types of kit is that a skinsuit is a single piece, which means there’s no seam, and that can be both good and bad — depending on what you’re looking for.
Which Is More Comfortable?
This depends — on the bike, or off.
While you’re racing along at top speed, it’s hard to beat the comfort of a skinsuit.
A jersey and bib combo can come close, but it has one fatal flaw — it can move.
Both styles of kit are very tight and form-fitting, and high-quality jerseys come with silicone grippers to help hold them in place, but it just can’t beat the single piece of a skinsuit for staying power.
If you’re worried about your gear moving around while you’re cycling, a skinsuit is the way to go.
However, once you get off the bike, the story changes — you can imagine some of the difficulties of wearing a single-piece suit — and also, they’re very, very tight.
That’s great for aerodynamics… but less so if you’re stopping somewhere for lunch.
Aerodynamics
At a professional level, with a premium quality kit, you’re going to be extremely aerodynamic no matter what you choose.
If you’re really looking to max out your speed and minimize your wind resistance though, there is a clear winner.
The single-piece, seamless skinsuit just can’t be beaten for aerodynamics.
Tests show that in a 25-mile time trial, cycling at 25 mph, a skinsuit can save you 21 to 28 seconds.
When you’re an extreme competitor, that’s a heck of a lot of time.
To Make A Long Story Short
What kind of suit fits you best is really up to your riding style — the more extreme you are, the more likely you are to benefit from wearing a skinsuit.
No matter what your style is, what’s most important when picking a kit is to get one that’s top-quality, not some knock-off made with second-rate materials.
With a little looking you can find top-notch gear from the same manufacturers that supply World Class and Olympic athletes, and the best ones even provide a crash replacement guarantee.
Because the last thing you want is to hit the dirt and trash your brand new kit… unless you have the replacement guarantee, so they’ll send you a new one for free!
Whatever your style, whatever kit works best for you — just keep your elbows tucked, your helmet on, and your bike rubber side down.
Stay fast, stay safe.
