The best mountain bike jerseys

Tried and tested by Adam Binnie: "I bought a Mons Royale top in a sale about five years ago, and remember thinking that even reduced to £50, that was a lot of money for a t-shirt. But it’s been absolutely epic – having survived at least twice monthly wearings, maybe a hundred trips around the washing machine, and even a handful of pretty big crashes. I go bouldering in it, barbecue in it, and even wear it around the house when I’ve got absolutely no intention of riding.

"So I’ve since bought a few more and it’s really easy to recommend this long sleeve version – Mons have a few different styles but the Redwood Enduro is my favourite, due to its huge vented panels, supremely soft Merino wool construction, and clever features like a small zipped pocket around the back and hidden goggle wipe.

"It has a v-neck that can (but probably shouldn’t) be stretched over a helmet and minimal branding in a small font for a really clean look. I especially love the tie-dye effect, mixed with a block of colour on the main body of the jersey, otherwise, I think it’d be a bit much. Recommended without hesitation!"

A sweat-wicking Merino wool blend makes this the ideal women's MTB jersey, and 3/4 sleeves offer the best of both worlds when it comes to protection and cooling.

Our review: "Initially I was a bit put-off by the boxy cut of this jersey, but over time I got used to it and now absolutely love the way it fits, particularly the looser sections under my arms, where other tops can be clingy and cause chaffing.

"The sleeves are also the perfect length - long enough to keep my arms warm but not so long that I want to roll them up on hotter days.

"The material is lightweight and soft to touch, unlike my other scratchy, synthetic tech t-shirts. It somehow manages to be warm but not sweaty in a wide range of conditions, whether worn under a jacket or by itself.

"It's my go-to bike top now, which I also wear running and sometimes just around the house."

If you are looking for a mountain bike jersey that has short sleeves for the summer months that won’t dent your bank account, then the Endura Singletrack core T Jersey is a great option. This lightweight trail tech tee is made from 95% recycled polyester with rapid-wicking fabric, meaning it’s excellent for dealing with moisture on those hot trail days. 

The standard slim fit of the top allows for more freedom of movement whilst you take on the trails you desire with a flap-free fit to prevent you from being slowed down on those rides where nothing is stopping you. Endura’s Singletrack Core T Jerseys come in a range of colours - with a full sublimation print, you can pick from electric blue or any of the three other colours available.

Tried and tested by Adam Binnie: "If the number of items in your MTB kit drawer is starting to overtake your everyday clothes, having a load of tech tees that can be used for lots of different activities on and off the bike can be a real space saver.

"Usually made of wicking polyester fabric of some sort, these garments are the unsung heroes of the activewear wardrobe. I wear this Rapha one as a base layer in the winter, by itself in warmer weather, on casual rides with the family, and sometimes where I go bouldering.

"It has less of a drop-tail than the rest of my jerseys and fits more like a normal cotton t-shirt, so has a very versatile style. My only complaint is that I have to go up a size to get the right length, and the neck hole is a bit tight when you're putting it on."

Fox has a spectrum of high-quality garments, helmets, goggles, and more for those passionate about the sport. More specifically, their Fox Ranger Jersey features a TruDri fabric - designed to help wick sweat and moisture from your body and, most importantly, keep you dry and comfortable on those difficult trails.  

This jersey balances the technical fabric needed for high-performance sport with the comfort of a well-designed tee. It is 100% engineered polyester, with a vented front main body panel ideal for warmer days, where more ventilation would be ideal to keep cool. Around the back of the jersey, you can also reap the benefits of its drop tail panel, which allows for coverage and protection of your back as you lean forward on the bike.  

Although on a slightly more expensive scale, Fox’s Ranger Jersey doesn’t disappoint with its quality and breathable material, allowing hardcore mountain bikers to enjoy their ride.

Tried and tested by Adam Binnie: "There are plenty of Merino wool tops available now but the pure MTB designs and colourways can often be a bit loud and divisive. If you ride an XC or gravel bike and want that half-roadie, half-off-roadie look (baggy jersey and bib shorts vibe) this Rapha shirt is full of the brand's understated style.

"As such, it works really well as a plain base layer but is strengthened with nylon for durability so it resists snags and tears better than a pure wool item. It's perfect as your top layer too.

"The material feels soft to the touch and lighter than air while riding, with a decent amount of stretch and wind-flap resistant fit on the arms. The neck hole is on the larger side, but it does at least mean you can get it on or off while wearing an open-face helmet."

Tried and tested by Adam Binnie: "It sounds like a very niche requirement but when I substitute the cardiovascular effort of riding up a hill for getting an uplift in a van instead, I quite often find myself getting cold on the descents, even in warmer months. A big windproof panel on this Rapha jersey blocks that chilling draft, while a vented back stops you from boiling over.

"It comes in a particularly racy cut, with very tight sleeves and a higher hem (although it still has a drop tail to deflect mud and rain) so it’s worth sizing up if you prefer a 90s baggy look. If I didn’t get so hot on normal trail rides this would be a bit of a go-to, especially in the colder months, if it meant I could get away without wearing a jacket.

"Rapha usually ships its gear with repair patches, which I absolutely love because it means small tears can be sorted without writing off the whole garment. The Windblock is no different, although it's worth pointing out the patches are only for the sleeves – if you rip the front panel you can’t repair it yourself. Handily you can send stuff back to Rapha for them to fix."