Battle of the Blue Train: 2000 vs. 2004 US Postal Kits

For collectors of vintage cycling apparel, choosing between the different iterations of the US Postal Service (USPS) team kit is like choosing between vintage sports cars. Each year represents a different milestone in the team’s evolution.

At PullingTurns, we break down the differences between two of the most popular sets in our vault.

The 2000 “Silver & Blue” Jersey: The Dawn of an Era

The year 2000 was a turning point. After the “surprise” win in 1999, the USPS team returned to the Tour de France with a bold new aesthetic to match their newfound status as favorites.

• Design: This jersey is famous for its Silver/Grey shoulders and side panels, which blended into the classic USPS blue. It featured the “red, white, and blue” stripe accents prominently on the chest.

• The Vibe: This is the “Underdog-turned-Champion” kit. It represents the year the team truly mastered the mountain lead-out.
• Key Riders: Worn by a young George Hincapie and the late Tyler Hamilton.

The 2004 “Solid Blue” Set: Total Dominance

By 2004, the team had evolved into a “steamroller.” The silver accents were dropped in favor of a deeper, more aggressive monochromatic blue design.

• Design: A cleaner, sleeker look. The 2004 kit featured white logos (USPS and Berry Floor) that popped against a solid blue background. It looked faster, more modern, and more intimidating in the peloton.
• The Vibe: This is the “Empire” kit. It symbolizes a team at the absolute peak of its physical and tactical powers.
• Key Riders: Worn by the legendary support squad of Chechu Rubiera, Viatcheslav Ekimov, and Floyd Landis.

Technical Comparison

Feature	2000 Retro Edition	2004 Retro Edition
Primary Color	Royal Blue & Silver	Deep Navy/Royal Blue
Material	Standard breathable polyester	Ultra-lightweight summer mesh
Sponsors	USPS / Visa / Trek	USPS / Berry Floor / Trek
Historical Context	The “Sophomore” dominance	The “Final Act” masterpiece

Which one should you choose?

• Pick the 2000 Kit if you love the “Old School” 90s/early-2000s aesthetic with multi-color paneling.
• Pick the 2004 Kit if you prefer a modern, sleek, and minimalist look that still screams “Pro Peloton.”

Both kits are available now at PullingTurns.com with FREE Worldwide Shipping and all taxes included.

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