Buying cycling clothing - a necessity? Where to buy in bulk, relatively cheap...

[jhawk]

Hi all,

Just thought I'd post this as I'm looking to do some Christmas shopping, well, when Christmas gets here! But, I'd like to at least FIND the stuff that I want to buy, that way I can get the money sorted out, and then just order it, without having to spend days looking for it once Christmas rolls around.

First off, cycling clothing - is it all necessary? I'm definitely getting cycling shorts as I'll be doing touring next year, but are the jerseys necessary? And what do you do? Do you fork out an arm and a leg for your cycling gear - shorts, jersey, gloves, shoes...

Anyone know where I might be able to find a good price on three pairs of everything clothing-wise that I'll need for my trip? Where is the best place to buy in bulk? Free shipping internationally on orders over a certain price? Anyone within Canada have any ideas on Canadian outlets for cycling clothing? (Thereby, theoretically at least, reducing the overall price as shipping will be minimal).

Cheers,

Jack.

 

[fossala]

I where all cycling gear (bib shorts/tights, jerseys long/short, jackets, coats, stiff cleated shoes, gloves) and all are not necessary, non are. I could ride in most things and be comftable enough just with the amount of miles that I do I might as wear cycling kit as it's slightly better.

As for buying in "bulk", 3 lots isn't a lot you won't get any quantity discount for that amount.

 

[Julia9054]

Spend your money on decent shorts. Have tried several pairs of cheap ones, all have ended up in the bin.
Rest of it doesn't matter.

 

[Joey Shabadoo]

Good shorts and good shoes. I've wasted so much money on poor quality shorts, bib shorts and bib longs.

 

[ScotiaLass]

Although I'm just getting back into riding after a few years away, I loved my cycling jersey (s). It was a generic one, had the pockets and longer back and was extremely comfortable. I have cycled in t-shirts etc and they are comfy but lack storage space

Decent shorts with padding are a must. I also used good quality gloves.

 

[Dayvo]

Cheap shirts smell bad after only a short time riding - nothing to do with stale sweat.

dhb from wiggle http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb/cycle/ are low-priced, above-average quality manufactures of cycling clothing.

 

[Summerking]

Decent Bib shorts above all else! I wear bib shorts under ordinary shorts for commuting and overshoes to keep your feet warm and dry, there are several styles that are quite unobtrusive and the comfort during the Autumn/winter is well worth it imo, I have a cycling jersey made of merino wool and it is warm and it breathes..worth 100 acrylic/polyester sweat sacks.

 

[steveindenmark]

Evans cycles and Wiggle, is where most of my gear comes from. I like those sites because you can read the reviews.

Steve

 

[Tcr4x4]

When I first started cycling again in July, I promised my wife I wouldn't become one of the Lycra brigade, however soon after I got my road bike, it became apparent baggy combat shorts don't work too well on longer rides.

I now have a selection of bib shorts, tights and normal shorts, plus a gore short sleeved jersey and a aldi long sleeved jersey.. As well as some arm warmers and leg warmers and a winter jacket.
None of it cost too much, the most expensive were the DHB shorts at about £40.

They are designed for the job and just make life so much more comfortable and easy.
Yes you look like a bit of a tit, but I look like that whatever I wear, so I'm not really too fussed.
I'd rather look like a tit and be comfortable, than look uber cool and be sweaty, wet and uncomfortable!

 

[ianrauk]

Look a bit of a tit?

Speak for yourself mate.

 

[Tcr4x4]

I was!

 

[MrGrumpy]

my mate just bought some gear whilst away on holiday, it is assos made but not badged as so! The price £40 for the bib shorts!!! Just shows you the mark up on assos!!! BTW shorts were sold in a cycling hire centre in Majorca.