Clothing advice for a newbie

[scook94]

What sort of clothing, technical or otherwise would you recommend for a newbie like myself (mostly for leisurely jaunts out in the country)? Help me spend some money!

 

[just4fun]

you can buy me a new bike if you want to spend money failing that option cycling gear is pretty pricey. some padded shorts are a must imo and also a good cycling jacket which is light, breathable and waterproof. Justification on the grounds of increased safety can allow you to blow some serious cash on lights and i would also go for a helmet. ah and some padded gloves.

 

[jayce]

+1 need padded shorts or your rearend will look like a baboons arse

 

[scook94]

Helmet and lights I have. It's more a question of whether I should be getting base layers, tops, jackets etc? I think padded trousers and correct undershorts are a good idea though. But then, should I go for baggie shorts, 3/4 or full length baggies or lycra shorts, bib or otherwise?

I don't want to end up looking like "all the gear and no idea" though!

 

[jayce]

If its a rodie then lycra ,helmet and gloves shorts a good start

 

[marinyork]

Wear whatever you like. It's not necessary to be kitted out with all this gear when you're starting out doing a few miles. If you're doing some very serious mileage then yeah perhaps but that's personal choice. It's whatever works for you.

If you keep your eyes peeled for the next aldi or lidl sale get some cheap gear there, or go to decathlon. I'd say the only must need is gloves and a drinks bottle.

 

[HJ]

If it is mostly mostly for leisurely jaunts out in the country then the only specialist clothing you really need is a pair of mitts. Forget the helmet, it is un-necessary and a complete waste of money, I speak from over 40 years experience. If you really want to spend money them padded shorts are a lot more comfortable on longer rides and a good cycle jacket is useful.

 

[Randochap]

A helmet is #1 if you value the main cycling organ -- your brain. I speak from more than 40 years of cycling experience.

Specific clothing isn't mandatory, but it sure makes rides more than a few miles more comfortable.

Check out the Randonneuring/tackle page @ VeloWeb for ideas. Proper shorts with quality chamois are minimum kit in my book. However, a jersey with rear pockets is pretty hard to do without, as well ....

 

[scook94]

Ok thanks, I'll grab a pair of mitts when I collect the bike tomorrow. I think I'll hold off on the Lycra shorts for a while and look at baggies, maybe when it gets warmer and I feel less self concious....

The helmet question is, I know, a can of worms but I decided to get one. I intend to be taking the bike down to me sister's in Largs and have promised my 7 yr old nephew we'd take a trip round Cumbrae together. If I didn't take a helmet along I know he'd be asking questions! lol

 

[HJ]

A helmet is #1 if you value the main cycling organ -- your brain. I speak from more than 40 years of cycling experience.

Have you been wearing a helmet for 40 years?? 20 years ago no-one wore a helmet for recreational cycling and yet we all survived. There is money in fear, just look at the profits of the helmet manufactures, then try and find definitive study to back up you assertions. The reality is that the claims made as to the efficacy of cycle helmets are massively overstated. There is clear evidence that shows a negative relationship between cycle helmets and road safety.

End of rant. Sorry, I have probably started a war, but I can't stand the smell of B*llsh*t...

Wear a helmet if you want to, but don't be under any allusion that it will magically save your life.

 

[scook94]

{snip}

Wear a helmet if you want to, but don't be under any allusion that it will magically save your life.

I know what you're saying and I understand.

There was a debate on Radio 2 about earlier this week, there was lots for and lots against, but I'm under no illusion that anything other than a self inflicted tumble of the bike then the helmet won't help.

But I'm sure Natasha Richardson's family wish she'd have worn some sort of head protection...

 

[MacB]

Scook, forget the helmet bit, go with what you feel best in that area, as for your OP in Oct08 I owned nothing that was cycling specific, so top down:-

helmet - I have one but have taken to not wearing it, personal preference

headwear - little wooly hat can help on cold days, apart from that, I need the relief from overheating

jacket - Winter/waterprooof I highly recomend the Altura Nightvision(I paid £50), but it is warm. For lighter wind/water repellant I've bought the Monatane velo featherlight in jacket and gilet versions(£55 the pair if you shop around). If you really want to stay dry in warmer conditions then a bin bag with holes ripped for arms would do it, for pennies.

mid layer/outer shell - I'm a big fan of merino wool stuff, but it can cost silly money, micro fleeces serve the same sort of function. I have merino from Rapha(£125) and Micro from Craghopper(£35 for 2), both do the job but at very different price levels.

jerseys - only got one so far and seems nice but pretty tight fit despite being XXL, will know more as Summer approaches.

base - have 3 of the Rapha merino t-shirts and, compared to cotton t's or fancy synthetics these are the dogs danglies. Had to phsyche myself up to pay £90 for 3 t-shirts but I'm glad I did. I don't worry re washing, go in with the rest at 30deg and no probs after 20 washes.

shorts/longs - started out in boxers and jogging bottoms, moved to cycle shorts waist padded(£20 each) plus jogging bottoms, then cycle shorts plus baggy shorts......and so on. Have just taken receipt of first bibbed 3/4's with padding(£35 DHB from Wiggle) and seriously think waist stuff may be a thing of the past. But this will also be impacted by personal physique, skinny folks can wear what they want

socks - serious thought here, cold feet have caused me to consider some of the ridiculous prices some places charge for socks.

shoes - I'm still a flat pedal person so very limited knowledge, but have just taken delivery of a pair of Impact Five-Ten Lows(£75). Only worn them in the house tonight but very comfy and you feel velcroed to the floor.

Hope this helps a bit Scook....cheers Al

 

[snorri]

Wear whatever you like. It's not necessary to be kitted out with all this gear when you're starting out doing a few miles.

So true, Cycling in civvies is good.
It is possible to get into a mindset that says in order to go on my bike I need specialist clothing. If one gets into this state, there can be days it will not be felt worth the bother of getting changed, so the bike gets left unused. Get in to the way of cycling in normal clothes and the bike will get used for trips to the shops, visting friends, pubs, clubs etc. etc.:?:

 

[MacB]

So true, Cycling in civvies is good.
It is possible to get into a mindset that says in order to go on my bike I need specialist clothing. If one gets into this state, there can be days it will not be felt worth the bother of getting changed, so the bike gets left unused. Get in to the way of cycling in normal clothes and the bike will get used for trips to the shops, visting friends, pubs, clubs etc. etc.:?:

partially correct, what you need to do is have a bike for each outfit rather than an outfit for a bike.....problem solved......shopaholics may need to rent multiple garages to store all the necessary bikes

 

[youngoldbloke]

Ok thanks, I'll grab a pair of mitts when I collect the bike tomorrow. I think I'll hold off on the Lycra shorts for a while and look at baggies, maybe when it gets warmer and I feel less self concious....

IMO you cannot ride a road bike in baggies! Padded Lycra shorts are the only way (or tights at the moment of course) +1 for Liddle and Aldi, to start off with. Cycling jacket (Altura Nevis or similar) and jersey with rear pockets also necessities. Don't feel self concious - you can't see youself when you're riding! Shoes, cleats + clipless pedals are near the top of the list too.