For what it's worth, from my experience as a relatively newbie (to riding on the road at least) i've found that shorts were probably the best and most important investment for me. I got some normal lycra (waist) Endura shorts for around 40 notes from Evans and they're just the job. Once I got over the image conscious bit I found lycra more comfortable relative to others I tried - and you can always put a pair of normal shorts over the top if commuting, getting on the train etc. I already had a light and cheap Asender light waterproof jacket which keeps the rain out and the chill off, plus folds up into the pocket, and would recommend at least some sort of waterproof jacket. I prefer layers to a thicker jacket so just a normal micro fleece if really cold, otherwise the normal tops i use for running. And if you've got money to burn don't worry about the all the gear, no idea image - if it inspires you to get up and out, investments worth it if it keeps you fit and healthy.
Clothing advice for a newbie
- Thread starter scook94
- Start date
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shippers
Senior Member
- Location
- Sunny Wakefield
I got a pair of MTB shorts when I bought the road bike- baggy with huge cargo pockets, but with lycra shorts inside. Best of both worlds. I can carry fresh pants'n'stuff for when I get to work, a couple of spare innertubes and a pump in the pockets, no problem.
On the top, I started with any old t-shirt/jumper depending on weather, but have rapidly moved onto specialist cycling tops, mainly off e-bay or from Aldi. Nothing has cost me more than about £12.
Then into winter, overshoes and long trousers. Overshoes are excellent. Trousers are crap, but that's down to not fitting well. Probably get bibs next time round. Got a bright green "speg" jacket (http://www.speg.co.uk/) again from e-bay, for about £20. (Don't think anyone has mentioned one here for less than about £50. They'll be better but these are probably all you need.)
Gloves are important. I wear a helmet- there's a chance it'll stop me from being dead and I quite like seeing my kids... I know there's an argument for not cycling at all and living wrapped in cotton wool, but if I died having not worn a helmet, my Mrs would make the afterlife, erm, hell.
On the top, I started with any old t-shirt/jumper depending on weather, but have rapidly moved onto specialist cycling tops, mainly off e-bay or from Aldi. Nothing has cost me more than about £12.
Then into winter, overshoes and long trousers. Overshoes are excellent. Trousers are crap, but that's down to not fitting well. Probably get bibs next time round. Got a bright green "speg" jacket (http://www.speg.co.uk/) again from e-bay, for about £20. (Don't think anyone has mentioned one here for less than about £50. They'll be better but these are probably all you need.)
Gloves are important. I wear a helmet- there's a chance it'll stop me from being dead and I quite like seeing my kids... I know there's an argument for not cycling at all and living wrapped in cotton wool, but if I died having not worn a helmet, my Mrs would make the afterlife, erm, hell.
snorri
Legendary Member
- Location
- East coast, up a bit.
Blinkin' heck, the public road gets more like a fashion catwalk everyday.
Debian
New Member
- Location
- West Midlands
snorri said:Blinkin' heck, the public road gets more like a fashion catwalk everyday.
LOL
Doesn't it just!
Baggy shorts from Matalan over padded pants + a £5 t-shirt from Millets + a £10 lightweight cycling jacket from Lidl does the business for me. With a £10 Millets fleece in between the jacket and shirt if it's really cold.
Even my Panniers came from Lidl and cost £10. Waterproof and lasted three years so far.
I won't win any fashion prizes but it's cheap, comfortable and works for me.
Good grief this is an old thread!
How times have changed, I went out last Saturday with some chaps from the local cycling club and I was dressed in Rapha winter tights, Rapha merino base, Rapha long sleeve jersey and my new Rapha soft shell jacket! Can you tell I have a thing for Rapha?
EDIT: and I'll add - I also have more money than sense! (before someone else says it!)
How times have changed, I went out last Saturday with some chaps from the local cycling club and I was dressed in Rapha winter tights, Rapha merino base, Rapha long sleeve jersey and my new Rapha soft shell jacket! Can you tell I have a thing for Rapha?
EDIT: and I'll add - I also have more money than sense! (before someone else says it!)
youngoldbloke
The older I get, the faster I used to be ...
scook94 said:
- Well you said it! At current prices that adds up to £585 - then you have shoes, socks, helmet - bet you didn't buy them from Lidl/Aldi either!
Whats that other saying? ..... ah yes .... a fool and his money are soon parted ......
Debian
New Member
- Location
- West Midlands
youngoldbloke said:
Well, of course people can wear what they like but IMHO paying the price of a reasonable bike for a few bits of cloth does not strike me as sensible.
A lot of cycle specific clothing is a complete rip-off and is there to tempt the Beckhamites to part with the folding in the name of "image"! Still, as long as there are those who will pay for image the clothing will be made
That's just me though.
kettle
Senior Member
- Location
- Ladybank, Fife
Hi
I just use cycleclothing.co.uk
Great value.
There are of course other providers of cycle clothing availiable.
I just use cycleclothing.co.uk
Great value.
There are of course other providers of cycle clothing availiable.
MacB
Lover of things that come in 3's
- Location
- Farnborough, Hampshire
scook94 said:
I like my bits of Rapha and will be getting more
PpPete
Legendary Member
- Location
- Chandler's Ford
Ah but you've already admitted elsewhere to being a fashion victim....
youngoldbloke
The older I get, the faster I used to be ...
scook94 said: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!
- just realised that you were the originator of this thread, scook94 - hence your comments: Good grief this is an old thread! How times have changed.....
- you have come a long way since last March, and overtaken many of us in the cycling gear stakes! - and you have certainly spent the money, in spite of many of us suggesting otherwise. If we had read your first post more carefully we could have recommended Rapha, Assos etc. immediately, rather than trying to save you cash at Lidl, Aldi and Decathlon
.
HJ
Cycling in Scotland
- Location
- Auld Reekie
snorri said:Blinkin' heck, the public road gets more like a fashion catwalk everyday.
Na, it is nothing like Denmark yet...
youngoldbloke said:- just realised that you were the originator of this thread, scook94 - hence your comments: Good grief this is an old thread! How times have changed.....
- you have come a long way since last March, and overtaken many of us in the cycling gear stakes! - and you have certainly spent the money, in spite of many of us suggesting otherwise. If we had read your first post more carefully we could have recommended Rapha, Assos etc. immediately, rather than trying to save you cash at Lidl, Aldi and Decathlon
That's what I love about cycling, it can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be and still have equal amounts of fun!
