Clothing Advice

[zoglug]

Hi everyone, just after some advice on cycling clothing.

Now ive take stock of my wonderful new Allez, im after buying some cycling clothing to complement it. However, im getting rather confused looking round the various websites with all the different items. Base layers, Jerseys, Windstoppers, Waterproofs and i really dont know what is essential and what is not!

Firstly, ive placed an order for these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Pearl_Izumi_Elite_Gel_Event_Glove/5360041846/ which i think will do the trick!

Is a base layer essential? From what i read, they aid removing sweat from the skin to keep you dry.

Jacket wise, what am i best off looking for? I want something that will keep me relatively warm on my commute to work/longer rides during poor weather, but not that warm that i end up sweating and wet! But, with the weather in Manchester it also needs to keep me relatively dry during my commute, if the heavens open! Ive read a lot about the Altura Crosslite, but it seems a tad on the expensive side, is it really worth the money? and will it do the job i want?

Cheers

Zog

 

[bumsteer]

Keep it simple to start with. Summer's coming. A couple of short sleeve cycle jerseys, padded bib shorts and a light waterproof top that will roll up into a ball will do for now. You can add arm warmers, bib longs and a softshell jacket come autumn time.

 

[zoglug]

Sorry if this is a daft question, but what are the benefit of bib shorts over normal shorts?

 

[HLaB]

Sorry if this is a daft question, but what are the benefit of bib shorts over normal shorts?

For me the benefit, is if I stand up/ move about, the pad stays in place. They may be more comfortable too, you don't have elastic round the waist holding them up.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Used to poo-poo the base layer, technical, wicking, fabric thing - but yes, they really, really work, and I wouldn't dream of wearing the old cotton vest/tee now .......

 

[monnet]

Base layer's a must.

I'd agree, with summer coming (in theory), keep it simple. I find a gilet a brilliant and verstile item. Essential, one might say.

When it starts getting cooler start thinking about your winter kit. My advice would be that warm is better than dry. However, it will depend on your commuting distance and your general cycling habits. On long mid winter training rides I don't want to be sweating in a boil in the bag waterproof (raining or not). I'd rather be toasty and warm. However, if you're only commuting a short distances then maybe a waterproof might be better. It also depends on the facilities you have at work too (I'm lucky, we have a drying room, of sorts).

 

[jimboalee]

Spend lots of money on shorts.

Get a pair with gel filled sections in the pad and a central tunnel.

I wore bibshorts for one season. Never again. On a 200 Audax, at lunchtime, you have to completely strip off to go to the lavvy.

 

[ASC1951]

Sorry if this is a daft question, but what are the benefit of bib shorts over normal shorts?

None, I would have thought. They are alternatives, although having tried bib shorts I wouldn't go back to ordinary waist shorts. Far more comfortable.

As to jimboalee's objection, I find I can haul up the front of my shirt and haul down the front of the bib without any problem. If we are talking total evacuation, I grant that you have the minor burden of taking your shirt off but my system is so, er, systematic that I only have to do that first thing in the morning.

 

[peanut]

I find I can haul up the front of my shirt and haul down the front of the bib without any problem.

Mmm thats all very fine until the day when absent-mindedly you lose your grip on the lycra and it twangs back into place

 

[bumsteer]

Sorry if this is a daft question, but what are the benefit of bib shorts over normal shorts?

You've got an Allez right? You don't want to be bent over with your jersey riding up exposing your bare back to all and sundry now do you?

Unless you've a nice back. Mine's hairy

 

[rich p]

Zog, I did a review of my Altura Crosslite here - not entirely favourable.

Since then, Feb 2009, the second jacket has gone tits up with a total zip failure.

 

[zoglug]

Thanks for the replies! So to summarise:

Base layers are a must! Think ill buy a couple of these then.
Invest in decent shorts! I reckon ill pick up a pair of bib shorts for my longer rides and a normal pair of shorts for the commute to work.
I think ill also pick up a couple of cheap jersey's too. Wow, my bank manager is going to love me!

Once ive got this, ill look to nagging the family to buy me some winter stuff for my birthday (its in September )

Another newbie question, whats a Gilet and what makes them so useful?

 

[rich p]

It's a sleeveless wind top but I've never felt the need for one myself. They're usually overpriced IMHO too.

 

[3-IN-One]

Check E-bay for all your cycling needs m8

 

[Downward]

I got a Jacket from Decathlon for £20 last year. It's a bit too thick and warm for temperatures above say 12 Degrees.
I wore it all over winter with a couple of layers underneath and never felt cold.

Reccommend some Arm Warmers as well as some Leg Warmers. Easy to whip off once you get warmed up.