Initial kitting out

[Onthedrops]

Got the bike, got the helmet and gloves.

Need kit now!

Initially I was thinking about kitting myself out with Sport Direct type stuff, such as jersey, base layer, bib tights or just tights. (Already have a pair of padded shorts) Would the kit be a good starting point?
Considering buying cheap initially just to get me started. Will look to adding to the collection with more experience.

Last time out I wore the padded shorts and trackies, compression top, footie shirt and micro fleece. A short ride but did keep warm and feel I would have been overwarm had I cycled further.

 

[HovR]

Sports Direct stuff is ok, but not great. I have a pair of SD full length tights/longs which fit ok, although the pad isn't really up to much. I wear some decent shorts over the top of these. I also have a SD jersey which is a really poor fit/cut and the material isn't great, so I wouldn't recommend it.

For budget kit, perhaps try out Decathlon. Haven't tried out their kit myself but others seem to think it's pretty good for the price.

 

[mark st1]

I tried a pair of the Sports Direct Muddy Fox stuff early on and dont rate it at all but just my opinion. For quality and value the DHB stuff from Wiggle seems alot better made and more comfortable. A waterproof jacket would be a must for me especially in the current climate. Again i can only recommend what i have which id the Altura Night Vison jacket not boil in the bag hot comfortable and errr waterproof lol

Really mate the world is your oyster depends what you want to spend

 

[defy-one]

Suprised (Mark) you didn't get on with the cheap muddy fox padded shorts. I have a pair and think they are great
So you see OP , it is a case of trial and error with the cheap stuff.
If you want known quality than DHB kit from Wiggle is the de facto standard.
I dare say i will be buying Dhb shorts when my muddy fox's wear out

 

[biggs682]

trial and error on kit , must admit it will depend on type of riding you do

and what about a couple of spare or back up bikes

 

[sidevalve]

I know I keep saying this but do NOT forget the specs. Your eyes are too vulnerable to risk. If you get cold you can peddle harder, if you get too warm you can stop and cool off, but a sudden pain in the eye can have you off the bike.

 

[Norry1]

Another vote for DHB as good stuff at a good price. Sales are on now so it is a good time to buy.

 

[MattHB]

SD is good if your not sure your going to stick at it.. If you already know you are then there's no point in throwing money away on cheap SD stuff. As others have said, DHB stuff is amazing quality, as good as products far more expensive and will last ages.

Also, if like i did you're expecting weight loss, expect to 'shrink out' of it!

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I use muddy fox tights from Sportsdirect, cheap and cheerful, plus as MattHB said, I am hoping to throw them away in a couple of months when they fall off me.

 

[cyberknight]

Sports Direct stuff is ok, but not great. I have a pair of SD full length tights/longs which fit ok, although the pad isn't really up to much. I wear some decent shorts over the top of these. I also have a SD jersey which is a really poor fit/cut and the material isn't great, so I wouldn't recommend it.

For budget kit, perhaps try out Decathlon. Haven't tried out their kit myself but others seem to think it's pretty good for the price.

+1 for decathlon kit, i find their shorts very comfy and cut to uk sizes and their tops are ok, I looked at the SD kit and found the padding to be very poor.
I tend to get most of my tops off ebay as "retro" kit although second hand its normally still in very good condition and very good quality stuff can be had for less than £5 if you bid right.Most of my arm/leg warmers etc are again ebay buys although new ones.

 

[Peteaud]

SD Waterproof jacket is boil in the bag, their joggers wicking tops are great tho.

Halfords D2b stuff is ok as well.

 

[cyberknight]

Got the bike, got the helmet and gloves.



Last time out I wore the padded shorts and trackies, compression top, footie shirt and micro fleece. A short ride but did keep warm and feel I would have been overwarm had I cycled further.

Trick is to start out a bit cool then you should be alright
It all depends on how warm you want to be and the weather but i avoid fleecy and cotton stuff myself as i find they are to warm and keep the sweat in.
I layer so i can take kit off easily and heres what i had on last week , maybe 4 degrees
long sleeve base layer
long sleeve jersey
shorts
leggings
gilet
overshoes
full finger gloves
buff
I carry a packable wind proof if it starts to really rain or turns really cold but i find i just boil in the bag otherwise .

 

[wisdom]

I use the muddy fox tights and jerseys every day for my commute.Great stuff for the money in my opinion.However i did invest in an altura night vision jacket 4 yrs ago which is top class,and some altura winter cruiser pants for when its really cold.
You really get what you pay for,but i find them up to the job for daily use,for longer rides i do wear my better quality padded shorts,i could not justify the cost of top market gear for a daily commute.(wouldnt be allowed anyway).

 

[Psyclist]

Pear Izumi bib tights IMO. Getting some myself. Although I've heard good of Wiggles DHB brand too.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

The Muddy Fox padded shorts from Sports Direct are great if you like the feeling that you're constantly busting for a whazz while cycling. The waistband appears to be specifically designed to apply high pressure to ones widdle bag. I swear I've added an extra 2mph to my average just because I was keen to get home to the comfort of my own porcelain.

Bibshorts / tights are amazing. I paid £40 for some CycleChat bibshorts and £40 for some Tenns bib tights, both are lovely and I can cycle at a leisurely pace, ignoring 90% of secluded hedges.