Julia9054
Guru
- Location
- Knaresborough
Never purchased any cycling clothing before...where do I start?
- Thread starter zardoz
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
Shut Up Legs
Down Under Member
@zardoz , as @Heltor Chasca said, get the basic bicycle fit right first, i.e. comfortable contact points, and get used to cycling more. Then you can think about stuff like accessories and clothing.
By the way, I see the above was your first post, so welcome to the CycleChat forum.
Saluki
World class procrastinator
- Location
- ...Norwich over the water.
We started off with padded shorts, when we got back into serious cycling. Much better on the bum. Ours were from Lidl but now I go to Planet X as they have reasonable quality for affordable prices, as do Decathlon. Padded fingerless gloves are a must have for me too. Current ones are a year old and were about £25 and still going strong.
I got things as and when, when I needed them. Your post has reminded me that I can't find my lightweight waterproof that I stuff in a back pocket, just in case.
For jerseys, I tend to go to the back of Norwich market, to the vintage stall and get 80s jerseys for about a tenner each. The back pockets on cycling jerseys are so handy.
No need to spend a fortune. Just remember that some brands of cycling apparel come up a bit small.
I got things as and when, when I needed them. Your post has reminded me that I can't find my lightweight waterproof that I stuff in a back pocket, just in case.
For jerseys, I tend to go to the back of Norwich market, to the vintage stall and get 80s jerseys for about a tenner each. The back pockets on cycling jerseys are so handy.
No need to spend a fortune. Just remember that some brands of cycling apparel come up a bit small.
NorthernDave
Never used Über Member
- Location
- The real Northern Powerhouse
I'd definitely recommend bib shorts over waist shorts.
Decathlon, Planet X and Tenn are brands to look at for reasonably priced stuff to get you started, especially when they have promotions on.
Aldi and Lidl can be good too, but stuff is only available for a short time and the sizing can be a bit varied and I've not been inspired by a lot of their stuff lately.
I find Sports Direct really good for base layers (Sondico compression tops, often on offer), but the other stuff can be hit and miss.
The Found A Bargain thread turns up some exceptional deals too.
Decathlon, Planet X and Tenn are brands to look at for reasonably priced stuff to get you started, especially when they have promotions on.
Aldi and Lidl can be good too, but stuff is only available for a short time and the sizing can be a bit varied and I've not been inspired by a lot of their stuff lately.
I find Sports Direct really good for base layers (Sondico compression tops, often on offer), but the other stuff can be hit and miss.
The Found A Bargain thread turns up some exceptional deals too.
mjr
Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
- Location
- mostly Norfolk, sometimes Somerset
I've now four places to visit on my next Norwich trip! 
Saluki
World class procrastinator
- Location
- ...Norwich over the water.
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
Word of advice if you plan to visit hospital and you need a tetanus jab bib shorts are not a good idea.
hoopdriver
Guru
- Location
- East Sussex
Who plans for something like that?
Reynard
Guru
- Location
- Cambridgeshire, UK
+1 for Decathlon. Their gear is good no-frills stuff.
Suggest that you start with the basics (shorts / tights, jersey, gloves, helmet) and add / upgrade as and when. If you are working at losing weight, then I'd go for Decathlon's basic range - inexpensive but does the job. Though with Decathlon, their sizes can be a bit odd, so do make sure you can try stuff on before buying.
Wicking layers are a must - there is nothing worse than wearing a sopping, sweaty t-shirt. And if you are looking at slightly longer rides, then some kind of saddle or top tube bag to put your gubbins in.
Suggest that you start with the basics (shorts / tights, jersey, gloves, helmet) and add / upgrade as and when. If you are working at losing weight, then I'd go for Decathlon's basic range - inexpensive but does the job. Though with Decathlon, their sizes can be a bit odd, so do make sure you can try stuff on before buying.
Wicking layers are a must - there is nothing worse than wearing a sopping, sweaty t-shirt. And if you are looking at slightly longer rides, then some kind of saddle or top tube bag to put your gubbins in.
mjr
Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
- Location
- mostly Norfolk, sometimes Somerset
It's just as well most people do, else cycle hire schemes would struggle!
nickyboy
Norven Mankey
- Location
- You want hills? We got hills
When I started cycling a few years back I rode for the first few months in whatever clothes I already had. A pair of shorts, t shirt, trainers
Sure, since then I've bought padded shorts, fancy shoes, cycling shirts, baselayers, windproof jackets......but I managed absolutely fine with regular "exercise" clothes I already had
With my cycling gear cycling is more comfortable now, but it wasn't "uncomfortable" before
It is possible to overthink this
Sure, since then I've bought padded shorts, fancy shoes, cycling shirts, baselayers, windproof jackets......but I managed absolutely fine with regular "exercise" clothes I already had
With my cycling gear cycling is more comfortable now, but it wasn't "uncomfortable" before
It is possible to overthink this
Reynard
Guru
- Location
- Cambridgeshire, UK
Same here... When I got back into cycling last year, I started out with a pair of ordinary lycra leggings and a football training top. I used them over the winter as well when layering with cycling gear. I still cycle in lightweight walking shoes as I find cycling shoes aren't comfortable.
