Question about shorts, armwarmers ect...

[aJohnson]

Ok, so I have around 35 pounds to spend... Now I can get some DHB bib shorts or I could get some arm warmers along with some other things.

The thing is, I have altura stream shorts, however the padding sticks out a little bit, maybe all shorts will do that because I'm skinny, I don't know.

So I'm wondering, what would play a more important part, arm warmers or some bib shorts?

 

[GilesM]

Go for the bibshorts, arm warmers are fine when racing and you want some sleeves you may decide to take off later, or to wear with a skinsuit if a little cold, but not really needed for normal cycling, just my view of course, but I haven't used arm warmers since I stopped racing.

 

[aJohnson]

Well I'd like to start getting into racing sometime soon. Just curious if bib shorts are alot different to normal lycra shorts.

 

[Globalti]

DHB bib shorts. The 3/4 version are toasty warm in cool weather and the red pad is fantastically comfortable.

 

[akaAndrew]

Just curious if bib shorts are alot different to normal lycra shorts.

Very different imo, fit and comfort is much better. They also hold things in place better. In fact, I reckon bibs are a must for any cyclist.

So, my answer is - bib shorts, then leg warmers, then maybe arm warmers.

 

[GilesM]

Well I'd like to start getting into racing sometime soon. Just curious if bib shorts are alot different to normal lycra shorts.

Much different, much more comfortable.

 

[Scoosh]

Very different imo, fit and comfort is much better. They also hold things in place better. In fact, I reckon bibs are a must for any cyclist.

+1 and most advice is to pay as much as you can for them, as it gets more comfortable the more you pay ! Assos anyone

If you want to try arm-warmers, without breaking the bank, have a look at these from Prendas Ciclismo (the well-known Dorset company ), reviewed by Road Cycling UK. I have some and, while they are not the slimmest of items, they are comfy and do the job I want - which is to keep my arms from getting chilly, even during the summer. I wore them all day on the Selkirk Gore Road Sportive and had no worries (other than the wind and rain ).

 

[Jonathan M]

+1 and most advice is to pay as much as you can for them, as it gets more comfortable the more you pay ! Assos anyone

AGree, £35 is really as cheap as bib shorts will be, if you can add a little more to it then you will get better quality.
I've never had Assos, but have used and liked Campag kit and Giordana stuff can be had at pretty good prices.

 

[addictfreak]

I us DHB bibs, they are spot on!

 

[longers]

Scoosh's link to Prendas Armwarmers is a good one - if you end up choosing armwarmers.

 

[Downward]

Scoosh's link to Prendas Armwarmers is a good one - if you end up choosing armwarmers.

I have these - Ideal for the cool summer mornings (14-17 degree ish)

 

[aJohnson]

Received the shorts today, feel compfy on the first try, I'm just wondering how long down are they meant to go on your legs, they still feel a little short (It's ok for now as I wear Adidas shorts over them).

They are abit loose at the bottom aswell, but that's because my legs aren't beefy.

 

[ColinJ]

I think armwarmers (and legwarmers) are really useful for the UK with its rapid weather changes. It is so easy to whip a pair on or off as required. The alternative of wearing a long-sleeved jersey and/or tights on a cold morning becomes a pain when it warms up later on.

If it is definitely going to be cold I'd wear tights and a long-sleeved jersey and/or jacket.

If it is definitely going to be warm I'd wear bibshorts and a short-sleeved jersey.

If the weather was likely to be changeable I'd go for bibshorts, short-sleeved jersey, armwarmers and legwarmers.

Mind you, the most important thing is to get some comfortable shorts. If your current shorts are comfortable, I wouldn't worry what they look like. If they are not, buy some better ones.

PS Oh, you've already bought some new shorts! Well, er, start saving for the armwarmers and legwarmers - you'll be needing them soon!

 

[aJohnson]

Thanks Colin and yes I am going to start saving for those arm/leg warmers....

The thing is, when I see the shorts go to the top of the knee. However when I put mine on, they are about 4 - 6 inches away from that point, yet they are loose at the bottom due to me being quiet skinny.

 

[Jonathan M]

I think armwarmers (and legwarmers) are really useful for the UK with its rapid weather changes. It is so easy to whip a pair on or off as required. The alternative of wearing a long-sleeved jersey and/or tights on a cold morning becomes a pain when it warms up later on.

If it is definitely going to be cold I'd wear tights and a long-sleeved jersey and/or jacket.

If it is definitely going to be warm I'd wear bibshorts and a short-sleeved jersey.

If the weather was likely to be changeable I'd go for bibshorts, short-sleeved jersey, armwarmers and legwarmers.

Mind you, the most important thing is to get some comfortable shorts. If your current shorts are comfortable, I wouldn't worry what they look like. If they are not, buy some better ones.

PS Oh, you've already bought some new shorts! Well, er, start saving for the armwarmers and legwarmers - you'll be needing them soon!

UK cyclists probably have to have the biggest cycling wardrobe of the cycling world!

Early March, frosty start, wear every layer, by the end of the ride with some early spring sun pockets can be bulging with all the excess layers (& the habitual waterproof LOL!!).

Thats before the fashion side of things creeps in, can't wear lycra on am MTB, etc etc etc