Where do you shop for kit?

[Sambo24]

Hi all, great forum!

Tomorrow I pick up a Trek 2.3 but I need some gear to wear out whilst riding it. My mountain bike gear wont look that great!

Looking at prices of lycra tops and shorts in my local bike shops the prices seem to be pretty pricey when comparing to online prices.

Do any of you favour any particular online stores or do you stick to your local shops?

Thanks.

 

[vickster]

Online through Evans mostly as I can easily return to local store. Otherwise sigma sport who often have clearance on posher kit especially in the larger sizes I require. Collect+ useful for free and easy returns. Wiggle and crc also offer the service

 

[Globalti]

Wiggle is excellent and their own dhb brand first-class value for money. Go for some 3/4 bib tights at this time of year, Roubaix fleece lined, you won't regret it. They are the most comfortable and flexible item of cycling clothing you'll ever own. Don't go for a gel pad; you need the dhb red pad, which is thinner but stiff enough not to wrinkle.

.....and their female kit model is pretty easy on the eye too...... *cough*

 

[ColinJ]

Wiggle is excellent and their own dhb brand first-class value for money. Go for some 3/4 bib tights at this time of year, Roubaix fleece lined, you won't regret it. They are the most comfortable and flexible item of cycling clothing you'll ever own. Don't go for a gel pad; you need the dhb red pad, which is thinner but stiff enough not to wrinkle.

I like my DHB kit, but I found the sizing a bit small. (Yes, I know that I was fat before I got ill but even XXL felt very tight!) Consider going for a size larger than you normally wear, unless you are a very slim build.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Amazon often, but also local. Relatives usually give me things via Amazon. Mrs GA does a bit of Business there, so it is easier with an account already established.

 

[172traindriver]

This is an idea for you to consider.
Find some kit to try for size e.g. Evans, Cycle Surgery etc.
There are a lot of sales on at the moment so these shops are currently very competitive on price.
If not try the online retailers such as Ribble, CRC, Wiggle and numerous others.
If they are more competitive on price and you have got the correct size order from them at the best price. Most of them offer returns so if the size is wrong return and get the correct size.
The other thing is do the price match with Evans and get it delivered to your home address or local store for free.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Online not a lot of stores carry castelli which is my preferred brand

 

[Peteaud]

LBS for clothing almost all the time as i can try it on.

Parts, etc, then both.

I have 2 LBS that will match online anyway.

 

[Linford]

Need 'Both' as another option

 

[172traindriver]

Online not a lot of stores carry castelli which is my preferred brand

I note some of the usual suspects such as Wiggle, Ribble, CRC and Sigma stock it. I like Northwave kit and again it seems to be those names.
Retailers like Evans and Cycle Surgery don't carry it so you can't get to see it in the flesh so as to speak.

 

[Saluki]

Need 'Both' as another option

So true.
I shop at Evans, Wiggle my LBS (gloves & mitts need trying on to see if the padding is in the right place). I shop for tops at Sports Direct. I have bought shorts, 3/4 length shorts and tights from Aldi and Lidl. Go Outdoors has a reasonable range too. I shop on price and quality. My Aldi 3/4 lengths lasted me over a year & my Lidl long sleeved top is still going strong and it will be 2 years old on the 5th or 6th this month.

 

[Linford]

For stuff which you need to fit to check it is right, then it is a LBS all the time, for stuff like lights, SPD pedals, trip computers etc, then Online.

 

[vickster]

Dhb doesn't fit me, the female kit just doesn't suit me and I don't buy men's stuff now

 

[wisdom]

Same as petaud,
Like to try kit on as so many are different sizes.
Spares etc from lbs. They nearly allways match online prices. Nice to have a chat as well.
My motto is use them or lose them,maybe i'm old fashioned but we are losing too many small shops.

 

[RAYMOND]

Lots of online cycle shops so shop around.
I buy from most of them,too much actually.
Always fitted me as I go for medium.