Anyone shed some light on the mysterious world of cycling clothes..

[Custom24]

The DHB range at on-line retailer wiggle are probably the best trade off between quality and price. Decathlon also do a decent range of reasonably priced kit.

Personally I'd avoid the really cheap stuff from aldi or sports direct as quality can be variable to say the least.. ...

It's true that the quality can be a bit variable. But it's worth an educated punt given the difference in price. I'm not snobby and I'm only commuting, so no one judges me!

In my experience, Aldi's stuff has all been excellent. I have 4 pairs of their shorts which are still fine after 6 months of day in day out use. I also have 2 pairs of their Winter cycling trousers which are also fine after much use, and a rain jacket likewise. Aldi's Crane stuff all uses YKK zips. Their Summer range should be coming in over the next few weeks, but last year's stuff has lasted so well that I don't really need anything.

Sports direct Muddyfox stuff is also good, although I've only experience of their cycling shirts, not of trousers or shorts.

Lidl stuff is patchy. I have a pair of winter cycling gloves, which are great, and a winter cycling jacket which is also great (although the zips are unbranded, so we'll see). I also have a long sleeve cycling shirt which is fine. Their shorts and trousers I would stay away from. Their lights are not bad (off topic)

I do also own some "proper" cycling clothes and to be honest I don't perceive that much difference in quality from some of the better "cheap" stuff.