Initial kitting out

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Sara_H

Sara_H

Guru
Depends on what kind of riding you're doing.
I don't have much cycle specific stuff apart from some altura gel pad shorts (worn when touring) and I have a night vision evo jacket which I'm so impressed with that I got the OH one for Christmas.
 
Superdude

Superdude

Senior Member
Location
Reading - Berkshire
Onthedrops said:
Got the bike, got the helmet and gloves.

Need kit now! :wahhey:

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.
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May sound a bit snobby but you do get what you pay for and there are reasons why castelli and asos kit is sooo expensive. I have managed to invest in some castelli kit and I have to say, it is totally worth it. There is no need to go for the most expensive either, although, I wonder what it would feel like :blink:.
At the same time, nothing wrong with dhb stuff or similarly priced clothing, just don't got for the £6 decathlon shorts or you will regret it.
Also be careful of sites like ebay specially when looking at expensive brands. If it looks too cheap, it will probably be fake.
 
G

geo

Well-Known Member
Location
Liverpool
I would spend what you can afford on a decent pair of bib tights / shorts, after which layer up with reasonable kit (DHB stuff is very good for the money ). In my experience you dont have to spend a small fortune although it is tempting if you can afford the higher end stuff . I have treated myself to a bit of Castelli kit and its top notch I havent managed to reach the heights of Assos yet as its quite simply not justifiable for me to spend that kind of money on cycling kit, however much I'd like too.
 
lulubel

lulubel

Über Member
Location
Malaga, Spain
Onthedrops said:
As an aside.
Is there much, if any difference between cycling jerseys and tights and running tops and tights?
Just been surfing and the running gear is definitely a damned sight cheaper.
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Running gear is good. I've recently discovered More Mile thermal tops, and they're lovely and warm as well as very breathable. Other than that, I usually wear Ronhill tights and tops, with Helly Hansen base layers if needed. (You can usually pick up Helly Hansen on eBay for a reasonable price.) The only cycle specific clothing I wear in winter is padded shorts and gloves.
 
S

surfatwork

Senior Member
I use a pair of Muddyfox padded tights - they are fine and great value. I also got some running tops from there which fit me and wick.
 
steveoo

steveoo

Active Member
Location
Bradford West Yorkshire
Just bear in mind that you will sweat whether your gear cost £20.00 or £200.00.
Some of my gear is from sports direct I just take a spare top to change into.
Better to have two £5.00 tops than one expensive top.but then that's just my choice.
 
kedab

kedab

Veteran
Location
nr cambridge
geo said:
I havent managed to reach the heights of Assos yet as its quite simply not justifiable for me to spend that kind of money on cycling kit, however much I'd like too.
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if you can afford anything assos it's their socks, i've now got 3 or 4 pairs (i forget) and they are an absolute delight for your feet...even though 'early winter socks' etc sound a bit gimmicky assos know what they're doing and your feet will thank you for it...yes they will, they will actually thank you :unsure:
 
OP
OP
Onthedrops

Onthedrops

Veteran
Location
Yorksha
Any opinions guys? Looks ok for the cooler months too.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/ls-jersey-5-breathable-wh-red-id_8216587.html

Alternatively, clocked this one on another site. Confused now???
#mce_temp_url#
 
Eribiste

Eribiste

Careful with that axle Eugene
Location
Eckington, Worcestershire
That Cycle Clothing jersey looks fine to me. I bought a Tenn Outdoors long sleeve jersey via Amazon for the Autumn, and a heavier LS cycle jacket from Aldi for the colder days, neither of which were premium brands or expensive. The combination of the two has given warmth on the colder days and the dark evening rides, but most of the time the Tenn top on its own is working fine. I find the rear pockets very useful, especially if there's one with a zip for the phone/keys/coffee money. All the 'technical cloth' malarkey seems to actually be true, in terms of wicking moisture away and keeping warmth in.
 
lulubel

lulubel

Über Member
Location
Malaga, Spain
Eribiste said:
I find the rear pockets very useful, especially if there's one with a zip for the phone/keys/coffee money.
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I've never put anything hard or sharp in my rear pockets, which was lucky because my lower back was badly bruised after my accident in February, where I was thrown over the car. I don't like to think what might have happened if I'd had my keys in the pocket. I just put food and bits of spare clothing in them.
 
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