OK girls I need a hand!

[BigonaBianchi]

My sister wants to get into cycling and needs some reasonably good cheap basic cycle clothing.

Shorts
Jersey
Jacket
Base layer

....but needs to be for the ladies...so Im clueless.

Which items would you ladies recommend?

This is for basic road cycling initially until increasd fitness and longer miles arrive...the idea is to get her kitted out cheap and comfy to keep her riding all summer...then winter we'll look at the serious kit.

Ta for any links posted

Boab

 

[marooncat]

When I started cycling I just wore a pair of tracksuit and t shirt and this year, after cycling for three years I have bought my first pair of padded shorts (aldi ones) and wear "running" T shirts instead of normal ones.

Jacket I started off with a cheap running one from JJB or Sports Soccer, not totally rain proof but enough for summer showers.

So not really much help then!!!

 

[Blonde]

I wore Aldi, Lidl and Halfords own brand, socks, mitts, jerseys and base layers which were OK for short rides. However I never got on with cheap shorts at all, so can't help with that one. Lusso brand have always made budget stuff which these days looks a lot better than in the past so you could also try that. I found the Lusso arm warmers always fell down as they only came in two sizes, neither of which fitted me, but as I said, they do seem to have greatly improved their kit recently, from what I've seen in the shops, and it looks like it is better styled and uses more technical fabric, but I don't actually wear budget kit any more, so can't comment on it from recent wearing experience.

 

[Ariadne]

I think it's worth spending on the shorts - the rest can just be any cheap stuff she can pick up from sports shops, but the shorts should be decent. The Edinburgh Bike Coop ones are good, and not too dear. Jackets - yes, the expensive breathable ones are more comfortable but she'll get on fine with something cheap to keep her dry over the summer. That said - it might be cheaper in the long run to buy some decent gear right from the off.

 

[arallsopp]

I think it's worth spending on the shorts - the rest can just be any cheap stuff she can pick up from sports shops, but the shorts should be decent.

Might be a pair up for grabs here.

 

[HJ]

There is lots of ladies cycling at this site, she could get some ideas...

NO it is not anything in appropriate, don't get wrong idea, just follow the link...

 

[pinkkaz]

Here are a couple more girls websites:

http://www.girlsruntoo.co.uk
http://www.minx-girl.com

I usually just wear a pair of 3/4 length leggings (not cycle-specific) which I think are a lot more flattering than shorts and I have a selection of vest tops from h&m (£7 each). I also have a long-sleeved hoodie from Ground Effect which is lovely but not particularly cheap (and shipped from NZ).

I also have a Gore Alpine jacket for rain which I got in a sale from £150 down to £70 - bargain!

Topshop are apparently doing cycle clothing now too - I'm going to check it out tonight!

I think dressing for cycling in the summer is quite easy and she can get herself kitted out cheaply - doesn't have to be cycling-specific stuff. I always find the breeze keeps me cool on the bike, it's when I get off that I start sweating buckets!

 

[Theseus]

I always find the breeze keeps me cool on the bike, it's when I get off that I start sweating buckets!

Please ... men sweat, ladies merely perspire.

 

[pinkkaz]

Please ... men sweat, ladies merely perspire.

I thought we "glowed". I glow a vibrant shade of red.

 

[dellzeqq]

Th Babe swears by Corinne Dennis.

 

[summerdays]

I don't bother with the cycling specific gear for normal cycling apart from the waterproof (I think it is worth getting a cycle specific one for the vents and the fit - and a woman's one too). I recommended Corrine Dennis to a friend based on the comments on here and she has said that their underware solved her problems.

Like Pinkkaz - just shorts or 3/4 lengths at this time of year. If on a longer journey I might wear some Altura or Fox shorts with various tops (some cycling, some running tops). Winter time is when the base layers etc become much more useful.

 

[HJ]

Please ... men sweat, ladies merely perspire.

No ladies glow, gentlemen perspire and horses sweat...

 

[Plax]

Here's a site I occassionally frequent;
http://www.venussports.co.uk/Bike?osCsid=2b7d9c5b10662e9d27ad8bafe594f209

When I started I just used a pair of tracksuit bottoms (or lightweight hiking trousers), my trainers and normal t-shirt (or running top). Also a sports bra. Probably not something you wanted advice on, but even for cycling I'd definitely suggest she wears a decent bra for the additional support (& comfort IMHO).

Now I do have specific cycling clothing, but I really like to wear 3/4 trousers. They aren't cycling specific but the other half picked me up a nice pair from JJB not long after I started and think they are really comfortable and lightweight for cycling in. JJB round here usually have sales on and the other half got me a few weeks ago a Wales football top (bless him, he knows I hate football) in the sale for the bike. It's up for the job as well, and a bright colour to get noticed with.

I can't really comment on the padding aspect as I never really get on with padding, I find it even more uncomfortable than without! I'd suggest perhaps seeing if she can manage without padding, if not, then see if anything padded is suitable (or just get a gel saddle or cover).

Also, not clothing related per se but the Sustrans have put a fabulous booklet together to try and encourage the people to take up cycling. It's called "Free your Bike". The last page is specifically for the ladies. You can get one from here:
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/free-your-bike

 

[Sittingduck]

No ladies glow, gentlemen perspire and horses sweat...

Always knew I was a thoroughbred

 

[Aperitif]

Always knew I was a thoroughbred

I thought it was 'throughbread' SiD...throughbread to the bacon and ketchup, or the chicken and mayo..!