Sports Direct????

[nappadang]

having just got my fat backside back in the saddle after a long absence. I noticed that Sports Direct are selling "Muddy Fox" cycling gear. In particular, I was looking at the waterproof outer and the baggy, padded shorts. I'd love to hear people's views on this gear, in particular the items mentioned above. I know Sports Direct have a habit of buying up companies and producing sub standard gear at "knock down" prices, to an unsuspecting public.
I trawled the first 4 pages of this section but couldn't find a similar thread, please forgive me if there is. Just clip me round the ear and point me in the right direction.

Thanks, in advance,


Mick

 

[The Jogger]

Good inexpensive gear and much better than muddy fox.

http://www.tenn-outdoors.co.uk/

 

[Octet]

Muddy Fox cycling tops aren't that bad. I'm still using one I purchased a year or so ago and it looks like new. The only thing I would say is that the colours bleed when washing so be careful if you mix it with other clothing.

I haven't tried any of their other clothes, but I would be wary of padded shorts as I imagine the padding will be very thin and is likely to become useless after a short amount of time. All in all, a semi-decent cheap alternative to some of the more expensive brands.

 

[Snapper88]

I wouldn't bother wasting your money. I have a "waterproof" muddyfox jacket. It isn't!! Another downside is it does not breathe.

I waited two weeks to buy a new waterproof jacket.

Cheap crap

 

[vickster]

Cheap shorts are less good than expensive ones. The pad will be thinner, the shorts less well fitting, they'll wash less well. Muddy Fox is a non brand nowadays. You don't need a waterproof outer unless riding in a deluge daily, cheap ones will probably not be very waterproof anyhow, will be boil in the bag and lycra shorts dry quickly anyhow

I'd spend a bit more and go for DHB from Wiggle or for Decathlon's better shorts

 

[oldfatfool]

Muddy fox/ karrimor lycra shorts are inexpensive and ok for rides 1~2 hours. Been using a couple of pairs on the turbo for the last 18 months and they are still just about servicable.

 

[Julia9054]

Nice tops, rubbish shorts in my experience.

 

[Alembicbassman]

I have some of their Muddyfox Elite series MTB/Urban shorts (£20) and an Elite Series T shirt, OK quality, the standard stuff isn't great Aldi / Lidl is better. Their shoes are junk (straps on most of them wrong way round).

Girls are nice at Meadowhall, but all nip round the back for a fag during breaks - not a very good ad for a sports shop

 

[Duckehhh]

I found the elite bib shorts much better than dhbs bibs. More comfy padding

 

[cyberknight]

Nice tops, rubbish shorts in my experience.

+1
the shorts are cack and for similar money the decathlon entry level one are a lot better quality , the tops are ok and i use two of the long sleeve ones for winter with long sleeve base layers.

 

[downfader]

DHB from wiggle are OK. Have used a pair for about 3 years, pad is still great, shorts are a little worn, now though. Those who complain about the pad... I think it depends on your saddle to a degree.

I'll be honest, I dont like Sports Direct.... an awful shop much publicised recently. I also still remember seeing the bike with a rusty fork fitted backwards in their doorway a couple of years back...

 

[nappadang]

More swift, helpful and friendly advice! This is a really pleasant forum. Thanks for the tenn link, very interesting, though I'm not sure the world is ready for me in tight lycra shorts.
I had no idea Aldi or lidl did bike gear? Is it stocked in store or just on line?
Thanks for your replies.

Mick

 

[cyberknight]

More swift, helpful and friendly advice! This is a really pleasant forum. Thanks for the tenn link, very interesting, though I'm not sure the world is ready for me in tight lycra shorts.
I had no idea Aldi or lidl did bike gear? Is it stocked in store or just on line?
Thanks for your replies.

Mick

TBH i found the tenn shorts as bad as sports direct but maybe it was a one off, way too tight around the thighs even though i went a size up and the pad was woefully thin.
Aldi /lidl have stuff in about 2 times a year so sign up for their email alerts for the weekly specials to get a few days head start as once its gone its gone.
If you do not like lycra maybe look padded shorts with MTB style baggies over the top ?

 

[Herbie]

having just got my fat backside back in the saddle after a long absence. I noticed that Sports Direct are selling "Muddy Fox" cycling gear. In particular, I was looking at the waterproof outer and the baggy, padded shorts. I'd love to hear people's views on this gear, in particular the items mentioned above. I know Sports Direct have a habit of buying up companies and producing sub standard gear at "knock down" prices, to an unsuspecting public.
I trawled the first 4 pages of this section but couldn't find a similar thread, please forgive me if there is. Just clip me round the ear and point me in the right direction.

Thanks, in advance,


Mick

I would highly recommend an Altura Night Vision jacket....if your budget stretches that far...great quality, waterproof and warm

 

[eevvee]

I atree with previous posts tops ok - particularly their MFA range,
Shorts - Aldi are far superior for same price or lower.