Student Guide to Cycle Clothes

[Moonlight]

After getting hooked on cycling I decided I'd get myself some lycra. Then I took a double take!! £35 for the cheapest pair of lycra shorts in the store... however, in my amazing limitless resourcefulness me and my ego found a way to combat cycle orientated branding.

No more messing around:

Shorts: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....m=160225084902&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=006 (tryed and tested)
Ok, so they look bluddy awful! but, hey, they work great decentish padding, and comfy. Most importantly, they and cheap, suddenly strealine is more affordable.

Jersey: I usually just wear a t-shirt, because I can pull that off great . Most of mine are tight fitting anyhow.
But I do own one Jersey, that isn't sold anymore =[.
Some other options though:
http://www.cycleclothinguk.com/item...Short+Sleeved+Cycling+Jerseys&ItemID=CCUK0678
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/POLARIS-SILIC...rkparms=72:12|39:1|65:12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14


Jacket: I got mine from Aldi for a tenner! So far it's been brilliant, completely waterproof, and has great wind resistance, light weight too! Has been my best buy from Aldi ever...

Shoes: I use my old running shoes, which are lightweight 'Klimakool's' or something simular. Unless you use cleats, just grab some cheap running shoes and you should be fine. http://www.mandmdirect.com/ has to be my fav place for shoes, cheap and decent service.


Aldi, they still have some cycle stuff going if you get down quickish, don't buy the shorts though! the padding on them is pathetic and really messed up.

Hope this has been of assistance to those on a tighter budget! Any questions or criticisms are welcomed =]

EDIT:
The expanded section, entirely compiled from members comments!

The DHB range from Wiggle (www.wiggle.co.uk), this selection of clothing is a good price and good quality, however avoid the overshoes.
(Credit: mikeitup, Tynan)

The Wiggle bargin bin (www.wiggle.co.uk/d/Sale/12/1/1/)
(Credit: SamNichols)

Member hints and tips:

"It's worth always checking the net for sales etc. You can pick up some real bargains" (mikeitup)

"Look out for the Cycle Promotions sports hall sales too. They are hit and miss, but I got a great winter jacket for £5 that is on its 4th or 5th year now." (vince)

"Also, getting CTC membership can't hurt, it's only like £15 for the year, and then you can normally blag discounts." (SamNichols)

 

[Plax]

Agree with the Aldi padding being pathetic. As for running shoes. They are ok until it rains. I speak from bitter experience. My feet were like swimming pools by the time I got home. Being a student I suggest you practice tying plastic bags round your feet!
I got some SPD shoes & overshoes it traumatised me so much!

 

[Moonlight]

Haha, quite. hmm...I may have to do a winter rain version, but probs when it's more seasonal.

 

[bonj2]

Bear in mind when you working out how much money you've saved to subtract the amount you spent on the stuff from aldi that you have found to be shoot.
The money spent on shorts that don't work is pure waste - that's money down the drain. I personally find that the best way of avoiding wasting money in this way is to never go into Aldi.

 

[Moonlight]

I got my money back, so all is good.

 

[mikeitup]

re:

Most of wiggle's DHB stuff is good (especially their Merston Bib longs!).
I have a few jerseys, base layers, gloves and some lycra shorts too. (Their overshoes weren't that good tbh ) All very good value for not much money!
It's worth always checking the net for sales etc. You can pick up some real bargains

 

[vince]

I found that the first things I bought were cycling shorts & gloves as these made a big difference to any ride over 10 or so miles. After that, jersey shoes & cap and then I upgraded and added as my budget allowed. The budget was tight because I spent most of my student loan on my bike!

Some Aldi stuff is great, I have a gilet that cost £6 that is a 3 season favourite. I find that the best bet with Aldi is to wait a couple of days and see what reviews are posted on the forum.

Look out for the Cycle Promotions sports hall sales too. They are hit and miss, but I got a great winter jacket for £5 that is on its 4th or 5th year now.

Last year's kit is also a bargain. I have a pair of Nike Grandfondo shoes that were half price - in two years time who will care if they are the 2007 or 2008 model?

 

[Tynan]

make and effort and shop around and you can pick up good cycle kit very cheaply

dhb is good, and obviously end of line stuff on the various sites

 

[mr Mag00]

trainers waste so much energy squashing the padding and stretching the uppers out of shape

 

[SamNichols]

Wait for the sales too, I've picked up jerseys for a tenner, and my northwave shoes were about £25 in the wiggle bargain bin (and I recommend them highly).

Also, getting CTC membership can't hurt, it's only like £15 for the year, and then you can normally blag discounts.

 

[jashburnham]

Shoes: I use my old running shoes, which are lightweight 'Klimakool's' or something simular. Unless you use cleats, just grab some cheap running shoes and you should be fine. http://www.mandmdirect.com/ has to be my fav place for shoes, cheap and decent service.

I know you're trying to save money, but i highly recommend you invest in a pair of proper cycling shoes and clipless pedals - they really do make the world of difference. Again can be found cheaply:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/dhb_R1_Road_Shoes/5360033177/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Look_Keo_Easy_Pedals/5360036873/

 

[palinurus]

I've somethimes picked up pretty good shorts and jerseys from ebay- normally it's eBay shops getting rid of slow-moving stock (of course in many cases there are pretty good reasons for that; e.g. green'n'pink shorts advertising a Belgian brand of haemarroid cream). Often they'll be on buy it now only.