Where is the cutoff line for expensive clothing?

[Kevoffthetee]

There is cheap, worth it and then expensive.

I love my Castelli gear but only buy it in the sale and is my preferred brand after trying others such as Endura, altura, sugoi etc.

I've tried budget gear and stand by the idea "buy cheap, try, replace"

 

[GrumpyGregry]

There is a point where the law of diminishing returns kicks in.

And many 'manufacturers' take great windproof breathable and waterproof fabrics and ruin then by adding features. Like iphone pockets.

But the Underpants Rule applies.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

There is cheap, worth it and then expensive.

I love my Castelli gear but only buy it in the sale and is my preferred brand after trying others such as Endura, altura, sugoi etc.

I've tried budget gear and stand by the idea "buy cheap, try, replace"

I fall off so much I'd rather buy cheap than sit on the kerb weeping at the loss of a Goretex jacket

 

[bozmandb9]

i'm after a decent windproof cycling jacket but where's the line between something that is worth paying the money for and then your just paying for the name and how new the particular item is?
Or is it as simple as you get what you pay for? I'm not after a £10 item but when there is some out there for over £200 are they worth it?!

Get a Rapha City Rain Jacket whilst they can be had for £140. I would if I hadn't just bought a Gore Phantom 2.0 convertibles! Or you can buy my Phantom and I'll buy the Rapha!

 

[rideswithmoobs]

I use a Montane Atomic rain/ wind proof jacket. Not a cycling specific rain coat but it's now 3 years+ old, I walk dog in it, take little lad out in it, run in it, graft in garage in it, stuff it in my rucksack & take it over seas to work. You name it and it does it. Best £80 I ever spent on a jacket. Still in A1 condition and many more years to go. Oh yeah I cycle in it too !!!!!

 

[contadino]

I think the cutoff point is when people feel compelled to drop brand names into conversations.

When someone says "My xxx jersey is a great fit" rather than "My red jersey is a great fit" it normally means that they're in doubt as to whether it was money well spent.

As a yardstick, that seems to work in many areas, not just cycle clothing.

 

[huwsparky]

Whilst we're at it. Can anyone recommend a waterproof, breathable, form fitting jacket circa £60?

 

[TeeShot]

Gore soft shell windstoppers do it for me. All bought in the sales. Thousands of miles made much more comfortable, their value goes up each time I wear them.

 

[AndyRM]

Whilst we're at it. Can anyone recommend a waterproof, breathable, form fitting jacket circa £60?

Ha! This sort of reminded me of what I say to clients when I'm freelancing:

Quick
Cheap
Well designed

Pick two.

 

[slowmotion]

Whilst we're at it. Can anyone recommend a waterproof, breathable, form fitting jacket circa £60?

Look at dhb stuff from Wiggle. They are usually quite good value. That said, the zips tend to go long before the fabric does. The second zip on mine went tonight, so I'm not giving them five stars. The same happened with my previous dhb jacket.
Grump.

 

[kiriyama]

Iv worn things from top end to mega cheep and for genral riding I tend to go mid range. Dhb stuff is pretty decent. and looks good.


being natural skinny a lot of the expensive pro stuff fits me very well and usually performs the best, but I can't justify paying that much for all my gear.

I was bought an aldı winter softshell at Christmas's so I don't know how much it was. I'm guessing about £30 it's not a great fit. Would be better on someone with a larger build, but apart from that I can't fault it. Performs just as good as more expensive gear, but admitedly the snobby side of me knows it's not as cool (luckily most of my riding is currently done in the dark!)

 

[Arrowfoot]

My sense is that folks would pay much much more for that one weather proof jacket because of its function, durability and how light they can be. Gloves probably are a close second. This is probably the only wear that most people would exceed their usual budget. Stuff from Aldi, Decathlon etc are absolutely fine and really value for money.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

A pal of mine said it was best not to have too intelligent a dog as people may make unfavourable comparisons with its owner. Somehow that picture brought the phrase back - I know you shouldn't judge on appearances but that is one smart-looking dog.

It is a kinda Boris Johnson dog. Tries to look goofy but secretly plotting to take over the world. I won't trust that canine at all.

 

[steveindenmark]

I dont think there is a financial line if you can afford it. But I do think there is a common sense line. I ride in conditions down to about -10 and have a mixture of Altura and Aldi. I think my most expensive piece of clothing is my Berhaus Pakalite which cost under £100.

You dont have to spend lots of money to keep warm. You will spend a fortune and not stay totally dry and then spend even more, because you wont stay totally dry.

Damp and warm is about the best I have ever got.