Cycling Clothing

ridonkulous

Hi Guys,

I'm fairly new to cycling and I need to pick up some decent gear for when I'm out. I was just wondering which brands are considered the best quality wise when it comes to tops/shorts etc. Also is there a shop in or around Dublin that's generally the best place to go for cycling clothing?

Thanks.

07Lapierre

I like "Santini". ... Not the cheapest but not the most expensive either. I tend to buy in wheelworx in fonthill or online.

Discostuy

I've been using Wiggles own brand stuff (DHB from here wiggle.co.uk ) and would recommend it. It's well put together and reasonably priced too.

I've found the local shops to be a tad dear, but you can sometimes bag some bargains in places like TK Max if you are willing to rummage around.

Also, as pointed out in another thread, Lidl have a sale of bike gear next Monday. I've never used their cycling gear, but their ski gear has held up fine for me.

2 things I would advise:
- For shorts/bibs, get padded.
- Try on before you buy. Online buying can be hard to judge, I found for the Wiggle stuff I had to go a size up to get comfortable fitting gear.

hardCopy

I loaded up on Lidl gear last year as I needed spare kit for a touring holiday, no complaints after a 10 day trip of 50-90km a day.

The softshell jacket is very good as well.

Craig06

I love my castelli gear but it is at the top of the price ranges as cycling gear goes. But as they say you get what you pay for.

marvin80

hardCopy wrote: »

I loaded up on Lidl gear last year as I needed spare kit for a touring holiday, no complaints after a 10 day trip of 50-90km a day.

The softshell jacket is very good as well.

Lidl does the job for me as well. They have cycling gear on sale next Monday (11th March) as well:

http://www.lidl.ie/cps/rde/xchg/SID-55DDDD67-393918AA/lidl_ri_ie/hs.xsl/offerdate.htm?offerdate=29388

topcat291169

ridonkulous wrote: »

Hi Guys,

I'm fairly new to cycling and I need to pick up some decent gear for when I'm out. I was just wondering which brands are considered the best quality wise when it comes to tops/shorts etc. Also is there a shop in or around Dublin that's generally the best place to go for cycling clothing?

Thanks.

I bought Assos last year and find it the best gear I have ever bought. It is one of the more expensive ranges by I feel it is by far the best.

I bought my gear in Harry's bike shop in Clonskeagh. Great selection and friendly staff.

rollingscone

The Lidl stuff is good enough, maybe fork out a bit more for a jacket like something from DHB or Decathlon.

The Lidl softshells are 0% breathable but useful in the cold.

ridonkulous

topcat291169 wrote: »

I bought Assos last year and find it the best gear I have ever bought. It is one of the more expensive ranges by I feel it is by far the best.

I bought my gear in Harry's bike shop in Clonskeagh. Great selection and friendly staff.

I've been into that shop a few times now for different things. The guys are real friendly and seem very knowledgeable too. I didn't really go around looking at the clothing I must admit. I might head in there this weekend and check it out. Thanks.

shaka

Assos stuff is top end but top price and not sure it's worth the premium , had a pair of bib shorts and they were very good though.

Had tatty pair of gist and still love em , pearl Izumi are comfy but weird fit- big guy but I'm medium in last pair. Couple of guys swear by endurance another claim DHB is as good as assos but not sure myself.

Some of lidl aldi stuff is ok but don't find their shorts much cop.

Recommend
Bib shorts.
Jersey.
Cycling shoes
Breathable jacket.
Rain jacket .
Leg warmers.

If your planning n doing any of the tours you will pick up jerseys so you won't need to buy many at the start, grand for training

shaka

Assos stuff is top end but top price and not sure it's worth the premium , had a pair of bib shorts and they were very good though.

Had tatty pair of gist and still love em , pearl Izumi are comfy but weird fit- big guy but I'm medium in last pair. Couple of guys swear by endurance another claim DHB is as good as assos but not sure myself.

Some of lidl aldi stuff is ok but don't find their shorts much cop.

Recommend
Bib shorts.
Jersey.
Cycling shoes
Breathable jacket.
Rain jacket .
Leg warmers.

If your planning n doing any of the tours you will pick up jerseys so you won't need to buy many at the start, grand for training

Plutonium Kun

Just a point about cycle clothing - some brands, especially the Italian and French ones assume you are a whip skinny roadie so it can be hard to get things fitted if you are not. Likewise, some leisure/mtb brands assume a big body (e.g. the NZ online company Groundeffect). So its always good to check out sizing. I've found Endura good for mtb and casual riding, good mid-range prices and well designed. In general I would say buy the best bibs you can afford, and a really good softshell. Good quality mitts are also good as cheap ones don't last long (my last lidl one started to come apart after one wash). For other kit, mid range or Aldi/Lidl is fine.

Tar.Aldarion

marvin80 wrote: »

Lidl does the job for me as well. They have cycling gear on sale next Monday (11th March) as well:

http://www.lidl.ie/cps/rde/xchg/SID-55DDDD67-393918AA/lidl_ri_ie/hs.xsl/offerdate.htm?offerdate=29388

Cheers for that, anybody got more comments on their stuff?

murser

I got a Columbia base layer in Cycleways in Parnell St for 50 e. Not cheap but great to keep you warm and comfortable. I advise visit as many of the big cycle stores as you can. When you have decided on the more expensive gear you want go online to compare price. It could well be cheaper. Be sure to get over covers for the shoes cos if the toes get cold you will feel miserable.

denbatt

Don't forget shoe covers.

Knobbly Tyres

Don't forget about the Skins gear, I've a bib-shorts and jersey from them and find it great. VERY comfortable. Not the cheapest, but if want something that will last and be comfortable on long rides, nothing is.

I've had various Lidl and Aldi bits before as well. Gilet's from Lidl is all I could recommend. The padding in the gloves goes flat after a very short time, my shorts have various tears in them but are fine for off-roading under baggy's now and the material in the jerseys aggravates my skin (I've eczema). That said, if your only doing the odd cycle here and there or do most of your riding in the gym and only hit the road for summer months then the Lidl/Aldi stuff is a winner.

joeKel73

marvin80 wrote: »

Lidl does the job for me as well. They have cycling gear on sale next Monday (11th March) as well:

http://www.lidl.ie/cps/rde/xchg/SID-55DDDD67-393918AA/lidl_ri_ie/hs.xsl/offerdate.htm?offerdate=29388

More cycle gear coming into Lidl next Thursday 18th April;
http://www.lidl.ie/cps/rde/xchg/SID-81C418FB-B4AB0863/lidl_ri_ie/hs.xsl/offerdate.htm?offerdate=30336