Decent starter gear advice

chiloutus

Hi folks,

I'm currently looking for advice on where to buy decent starter gear for a 40 minute commute each day(wetgear, shorts etc.) I have the bike, helmet lock and that craic all got in a bike shop and I figure I paid a premium. But I'd like to get any other accessories elsewhere. I've researched a bit and my options seem to be:

-Lidl/Aldi

-Wiggle

-Decathalon

I've been looking at decathalon but I'm unwilling to pull the trigger until I came here 1st and got some proper advice.

Kevincavan83

chiloutus wrote: »

Hi folks,

I'm currently looking for advice on where to buy decent starter gear for a 40 minute commute each day(wetgear, shorts etc.) I have the bike, helmet lock and that craic all got in a bike shop and I figure I paid a premium. But I'd like to get any other accessories elsewhere. I've researched a bit and my options seem to be:

-Lidl/Aldi

-Wiggle

-Decathalon

I've been looking at decathalon but I'm unwilling to pull the trigger until I came here 1st and got some proper advice.

My first stop was aldi/lidl for a set of bib shorts and jersey, ive had no issue with the and quite comfortable.
Next stop was to wiggle for my pedals and shoes which were a lot cheaper than any i could see around ireland.
My next purchase is a set of bib tights and reflective waterproof, gloves and shoe covers all from wiggle, even with sterling exchange rate still found them cheaper than anywhere in ireland

ted1

of the three (aldi/Lidl.Decathlon) Decathlon would be the best.

Wiggle tends to be branded gear that costs more.

Macy0161

Aldi normally have their winter and waterproof cycling gear the tail end of September. I've used the waterproof over trousers, and overshoes, for a few years on my commute and they've done the job. The trousers are sized big (at least a size up), in my experience albeit over bib tights rather than proper trousers or jeans which they're probably designed for. Also had one of their winter jerseys, which was grand and warm and has only left the wardrobe now it's way too big.

As of now, some of the Aldi and Lidls have specials from a few weeks ago knocking around, but it will be hit and miss. I picked up bib shorts half price a couple of weeks ago for 8.49, but the store I was in only had limited sizes. Was in Greystones over the weekend, and they had gillets, jerseys and gloves from their more recent specials. I think they might've had waterproof (mtb) jackets too.

gambeta_fc

Lidl/Aldi is generally cheap but quality can be hit and miss, have a few items I got great use out of and one or two that got repurposed as dusters/cleaning rags early in their career! For starter gear though you'll not go too far wrong.

You'll get some of the more expensive brands on Wiggle as mentioned above but their own dhb range seems to be well regarded at lower prices. I've only ever bought a base layer and a neck buff thingy to be able to comment too much.

Of the options you posted I find the B'Twin range of gear in Decathlon to be excellent value for money. I bought most of my starter gear in the Belfast store and never had any complaints. It was handy being able to try items for size in store also as cycling gear can vary from what you'd normally buy in regular clothes.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Aldi/Lidl all day tbh.

The bib shorts & tights can but hit and miss, but the distance you're commuting you'll be grand.

I use Lidl gloves, and I've been using a winter pair for the last few years and have found them to be as good as gloves costing many times more.

I can't comment on their shoes & helmets, I've bought mine from a local bike shop.

Example, not the best buy I've ever had but in the last two days I've done almost 150kms wearing Aldi shorts with no problems, ie my arse is grand

wuzziwig

The shorts must be hit and miss from Aldi or maybe it's just that everyone has a different make so different things suit. I normally wear our club Santini brand bib shorts and they are great. I was going out for a spin on Monday and wanted to cover my knees as they can get cold so I wore three quarter length cycling trousers from Aldi. Sweet Jesus the agony. My ass was in bits. It's still really tender to touch today and I would have considered my ass well and truly toughened. I think it was the seams on the Aldi pants that caught me out. They don't lie flat.

Swim, Run, Cycle had a sale on recently and I got shoe covers and gloves for a decent price. It might still be on.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Wuzz I wore the same shorts for the same reason yesterday and today (on a Brooks B17 saddle), I'm grand ~ but then I've a bit of padding on my arse lol

But I've a mate in work who can't wear them for the reason you're sore ~ the seams.

But for commuting I'd say they're fine and worth giving a try.

wuzziwig

I've a bit of natural padding myself! They are probably grand for shorter distances alright. I did around 80k in them. I was doing a lot of standing on the pedals towards the end!

chiloutus

Fantastic advice all of you! It seems I may check out my local aldi and lidl to see if there is anything left! Thanks folks!

chiloutus

Just as an aside for anyone still reading this thread, I was looking out of curiosity on decathlon.co.uk rather than the irish site, as I found the irish site didn't have much stock.

Anything that immediately jumps out at people here?

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/300-waterproof-cycling-overtrousers-black-id_8328693.html

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/300-cycling-shorts-black-red-id_8300808.html

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/500-cycling-gloves-red-id_8327106.html

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/500-high-visibility-waterproof-cycling-jacket-id_8221258.html

UDP

Take a look at aliexpress. I bought all my commuting gear there. About €30/40 for bib shorts/full/three quarter sets with a top or €15-20 for bibs alone. Decent quality - not only knock offs are sold on the website. Size is normally one bigger but there is the risk you get this wrong. Takes about a month to arrive though.

Other stuff that requires more quality e.g. bike parts then go to wiggle/cry/swim run etc.

Macy0161

I am awaiting delivery on some aliexpress gear. I found the sizing as per the guides the last time (my only issue was delivery took so long I'd lost more weight by the time it arrived!)

Lidl have cycling gear coming up http://www.lidl.ie/en/Offers.htm?id=572

saccades

I prefer Aldi gear to Lidl - appears to last longer/better quality.

On-one.co.uk are also pretty good for clothing/commuting gear.

Are you planning to commute in winter?

Winter gear is still pretty cheap now, I've re-supplied winter stuff (overshoes/lobster gloves/thermal bibs/helmet hat etc) and will restock my summer stuff this winter.

I find layers are better than 1 big item - so a compression base layer, cycle top, gilet (I run hot so only use a coat when it's snowy (don't commute by bike when it's icy).

Bloggsie

chiloutus wrote: »

Hi folks,

I'm currently looking for advice on where to buy decent starter gear for a 40 minute commute each day(wetgear, shorts etc.) I have the bike, helmet lock and that craic all got in a bike shop and I figure I paid a premium. But I'd like to get any other accessories elsewhere. I've researched a bit and my options seem to be:

-Lidl/Aldi

-Wiggle

-Decathalon

I've been looking at decathalon but I'm unwilling to pull the trigger until I came here 1st and got some proper advice.

chain reaction are quite goo too