Clothing 101- recommendations

triggermortis · 08-09-2020 10:00pm

MrMiata wrote: »

I'm looking for some general suggestions on what clothes I need/should be getting.
I've currently just got a jersey and a set of shorts (not over the shoulder), they're not that comfortable, but maybe that's the saddle or my lack of time in the saddle..
I'm also thinking of getting a better helmet.

What should I be getting?
Cycling is just a hobby for me I don't use it to commute.

I'm thinking:
Waterproof jacket, gloves, overshoes, baselayer, maybe arm and leg warmers.. I'd also like a nicer set of bib shorts down the line too.
Am I missing anything?

If your shorts aren’t comfortable then I’d start there. You don’t have to spend a fortune on shorts, but you don’t want to go too cheap. Dhb and Altura are good brands that won’t break the bank, as well as Galibier. You could get leg warmers or tights without pads to use with your shorts when it gets colder.
Layers are the key for colder weather, so base layers and arm warmers and maybe a gilet will do you well. A waterproof jacket helps, but windproof is quite important, as you’ll never stay dry but you need to stay warm. I find mitts better than gloves for the cold and Planet X have good deals for things like these.
Helmets are a whole topic on their own. I own 4 and can’t say I’m delighted with any of them. It’s a kind of trial and error thing for me and I think I need to try some more.
Aldi and Lidl often have deals for decent gear, especially things like base layers.
Hope this is of use

dinneenp · 08-09-2020 10:48pm

Any recommendations for a Jersey for late autumn & winter please?

keane2097 · 08-09-2020 10:52pm

dinneenp wrote: »

Any recommendations for a Jersey for late autumn & winter please?

It's not budget friendly but the Castelli Perfetto is a serious piece of gear. If you shop around you can sometimes get one around the hundred mark

The base layers are important on the cold days too, the Under Armour cold gear are the ones I have and they are very good.

JMcL · 10-09-2020 12:27pm

dinneenp wrote: »

Any recommendations for a Jersey for late autumn & winter please?

Galibier Mistral foul weather jacket. Excellent piece of kit for the price

dinneenp · 10-09-2020 12:52pm

JMcL wrote: »

Galibier Mistral foul weather jacket. Excellent piece of kit for the price

Thanks.
Been mentioned here a few times, will probably go for that and possibly their Foul Weather Jersey as well.

DelBoy Trotter · 10-09-2020 12:56pm

Thinking of trying out a pair of these, has anybody tried them before? Reviews looks decent. https://www.decathlon.ie/ie_en/spring-autumn-cycling-gloves-500-black-en-s166034.html

AndrewJRenko · 10-09-2020 10:09pm

cletus wrote: »

Looking for a recommendation for a full fingered glove for early spring/late autumn cycling.

I already have a set of winter gloves, so I'm looking for something to take the sting out of the fingertips on an early morning cycle, but that's not padded like a ski glove. I've been looking at MTB gloves, but most of them don't have any gel/padding in the palm, it seems

There were still a few gloves in Lidl Rathfarnham at the weekend from their last batch if you want something cheap and cheerful.

Effects · 14-09-2020 11:30pm

Looking for some advice on Castelli sizing. Can I go by their own sizing chart?
I have a Castelli FONDO jersey in Large, and it's just the right side of snug. Are their shorter armed, lighter jerseys about the same in that case?
I'm also usually a large in most shorts, so do I stick with L in Castelli, or do I need to move up a size?
I'm 6 foot tall, 34/34 waist/leg and about 86kg.

keane2097 · 14-09-2020 11:33pm

Effects wrote: »

Looking for some advice on Castelli sizing. Can I go by their own sizing chart?
I have a Castelli FONDO jersey in Large, and it's just the right side of snug. Are their shorter armed, lighter jerseys about the same in that case?
I'm also usually a large in most shorts, so do I stick with L in Castelli, or do I need to move up a size?
I'm 6 foot tall, 34/34 waist/leg and about 86kg.

Not sure if this will be of any use to you but may be useful for reference for someone else.

I'm 5'7 & 72kg, 32 inch waist. I'm medium in all my Castelli gear - long sleeve, short sleeve, bib shorts & tights. I'd be size small in most things but it the Castelli medium was any smaller I probably wouldn't get into it.

Effects · 14-09-2020 11:38pm

That sounds like I should just go for the large in that case. I'll return it if it doesn't fit. Too late to get stuff delivered here before I head away, so having it delivered to France for when I get there.

lissard · 15-09-2020 10:28am

Get out a measuring tape and check their sizing chart. I'm L for UK brands such as Endura, but XL for Castelli. My club has VeloRevolution gear and I'm XXL for that stuff, same for Santini. In summary there is no common sizing between manufacturers. It's a real pain spending good money for something that is ultimately too small/large - it's worth taking the time to check.

https://www.castelli-cycling.com/us/customer-service/size-chart
https://www.endurasport.com/support/sizing/

Blanchy90 · 15-09-2020 11:42am

Does any brand do clothes for tall people? I'm 6 foot 4 and going by size charts for most brands id need 2-4xl which will be way too big everywhere but the length. I have a couple of xl jerseys from decathalon and they are too short at the back and keep riding up

Effects · 15-09-2020 2:20pm

lissard wrote: »

Get out a measuring tape and check their sizing chart. I'm L for UK brands such as Endura, but XL for Castelli.
https://www.castelli-cycling.com/us/customer-service/size-chart
https://www.endurasport.com/support/sizing/

I did check their charts, and I do seem to fall into the large. But then it might still be tight. I've placed the order so I'll see what it's like when I arrive. I'll have other gear with me, but just wanted spares as I hope to get out every day.

Trent Houseboat · 16-09-2020 3:18pm

Hi, i've a quick question about shoes. I don't know what shoes I should be wearing and anytime I look up cycling shoes all I find are the clip in type. I recently started commuting one way on a cheap hybrid I've had for years and whatever cheap plastic pedals are on it do now need clips. A couple of times my toes have gone numb on one foot an hour into my commute and I have't been able to wash the smell of dirty muddy road water out of one pair of shoes. Any ideas?

lissard · 16-09-2020 4:46pm

I recommend MTB shoes for ommuting. SPD pedals tend ot be double sided so they are dead easy to clip into. MTB shoes have a recessed cleat so you can walk in the shoes - road shoes don't allow this. Here are a few suggestions:

Pedals:
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-m520-pedals

Shoes:
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-mt3-mt301-touring-shoes
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-me2-spd-mountain-bike-shoes

theunforgiven · 18-09-2020 2:17pm

I'm looking to get some new gear for winter and and am wondering anyone can let me know the fit on the Galibier and Velo revolution clothing.
I'm thinking race/italian sizing but would like to know from anyone that has bought/used it.

Thanks,

JMcL · 21-09-2020 12:05pm

theunforgiven wrote: »

I'm looking to get some new gear for winter and and am wondering anyone can let me know the fit on the Galibier and Velo revolution clothing.
I'm thinking race/italian sizing but would like to know from anyone that has bought/used it.

Thanks,

Galibier's sizing isn't Italian silly - their size guide on the website is by and large on the button. The Mistral foul weather jacket for example is snug on me but not tight which is exactly as per the size guide

Macy0161 · 21-09-2020 12:07pm

Galibier do have some race fit, but it's always called out. Just go by the sizing charts. Actually, I've found that with all brands (and aliexpress) that if you go on the items sizing it's rare to go wrong.

theunforgiven · 21-09-2020 12:08pm

JMcL wrote: »

Galibier's sizing isn't Italian silly - their size guide on the website is by and large on the button. The Mistral foul weather jacket for example is snug on me but not tight which is exactly as per the size guide

Hi,
Thanks for this, appreciated, big help.

dinneenp · 21-09-2020 4:02pm

theunforgiven wrote: »

I'm looking to get some new gear for winter and and am wondering anyone can let me know the fit on the Galibier and Velo revolution clothing.
I'm thinking race/italian sizing but would like to know from anyone that has bought/used it.

Thanks,

I bought a gillet from them- went with L or XL (can't remember which)based on their sizing. I'm 6 foot, average build. Sent it back and got XXL and they refunded my postage for sending it back!

Great customer support from them, been mentioned several times here before.
Patrick.

seaviewphotos · 23-09-2020 11:59am

I'm thinking I might invest in a decent warm Gilet for the winter, I run hot so I find the Gilet better than a full winter jacket. I already have the Castelli long sleeve Perfetto which I really like for very cold days. I'm thinking I might go for the Perfetto ROS Vest, anyone have any experience with this Gilet?

dinneenp · 23-09-2020 11:22pm

I posted earlier saying wouldn't get gloves atm. I taken it back;short spin at 7.30 this evening and hands were nippy...

Macy0161 · 24-09-2020 10:00am

seaviewphotos wrote: »

I'm thinking I might invest in a decent warm Gilet for the winter, I run hot so I find the Gilet better than a full winter jacket. I already have the Castelli long sleeve Perfetto which I really like for very cold days. I'm thinking I might go for the Perfetto ROS Vest, anyone have any experience with this Gilet?

Not sure it's ROS, but I have a Perfetto a few years at this stage and I'm happy with it anyway? I don't really know what to say, it's castelli, the quality is good, as expected.

I have an original Galibier mistral lite (when it had sleeves) which is a bit more water resistant that probably gets more use on changeable days. Think they have that as a gilet as it's current iteration.

seaviewphotos · 24-09-2020 1:28pm

Macy0161 wrote: »

Not sure it's ROS, but I have a Perfetto a few years at this stage and I'm happy with it anyway? I don't really know what to say, it's castelli, the quality is good, as expected.

I have an original Galibier mistral lite (when it had sleeves) which is a bit more water resistant that probably gets more use on changeable days. Think they have that as a gilet as it's current iteration.

Thanks for your advice, I had a look st the Galibier website and ended up buying a Zoncolan Foul Weather Gilet. Bought medium so hopefully it won't be too tight.

Effects · 25-09-2020 2:50pm

lissard wrote: »

Get out a measuring tape and check their sizing chart. I'm L for UK brands such as Endura, but XL for Castelli. In summary there is no common sizing between manufacturers. It's a real pain spending good money for something that is ultimately too small/large - it's worth taking the time to check.

https://www.castelli-cycling.com/us/customer-service/size-chart
https://www.endurasport.com/support/sizing/

The L was way too small. They don't have XL, so I'm considering XXL. A lot of wasted shipping charges if they don't fit though!

lissard · 25-09-2020 2:57pm

Just one thing to watch out for: even within the Castelli range fit can vary a bit. I have a Gabba top and a Perfetto ROS both sized XL. The Gabba fits perfectly the Perfetto is just a bit too small! Really annoying - I'd need a XXL for the newer stuff.

Effects · 25-09-2020 3:06pm

I'm going for the XXL, and if it doesn't fit I'll just send them back. Not too many days left for cycling in shorts this year anyway!

dinneenp · 26-09-2020 3:50pm

Right, the weather has definitely changed, was a fair bit colder the other day on a spin.
So looking for long sleeve jersey recommendations; Galibier Roubaix jersey/ looks good & Galibier are highly recommended here. Would ye recommend that or something else?

I saw that Aldi have one for a tenner......

Cheers,
Pa.

danoriordan1402 · 26-09-2020 5:03pm

Any good recommendations for shoes ( flats) for a gravel bike. Need pedals to suit as well

.red. · 27-09-2020 8:34pm

I've a galibier bib shorts that are very comfy, but they're shorts and I want to keep going thru the winter when it's dry. In the rain I'd rather just go for a walk so won't need anything waterproof.
Are a pair of tights OK to put on over them or would I be better off buying something similar but with full length legs?
I got a pair in Aldi today and the pad is like sandpaper compared to the galibier one.

nilhg · 27-09-2020 8:45pm

dinneenp wrote: »

Right, the weather has definitely changed, was a fair bit colder the other day on a spin.
So looking for long sleeve jersey recommendations; Galibier Roubaix jersey/ looks good & Galibier are highly recommended here. Would ye recommend that or something else?

I saw that Aldi have one for a tenner......

Cheers,
Pa.

I have one, lovely bit of kit.

With any jersey like that you need to be prepared to mix and match what you wear with it, and need to be able to change as conditions change, it can be very chilly in the mornings but extremely pleasant 3 hours later, so you might start off with a gilet or light rain jacket on over the jersey (or even both if it's cold enough) and finish with your pockets full of gear.

nilhg · 27-09-2020 8:49pm

.red. wrote: »

I've a galibier bib shorts that are very comfy, but they're shorts and I want to keep going thru the winter when it's dry. In the rain I'd rather just go for a walk so won't need anything waterproof.
Are a pair of tights OK to put on over them or would I be better off buying something similar but with full length legs?
I got a pair in Aldi today and the pad is like sandpaper compared to the galibier one.

You can get full length tights that go over your bib shorts but it needs to be pretty cold for them, I'd say go for a set with a pad built in.

If you're not intending to do much over the winter and avoid the worst of the weather you might get away with a pair of leg warmers

https://galibier.cc/product/ardennnestleg/

JMcL · 28-09-2020 8:40am

nilhg wrote: »

You can get full length tights that go over your bib shorts but it needs to be pretty cold for them, I'd say go for a set with a pad built in.

The DHB Aeron tights are very good and have been my goto for the past few years. Good deals to be had on them occasionally

nilhg wrote: »

If you're not intending to do much over the winter and avoid the worst of the weather you might get away with a pair of leg warmers

https://galibier.cc/product/ardennnestleg/

I haven't had much joy with leg warmers. I've had a couple of pairs of Decathlon leg warmers over the years and neither have gripped properly.There's nothing worse that a chilly commute home in the dark in sheeting rain and feeling the knife edge of wind at mid thigh. I'm willing to believe the Decathlon ones aren't great (the silicon gripper at the top isn't the most inspiring lookin), but do others suffer the same problem?

Thargor · 28-09-2020 8:44am

Is there any overshoes or cover I could pull over a pair of runners when it's raining for a quick 5k commute? The neoprene ones for cycling shoes don't really fit properly...

keane2097 · 28-09-2020 11:12am

Thargor wrote: »

Is there any overshoes or cover I could pull over a pair of runners when it's raining for a quick 5k commute? The neoprene ones for cycling shoes don't really fit properly...

Good question, this is something I could also do with.

nilhg · 28-09-2020 1:06pm

JMcL wrote: »

I haven't had much joy with leg warmers. I've had a couple of pairs of Decathlon leg warmers over the years and neither have gripped properly.There's nothing worse that a chilly commute home in the dark in sheeting rain and feeling the knife edge of wind at mid thigh. I'm willing to believe the Decathlon ones aren't great (the silicon gripper at the top isn't the most inspiring lookin), but do others suffer the same problem?

I don't tend to use full leg warmers that much, the progression for me is usually shorts/shorts + kneewarmers/full tights, I have to say that I've have very little trouble with the kneewarmers (bicycleline ones) slipping but it does happen occasionally. If the shorts have decent grippers it's a great help.

I've had a few pairs of 3/4 length shorts, currently have a pair of Endura F260s, have to say that they're a great bit of kit

dinneenp · 28-09-2020 1:06pm

Jesus, who knew that getting dressed for a sport could be so complicated!!??

Macy0161 · 28-09-2020 1:33pm

JMcL wrote: »

I haven't had much joy with leg warmers. I've had a couple of pairs of Decathlon leg warmers over the years and neither have gripped properly.There's nothing worse that a chilly commute home in the dark in sheeting rain and feeling the knife edge of wind at mid thigh. I'm willing to believe the Decathlon ones aren't great (the silicon gripper at the top isn't the most inspiring lookin), but do others suffer the same problem?

Never had a problem with leg warmers - I always have them under the short leg grippers.

I only tend to use them for the cold morning commutes where it'll be shorts for the way home, which ain't happening for the foreseeable anyway.

I used to use knee warmers, but have Galibier Equipe 3/4's for this autumn/ winter/ spring. Galibier Mistral Tights are my go to winter spin bottoms. Both have got a run already - the tights on Saturday!

Weepsie · 28-09-2020 2:15pm

Thargor wrote: »

Is there any overshoes or cover I could pull over a pair of runners when it's raining for a quick 5k commute? The neoprene ones for cycling shoes don't really fit properly...

If you can find them Anywhere, Alrura Night vision city overshoe. Don't think they're made anymore, but some places might still have stock.

I've a pair somewhere

Weepsie · 28-09-2020 2:17pm

Also on bibs, the top end decathlon tights are great, other than the midriff part could probably come up a bit more.

I've the santini aquavega or H20 ones too (change name every few years) and they're super comfy

devonp · 28-09-2020 2:38pm

.red. wrote: »

I've a galibier bib shorts that are very comfy, but they're shorts and I want to keep going thru the winter when it's dry. In the rain I'd rather just go for a walk so won't need anything waterproof.
Are a pair of tights OK to put on over them or would I be better off buying something similar but with full length legs?
I got a pair in Aldi today and the pad is like sandpaper compared to the galibier one.

have the above too and i use these waist tights from Castelli without a pad over the bib shorts , def on the small side size wise, i'm usually S/M dependening on brand but went with L , 175cm 69kg and they're snug but good, not waterproof by any means
was able to try them on and buy them at the shop near the airport

https://www.cycletribe.ie/castelli-velocissimo-4-tights.html

.red. · 28-09-2020 5:14pm

devonp wrote: »

have the above too and i use these waist tights from Castelli without a pad over the bib shorts , def on the small side size wise, i'm usually S/M dependening on brand but went with L , 175cm 69kg and they're snug but good, not waterproof by any means
was able to try them on and buy them at the shop near the airport

https://www.cycletribe.ie/castelli-velocissimo-4-tights.html

Thanks, I emailed Galibier and they replied saying their Energie Thermo bib tights would be a very similar fit to the Peloton ones I already have, and also have the same pad.
They're close to €90 delivered which is more than I wanted to spend but might be worth it knowing I already like the Peloton.

MangleBadger · 06-10-2020 9:02am

So I guess it’s time to pick up some cold weather gear. This will be my first winter cycling that’s not purely for a commute. I’d like to get some gear this month, and then another bit with my next pay cheque. Looking at the following...
1. Winter bib tights (I have 3/4 length currently)
2. Windproof warm jersey
3. Waterproof jacket (probably Galibier mistral)
4. Gilet maybe

Not sure how keen I am on arm warmers leg warmers.
What do you think I should prioritise out of that list?

CantGetNoSleep · 06-10-2020 9:38am

I find that I can get by with summer bib shorts and leg warmers in a lot of weather (just not too cold or too wet). If you check the big thread in the Cycling Adverts Forum, there were Castelli NanoFlex leg and arm warmers for a great price

dinneenp · 06-10-2020 8:58pm

MangleBadger wrote: »

So I guess it’s time to pick up some cold weather gear. This will be my first winter cycling that’s not purely for a commute. I’d like to get some gear this month, and then another bit with my next pay cheque. Looking at the following...
1. Winter bib tights (I have 3/4 length currently)
2. Windproof warm jersey
3. Waterproof jacket (probably Galibier mistral)
4. Gilet maybe

Not sure how keen I am on arm warmers leg warmers.
What do you think I should prioritise out of that list?

I'm in the same boat-
1. long jersey (thinking of galibier ROUBAIX LONG SLEEVE JERSEY)
2. Waterproof jacket (possibly Galibier mistral foul weather, if could get something less expensive would prefer it as I'm thinking I'd use the long sleeve jersey more)
3. long sleeve base layer
4. hat to go under helmet (have a snood atm)
5. gloves (I have a pair of non-cycling gloves atm).

I already have a gilet (Galibier of course) and find it great- it this current weather I wear it over a Munster 'training top/like a tracksuit top but better'

In preference am thinking of going for 1, 3, 4 then 4, 2 and 5.Logic-
I haven't cycled that much in rain yet, am working from home so if weather is very wet won't go out. therefore would get more use out of a long jersey (with gilet & long sleeve base layer if v cold).
hat would be cheap I think so why not get it not, the snood is doing the job but no harm in having head and neck coverage.

If I'm getting wet/out in the rain much could then get the Galibier mistral foul weather and wear that instead of the long sleeve jersey. Or just get an inexpensive, very light waterproof to go over the long sleeve jersey......

For you, I'd go with:
Gilet- versatile
Windproof warm jersey- ideal if not wet
winter bib tights (if very cold. Or could jet get leg warmers)
waterproof jacket

I could be 100% wrong, I'm just trying to figure it out myself as well....

Cheers,
Pa.

MangleBadger · 06-10-2020 9:08pm

dinneenp wrote: »

I'm in the same boat-
1. long jersey (thinking of galibier ROUBAIX LONG SLEEVE JERSEY)
2. Waterproof jacket (possibly Galibier mistral foul weather, if could get something less expensive would prefer it as I'm thinking I'd use the long sleeve jersey more)
3. long sleeve base layer
4. hat to go under helmet (have a snood atm)
5. gloves (I have a pair of non-cycling gloves atm).

I already have a gilet (Galibier of course) and find it great- it this current weather I wear it over a Munster 'training top/like a tracksuit top but better'

In preference am thinking of going for 1, 3, 4 then 4, 2 and 5.Logic-
I haven't cycled that much in rain yet, am working from home so if weather is very wet won't go out. therefore would get more use out of a long jersey (with gilet & long sleeve base layer if v cold).
hat would be cheap I think so why not get it not, the snood is doing the job but no harm in having head and neck coverage.

If I'm getting wet/out in the rain much could then get the Galibier mistral foul weather and wear that instead of the long sleeve jersey. Or just get an inexpensive, very light waterproof to go over the long sleeve jersey......

For you, I'd go with:
Gilet- versatile
Windproof warm jersey- ideal if not wet
winter bib tights (if very cold. Or could jet get leg warmers)
waterproof jacket

I could be 100% wrong, I'm just trying to figure it out myself as well....

Cheers,
Pa.

Very similar decision making process to you. I picked up a long sleeve base layer in decathlon earlier this week.
And have ordered this jersey https://www.northwave.com/ch-CH-en/products/NORTHWAVE-JACKETS-EXTREME-H20-WMN-JACKET-BLACK-L_249076001.aspx
Which seems hallways between a jersey and a jacket and should hopefully see me through until it gets properly cold.

Eamonnator · 06-10-2020 9:27pm

.red. wrote: »

Thanks, I emailed Galibier and they replied saying their Energie Thermo bib tights would be a very similar fit to the Peloton ones I already have, and also have the same pad.
They're close to €90 delivered which is more than I wanted to spend but might be worth it knowing I already like the Peloton.

I bought a pair of these last week, great value.
I have worn them twice or three times.
They are a great fit and the pad is very comfortable.
And I got a free buff (snood) included in the packet.

dinneenp · 07-10-2020 7:39am

From Galibier-
today at 10 degrees and dry i wore long sleeve base layer and gino jacket .
tomorrow with an 7 degree start i will have the mistral jacket on even thou it is dry - it is an all round training garment up to 14 degrees .
below 4 degrees i add a jersey or gilet to take it below freezing .
the roubaix will be good for easier days but isn’t wind proof- which strips the heat

CantGetNoSleep · 07-10-2020 7:43am

Does anyone know the difference between the Energie Thermo and Mistral bib tights from Galibier? Not sure which to go for - or any other long bib tights I should be looking at in a similar price range?

dinneenp · 07-10-2020 8:00am

Hi (yet again),

Any recommendations for a long sleeve base layer please?
Galibier have one for €29- link, Decathlon have a few, from v cheap to Galibier price, Helly Hansen more expensive.

Cheers,
Pa.

Clothing 101- recommendations

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