Clothing 101- recommendations

dinneenp · 31-03-2020 9:51am #1

Hi,
I've gotten back in the saddle after years of not cycling. Clocked almost 100km in the past 1.5 weeks (which staying within the 2km radius).

without CV I'd go for a 30 min or 1 hour cycle, average speed 21.8km so not sweating loads. When the world gets back to normal I'd like to think I'd build up to 2 or 2.5 hours.

Currently I wear cyclying shorts, an old tracksuit pants, dryfit tshirt & long sleeve soccer jersey (thin) or a tracksuit top & Northface windstopper jacket (light enough) & gloves if gets chilly/windy.

Does one normally just wear a base layer & jacket? (non-winter)
So am looking for recommendations w/o breaking the bank. Links to sites for specific items would be fantastic! For a short 30 min spin mightn't need the gear as much but there's obviously benefits to having the right gear- not getting too hot/cold, comfort, body breathing better etc.

Thanks in advance,
Pa.

CantGetNoSleep · 31-03-2020 11:06am

I'd suggest not going too cheap - I found that I bought a lot when I started cycling but got rid of a lot of it very quickly.

Summer clothing is much easier than winter. A decent pair of bib shorts & a decent base layer (merino wool) would be a good start.

Decathlon is due to open in Dublin soon. Their higher end stuff is great, don't be tempted to go for the cheaper things.

nilhg · 31-03-2020 2:59pm

Galibier will have all you need, top quality at a reasonable price

https://galibier.cc/

Layers are the key for cycling, if you're away from winter a gilet or windcheater jacket that rolls up and goes in your jersey pocket is what you'll get most use from.

Buy a decent shorts and jersey, any technical tee you have will do as a baselayer for summer.

dinneenp · 08-04-2020 2:36pm

Hi again,

Adidas have a 25% off sale- link.

Would you recommend any of their stuff for cycling or better to go with a dedicated cycling manufactur?
ALPHASKIN SPORT LONG TIGHTS
ALPHASKIN GRAPHIC LONG TIGHTS
ALPHASKIN GRAPHIC LONG-SLEEVE TOP

For tights is there any benefit to bib ones or not?
Any recmomendations, prefer not to spend €100 on a pair, like this

Thanks,
Pa.

CantGetNoSleep · 08-04-2020 3:36pm

I would definitely go for bib tights, once you try them you will see the immediate difference in comfort.

I wouldn't go for Adidas - the tights will have no pad which you need for any sort of longer ride. The cut of the tshirt won't be right either - a cycling tshirt will have a lower back for riding in a crouched position, and will have pockets at the back (you will need these for food / spares / a phone etc.)

dinneenp · 08-04-2020 4:06pm

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

I would definitely go for bib tights, once you try them you will see the immediate difference in comfort.

I wouldn't go for Adidas - the tights will have no pad which you need for any sort of longer ride. The cut of the tshirt won't be right either - a cycling tshirt will have a lower back for riding in a crouched position, and will have pockets at the back (you will need these for food / spares / a phone etc.)

Thanks, I just compared Adidas tights vs proper ones and you're 100% correct.
Deacthlon have a decent selection, will look there and elsewhere.

smacl · 10-04-2020 8:28am

nilhg wrote: »

Galibier will have all you need, top quality at a reasonable price

https://galibier.cc/

Layers are the key for cycling, if you're away from winter a gilet or windcheater jacket that rolls up and goes in your jersey pocket is what you'll get most use from.

Buy a decent shorts and jersey, any technical tee you have will do as a baselayer for summer.

Find the DHB aeron range very good at a decent price but always willing to try something different so picked up a pair of Galibier bibs to try them out. Turboing it most days at the moment and find that reverting to regular shorts after using bibs is not nice.

dinneenp · 10-04-2020 9:24am

I'm getting there...

Going to go for these bibs (unless anyone has any other recommendations-

dhb Thermal Bib Tight (€58)

Would a jersey like this be ok, if not, why not?

Main fabric
100.00% Polyester (PES)
Yoke (General)
84.00% Polyester (PES), 16.00% Elasthane

Thanks again,
Pa.

AmberGold · 10-04-2020 9:33am

Jerseys fine, if you're on the thin side it wont be that fitted.

If you like the style and cut it seems good value.

You could team up with arm warmers or a long sleeved base layer for colder days or wear it under jacket with a base layer for winter riding.

Personally its a rare day in Ireland I can ride in a short sleeve jersey.

dinneenp · 10-04-2020 9:56am

AmberGold wrote: »

Jerseys fine, if you're on the thin side it wont be that fitted.

If you like the style and cut it seems good value.

You could team up with arm warmers or a long sleeved base layer for colder days or wear it under jacket with a base layer for winter riding.

Personally its a rare day in Ireland I can ride in a short sleeve jersey.

Thanks, am looking at a long sleeve jersey too. atm either this or this
Again, if anyone has any other recommendations let me know.

One 'issue' with Decathlon is they have items that are sooo cheap, like this short sleeve jersey that I'd be tempted to go for it as a starter but think as it's that cheap it can't be any good.

Cheers again,
Pa.

nilhg · 10-04-2020 10:10am

OP, those bibs should be fine, but they'll likely sit in a press now till November.....

With Decathlon look at the codes, the best stuff is 900/700, 500 is standard quality 300/100 is bargain basement stuff.

The difference is what your expectations are, do you want something that will be comfortable after 6/7 hours in the saddle and last for a long time or will something cheaper do?

dinneenp · 10-04-2020 10:35am

nilhg wrote: »

OP, those bibs should be fine, but they'll likely sit in a press now till November.....

With Decathlon look at the codes, the best stuff is 900/700, 500 is standard quality 300/100 is bargain basement stuff.

The difference is what your expectations are, do you want something that will be comfortable after 6/7 hours in the saddle and last for a long time or will something cheaper do?

Thanks! The word thermal must have been the giveaway....
For me it'd be mainly 1 to 2 hour cycles atm/when the 2km limit is lifted. Currently I wear an old tracksuit pants so just looking for something better. Doesn't need to last a long time, presuming that I keep cycling up may upgrade down the line.

For one without 'thermal' something like this? dhb Aeron FLT Roubaix Bib Tight

Seth Brundle · 10-04-2020 11:19am

Do they need to be full length?
Personally I'd get a decent set of bib shorts (for days like today) and also a set of leg warmers...
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/clearance/leg-warmers?mx01=a&utm_referrer=minicarttest&utm_expid=.ckkRuxI9QieiYxXQHS8d3A.1

smacl · 10-04-2020 11:34am

Seth Brundle wrote: »

Do they need to be full length?
Personally I'd get a decent set of bib shorts (for days like today) and also a set of leg warmers...
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/clearance/leg-warmers?mx01=a&utm_referrer=minicarttest&utm_expid=.ckkRuxI9QieiYxXQHS8d3A.1

Makes a lot of sense, as the combo will work in most weather and the leg warmers fold up very small so you can take them off, put them on mid-ride if needs be. Being a cold blooded type myself, I like the thermal bibs from October-November to Feb-March.

dinneenp · 10-04-2020 11:41am

Seth Brundle wrote: »

Do they need to be full length?
Personally I'd get a decent set of bib shorts (for days like today) and also a set of leg warmers...
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/clearance/leg-warmers?mx01=a&utm_referrer=minicarttest&utm_expid=.ckkRuxI9QieiYxXQHS8d3A.1

Good idea. As you may guess from my posts I have no idea what I want really!
Bib shorts & let warmers do seem to make good sense.

Seth Brundle · 10-04-2020 11:44am

I picked up a set of leg warmers in a Halfords sale for near nothing and they were great through the winter. They'll be great for next winter if not longer.

dinneenp · 11-04-2020 11:10pm

Last question (maybe)- for leg warmers would these be too warm? dhb Merino Leg Warmers

Merino wool was recommended by someone here but not sure if that makes them warmer or just more breathable.

Also looking at these, light leg warmers.

Thanks again.

Seth Brundle · 11-04-2020 11:45pm

It will depend on how long you plan on being out and the conditions.
Read the reviews but they probably are fine.

My cheapo ones kept be going fine on long rides (it was more my feet getting cold after a while!)

nilhg · 11-04-2020 11:56pm

dinneenp wrote: »

Last question (maybe)- for leg warmers would these be too warm? dhb Merino Leg Warmers

Merino wool was recommended by someone here but not sure if that makes them warmer or just more breathable.

Also looking at these, light leg warmers.

Thanks again.

I honestly don't think you'll need longs again till the winter, buy a good pair of shorts, some knee warmers, a good jersey, baselayer it sounds like you have already, a gilet and a pair of armwarmers, and you'll be covered for most weather you'll meet over the summer, if it's cool in the morning put them all on, remove as necessary as the day warms up, they'll all fit in your pockets or up the back of your jersey, you won't be long getting a feel for what's required.

Again, my belief is that the best combination of cost and quality is Galibier but Wiggle/DHB or Decathlon are good options either.

eeeee · 12-04-2020 11:00am

Merino leg and arm warmers are great and will see you through almost all weather with a good pair of bib shorts.
My first winter on the bike I couldn't afford a long sleeve Jersey or bib tights so I wore arm warmers and leg warmers and short sleeves and was fine (with thermal base layers on top cos they were cheap in aldi).
As you go on you'll build up kit but a good short sleeve Jersey and especially good bib shorts will stand you in good stead as you can add or remove layers as you need or figure out what's comfy for you.
Happy pedalling!

brocbrocach · 12-04-2020 11:24am

PlanetX.com has a lot of good value stuff. You could pick up a grand pair of bib shorts for 25 sterling. Not as good quality as galibier or dhb but they'll be spot on for a few hours.
Cyclestore.co.uk also a lot of bargains

deconduo · 12-04-2020 1:35pm

I've been looking a few different bib shorts. Would there be much of a difference between these?

€50 - Decathlon
€60 - Galibier
€65 - DHB Aeron
€80 - Le Col (with strava code)

rcklap · 12-04-2020 1:40pm

I'd rule out the Le Col ones due to them having "Wiggins" stamped on the arse.

I just purchased the Galibiers myself, nice jersey to match too. Never ordered before but read good reviews here.

Jesus I'm no use to you am I?

Seth Brundle · 12-04-2020 1:48pm

Personally I'd probably go for the dhb's simply because there are lots of decent reviews of them on there.
Galiber presumably are good also.
Dunno about the Decathlon ones.
Reckon the Le Col ones are not worth the extra money.
You should also keep an eye on clearance items from CSS and chain reaction cycles - some decent bargains to be found in time.
CSS also give 10% discounts off rrp if you join their (free) membership. They also have free delivery over €35.

eeeee · 12-04-2020 2:11pm

LeCol stuff is really nice and you'll have it years.
I have done dhb stuff and it's ok, it'll get you going but won't last as long.
I haven't used the galibier or decathalon stuff.
I'd spend the most you can afford on shorts, they're the most important part. Jersey and accessories you can trade up over time but you'll be a lot more comfortable in good shorts.
That said there are different kinds of pad(chamois) that suit different kinds of people, so it's a bit trial and error figuring that one out unfortunately!

North of 32 · 12-04-2020 2:13pm

smacl wrote: »

Find the DHB aeron range very good at a decent price but always willing to try something different so picked up a pair of Galibier bibs to try them out. Turboing it most days at the moment and find that reverting to regular shorts after using bibs is not nice.

I am also a big fan of dhb Aeron bib shorts, especially when they're reduced to €60 (which is fairly often). I have 3 pairs now.

For a Spring/Summer base layer I can also recommend the dhb Lightweight Mesh Sleeveless Baseplayer. I have 3 of these as well. Super comfortable, wicks away sweat and they also work well for indoor sessions.

I have Lecol socks (very good) and Lecol leg & arm warmers (really good!).

In general I find dhb great value for money, but I recommend avoiding their ''Blok'' range and ''classic'' jersey range. I found the fit on those items to be very inconsistent. I also do not like dhb socks.

Tony04 · 12-04-2020 2:30pm

Anyone ever tried these Carratti bib shorts for 40£.
They've got good reviews from cycling weekly and road cc but haven't seen any customer reviews.

dinneenp · 12-04-2020 2:31pm

Are Merino items more for winter/colder weather?

eeeee · 12-04-2020 3:01pm

dinneenp wrote: »

Are Merino items more for winter/colder weather?

Yeah, although I wear them spring and autumn as well, they relate temperature.
But it's not not summer gear.

dinneenp · 13-04-2020 11:49am

I can see where this is going....
I had spent years buying photography equiptment- lenses, bodies, tripod etc. Now I have all the gear (or most of) that I want the cycle (no pun intended) with begin with cycling gear.

Jersey, long sleeve jersey, knee warmers, bib shorts to replace my cycling shorts, arm warmers so I don't need long sleeve jersey. Then socks, new bib shorts, better jersey. Then consider changing my bike for a racer

(looking forward to it....)

eeeee · 13-04-2020 11:51am

Yep, that's pretty much it!

ckeego · 13-04-2020 12:10pm

The dhb stuff is very good-the bibs wash well, good pad, fits well-as good as any of the high end brands such as Castelli, Assos, Rapha etc.

Ones to look out for (sales, promos etc) are Enduro Fs260 and also a brand called Chapeau. Chapeau usually have good sales, particularly at Christmas and at the end of the Summer.

Rapha tend to have reasonable sales, but you’d never pay the full price for it-Assos the same, but Cycle Superstore have a huge Assos collection which again, is sometimes on sale.

The 2 best “accessories” to have in the wardrobe in Irish weather (3 if you include good full finger and short gloves!) are a merino neck snood and a good gilet.

As you said, like cameras, there are a multitude of other essentials that you will, as time goes on, convince yourself are, well, essential....

dinneenp · 14-04-2020 12:22am

No such thing as a stupid question but...
why would one use knee warmers instead of leg warmers? If knee warmers are better in the spring / summer how come you don't see people walking around with three-quarter length pants?
If it's a little bit cool don't you want your full leg to be warm, not the lower quarter exposed and get slightly chilled?
Can you take a leg warmers on and off as easily as knee warmers?
Thanks
Pa

brocbrocach · 14-04-2020 12:58am

dinneenp wrote: »

No such thing as a stupid question but...
why would one use knee warmers instead of leg warmers? If knee warmers are better in the spring / summer how come you don't see people walking around with three-quarter length pants?
If it's a little bit cool don't you want your full leg to be warm, not the lower quarter exposed and get slightly chilled?
Can you take a leg warmers on and off as easily as knee warmers?
Thanks
Pa

Only used leg (are they the same?) but can be a pain as they bunch behind your knee ... Legs are usually the warmest part of you as they do all the work, the deep cold can bother peoples knee bones but otherwise legs should be warm enough from March to november. You can buy an intermediate tight that goes down to your calf, threequarters, they mean you don't need separate warmers.
I have to say some of the stuff suggested here is daft for a basic 101 coming into summer.

dinneenp · 14-04-2020 11:23am

brocbrocach wrote: »

Only used leg (are they the same?) but can be a pain as they bunch behind your knee ... Legs are usually the warmest part of you as they do all the work, the deep cold can bother peoples knee bones but otherwise legs should be warm enough from March to november. You can buy an intermediate tight that goes down to your calf, threequarters, they mean you don't need separate warmers.
I have to say some of the stuff suggested here is daft for a basic 101 coming into summer.

Cheers, makes sense.

"I have to say some of the stuff suggested here is daft for a basic 101 coming into summer."
I'm greatful for all the replies. I presume some replies weren't focusing on just summertime, like a 'dog isn't just for Xmas', 'cycling clothes aren't just for summer'.

atm I'm looking at knee warmers (I have cycling shorts but they do annoy me as the padding doesn't seem to sit much to my front. Edinburgh Cycles Revolution (their own brand) bought years ago), a jersey.
After that probably a base layer (currently have Nike dryfit, Puma similar top), short sleeve jersey.

Cheers,
Pa.

dinneenp · 14-04-2020 3:13pm

brocbrocach wrote: »

PlanetX.com has a lot of good value stuff. You could pick up a grand pair of bib shorts for 25 sterling. Not as good quality as galibier or dhb but they'll be spot on for a few hours.
Cyclestore.co.uk also a lot of bargains

Jesus, that Planet X site is extremely cheap! Going to have a good gander throught it tonight.

dinneenp · 15-04-2020 2:30pm

AmberGold wrote: »

Jerseys fine, if you're on the thin side it wont be that fitted.

If you like the style and cut it seems good value.

You could team up with arm warmers or a long sleeved base layer for colder days or wear it under jacket with a base layer for winter riding.

Personally its a rare day in Ireland I can ride in a short sleeve jersey.

So what would you wear out on a not-cold (don't want to say hot as we don't have many of them?...) days?

ckeego · 16-04-2020 9:04pm

dinneenp wrote: »

So what would you wear out on a not-cold (don't want to say hot as we don't have many of them?...) days?

That’s where items like the packable gilet and arm warmers come in handy.

Particularly if you ride early or late in the day in Ireland, even in Summer, layers that are easily removed and packed are essential.

16-04-2020 11:15pm

ckeego wrote: »

That’s where items like the packable gilet and arm warmers come in handy.

Particularly if you ride early or late in the day in Ireland, even in Summer, layers that are easily removed and packed are essential.

This on the arm warmers. I run hot at the best of times and I would have had a sweat on even today with the breeze but for some reason I have zero tolerance for the cold on my arms between my mid biceps and mid forearms ... go figure :rolleyes:

You can easily roll the arm warmers up and down when needed.

dinneenp · 17-04-2020 10:01pm

Cheers for all the advice. I ordered
Arm Warmers
Knee warmers
Short sleeve jersey
Neck smooch yoke
Base layer
Socks (buy 3 items, get cheapest free)
Bottle
Bottle holder
Phone holder

Road bike from. Bike to work scheme is next.

Tony04 · 18-04-2020 7:07pm

This thread is probably the best place to ask this so I'll post it here. I noticed wiggle have a 20€ off 100 offer on clothing. Thing is not all there stuff seems to be the best value out there. Anyone bought/seen some clothing on wiggle that's decent value?
I know there aeron bib shorts are, what else?

dinneenp · 08-05-2020 9:57am

dinneenp wrote: »

Cheers for all the advice. I ordered
Arm Warmers
Knee warmers
Short sleeve jersey
Neck smooch yoke
Base layer
Socks (buy 3 items, get cheapest free)
Bottle
Bottle holder
Phone holder

Road bike from. Bike to work scheme is next.

Just giving an update on my purchases-
- Base layer- not sure how tight they're meant to be. Maybe I could have gone 1 size larger or maybe it's just tight around my belly as, like most middle aged men I have a belly...
Got a cheap one to see what they're like, happy with it.
- Liking the jersey- having pockets at the rear is handy.
- Arm warmers- great yokes, I'd never heard of them before. Got a cheap-as-chips pair (in fact I think free in Planet X, buy 3, get cheapest free offer)
- I had asked re shorts vs. full length- havne't worn my leg warmers yet.

I have an old pair of cycling shorts (Edinburgh Cycles) but find that the padding doesn't pad my bum, which I presume it's meant to. Don't understand why. If I stand up, push the shorts/padding back then they're in place until I move.
So I'm going to buy a pair of bib shorts, someone recommended dhb Aeron bib shorts, a bit more expensive than the dhb classicv bib shorts but worth the price I presume & also better than these?

- smooch- havne't needed to use yet but it's a decent accessory.

For bike, was looking at Canyon Endurace AL 7.0, Giant Contend SL 1, Specialized Allez Elite.

For a gillet, would any of these be any good, some are wind resistent.

Cheers,
Pa.

RugbyLover123 · 08-05-2020 12:28pm

Has anyone ever ordered off Siroko? Looking at getting a pair of cycling glasses on it.

theoneeyedman · 09-05-2020 9:53pm

Hi. Interesting thread.....
Did a bit of cycling 9 or 10 years ago, and doing a little again in recent weeks,and quite enjoying it as a compliment to some roadrunning.
The World of Equipment is a lot different, not looking to do huge distances, but would like to be comfortable on the backside at the same time!

A question - - - Undershorts ; are they useful? Are they good to wear with a pair of normal casual shorts? Apologies if that's a silly question, but sites are unclear. Do you wear them with padded race shorts??

Any recommendations available for a good pair, would like to wear something like a khaki short with pocket rather than the tight race short at times.

CantGetNoSleep · 09-05-2020 10:03pm

I wouldn't go for any of those gilets tbh. The fleece ones could get soaked in sweat and the others look much too warm for what you need cycling.

For the bike, the Canyon will be the best spec for the price and is a great bike, but if you are not sure of what you want / need you might be better off going with one of the others as you'll have the support of a shop to go back to if you have any problems etc.

cletus · 09-05-2020 10:19pm

theoneeyedman wrote: »

Hi. Interesting thread.....
Did a bit of cycling 9 or 10 years ago, and doing a little again in recent weeks,and quite enjoying it as a compliment to some roadrunning.
The World of Equipment is a lot different, not looking to do huge distances, but would like to be comfortable on the backside at the same time!

A question - - - Undershorts ; are they useful? Are they good to wear with a pair of normal casual shorts? Apologies if that's a silly question, but sites are unclear. Do you wear them with padded race shorts??

Any recommendations available for a good pair, would like to wear something like a khaki short with pocket rather than the tight race short at times.

You can get mountain bike shorts that look like combat shorts, but have a built-in tight shorts with pad. Lots of different brands, I have a pair of Boardman's from Halfords, and a pair from Decathlon

Tony04 · 09-05-2020 10:57pm

[quote="dinneenp;113377847"
So I'm going to buy a pair of bib shorts, someone recommended dhb Aeron bib shorts, a bit more expensive than the dhb classicv bib shorts but worth the price I presume & also better than these?
[/quote]

I have dhb aeron absolutely perfect the tribans also have good reviews. Might be worth considering decathlon van rysel or galibier if aeron is at a higher price atm.

Best thing for you to do is join your local club and get yourself kitted out with club gear something that for once isnt usally overpriced.

dinneenp · 15-05-2020 12:12am

smacl wrote: »

Find the DHB aeron range very good at a decent price but always willing to try something different so picked up a pair of Galibier bibs to try them out. Turboing it most days at the moment and find that reverting to regular shorts after using bibs is not nice.

Hi,
Which do you prefer?
I'm looking at
- DHB Classic
- Triban BIB SHORTS WITH POCKET RC500
galibier peloton lightweight bib shorts/

Thanks,
Pa.

smacl · 15-05-2020 8:49am

dinneenp wrote: »

Hi,
Which do you prefer?
I'm looking at
- DHB Classic
- Triban BIB SHORTS WITH POCKET RC500
galibier peloton lightweight bib shorts/

Thanks,
Pa.

I went for the Galibier Pro 5 Liberté rather than the Galibier Peleton, and also have the DHB classic and DHB aeron. I terms of comfort I reckon the Galibier is the best followed by the aeron and then the classic. That said, I'm rotating between all three and a pair of winter aerons for colder mornings at the moment and they're all very comfortable. I'd go aeron over classic if you're going the DHB route, better quality for the few extra quid. While I'm a long time DHB user I'll probably look to Galibier myself for future purchases if their pricing stays competitive.

bbari · 17-05-2020 3:26pm

I see bib shorts being suggested mostly. For a person (me) who is cold blooded and want to be in trousers most of the time, what'd you recommend?

A few years ago when i started cycling, i picked up few items (padded trousers, base layer, long sleeve Jersey etc) from Lidl. I always wore padded trouser with saddle gel cover but i been getting friction burns. I think i shouldn't have use the saddle cover?

Tony04 · 17-05-2020 3:54pm

bbari wrote: »

I see bib shorts being suggested mostly. For a person (me) who is cold blooded and want to be in trousers most of the time, what'd you recommend?

A few years ago when i started cycling, i picked up few items (padded trousers, base layer, long sleeve Jersey etc) from Lidl. I always wore padded trouser with saddle gel cover but i been getting friction burns. I think i shouldn't have use the saddle cover?

If the bib shorts were from lidl the padding probably wasnt the best on them, so that's why you were getting burns. You can get bib tights but they're not nice if you get to hot and sweaty so maybe just have leg warmers and a gilet you can throw in your pocket if you get to warm.

Clothing 101- recommendations

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