£60+ to spend on new cycling gear

graeme_s-2

It's my birthday next week and my Mum wants to buy me a present in the region of £60. I could top that up myself for something more expensive, and would probably add in up to another £60 of my own money.

I'm thinking clothing at the moment. I've recently bought a pair of Assos Uno S5 shorts and I'm absolutely blown away by the comfort, fit and build quality. I'm still using a couple of pairs of DHB bibs to commute in, but they're comparatively uncomfortable and falling apart. I've got a number of jerseys, ranging from a couple of decent quality ones (Spuik and Nike) to a few DHB ones which started falling apart almost as soon as I put them on.

Cold weather clothingwise I have a decent wind proof winter top and gloves, and I have dhb longs and 3/4 lengths which have seen better days. I don't have a gillet, arm or leg warmers.

So what must have piece of clothing am I missing, and what brands would you recommend?

GyatsoLa

A light or mid-weight Icebreaker (or similar) pure merino baselayer. Unbeatable comfort from early autumn right through to late spring.

richa

Gilet & arm warmers are an excellent combo to own. Go for these. Might be able to get them both for £60.

graeme_s-2

GyatsoLa wrote:

A light or mid-weight Icebreaker (or similar) pure merino baselayer. Unbeatable comfort from early autumn right through to late spring.

I have a howies merino baselayer, which I should have mentioned. I find I can wear that and my Altura Reflex windproof jacket even really cold weather and keep warm enough.

Iain C

Have you got a lightweight breathable waterproof for fending off those summer showers?

graeme_s-2

Iain C wrote:

Have you got a lightweight breathable waterproof for fending off those summer showers?

Nope. I'm not a massive fan of waterproofs. Every time I look at them I talk myself out of getting one. Whenever I've used one I've found them too hot and sweaty. What waterproofs would people recommend?

GyatsoLa

Groundeffect (www.groundeffect.co.nz) do great value waterproofs, although their sizing is a bit on the big and baggy side.

Swobo do great merino knee warmers, I'm a big fan of them, they feel really snug through the winter. You can get them on stif.co.uk.

And don't forget socks.... a few pairs of Raphas finest will use up that budget!

Iain C

Graeme_S wrote:

Iain C wrote:

Have you got a lightweight breathable waterproof for fending off those summer showers?

Nope. I'm not a massive fan of waterproofs. Every time I look at them I talk myself out of getting one. Whenever I've used one I've found them too hot and sweaty. What waterproofs would people recommend?

Well I just bought a Montane after arriving at Coed y Brenin in a downpour. Typical...paid thorugh the nose for it, driving rain dissapeared 15 minutes later to be replaced by blue sky and sun all weekend! :evil:

I have worn it since though and I have to say it is very good indeed and packs down into a tiny, tiny stuff bag...easily goes in a jersey pocket or clips under your saddle. Nice to have it just in case...and since I bought it the weather's been great!

robbarker

http://www.primera-bournemouth.co.uk/Te ... prodID=319

Jez mon

I would recommend some Defeat cycling socks over Rapha ones.

Also arm warmers, really good for the start/end of rides when it's a bit nippy but not long sleeve weather.

I would avoid spending a lot of money on tops as its best to get expensive shorts and it sounds like you could do with another pair of good shorts.

cougie

I would deffo go down the Gilet and armwarmer route. You can use these on so many occasions. Very handy indeed.

peanut

Whatever you decide to get...........Happy Birthday next week and have a truly great day