Clothing advice

rob13

Im trying to get some proper stuff for riding, and so have started with a waterproof jacket. Ive got quite a few wicking layers from walking and I also have compression underwear which I have found keeps me warm when its cold and cool when its warm.

I need a pair of shoes (want to go clipless) but a set of pedals and a set of shoes is easily around £100. The LBS has Shimano and Body Geometry shoes in, the cheapest around £60. Is there a cheaper option?


I also need a pair of shorts and the Endura Hummvee 3/4 shorts have caught my eye but the LBS only has small or XL in. Theyre cheaper online so could anyone advise on a medium or large for a 34 waist?

robertpb

Merlin have a deal on with Shimano M520 pedals and MT31 shoes for £49.95 both are good value and good quality.

Wiggles site gives you manufacturers sizing.

omegas

Rob13 wrote:

I also need a pair of shorts and the Endura Hummvee 3/4 shorts have caught my eye but the LBS only has small or XL in. Theyre cheaper online so could anyone advise on a medium or large for a 34 waist?

I am 34 waist and have Endure Hummvee ¾ shorts in large. Good shorts well designed but the quality can be hit and miss as I have a few pairs. The top button on them everyone seems to have problems with and the belt is good for the bin.

The Spiderman

Try some shoes on before buying.Shimano shoes particularly tend to come up a size smaller than you think.

rob13

ill have a look for the MT31 shoes then. I fancied the DHBs on Wiggle as they get good reviews but cant find anywhere that sells them to try them on

The HutcH

I have recently purchased some Endura Humvee 3/4 length shorts. I am usually a medium but i had these in large and they fit fine. They look very good quality and i think thy are good value as you do get a padded under liner as well that clips onto the inside of the shorts. I am going for my first ride with them on today!

stayhigh65

I have a pair of Shimano MT31 shoes which I brought last year as an introduction to clipless and am still using them now. They offer good grip in a variety of conditions, are hard wearing and comfortable. I had also looked at getting a pair of the dhb shoes based on reviews for them (think there only available online from Wiggle) however have opted to stick with the MT31's instead.

littleandy0410

DHB is Wiggle's own brand, so not available anywhere else. You can always send back if they don't fit. I'm fairly sure they cover return P&P too. Check the website.

As for pedals, you can't go wrong with Shimano M520s. I'm sure someone here yesterday said they were available for £16 from somewhere. They're less than £18 on Merlin.

I agree with the shorts sizing - 34" waist = size Large

ETA: Ah, it was your thread I'd seen about SJS selling 520s for £16. P&P is £2.50 though, so unless you're ordering something else, Merlin are cheaper.

dave_hill

Rob13 wrote:

I need a pair of shoes (want to go clipless) but a set of pedals and a set of shoes is easily around £100. The LBS has Shimano and Body Geometry shoes in, the cheapest around £60. Is there a cheaper option?


I also need a pair of shorts and the Endura Hummvee 3/4 shorts have caught my eye but the LBS only has small or XL in. Theyre cheaper online so could anyone advise on a medium or large for a 34 waist?

Nike Kato III are a good shoe if you can find them, and you can pick them up for about £35 if you scout about a bit. But like the Shimanos, they do tend to come up a bit small so try before you buy, if you can.

Personally, I won't compromise on cycling shoes - cheap shoes are a pain (literally) because they rarely fit properly and (figuratively) when they fall apart after three runs out.

As far as shorts go, have a look at the Sombrio Pinners from Wiggle, they're on offer at 50% discount at the moment and they're every bit as good (if not better) than the Humvees.

rob13

thanks for the heads up on those Sombrio's Dave. Im a 34 waist, is a large the right size? I notice they dont have linings in them as theyre freeride shorts

dave_hill

I have a Large and I there was such a thing as a 35 waist I'd have one! They'll be about right with a belt.

No, they don't have a liner but I just wear bib shorts under mine.