Clothing Research - spare me a minute of your time

i heart mtb

Hey,
I'm currently studying Performance Sportswear Design at Falmouth University and am researching cycling clothing for my project.

It would be great if you could tell me what brands you all use and also if you wear a lightweight waterproof jacket which one do you own.

As keen mtb riders is there anything you'd like to see improved with the current selection of garments that are available?

Just some background info about myself:- i've been cycling for around 15yrs now, and have been racing for around 11 yrs nationally and internationally. I basically love bikes more than a good cuppa and a chocolate biscuit. I ride mtb xc and downhill, cyclo-cross, road, bmx freestyle and dirt jumping. I've competed in all kinds of events ranging from the NPS's, World Cups, 12hr and 24hr enduros, bmx freestyle events, DH races and cross races all over the places!

So as you can tell i'm a pretty keen rider, so would love to hear what riding clothing is good for you guys.

Thank you for your time, RIDE ON!

Hazel

supersonic

I use cheapo stuff - as I am not convinced you get your money's worth with some 'cycling specific' brands.

On top football top or a generic wicking top, with waterproof and breathable golf jaclet. A fleece in the middle if cold.

Bottom - Nike Dri Fit tracksuit bottoms, or Matalan shorts wuth trainers.

I would like to see a bigger range of budget kit and not inflated prices just because someone has put a zip under the armpit or sewn a pocket in the back.

geordiefreerider

I wear normal t-shirts socks, I have one meshwickdricoolmax top that my brother bought me for my birthday from halfords which i never wear, a pair of padded polaris freeride shorts from halfords and a pair of kona shorts, but to be honest i agree with sonic, a lot of bike specific stuff can be overated

Theres been quite a few "what do you wear?" threads, may be worth checking out ?

TimesLikeThese

+1 for value for money.
Most of my gear is wicking hiking gear + goretex jacket and all mostly berghaus.
Do use endura cycling lycra shorts tho' - padding on the long rides is essential. Although they are hidden under nike dryfit 3/4 shorts

compo

+1 for special bike stuff overated

there could also be more info about what is best to wear from the shops as I am the author of one of the aforementioned threads (dont know if this is relevent but oh well)

I wear
Top: normal Tshirt
Bottom: Altura summit baggys over padded undershorts (altura/endura?)
Shoes: normal socks and trainers

Coat: just an old normal waterproof coat that is short at the back

Hope thsi helps

Good look at Uni

Bungalow Bill

Top - DH/Free Ride Jersey Current Collection (4*TLD 3*ROYAL *2*FOX*)

I tend not to wear waterproofs even when it's raining but I'm in Cyprus so when it rains it's war rain, back home I tend to wear the same with maybe theramal top under the jersey.


Bottom's - Shorts of various natures from Cycle specific to Next Combats, I use separate liners so mix and match a lot.

Shoes - Etnies as a rule flat and sticky but My v12's stick anything even my face (do not ask)

Daz555

i heart mtb wrote:

As keen mtb riders is there anything you'd like to see improved with the current selection of garments that are available?

Only one thing - PRICE. Cycle-specific clothing is a complete rip-off. As a result I steer well clear as much as humanly possible.

Prices will only come down when people stop swallowing the s*** they are serving.

Anonymous

something missing from cycling, in fact all sports kit is BIG sizes.

i think it is assumed that everyone doing a sport is in good shape and therefore larger sizes arent necessary but this misses out 2 things:

1- some people are just starting out so could well be big and chunky in a bad way. good quality well fitting kit for bigger less physically ideal folk would be a good thing as it will make these folk feel better which has all sorts of positive knock on effects.

2- some people are just big folk. not fat not unfit, just big and there arent many cycling specific comfotable jerseys available for people who wear a size 48 inch suit jacket!

in my case, the strange thing about this is that big cycling jackets fit as they are big enough but for some reason, big jerseys dont cause they arent..

Anonymous

Arms on most sports clothing items are too skinny. I'm no he-man, but I'm certainly no stick-figure.

captainsnappy

Bottoms: Race Face XC shorts over MEC or Sugoi road shorts.

Tops: Anything that wicks moisture and is not cotton. I have some MEC synth shirts and a few older Race Face jerseys.

Jackets: Anything from the Sugoi warehouse sale, my old 1997 Kona wind jacket or my Marmot 1-ply waterproof hiking jacket or an Activa plastic jacket for colder, wetter rides.

Want to see: I have 3 pairs of XC over shorts (Race Face, Roach) that have twin holes where my 'sit bones' contact each side of the saddle. I think the material on the rear of riding shorts needs to be a more durable material as compared to the front or side of the short.

Raymondavalon

Top: Good old baggy as can be cotton Tees or an ice hockey shirt.. baggy, ventilated and light
I have a DHB Goretex water resistant gilet, but I've used it once on a wet ride

Bottoms I do stick with cycling shorts solely for the convenience of the padded liners that fasten to the waist of the shorts by means of press studs.

Joe_Pineapples

Almost all of my gear is made by Endura. I'm not a fanboy, it's just made 30 minutes up the road from me in Livingston.

I use their wicking base layers in long and short sleeved flavours.

My mid layers are of the baggy variety by brands like Fox, Race Face, Shift, etc etc.

I also use a Gill Vortex jacket which, much like my Endura Superlite shorts, is claimed to be waterproof. Well they're about as waterproof as a Tetley teabag!

I'd like to see upper-body clothing designed with hydration packs in mind. All of my biking gear bunches up around the straps of my pack and it wouldn't take a genius of a designer to assume that someone will be wearing one over the top he's just designed.

Cheshley

sheepsteeth wrote:

something missing from cycling, in fact all sports kit is BIG sizes.

i think it is assumed that everyone doing a sport is in good shape and therefore larger sizes arent necessary but this misses out 2 things:

1- some people are just starting out so could well be big and chunky in a bad way. good quality well fitting kit for bigger less physically ideal folk would be a good thing as it will make these folk feel better which has all sorts of positive knock on effects.

2- some people are just big folk. not fat not unfit, just big and there arent many cycling specific comfotable jerseys available for people who wear a size 48 inch suit jacket!

in my case, the strange thing about this is that big cycling jackets fit as they are big enough but for some reason, big jerseys dont cause they arent..

I can't agree with this more, I am one of the 'chunky' people Sheepsteeth is talking about and I'm also 6ft 5. Finding anything suitable for biking in that fits properly has been a right pain in the bum. One manufacturer's XX-Large is another manufacturer's Large. There really needs to be more consistency in the sizing.

angrymeerkat

Hmm.

Well, my gear is usually end-of-line or cheapo stuff I've found, because I don't see the need to spend big money on clothes which get ruined by my lack of ability to stay upright!

I generally wear & replace stuff from Decathlon, every 6 months or so; their wicking Kalenji running vests are my choice for summer riding, likewise with 3/4 cutoff shorts. I have a few pairs of Polaris cycling shorts I wear underneath, and some of Decathlon's own BTwin ones. I have Altura winter gloves and Polaris summer ones; I don't see the point in skimping with something like gloves.

I also picked up a roadie jersey and lycra windproof last time Aldi had bike stuff on sale, which surprisingly have worked really well!

BobbyTrigger

running top (more mile are good - super cheap, lightweight and breathable), pikey shorts from jjb etc, cheap breathable waterproof jacket if its cold and some cheap trainers that have some grip. only thing i spend the cash on is the gloves (fox).

its all generally too expensive for the branded gear imo. £40 for a pair of shorts? she'd skin me alive!

Iain C

For MTBing

Shoes, spesh Tahoe, really comfy
Baggies, Endura Humvee
Unders, Enduras are too small, often wear DHB roadie bibs instead
Gloves, Endura Full Monty (however won't be buying Endura again, it falls apart far too easily)
Jerseys, whatever really, Decathlon do good value
Jacket, I see no point in spending big money on super breathable (got a £100 Montane job scissored off by the paramedics once!). I always wear a camelback so breathability is compromised straightaway and storage is not a problem if you want to take it off. I wear a Gill jacket, I'm a dinghy racer too and their sailing kit is good.

paul.skibum

Hi - I grew up in Falmouth! Good luck with the studies at the uni.

I think as you were talking jackets specifically I will concentrate on that....I have two cycle specific jackets - an Altura Waterproof which is now 6 or 7 years old - bought for a touring trip its warm and waterproof but too heavy for everyday xc riding - has vented flap on back and smallish pit zips but they dont provide enough air flow especially with a rucksack on. Breathes quite well. Reflective tape on arms.

I also have a light weight Raceface shell but its not waterproof at all - more of a windproof and for that its very good - increadibly warming when on, no vents which can make it sticky inside, good fit and finish.

I like a bit of room to maneuver, space for armour if worn, solid materials and to be honest some nice design - I wear quite a lot of raceface gear partly as I am a huge fan of canada so like to support a canadian/BC based brand (I ride a Cove too) but also because I like the designs.

Altura stuffs pretty good quality but not exciting, similar true of Endura. Sombrio is very funky design but feels fragile and to be honest a bit too Youth for me!

jay12

i wear just a t-shirt or a sport shirt which wick sweat away. shorts from matalan (3/4 for cold days) my trainers and a jumper durin colder days. i want prices to improve because all cycling gear is a rip off and you pay loads for pointless innovations which hardly make a difference. for example assos make such expensive clothing that i can't belive how they get it so expensive .http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Brands.aspx?BrandID=876 but i love these though :roll:

blister pus

I just invested in some cycling specific waterproof outers. Altura Attack 3/4 shorts and Altura Nevis Jacket and I can safely say the jacket performs way better than a Berghaus RG1 walking waterproof jacket. The Altura is infinitely more breathable and the side vents do actually work. The shorts are breathable enough and keep you dry - what more can you say, they do their job. Maybe slightly over priced but they are well made and fully adjustable and I don't feel I've been particularly short changed with the purchase. And I'm a tight arse at the moment on unnecessary purchases.

I have a couple of cheap, fast wicking base layers that any walker / runner / active sports bod wears and do me in this humid rainy season we are currently in. I still sweat with short sleeved base layer / WP jacket combo on but with a bit of careful venting it's infinitely better than a t-shirt, Berghaus RG1 jacket.

Outside of the waterproofing I wear non specific cycling clothes - t-shirts, shorts of various lengths and double zip off walking pants.


* If you wanted to clean up with a product. There's a market for a cheap (£20 - £30) very light, waterproof, breathable, small foldaway pac-a-mac. But has to be breathable - all the ones on the market at the moment are boil-in-the-bag - the Millets one for £20 is perfect in a lot of ways, especially price, but you're ringing wet trying it on in the shop, nevermind cycling.

i heart mtb

thanks tons for all your replies, i found them really interesting and will definitely take all your suggestions on board.

I'm tall and have real problems with finding good cycling shorts and jackets that actually fit well, especially in the women's range of clothing. And i agree about clothing being ridiculously expensive, as a scrubby student i can't afford much hence i use everything until it's completely dead!

Thanks again,

Hazel

nonnac85

I use a pair of old DC trainers, shorts from somewhere cheap e.g. tkmax and a football top because it is breathable but as its not cycle specific it wasnt a rip off!
I do have a proper base layer but only because it was bought as a present. I also have a cheap Nike fleece and waterproof from SportsDirect again because they are much cheaper than cycle specific stuff

blister pus

http://www.sportsaver.co.uk/ << he does some half decent deals sometimes, you can catch a bargain if you keep your eyes open. Like I picked up some Ron Hill tracksters for 9 quid - type thing. And there's some cycling gear in there.

bit OT but worth a mention

Steve_F

Trainers - 5 10s
Socks warm/dry - either old socks or trainer socks
Socks wet/cold - Sealskinz
Shorts - Tends to be branded mtb shorts with liners, Fox/Oakley/Kona/Endura
T-shirts - cheap wicking layers from go-outdoors or No Fear t-shirts from sports direct. Fox t-shirts are still too new to wear on the bike!
Jacket - Matalan £8 waterproof/old fleece/aldi jacket/old jumper.

Don't like expensive jackets as they're lucky to last one wet/icy ride without me sliding along the ground in them!

Big Shoes

I wear for offroad MTB - various Primark t-shirts and shorts/combats, Lidl cycling lycra shorts and Lidl cycling socks, Reebok classic trainers

For on road - Lidl cycling shorts/shoes/socks/shirts/sun glasses, Primark shorts.

Trek helmet always

Edit* And a Lidl cycling waterproof jacket for when it rains

onlyonearrow

I agree a lot of cycling specific clothing is overpriced. However I've found it is worthwhile spending more on clothing for 'contact points'. Good quality and fit lycra shorts/inners and gloves can make a big difference on a long ride.

Most of the cycling specific clothes I have have been bought during sale time and have found some good stuff in Aldi or Lidl.

I do a number of other outdoor hobbies, so tend to have wicking layers and waterproofs from those, so can justify the expense by the extent I use the gear. I use a lot of Paramo waterproof gear, which while expensive is very robust and effective. Their Velez waterproof smock is particularly good for bkining, especially when it's cooler.

I'm impressed with smartwool fabrics - especially when used in socks.

I've yet to find lightweight waterproof top that is as breathable as I'd like (i.e. as good as the Paramo Velez).

P-Jay

sheepsteeth wrote:

something missing from cycling, in fact all sports kit is BIG sizes.

i think it is assumed that everyone doing a sport is in good shape and therefore larger sizes arent necessary but this misses out 2 things:

1- some people are just starting out so could well be big and chunky in a bad way. good quality well fitting kit for bigger less physically ideal folk would be a good thing as it will make these folk feel better which has all sorts of positive knock on effects.

2- some people are just big folk. not fat not unfit, just big and there arent many cycling specific comfotable jerseys available for people who wear a size 48 inch suit jacket!

in my case, the strange thing about this is that big cycling jackets fit as they are big enough but for some reason, big jerseys dont cause they arent..

What he said!

Shorts aren't an issue for me, most be some mooosive arsed riders out there, but jerseys forgettaboutit.

I wear Dakine jerseys in XL, they've got a nice cut for my big shoulders and even bigger belly, like a t-shirt, pretty loose and comfy AND they slip over my pressure suit for DH duties no problem.

I like Sombrio Pinner shorts, the fabric is awesome, must be some kinda unusual stuff because it's so stretchy! I've had mine for a year or two now and they're still kicking arse. I've only had one fail on them. Landed a drop a bit too heavy and had a arse/rear wheel interface, burnt a little hole in them, then caught the hole on the nose of my super sharp charge saddle and ripped 'em right open (had undershorts on to save my blushes), but my mate who's a suspiciously good seamstress for a big bloke from the wrong side of the tracks stitched them up and they've been fine!

Bought a load of fox shorts not long ago for a week’s riding holiday. Drawstring waist!!!!!! Total failure, they're ok when they're on, but they take a bloody age to wiggle in and out off them, especially when they're soaking and you really need a piss.

I'd love a couple of sets of TLD DH shorts and jerseys, but I I'm not paying that sorta money for something that just gets trashed every time you use them.

I've owned a pretty cheap rain jacket £50 ish, but rarely wear it riding. Even when it's throwing it down and 3c in Feb it's not warm enough when I get going and once I've warmed up I could do without the restriction. I guess a £200 mega jacket might be different, but I realy don't mind being wet... I get soaked with sweat anyways.

I buy 3 for a tenner Endura socks, they work.

I did spend a £100 on a Sombrio jacket (and that was half price!) but it's far too nice to wear on my bike, ha ha, it's my autum/spring jacket!

Oh and 5.10 shoes.

i heart mtb

PJ you legend, not only did i find your response really useful but it had me in stitches! I think you have a great attitude towards cycling!! Keep up the good work and thanks again for replying to my thread!

RIDE ON...

drummondjhn

i wear by the way so pissed at moment sorry

old shimano MO 57 boots from tiso sale brown

north face trousers from cotswalds sale so light its un reall GREY

gore bike ware long sleeved top tiso sale Yellow

met fifth element helmet blue fav bit of gear

buff to stop sweat in eyes blue

specialized bg gloves blue

Tesco hydration pack

RealMan

spesh bg mtb pro shoes.

endura thermolite or coolmax socks, depending on temperature.

P-Jay wrote:

I buy 3 for a tenner Endura socks, they work.

specialized demo or fox sargeant shorts, usually specialized inners.

specialized base layer, have both the long and short sleeve versions.

Far too many tops. got a few specialized and fox ones, baggy. Also got some more tighter lycra tops for racing and just when I feel like it, plus a more performance fitting fox short sleeve top with a full length zip for the really hot days. Also use my favourite pair of lycra shorts, a pair of trek ones occasionally for racing.

Specialized Eureka Element Jersey for the cold winter rides.

Specialized leg warmers as well

Always carry my lightweight water proof, some altura thing I got free when subscribing to a certain bike magazine. Use it for the properly wet winter riding as well, because I just dont think any jacket is going to keep you dry, so theres no point in me buying another. (although I tend to think different when I'm there)

Specialized bg short fingered gloves

661 descend long finger gloves

specialized air 8 helmet, soon to be replaced.

camalbak mule nv 09

a buff

specialized transition mtb lenses glasses things

oh and of course a specialized team replica long sleeve jersey for night rides when its just not warm enough for short sleeves..


Did I mention I like specialized?

Uncle Peter

I have to admit I have a bit of a thing for technical clothing, although I never pay full price for anything because I think it's too expensive. I get what I want through sales and badgering shop staff. Got a £250 Marmot Jacket for £90 last week because the shop assistant was getting fed up with me...

I generally wear club shirts, good quality cycling shorts with Endura/Gore baggies, I have a club windtex top plus a Gore Windstopper and a Raceface waterproof top. I've just bought some eVent 3/4 shorts and boy are they good.

I do spend an awful lot of money on clothes which I think will make me more comfortable when I out - I always have done for all the sports/activities I take part in.

Nero50

Hi

Being a tall ish girl at 5'9" i too have problems finding tops and jackets to fit properly as i also dont conform to the "standard" female sizings, i have longer body and shorter legs, so i often find that chaper brand clothes are too short when on the bike (i also ride mens bikes ) and end up resorting to the more expensive brands to find a better fit. I find that the altura and endura stuff is good, but the fox tops tend to be short. I also have to up the sizes to allow room for body armour due to tighter fitting of womens styles.

So all in all, longer, baggier, cheaper womens clothing would be great!

Good luck!