Thread to tell everyone what bargains you've spotted!

daniel_b

I had very high hopes for the above bibtights and shorts.

All started positively, the shorts felt like a nice thickish wind blocker type of material, straps can often be an issue for me, but these were the right level of tightness, as they often tend to be too loose.
Good grippers on the legs as well.
Pad felt good quality and sat in place as well.

The issue was that despite choosing small, the material around the thigh area was rumpling up, and I guess would rub/catch on the saddle, and damage either the saddle and or the shorts - gutted.

For anyone with bigger thighs than I, probably most people, these would make (in my opinion) a really good pair of thermal shorts, especially for £41!
They are not Castelli Omloop quality, but then they are likely 40% of the price.

The tights started out well, but the achilles heel if you'll pardon the phrase, was the foot loops.
I've had other tights in the past with foot loops, and they are snug, but fine and elastic enough to get them over the foot, and then the main leg bit behind the ankle.
These were SO tight, I thought i was going to bust the material - I can only assume they have stitched them wrong, or because I had to order small but have size 44 feet, it's just not designed to work :-(

I did look at the possibility of cutting them, but my sewing skills are not up to much, and I don't see them lasting for long in that situation, so they are all going back.

pblakeney

daniel_b said:

The tights started out well, but the achilles heel if you'll pardon the phrase, was the foot loops.
I've had other tights in the past with foot loops, and they are snug, but fine and elastic enough to get them over the foot, and then the main leg bit behind the ankle.
These were SO tight, I thought i was going to bust the material - I can only assume they have stitched them wrong, or because I had to order small but have size 44 feet, it's just not designed to work :-(

Did you try pulling them on so the heel loop is behind your heel before pulling down?
Seems too obvious a question. 🤔

daniel_b

pblakeney said:

daniel_b said:

The tights started out well, but the achilles heel if you'll pardon the phrase, was the foot loops.
I've had other tights in the past with foot loops, and they are snug, but fine and elastic enough to get them over the foot, and then the main leg bit behind the ankle.
These were SO tight, I thought i was going to bust the material - I can only assume they have stitched them wrong, or because I had to order small but have size 44 feet, it's just not designed to work :-(

Did you try pulling them on so the heel loop is behind your heel before pulling down?
Seems too obvious a question. 🤔

I did, and it was just about manageable, but SO tight, and bugger all stretch, weird as others I have used before have been super stretchy.

I've decided though I can make it through this winter at least, I have a couple of pairs of thermal bib shorts (Plus some leg warmers), and an older pair of sorpassos and one pair of fairly old etxeondos from the days when Merlin had loads of their kit.

So have saved myself a couple of hundred notes there :-)

Defblade

Startfitness giving a 15% discount if you renew your account on their new site

N0bodyOfTheGoat

Just seen https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/honeywell-ht900ev1-turbo-fan-3800003 is being sold for £21.04 on Amazon at time of posting.

I've had one as my secondary turbo fan for 2+ years, 3 speeds, it's not bad to blow across my front while a more powerful one blows across my back.

ibr17xvii

N0bodyOfTheGoat said:

Just seen https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/honeywell-ht900ev1-turbo-fan-3800003 is being sold for £21.04 on Amazon at time of posting.

I've had one as my secondary turbo fan for 2+ years, 3 speeds, it's not bad to blow across my front while a more powerful one blows across my back.

I have 2 of these for Zwifting, they are really good.

ibr17xvii

https://wiggle.co.uk/castelli-endurance-3-cycling-bib-shorts

Not sure this is a bargain as such but they are certainly cheap(ish). They are a bargain to me anyways as I've paid full price for these before.

Castelli Endurance 3 bib shorts with the higher end Progetto X2 pad that I find supremely comfy.

They are usually £90+ but are currently £69.99 on Wiggle.

Interestingly CRC (which is owned by the same company) still have them at £91 - £97 depending on what size you are.

shirley_basso

Very tempting. How is sizing compared to Rapha Pro Team (I take a M)

daniel_b

shirley_basso said:

Very tempting. How is sizing compared to Rapha Pro Team (I take a M)

That's a great deal - I wear both Small in Rapha Pro Team and Castelli - at least the omloops (And sorpasso bibtights), which I would imagine have less give than these.

ibr17xvii

shirley_basso said:

Very tempting. How is sizing compared to Rapha Pro Team (I take a M)

Don't have any Rapha shorts so not sure TBH. I wouldn't have thought they are too different.

Wiggle do free returns with just the 1 carrier I think it is now (Asda ToYou) so order 2 sizes & see what's best.

N0bodyOfTheGoat

ibr17xvii said:

https://wiggle.co.uk/castelli-endurance-3-cycling-bib-shorts

I've yet to spend more than ~£50 on a pair of bib shorts over the last five years, but I'm tempted by this deal if the pad is really good for longer rides, indoors I tend to be in agony from ~1hr and outdoors from ~2hrs!

My best comfort bibs are my SIX2 SLP Luxury, which typically entend my agony threshold by up to ~50%.

My dilemma is Castelli sizing and I'm currently carrying at least 6Kg excess weight compared to my norm in recent years of ~78Kg, but I did get as lean as ~73Kg in Aug '17. I'm planning an intensive winter turbo season to at the very least drop from the current ~84Kg to under 80Kg.

Currently waist ~35.25", hips ~40.5", chest ~39"... XL? My Six2 bibs are L.

shirley_basso

I'm six ft and 32 waist and wear a M - you'll be between the two.

The pad is amazing. I had some of their Free Aero Race shorts a long time ago and loved them, until they fell apart. Got a refund with no quibbles but as they were sold out I couldn't replace,so bought a rapha pair with the money.

Wouldn't hesistate to recommend them. Would also recommend a saddle change

ibr17xvii

N0bodyOfTheGoat said:

ibr17xvii said:

https://wiggle.co.uk/castelli-endurance-3-cycling-bib-shorts

I've yet to spend more than ~£50 on a pair of bib shorts over the last five years, but I'm tempted by this deal if the pad is really good for longer rides, indoors I tend to be in agony from ~1hr and outdoors from ~2hrs!

My best comfort bibs are my SIX2 SLP Luxury, which typically entend my agony threshold by up to ~50%.

My dilemma is Castelli sizing and I'm currently carrying at least 6Kg excess weight compared to my norm in recent years of ~78Kg, but I did get as lean as ~73Kg in Aug '17. I'm planning an intensive winter turbo season to at the very least drop from the current ~84Kg to under 80Kg.

Currently waist ~35.25", hips ~40.5", chest ~39"... XL? My Six2 bibs are L.

Appreciate it's very personal but the Progetto X2 has always been my go to pad for longer rides. Really worth the extra over the Castelli KISS pad IMHO.

As above order both sizes if you're unsure, Wiggle do free returns. FWIW I'm 6 feet tall, around 67kg & I usually get a Large in these, I can squeeze into a medium but prefer the large.

As for the shorts themselves I'd highly recommend them.

daniel_b

haha, I was just going to post pretty much what was above from @ibr17xvii

The Progetto X2 is a mighty pad, SO good, right up there with the best for me, just seems to work, not move, and be a good size - stands up to punishment/washing pretty well as well imho.

I did have the misfortune to try a KISS pad, and it's like Diadora league versus the Premiership, one of the worst pads I have ever ridden on.

ibr17xvii

daniel_b said:

haha, I was just going to post pretty much what was above from @ibr17xvii

The Progetto X2 is a mighty pad, SO good, right up there with the best for me, just seems to work, not move, and be a good size - stands up to punishment/washing pretty well as well imho.

I did have the misfortune to try a KISS pad, and it's like Diadora league versus the Premiership, one of the worst pads I have ever ridden on.

I try & pick up the Castelli shorts with KISS pad as cheap as I can for use on the turbo & shorter rides.

I don’t mind it so much but you’re right it’s like chalk & cheese when comparing it to the Progetto.

pblakeney

I've never understood the thinking behind cheap shorts for on the turbo. If ever there is a time that I am reaching for my best shorts, it is for a turbo session. Short rides, fair enough.

ibr17xvii

pblakeney said:

I've never understood the thinking behind cheap shorts for on the turbo. If ever there is a time that I am reaching for my best shorts, it is for a turbo session. Short rides, fair enough.

True enough.

I’m rarely on Zwift more than an hour & if I am I’ll usually put a better pair on.

TBH it doesn’t bother me that much though I just tend to get out of the saddle more than I would IRL.

joe_totale-2

Additional savings at the Rotor outlet this weekend. Includes cheap cranksets and their Uno groupset if you're willing to take a chance on something a bit different:

https://rotorbike.com/outlet/

N0bodyOfTheGoat

Took a gamble and ordered the L Castelli Endurance 3 bibs and having just tried them on after work, they fit now just and will hopefully continue to fit as I hopefully get back to around my norm ~78Kg. Pad feels very different to anything else I have, will get a test turbo ride in a bit.

Also took a punt on a pair size 42 DHB Dorika MTB shoes, to replace my ~15 year old Shimano SPD shoes that are starting to fall apart on commuting duty this summer. Slight gamble, as I ordered 43 DHB Dorika Carbon Road shoes a few years ago, which I have to tie quite tight to not feel loose. Feet are ~27.5cm heel to big toe. New ones seem ok, much more plasticy uppers. £45 on Wiggle, later found they were £40 at CRC, but I spent £5 on getting the Castelli bibs delivered today to try them before maybe taking bike to North Wales towards next weekend.
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/dhb-dorica-mtb-shoe-2020/rp-prod198418

I keep looking at the Prime Noosa carbon mini tri bar to go with my Prime Primavera carbon bars, but decided to be slightly sensible and spend £25 on Prime S-bend bars instead to try on the turbo over winter, last time I had tri bars was ~25 years ago!
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/prime-s-bend-clip-on-aerobars

Bit more expensive than I hoped, but finally got around to buying a 30-32mm latex tube to fit under my rear 32mm GP5000. ~£6 each a few years ago, £12 for one now!
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/vittoria-competition-latex-inner-tubes?sku=104490755

Defblade

Not exactly cycling, but Lidl have some "work gloves" in various sizes - they've got a little padding on the palm and 2 day-glo yellow strips across the back... at £6.99 decided they'd be worth a punt as I was just thinking I could do with some full-fingered gloves now the evenings are getting chilly.

(Can't see them on the website to link to though, so maybe just my local one??)

andyrr

Defblade said:

Not exactly cycling, but Lidl have some "work gloves" in various sizes - they've got a little padding on the palm and 2 day-glo yellow strips across the back... at £6.99 decided they'd be worth a punt as I was just thinking I could do with some full-fingered gloves now the evenings are getting chilly.

(Can't see them on the website to link to though, so maybe just my local one??)

I saw these too yesterday but decided not to go for them as I wasn’t sure if they actually have much wind proofing ability - would be interested in your early thoughts.

Defblade

andyrr said:

I saw these too yesterday but decided not to go for them as I wasn’t sure if they actually have much wind proofing ability - would be interested in your early thoughts.

Can't promise to report very soon - expecting to be Zwifting tomorrow and possibly Monday due to rain, next evening ride not until Wednesday (if it's stopped raining by then!). I might give them a go in front of my Zwifting fan for a first test though.

elbowloh

ibr17xvii said:

N0bodyOfTheGoat said:

ibr17xvii said:

https://wiggle.co.uk/castelli-endurance-3-cycling-bib-shorts

I've yet to spend more than ~£50 on a pair of bib shorts over the last five years, but I'm tempted by this deal if the pad is really good for longer rides, indoors I tend to be in agony from ~1hr and outdoors from ~2hrs!

My best comfort bibs are my SIX2 SLP Luxury, which typically entend my agony threshold by up to ~50%.

My dilemma is Castelli sizing and I'm currently carrying at least 6Kg excess weight compared to my norm in recent years of ~78Kg, but I did get as lean as ~73Kg in Aug '17. I'm planning an intensive winter turbo season to at the very least drop from the current ~84Kg to under 80Kg.

Currently waist ~35.25", hips ~40.5", chest ~39"... XL? My Six2 bibs are L.

Appreciate it's very personal but the Progetto X2 has always been my go to pad for longer rides. Really worth the extra over the Castelli KISS pad IMHO.

As above order both sizes if you're unsure, Wiggle do free returns. FWIW I'm 6 feet tall, around 67kg & I usually get a Large in these, I can squeeze into a medium but prefer the large.

As for the shorts themselves I'd highly recommend them.

I literally have no idea what pads are in my bib shorts.

Pads all seem much of a muchness to me on all the bibs I've ever worn. The thing that I feel difference in is cut, shape, stitching, grippers and shoulder straps.

pblakeney

elbowloh said:

ibr17xvii said:

N0bodyOfTheGoat said:

ibr17xvii said:

https://wiggle.co.uk/castelli-endurance-3-cycling-bib-shorts

I've yet to spend more than ~£50 on a pair of bib shorts over the last five years, but I'm tempted by this deal if the pad is really good for longer rides, indoors I tend to be in agony from ~1hr and outdoors from ~2hrs!

My best comfort bibs are my SIX2 SLP Luxury, which typically entend my agony threshold by up to ~50%.

My dilemma is Castelli sizing and I'm currently carrying at least 6Kg excess weight compared to my norm in recent years of ~78Kg, but I did get as lean as ~73Kg in Aug '17. I'm planning an intensive winter turbo season to at the very least drop from the current ~84Kg to under 80Kg.

Currently waist ~35.25", hips ~40.5", chest ~39"... XL? My Six2 bibs are L.

Appreciate it's very personal but the Progetto X2 has always been my go to pad for longer rides. Really worth the extra over the Castelli KISS pad IMHO.

As above order both sizes if you're unsure, Wiggle do free returns. FWIW I'm 6 feet tall, around 67kg & I usually get a Large in these, I can squeeze into a medium but prefer the large.

As for the shorts themselves I'd highly recommend them.

I literally have no idea what pads are in my bib shorts.

Pads all seem much of a muchness to me on all the bibs I've ever worn. The thing that I feel difference in is cut, shape, stitching, grippers and shoulder straps.

I've heard this said before. By lightweight cyclists.
I guess that the pad comes more into play as weight increases.

shirley_basso

I'm 75kg and can tell the difference

pblakeney

shirley_basso said:

I'm 75kg and can tell the difference

You are lighter than me, but heavier than them.
75kgs is not lightweight for a cyclist. 😉

Defblade

Defblade said:

andyrr said:

I saw these too yesterday but decided not to go for them as I wasn’t sure if they actually have much wind proofing ability - would be interested in your early thoughts.

Can't promise to report very soon - expecting to be Zwifting tomorrow and possibly Monday due to rain, next evening ride not until Wednesday (if it's stopped raining by then!). I might give them a go in front of my Zwifting fan for a first test though.

Ok, not hammering down this morning, so I went out for a spin.

Gloves are pretty damn windproof
Tested up to 40mph. certainly far better than my Lusso thermal top + tech-t base layer.
Fingers a little bit slippery on my water bottle, but fine on the brifters.
I think that possibly in the long run, there's a point on the outside edge of the heel of the palm, where two areas of reinforcement/padding overlap, where that extra material could bunch or something in time... or maybe it's just the way I was holding my hand.

Did notice a little coolness across the back about 15 miles in, could have been damp from the light showers I was getting, or sweat going through... nothing terrible though.

Overall, these definitely belong in this thread!

andyrr

Defblade said:

Defblade said:

andyrr said:

I saw these too yesterday but decided not to go for them as I wasn’t sure if they actually have much wind proofing ability - would be interested in your early thoughts.

Can't promise to report very soon - expecting to be Zwifting tomorrow and possibly Monday due to rain, next evening ride not until Wednesday (if it's stopped raining by then!). I might give them a go in front of my Zwifting fan for a first test though.

Ok, not hammering down this morning, so I went out for a spin.

Gloves are pretty damn windproof
Tested up to 40mph. certainly far better than my Lusso thermal top + tech-t base layer.
Fingers a little bit slippery on my water bottle, but fine on the brifters.
I think that possibly in the long run, there's a point on the outside edge of the heel of the palm, where two areas of reinforcement/padding overlap, where that extra material could bunch or something in time... or maybe it's just the way I was holding my hand.

Did notice a little coolness across the back about 15 miles in, could have been damp from the light showers I was getting, or sweat going through... nothing terrible though.

Overall, these definitely belong in this thread!

Cheers, much appreciated- will try to hunt a suitable size pair down in a nearby store.

ibr17xvii

shirley_basso said:

I'm 75kg and can tell the difference

I'm 67kg & I can 100% tell the difference.

A big difference in fact.

Certain things you can't skimp on & bib shorts pad is one of them IMHO.

andyrr

I agree but i don't think you need to spend £60, £70+ - I've a pair of Planet X 365 bibs (frequently available for sub-£30) comfy and they've been great so far, used multiple times per week and they are lasting well so far. Their clubman shorts were initially OK in comparison, around a fiver cheaper, but have faded and the pad has compressed and won't be worn for any long rides from now on.