Cycling clothes and gear help

Adamski91

So I just got my first road bike and as soon as I can I want to be out on it, but I want to know about what gear to wear for my first ride.
The pedals that came with the bike have clips and sadly, all of my trainers are too big to fit in them so I might pop to Halfords and get some plain pedals soon and just use them and maybe some cheaper clothing for the time being. That and all of my trousers/joggers are baggy as well as my tops, as well as not being waterproof. Heh.

Either way, I've looked around and haven't found any decent information on this at all, but I'd just like to know what you guys would recommend as good beginner clothing, mainly;
helmet
shoes
shorts/trousers
shirt/jacket
and any other things you could recommend.

Cheers chaps, really can't wait to get out on it

Mad Roadie

welcome to the Forum.

I would not go mad with high end kit initially, its very very easy to spend a fortune, and if youre in the UK then you need good solid winter gear right now - So I would start with Altura kit - it is good value for money, especially their Nevis jacket.

The helmet must be comfy, and hopefully will be a longer term purchase so fit is everything
Gloves - full winter gloves are essential
shoes and overshoes - cold and wet feet are crippling and demoralising (for me they are anyway) again Altura overshoes are value as are DHB shoes (wiggle)

Would hold back on shorts for now and bite the bullet on bib tights - if you get unpadded ones get some altura under shorts with a pad. My best fitting tights are Castelli or Campagnolo branded, and there are some good deals around at the moment

finally one other tip - buy a skull cap for under your helmet - they make a massive difference when it is cold - you may look like a Ninja Turtle in one, but you can always take it off if you get too warm

finally, finally - enjoy!

Adamski91

Mad Roadie wrote:

welcome to the Forum.

I would not go mad with high end kit initially, its very very easy to spend a fortune, and if youre in the UK then you need good solid winter gear right now - So I would start with Altura kit - it is good value for money, especially their Nevis jacket.

The helmet must be comfy, and hopefully will be a longer term purchase so fit is everything
Gloves - full winter gloves are essential
shoes and overshoes - cold and wet feet are crippling and demoralising (for me they are anyway) again Altura overshoes are value as are DHB shoes (wiggle)

Would hold back on shorts for now and bite the bullet on bib tights - if you get unpadded ones get some altura under shorts with a pad. My best fitting tights are Castelli or Campagnolo branded, and there are some good deals around at the moment

finally one other tip - buy a skull cap for under your helmet - they make a massive difference when it is cold - you may look like a Ninja Turtle in one, but you can always take it off if you get too warm

finally, finally - enjoy!

Yeah I've noticed this gear is probably going to come to more than the bike, even with whatever sales are on at the moment.
Main problem is though, I don't like buying clothes off the internet unless I absolutely have to - just to make sure they fit correctly and so I don't have to send them back and forth getting the right sizes.
And gloves, that's the ones I forgot! I'll give the skull cap a miss too as I have a lot of hair so I know it wouldn't even stay on, hah.
Would you suggest buying any of the cheaper stuff from Halfords or should I go to a proper shop? Nearest one to me is about 20 miles so it'll make for a good ride I suppose.

And thanks!

danowat

I'd personally suggest not scrimping on gear, especially while its cold, riding in these conditions is demoralizing if you aren't wear the right kit

Roubiax/windproof bib tights ,Base layer, L/S Shirt, Decent gloves, Windproof overshoes, a breathable, windproof jacket, and maybe a windproof skull cap to go under the helmet.

You should be able to get that lot for around £250 ish, it will last you for ages, and be more than enough while the cold weather lasts.

I use alot of DHB kit, Wiggle have a sizing guide, and its not been wrong, for me at least, yet.

seanoconn

Go to a cycle shop like evans, try on plenty of what they have to offer, then buy what you like online or evans will price match anything you find cheaper elsewhere. It help to read reviews about gear you might want, there's plenty of good advice if you search this forum. I'd stear clear of halfords stuff, its not that cheap and you can get better valve and quality if you shop around.

Matt the Tester

oooh yees! Skull caps are fantastic! i HATE not wearing it on a ride, it's a nightmare having cold ears AND a cold face...

Adamski91

seanoconn wrote:

Go to a cycle shop like evans, try on plenty of what they have to offer, then buy what you like online or evans will price match anything you find cheaper elsewhere. It help to read reviews about gear you might want, there's plenty of good advice if you search this forum. I'd stear clear of halfords stuff, its not that cheap and you can get better valve and quality if you shop around.

The nearest Evans to me is Bristol and that's a good 30 odd miles and I have only one or two select days to get there - I love how most cycling shops miss out Wales completely. Speaking of, anyone know of some good cycling clothing shops in south Wales?
I was wary about the Halfords stuff anyway, but I figured I'd go and have a look when I get normal pedals, although would you recommend I get some sort of shoe that has clips in the bottom and can be upgraded to cleats or something later on? This shoe business is waay over my head right now.

Thanks for the replies.

EDIT: Anyone recommend the Shimano R076 shoe? I read a few reviews on Evans and they all say it's a brilliant shoe, and good for beginners. Would I be able to ride these on normal pedals too? They're SPD, whatever that stands for.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shi ... s-ec017595
Cheaper on Chain Reaction Cycles but I figure I could price match it maybe?

seanoconn

Adamski91 wrote:

EDIT: Anyone recommend the Shimano R076 shoe? I read a few reviews on Evans and they all say it's a brilliant shoe, and good for beginners. Would I be able to ride these on normal pedals too? They're SPD, whatever that stands for.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shi ... s-ec017595
Cheaper on Chain Reaction Cycles but I figure I could price match it maybe?

They are good shoes for a beginner but you couldn't use them with normal flat pedals. They are for pedals you clip in and their shiny flat surface wouldn't grip. You could get something like these,
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shi ... s-ec017587
which would work ok with flat pedals until you got yourself some spds ( pedals you clip into.)
Plenty of roadies use mountain bike shoes as the cleats ( part that clips into your spd pedal.) aren't sticking out like road shoes so you can walk around fairly comfortably and there isn't a great deal of difference in performance between the two.

gregster10217

Don't not get a skull cap cos you've got lots of hair. If you're wearing a helmet, even in this weather, you'll sweat. And sweat gets cold very quickly in this weather, and then you start losing vital body heat and will hate riding. It goes under your helmet, so don't worry about what it looks like. I'd rather be warm and look like a tit and enjoy my ride, than be cold and hate riding in this weather.

meanredspider

Jeez - I'd never get a scullcap (unless I was bald) - headband or, for me, Buff, yes but a scullcap would just make me sweat more, get soaked and be useless. A Buff can be adapted to everything - including a skullcap if you must.

BTW there was a thread in the commuting section about winter gear - about 60% of folk called out a Buff (or two).

+1 for winter gloves (not SealSkinz - they're hopeless)
+1 for good shoes and some neoprene overshoes to keep cold/wet out.

Stone Glider

Something to remember when Spring comes round....... Aldi and Lidl both have 'promotions' of cycling gear. Simply on a 'when it's gone it's gone' basis, the prices are very low and the quality can be iffy. You make your own mind up. The Xmas Club Lunch looked like a mannequin parade of stuff from Aldi among those who had ridden to the restaurant.

Adamski91

seanoconn wrote:

Adamski91 wrote:

EDIT: Anyone recommend the Shimano R076 shoe? I read a few reviews on Evans and they all say it's a brilliant shoe, and good for beginners. Would I be able to ride these on normal pedals too? They're SPD, whatever that stands for.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shi ... s-ec017595
Cheaper on Chain Reaction Cycles but I figure I could price match it maybe?

They are good shoes for a beginner but you couldn't use them with normal flat pedals. They are for pedals you clip in and their shiny flat surface wouldn't grip. You could get something like these,
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shi ... s-ec017587
which would work ok with flat pedals until you got yourself some spds ( pedals you clip into.)
Plenty of roadies use mountain bike shoes as the cleats ( part that clips into your spd pedal.) aren't sticking out like road shoes so you can walk around fairly comfortably and there isn't a great deal of difference in performance between the two.

Yeah I think I'll bite the bullet and order a pair of M076 and then eventually get some SPD pedals in a few weeks. Off out around town today so I'll pop in Halfords, get some pedals and try a pair of M076s on to make sure I order the right size, heh.

And Stone, yeah I know about Aldi and Lidls cycling gear, my bamp used to pop in every now and then and see what was around.
Cheers guys, just gotta find a good helmet now and I'll be ready for a ride.

Adamski91

seanoconn wrote:

Adamski91 wrote:

EDIT: Anyone recommend the Shimano R076 shoe? I read a few reviews on Evans and they all say it's a brilliant shoe, and good for beginners. Would I be able to ride these on normal pedals too? They're SPD, whatever that stands for.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shi ... s-ec017595
Cheaper on Chain Reaction Cycles but I figure I could price match it maybe?

They are good shoes for a beginner but you couldn't use them with normal flat pedals. They are for pedals you clip in and their shiny flat surface wouldn't grip. You could get something like these,
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/shi ... s-ec017587
which would work ok with flat pedals until you got yourself some spds ( pedals you clip into.)
Plenty of roadies use mountain bike shoes as the cleats ( part that clips into your spd pedal.) aren't sticking out like road shoes so you can walk around fairly comfortably and there isn't a great deal of difference in performance between the two.

Yeah I think I'll bite the bullet and order a pair of M076 and then eventually get some SPD pedals in a few weeks. Off out around town today so I'll pop in Halfords, get some pedals and try a pair of M076s on to make sure I order the right size, heh.

And Stone, yeah I know about Aldi and Lidls cycling gear, my bamp used to pop in every now and then and see what was around.
Cheers guys, just gotta find a good helmet now and I'll be ready for a ride.

Mark Elvin

Take a look in Sports Direct, they have Karrimor cycling gear in, I can vouch for the cycling jacket (£12) the short sleeved cycling tops (£5), the long sleeved tops (£6) & the padded tights (£10) pleased with the VFM they all offer.

Don't know what the shorts are like, but they appear to be OK having ooked at them in the shop.

If you are looking to spend slightly more I also have SPEG gear from http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk

paulnettles

I can vouch for DHB's Bib Tights - the big fat man in the red suit brought me a pair. Warm as toast...

Sports direct do some good quality base layers from reputable manufacturers - Nike, Adidas, et, from about £15 each

I've been wearing the following throughout the cold weather:

DHB Pace Roubaix bib tights - about £50
DHB skull cap - about - £20
Nike Pro Core baselayer - about £15, as above
Trek mid-weight winter gloves - £35, bloody brilliant btw
various jerseys from ebay - never pay more than a tenner!
Sportful soft shell jacket - £30 from wiggle.
The thickest socks I can find

I'm pretty new to road cycling too, so have bought a few bits here and there as time has gone on. I've got a fair bit of Karrimoor stuff from SD - no complaints, and cheap.

Hope this helps...

*AL*

paulnettles wrote:

DHB Pace Roubaix bib tights - about £50

This.

Had a pair for Christmas and I'm so impressed I bought another pair of the same and 2 pairs of 3/4 leg for the MTB.

griffsters

Just checked out the sizing for DHB bib shorts - hmmm. I'm a shorty at 5'6" and by the chart I should choose size XS for my height, size medium for waist and size large for my Chest :?

Yes i'm a tad chunky and this will be my first attempt at being a MAMIL - what size should I go for? I'm thinking large would be the best compromise, although for that size I should be 6'1" :shock:

Am i better getting it to fit for length or width, stop that sniggering!

Edit: Sorry for butting into your thread OP!

paulnettles

Griffsters wrote:

Just checked out the sizing for DHB bib shorts - hmmm. I'm a shorty at 5'6" and by the chart I should choose size XS for my height, size medium for waist and size large for my Chest :?

I'm also 5'6''! I've got a 36'' waist (also a tad chunky, also a MAMIL). I emailed Wiggle's sales team about the tights, they suggested a Small. Got these, and although they do bunch up a little bit, they're basically a perfect fit. So I'd go for a small, or email sales@wiggle and ask them if you're still unsure. I had a response inside 24hrs, and they were spot on (they suggested the xs might be a better length, but just a bit TOO tight...)

griffsters

Cheers Paul - I have quite chunky thighs and this area tends to be where smaller sizes just dont get past in normal clothes..! I guess with the stretchy lycra there is enough give? Thanks for the info - definately worth dropping Wiggle an email then.

paulnettles

Griffsters wrote:

definitely worth dropping Wiggle an email then.

Definitely! I guess the length isn't so important with shorts as it is tights. Having said that, the material is pretty stretchy (it must be, for me to get my wide-load backside into a Small anything). They're the experts, and my (limited) experience is that they know their stuff...

Adamski91

So all of the shops I ended up visiting today had no clothing or shoes at all, bar the odd pair of gloves or XXL visibility jackets.
Found two nice fitting, not too pricey, helmets in Halfords, wasn't many others - damn my big head (62cm). Also looked like a complete numpty when trying to get all of my hair out of the way to measure my head, heh. Are Bell and Giro good brands? Been looking at a Specialized Align Helmet too which is around the same price as the Halfrauds ones.

I'll put off ordering anything off the internet now as I've found a decent looking cycling shop near where I live, which seems to have plenty of clothing, shoes, etc so I'll pop there tomorrow afternoon and hopefully have some success in trying on and possibly buying, depending on their prices

I'll look into the DHB stuff too.

Either way, sorry for all the questions - I just like to get it right first time, and thanks again for all the help.

meanredspider

Bell and Giro are very good. Bell make helmets for F1 drivers (amongst other things) at several grand a pop so they know a bit about head protection. Lance Armstrong uses a Giro (or did). I've had both and like them. In fact, my least favourite lid was my Spesh.

Adamski91

meanredspider wrote:

Bell and Giro are very good. Bell make helmets for F1 drivers (amongst other things) at several grand a pop so they know a bit about head protection. Lance Armstrong uses a Giro (or did). I've had both and like them. In fact, my least favourite lid was my Spesh.

Ah cool, I'll go for one of the Bell or Giro ones then. They were reasonably comfortable, although I only had them on for a minute tops.

meanredspider

I've a big head - long (front to back) - and the Giro Zen fits me perfectly. My Bell car lid is a much better fit than some other brands too.

andyjr

Mark Elvin wrote:

If you are looking to spend slightly more I also have SPEG gear from http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk

Have just ordered a few bits of that SPEG gear. cheers for the link. Very useful

bobbleoff

I wear Shimano SPD shoes and even with an overshoe the soles of my feet get cold and numb.

The problem is that there is a hole in the sole where the cleats screw in and the warmth seems to drain out

Adamski91

bobbleoff wrote:

I wear Shimano SPD shoes and even with an overshoe the soles of my feet get cold and numb.

The problem is that there is a hole in the sole where the cleats screw in and the warmth seems to drain out

What socks are you wearing?

Adamski91

Well I ordered a pair of M076s on monday from Evans, and got a voice mail from them earlier saying that due to a stocking error they don't have the size I wanted in, so I have to phone up to let them know whether I want to change what I'm buying or to get a refund.

Grrr.
Can anyone recommend whether I should buy the M076s from another place or should I invest in a pair of SPD pedals and go for the road shoes?