Kit Advice

matt86

I have recently placed my order through C2W for my first road bike and a bundle of accessories. I deliberatley didn't order any clothing as I wanted to do my research before settling on anything and saw that the deals online are just as good (or cheaper) than the clothing in my LBS with the C2W discount. I plan on cycling evenings/weekends when the weather perks up a bit (not commuting) so not looking at wet/winter weather specific stuff.

I am looking at getting some lycra shorts, something like these...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-aeron-cycling-short/ or
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-stream-l ... ng-shorts/

And a windproof jacket for use pretty much all the time apart from when really hot (which won't be very often!), something like this...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-long-sleeve ... y/?pr=1651

This is the first cycling specific clothing I have bought so would appreciate any thoughts on the above items or any other advice from those more experienced!

Cheers

slowmart

Have you considered bib shorts? Personally I find them more comfortable.
A windproof jacket is always a good start and used with a decent base layer should see you sorted.

And limiting your riding to exclude wet and winter like conditions will seriously shorten your potential time in the saddle.

simon_masterson

That isn't a jacket. I would have advised you against buying one of those. Something like that - a windproof jersey - is a much better choice. You will likely want something underneath. A base layer is the obvious choice but another jersey will do, if you wanted to buy a short sleeve jersey for when it gets warmer. As for legwear, bibs are best, and tights are most suitable for the cold. I doubt I'll be wearing shorts for a good few months yet.

Other than that, as long as it's cold you will feel it in your extremities. With that in mind a cap of warmer weight (a cap is worth wearing all year round), overshoes and full finger gloves are worth their weight in gold.

danlikesbikes

DHB stuff is good quality for the money & with wiggle being such a big company you tend to have fewer issues if you need to return (they have a few post back service)

As per others the shorts are a good idea but as your are leaning forward on the bike you may find them riding down & your top upwards slightly leaving you with either exposed skin or possibly just a place for wind to get you. Generally bib shorts tend to be much better as they cant ride down & whatever top you wear as your first layer can easily be tucked in.

The jacket looks OK but you might be better with something more versatile such as a cheap waterproof for when its raining & they pack down pretty small so you can carry them with you. This coupled with a good base layer & long sleeve top are another option.

zoltansocrates

+1 for bib shorts, felt like a diq putting them on the first time but once you are on the bike it makes perfect sense to have them, well worth it
+1 for decathlon, they do reasonable quality stuff at ridiculous prices, tops at a fiver, bib shorts for 20 bucks, rain jacket probably about the same
its not performance gear but as you have stated you are just starting out

roypsb

Can definitely vouch for the DHB stuff from Wiggle and as many have said, bibs are a must.

Think I'll take a look at the Decathlon stuff as it's highly recommended.

matt86

Thank for all the replies - really helpful.

I hadn't considered bib shorts because, to be honest, I thought I'd look a twit in them. But reading these forums it seems most people prefer bibs to normal shorts for comfort/warmth. I suppose with wearing a jersey/jacket they look the same as normal shorts.

Do people where bibs even when it is hot?

Decathalon seems a good shout, seen these for cheap (not free delivery)...

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/bib-shorts-5 ... ctFeatures

But leaning towards wiggle due to their free returns if sizing isn't right, something like this...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-aeron-cycling-bib-short/

danlikesbikes

I wear bibs all year round & they are pretty good as you can then add in knee/leg warmers that you wear under them. Or buy 3/4 length or full length versions.

The Wiggle ones are good & sometimes its worth using the due to their return policy, though think Chain Reaction Cycles do a similar type of scheme too.

e17blade

I bought some non-bib padded shorts when I started commuting and spent a couple of months wondering why I used to get a minor stomach ache (and fart a lot - awkward in the office!) quite often. Bib shorts solved that to the great relief of anyone sitting near me.

hipshot

Take the advice above and just get bib shorts, you will end up buying some later on anyway.

Philly8mt

Went to Decathlon recently and purchased the B'twin 5 bib shorts ... Spot on in my opinion. You wouldn't go far wrong with them.

nmt

As others have said ditch the idea of shorts and go straight for bibs they are mile more comfortable, And you say you thought you would look silly in them you wont see the bib straps once your upper garments are on (unless you were planning on wearing them over the top )

I have the dhb windslam Roubaix jersey and I must say it's a great jersey for the colder night rides couple with a base layer and a summer short sleeved jersey

thefd

Another one here to say don't even consider shorts and go for bibs. If you wear shorts they always slip down and expose skin to the elements. You also spend time pulling them up all the time. Bibs are far more comfortable!

mrbubbaman

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-pace-roubai ... ib-shorts/

Try these ones from wiggle, they are very comfy and good for this weather (bargain price too)

Anonymous

mrbubbaman wrote:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-pace-roubaix-padded-bib-shorts/

Try these ones from wiggle, they are very comfy and good for this weather (bargain price too)

Bargain.....hope they are stretchy though

The windslam long sleeved jersey looks a good recommendation. Wind is well worth protecting yourself from and I would consider going one step further and getting something like this though......

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-bike-wear- ... ll-jacket/

Much more wind proof (not just a front panel like the DHB) and water resistant too. I have the older version and love it. Easily worth the money if you intend to ride on anything but sunny days.
Am sure a search would find the older version at a much better price :-)

thefd

Don't wear them on a cold day though - you will freeze. Consider winter ones (thicker and slightly lined, but they have wind proof on them) they are awesome for cold days. I also wear 3/4 length ones for spring/autumn days. Only wear the shorts on warm days 15°c or more!

matt86

blimey that's pretty conclusive - bib shorts it is! Thanks guys!

Anonymous

Waterproof socks are great too. They look/sound a bit naff, but are actually very comfortable.
They keep the wind/cold out (assuming you are wearing summer/vented shoes) even if its not wet/raining and so are a nice option to putting shoe covers on sometimes.
Shoe covers are not usually fully waterproof so having these in combination with shoe covers sorts that out too.

Think these are the ones I have......

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/sealskinz-m ... ks-p130669

Inutero

Definatly get bib shorts, but roubaix ones. I went out one cold morning with http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-aeron-pro-c ... bib-short/. The wee man went into hibernation, took it about a week to recover Got a pair of http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-vaeon-rouba ... bib-short/

Also the http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-long-sleeve ... ix-jersey/ is a great Jersey. Very warm on the coldest of days and pretty robust. Managed to hit some black ice going around a downhil corner, went sliding down the hill and there was no damage to the jersey.