Clothing Advice

bpsmith

New to Road Cycling, so after advice on clothing. Currently not have anything, so open to any advice. Like the look of the Castelli gear, but its pricey. Have noticed some sale stuff, which is closer to what I can spend, but not sure what to get at this time of year?

Should I grab some bib shorts and short sleeve jersey, or should I be looking at long sleeve already?

Confused at present as don't have the cash to spend on both just yet?

Also, are the likes of Castelli the best quality, or are there more reasonable brands out there with nice designs, that anyone can recommend.

bernithebiker

Castelli's my favourite brand.

Maybe go short sleeve + arm warmers? Castelli's aws are great but pricey - Galibier's on Ebay aren't as good, but only a tenner.

Flâneur

Depends how warm you are during winter when outside. I tend to use short sleeved tops but have a draw full of base layers like skins and Underarmour and throw those on when it gets really bitter (or arm warmers).

If you do get cold then buy some 3/4 bib tights otherwise consider bib shorts with leg warmers as a different option.

Castelli seem to get good reports from people. I tend to buy stuff on offer from Prendas, good service and quality gear, just have to accept it is often team design. Wiggle DHB gets constant value for money reviews so worth a look too, again as I know I like Santini and Rapha bib shorts I stick with them.

EpicTri

Prendas Cyclismo sell cheap good quality leg, arm warmers and overshoes. Add a windproof jacket and/or gillet from Aldi and you're good to go. Works for me.

bpsmith

Great advice, thanks all.

So looking for Short Sleeve and Bib Shorts with view to under gear later on. At least that's narrowed down.

Good site that Prendas one. Not as commercial a site, but pricing is better. How does Santini compare to Castelli in quality?

Are the replica jerseys just that, replicas made from same fabrics as original, or are they modern takes on the classic deigns?

dowtcha

bpsmith wrote:

Great advice, thanks all.

So looking for Short Sleeve and Bib Shorts with view to under gear later on. At least that's narrowed down.

Good site that Prendas one. Not as commercial a site, but pricing is better. How does Santini compare to Castelli in quality?

Are the replica jerseys just that, replicas made from same fabrics as original, or are they modern takes on the classic deigns?

Santini quality is good and the replica jerseys are made of modern materials. The site may not be web 2.0 but it does the job.

Flâneur

Santini depends on which pad insert but the Max2 which is bottom ish end for them (still been better than other brands I have paid £50ish for) and good for 100 miles for me. Nat insert is better but tends to cost more. Can't give a true comparison against Castelli though.

Jerseys as mentioned above unless stated to be retro wool.

Re Aldi the softshell was pretty good for me last winter - tad warm but at £15/20 cant complain, think they normally bring them out September/October though I am sure someone can put that right.

bpsmith

Dowtcha wrote:

The site may not be web 2.0 but it does the job.

Comment came out a bit wrong, sorry. Wasn't having a go at their site in the slightest. What I meant was, its a very different approach to the obvious glossy websites of the usual names that spring to mind. Their site is all about the gear and at very good pricing too, rather than about getting you to spend on other things as much as possible. Very tempted by a few bits on there. Cheers for the advice guys.

teisetrotter

In terms of warmth and quality I would highly recommend Torm for tops and arm warmers. But Prenda's kit is excellent, I have a replica Molteni kit and the bib shorts pad is the best I have had.

But for a bargain DHB is great and also consider Shutt Velo for bib shorts.

Or join a club, mine does Santini kit at cost.

frazered

Plenty of guys in my club wear decathlon jerseys and bibs long after riding. Recommend dhb as well. I rate lusso items too, so really good items from them.

southdownswolf

+1 for the arm/leg warmers from Prendas, excellent and cheap.
I have bought a replica Raleigh team kit from them also, the bibshorts pad isn't the best, but quality of shorts and top is up there for the price.

SFT

+1 for Torm, and the guys there are super helpful - just wish they'd do women's specific jerseys ....

simonhead

Go to a good shop with a large selection and try different ones on, drag the mrs along so she knows what its like when she takes you shoe shopping. Different brands suit different shapes and sizes (OK suit is probably too strong a word replace it with "lend to") and unless you have tried them on properly you wont know what the fit is like. The Castelli stuff is great but i find it too tight across my shoulders and round my thighs, the Endura bibs seem to fit me well but I found the Howies ones uncomfortable.