Appropriate clothing for 1st "event"

rubertoe

meanredspider wrote:

rubertoe wrote:

Are sportives races?

No but they're timed and everyone wants to do a good time.

Besides, it's ALL a race

So its essentially a TT where drafting is allowed?

Better shave the legs as well then OP.

voodooman

So last day of the holiday before new term and took the kids into Southampton. I bought the B'twin 5 bib shorts in Xl and seem to fit ok (daughter, 12, had hysterics on my new mankini). Will try out on a spin bike at the gym and see what it's like - padding seems thicker than on my current stuff.

As for the "race", no doubt I'll be treating it as such, based on my daft efforts in local parkruns. Grow old gracefully? Never.

daniel_b

Decathlon btwin stuff is very well rated, enjoy :-)

mtb-idle

One of the TDF replica jerseys, preferably KOM and anything with world champ rings on it and you will look great; honest

Monkeypump

Nobody seems to have mentioned Altura kit, which fits me well at 6' 5". Reasonably priced and durable too.

Some of the Decathlon stuff is great, but again height might be an issue for the bibs. Normal padded shorts are great value and good fit though, particularly some padded-liner baggies I picked up for the MTB at about £30.

Don't bother with any of the Italian brands, as the sizing will result in you being cut in half by even the largest sized bibs.

rick_chasey

Monkeypump wrote:

Don't bother with any of the Italian brands, as the sizing will result in you being cut in half by even the largest sized bibs.

Indeed. The italian brands were the only brands who made bib-tights which fit me (as a MEDIUM!!!)

walkingbootweather

Initialised wrote:

I shaved my legs for the first time before my first sportive. I've ended up using them for most non-commute rides and a handful of other events.

Me too, I've become quite attached to them legs
I wouldn't bother with a waterproof jacket for riding in. Did a 70 mile sportive last year when it rained from start to finish my kit consisted of lycra shorts, gortex baggies (to keep my ar5e dry), 2 jerseys, a gillet, arm and leg warmers, a lightweight wind stopper, a pair of overshoes, some mits and a pair of gloves. I didn't have it all on at the same time and I'd have taken less if the weather had been better but it was good to have an option to change / add or remove layers.
I'm sure you will have a ball whatever happens but the more comfortable you make it the better in my view.