Shopping for 'starter' kit

alex100a

Evening All,

Well after getting hooked with trail riding this year I have now bought a new bike and feel I need to kit myself out with some more suitable clothing like shorts, jacket, gloves etc. I usually avoid buying clothes online unless I know exactly what I want so wonder whether anyone could recommend where a shop Reading area?

I'm not looking for 'top of the range' gear but more a starter kit that I can upgrade over time.

Is the B'Twin stuff at Decathlon any good generally?

The Rookie

alex100a wrote:

Is the B'Twin stuff at Decathlon any good generally?

Yes.

Angus Young

I'd guess you'd be spoilt for choice in the Reading area, but here's the obvious first port of call...

http://www.evanscycles.com/stores/reading

dirkpitt74

Try START CYCLES they tend to have some good stuff on offer.
Got a full set of 661 rage knee & elbow pads for less than £50.

Angus Young

DirkPitt74 wrote:

Try START CYCLES they tend to have some good stuff on offer.
Got a full set of 661 rage knee & elbow pads for less than £50.

Thats a good price - I think my knees alone cost me more than that.

rockmonkeysc

I would recommend Endura clothing. Not the cheapest but considering the quality it's good value.
A lot of cheap clothing doesn't last and is either too warm or not warm enough and cheap waterproof kit doesn't stay waterproof for long.

batmo

While not necessarily cycle specific, I have had reasonable success in TK Maxx. If there is one conveniently placed for you to trawl occasionally, you can find bargains, particularly base layers, soft-shell and waterproofs.

alex100a

Thanks for the advice guys.

Popped into Evans today and started with a new pair of Endura gloves and now looking to order some Hummvee shorts.

Will have a rummage at T K Maxx for a new water proof jacket at the weekend. Alternatively has anyone got any views on this from Decathlon as a cheap and short term solution until I can afford a decent jacket:

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/500-waterpro ... 15811.html

Had not even thought about knee/elbow pads! Luckily I've not needed them yet but its only a matter of time so I best give them some consideration!

rockmonkeysc

A waterproof jacket is one item where your extra money really makes a difference. Cheap ones can get uncomfortably warm and make you sweat so much you end up soaked anyway. A nice light breathable jacket is a good investment.
I wouldn't bother with pads unless you ride on rocky trails a lot. If you do buy pads get good ones to avoid them getting too hot and rubbing.
This time of year a good pair of glasses are worth having, bolle safety glasses are pretty cheap on ebay.