What is it with the price of cycling kit!?

twotoebenny

pblakeney said:

Tashman said:

twotoebenny said:

Socks may be the worse, we're getting to £15 minimum, ffs it's just a pair of socks!

I don't get why cycling socks exist. how do they actually differ from any other sport sock?

Length and patterns. The patterns are personal taste but the length is slightly unusual. Maybe tennis socks come close?

I'm not sure I agree with the lengths thing, there are many lengths, some still argue the "rules" I don't think I have 2 pairs that are the same length tbh 😂 Either way they're not worth £15-20

pblakeney

twotoebenny said:

pblakeney said:

Tashman said:

twotoebenny said:

Socks may be the worse, we're getting to £15 minimum, ffs it's just a pair of socks!

I don't get why cycling socks exist. how do they actually differ from any other sport sock?

Length and patterns. The patterns are personal taste but the length is slightly unusual. Maybe tennis socks come close?

I'm not sure I agree with the lengths thing, there are many lengths, some still argue the "rules" I don't think I have 2 pairs that are the same length tbh 😂 Either way they're not worth £15-20

I was only attempting to explain the difference with normal sport socks.
Cheaper versions are available. 😉
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-sock/

Darius_Jedburgh

£15 per pair? You are avin' a larf.

https://www.planetx.co.uk/s?q=socks

Cargobike

Socks??!!

Pfft.....

To hell with the rules.
Due to a medical condition I'm easy to spot in knee length compression stockings. Height of fashion

bobmcstuff

I've got a load of Decathlon winter gear and base layers, totally fine and pretty cheap. Their cheap stuff is dirt cheap and their expensive stuff is low to midrange I guess. And some DhB Flashlight tights but I was less impressed by those - Decathlon seems to be very good quality for the price. Their mesh baselayer is almost identical to more premium brand versions (except it says b-twin on it, but it's a base layer so who cares).

Strikes me as a bit of a daft thread really.

kieran240885

Not many people like to admit it but the Boardman stuff is very well priced and decent gear.

fenix

I've had PX socks at £1 a pair in the bundles. Not great value though. They wear out very quickly. DHB by comparison are more expensive but I don't think I've worn a pair out yet.


I don't bother with normal socks now. It's all cycling socks for cycling or running or work. Makes no difference.

rich164h

The problem is that the Le Col stuff just isn’t as good as alternative items for the same money, even when using the discount codes. I’ve got some things because I like the design, but in terms of materials, my DHB and Northwave (and Planet X);are better quality and for a fraction of the price. You’d have to be crazy to pay full price for Le Col. I probably won’t be buying anything else from them now I’ve seen what the products are like.

fenix

Can anyone actually tell what Jersey they have on when they're riding? So long as it fits and the pockets aren't sagging - then I couldn't tell you what I was wearing without looking.

Darius_Jedburgh

Can anyone actually tell what gear anybody else is wearing? A brief glimpse of their clothing is all you get on the road.

Poseurs in the cafe will make sure you know what they have bought, but who cares.

daniel_b

It's probably already been said, but there are cheap cycle clothing, Tenn etc, and there are midrange and premium offerings - but if you are on the ball most premium options can be had in a sale for very reasonable amounts.

I recall when I started riding back in 2006, the idea of spending £30 let alone £60 on a pair of bibshorts was a big thing for me, where as now my enjoyment and experience of cycling is that much more, I have found out through hit and miss, which makes fit me (or do now anyway) and which ones do not.
This changed a while back as I shed a fair bit of weight, and what used to fit now did not, but I guess that could go for anyone.

I would still never spend £200 on a pair of bibshorts, BUT if I am looking to go riding for 6 or 7 hours, I feel I can justify spending north of £100 on a pair of shorts if I know they are going to fit really well, the pad will keep me comfy, and if the old cliche of the shorts not even crossing my mind during the ride occurs, then it (to me) is money well spent.
Especially if you know they wash well and are going to last for many many rides.

Jerseys I do need to fit well, and I have specific ones I will wear for certain conditions, but the same expense, in my opinion, is not a must here, though the fit has to be spot on imho - that's the over riding priority.

Socks - strange one, I always used to be basic socks will do, and of course in reality they will, and I have tried some more pricey ones and not been that impressed.
The Planet X thicky merino socks are mighty both for warmth & quality, and as a by product and also generally dirt cheap.
On the flip side, the best summer socks I have ever bought, are some GripGrab SL socks - wiggle have them, amongst others, and iirc they are about £12 per pair.
They seem to be the perfect balance between sublime comfort, whilst not being to thick, or critically I had some Mavic socks once which were simply far too thin - I suppose they are my Goldilocks socks - Goldisocks? (Admittedly they are yellow though, who would have guessed that)

I could be wrong, but the more I have ended up spending on a bike, the more I have been able to justify to myself for shoes, and associated kit, wheels etc etc.

I would say my best value makes are:
La Passione
Galibier
Lusso

My favourite makes are:
Ale
Castelli
La Passione
7Mesh

That was a long post - so anyway, prices are high, because people will pay it, but there are plenty of quality makes out there for very reasonable prices, or more premium makes can be had in the sale for equally as reasonable money.

cruff

bradsbeard said:

Have a butch at PNS if you want to see expensive!

I’m liking Isoles at the mo. Great value kit and fantastic designs.

Bought a few bits with the LeCol £50 off and been very pleased with it.

I second Isolés. Took a punt in a jersey because I liked the design - quality is superb, on a par with Isadore (another lesser known brand). Bought another Jersey and its just as good. Not cheap, but on a par with Castelli and Rapha and better fit than both for me at least

MTB_Roadtripper

Did the whole Le Col Strava code thing, two separate codes, two orders for bib shorts and Jersey (their "affordable" range).

I like the top, fit is good, comfortable, very light but still a bit of wind protection.

The shorts chaffed my balls first ride out but I didnt have any chamois cream on so I'm blaming that, do shorts kinda...soften/loosen up a bit? Like I feel after a few rides my balls might be chaff free.

Got socks too and to be honest they're the best part so far, real nice.

Ive got Bontrager, Altura and Pearl Izumi shorts as well. The Pearls were always my goto for big rides but they are getting a bit worn out on the padding front.

Got some Silvini jerseys on the way from Sportspursuit, was cheap, doesn't look awful....we'll see.

fenix

https://www.pasnormalstudios.com/commodity/1716-pas-normal-studios-solitude-jersey-off-white

£155 for a top ?

Er ok then.

Darius_Jedburgh

I went into Biketreks in Staveley. Was looking for a new top. Was offered the latest product. Nice shade of terracotta and taupe. Only a zipped pocket at the rear....for credit card and/or car keys. No pockets for food/gear.

Reduced to £185 from £220. Best materials, latest styling and a good name on the label. It might still be there; it certainly isn't here.

fenix

I remember chatting to an American on a forum somewhere. His idea of cycling was to do a 10 mile loop. Didn't need any tools or anything - he would call his wife to collect him if he had a puncture.

Sounds like that top wouldn't be any use even to someone like him of it can't take a phone.