Road Cycling Clothing Suggestions?

frankfu1122 on 07/06/2021 - 15:18

I cycle to work daily so I usually rack up 200-300km (including leisure rides) a week on average. I've just been cycling in my gym gear without proper cycling shorts/jerseys/gloves etc.

Besides Amazon and Decathlon gear, what are some slightly nicer alternatives? My budget is probably around 300 for jerseys and 250 for shorts/bibs. I've done basic research and have found that clothing makers like NeoPro and Black Bibs might be a good fit with my budget. Can anyone vouch for them or provide other suggestions?

Thanks

Sports & Outdoors Bicycle Accessory Cycling Apparel

Comments

  • Hybroid on 07/06/2021 - 15:23
    +1

    Go to Decathlon and shop to your heart's content. Reasonably priced decent gear.

    There's Bikebug across street from their Tempe branch, check there and then go back to Decathlon.

    • frankfu1122 on 07/06/2021 - 15:44

      I had a look at Decathlon in the past and wasn't too impressed. Will check out Bikebug though, didn't even realise it was so close to Decathlon.

  • Fergy1987 on 07/06/2021 - 15:29

    Got NeoPro bibs. Good bibs, get them before they sell out

    dealing with them is pretty good too they are helpful with sizing etc.

    • frankfu1122 on 07/06/2021 - 15:45

      Good to know. Where did you get help with sizing? The only thing I found was their sizing chart unless you went into a store or emailed them?

      • Fergy1987 on 07/06/2021 - 15:49
        +1

        I just hit them up on Facebook messenger, they were really quick to respond. Gave them my measurements and they suggested a size. The size seemed small (XS compared to a usual S) but they assured me it would fit and when i got them home they are probably the best fitting bibs I've had.

        They felt a little tight just because I think I've always bought things a little bigger coz I dont have a cyclist body, but after a wash and few wears they've come good.

        • frankfu1122 on 08/06/2021 - 22:35

          Easy enough. Might just do that.

  • o53djz7qTPY4der on 07/06/2021 - 15:30
    +2

    Wiggle. DHB. Can't go wrong.

    • Fergy1987 on 07/06/2021 - 15:33
      +1

      You can with their spend $1012039120492049 to get free shipping though.

      I do like a DHB bib though, but get the next model up from the base ones I've found gives you a bit better cushion on the butt.

      • frankfu1122 on 07/06/2021 - 15:47

        Which would be the "next model up from base"? Is it just anything that is not labelled DHB Big Shorts?

        • Fergy1987 on 07/06/2021 - 15:52
          +1

          I think its

          "Bib Shorts" is base
          "Classic Bib Shorts" are the ones I'm suggesting
          "Aeron" or whatever are the top ones

          Jeez those "Bib Shorts" have gone up they were like $45 when i bought them and upgraded to the "Classic" for 68 I think - so now they are both the same price I'd definitely go the classic.

        • Fergy1987 on 07/06/2021 - 15:54

          I will say however that the "Bib Shorts" version are a little higher in the stomach so if you have a bit of a gut on you, they do secure it a little better than the Classic ones

          NeoPro also give you a good frontal coverage on your gut to suck it in so you're looking sleek AF

  • Euphemistic on 07/06/2021 - 15:54
    +1

    IMO knicks/bibs are important it’s comfortable for you. Long time since I’ve bought any, but did have one decent pair and a couple of horrid pairs. Most of the time I wouldn’t bother wearing the knicks, just for looong rides.

    Jersey is far less critical so it’s easier to get cheap ones

    • Fergy1987 on 07/06/2021 - 15:55

      Racmmer Aliexpress jerseys all the way :)

    • cotro on 07/06/2021 - 16:02

      I always thought a full set of knicks was a bit too much…until I got a pair, they just sit a lot more comfortably than just shorts, especially if the shorts you bought arent sized perfectly to the mm

  • DarthAntz on 07/06/2021 - 15:58
    +1

    Pedali. Looks the best and feels comfortable. Can find them on facebook

  • cotro on 07/06/2021 - 16:01
    +1

    DHB is great for affordable, good quality gear.

    MAAP, Rapha, Le Col and Attaquer are high end brands that are good quality, but you'd basically just be getting a single item for your budget. Pedla and Pedal Mafia are also in this category, pedal mafia has a bit more personality than just look "sleek and slimlined" like what most high end brands do.

    Neopro looks good, but I don't know anyone whos worn it so can't vouch.

    • frankfu1122 on 08/06/2021 - 22:41

      Sweet. Thanks for the lowdown.

    • pe arl on 07/06/2021 - 19:54

      We don't even need to get into the whole "cyclists drive/pay rego and rates/have a right to use the roads" argument. If you stop to think about the things you do each day, e.g. smoking around others, contributing to queues/traffic jams, mowing your lawn, parking in the street thus defeating the purpose of having two lanes, interacting with others when you know you have a cold/flu, or going even bigger picture, contributing to the world's plastic waste and methane gas problems, killing trees and animals, paying for pollution etc., there really is no way to make choices and go about our daily lives without inconveniencing others to some extent. It's just easier to get annoyed at others' choices without realising that others may feel the same way about yours. So as long as it's legal and they do it in a generally accepted manner, don't be calling them names. If you encounter someone who's being a nutcase on their bike they probably drive like that too.

      • dmbminaret on 07/06/2021 - 20:14

        you had me at:

        and they do it in a generally accepted manner

        • pe arl on 07/06/2021 - 20:15
          +1

          Well you could say that about any of the other behaviours I listed above if we're getting into that.

  • singlemalt72 on 07/06/2021 - 17:50
    +2

    Ive worn Netti gear for 30 odd years, can't say a bad thing about them.

  • FocusRider on 07/06/2021 - 20:20
    +1

    I ride in Oakley gear their cycling range is very good and reasonablely priced compared to the top end brands such as Ralpha, PAS Normal or Maap.

    • frankfu1122 on 08/06/2021 - 22:43
      +1

      Thanks. Didn't even think about Oakley despite having their sunnies. Also just realised I have 10% discount with them through Unidays.

  • Hugh G Rection on 08/06/2021 - 11:34
    +1

    Here is a few brands to check out that I use and love:
    Rapha, Assos, La Passione, and Castelli.

  • JRozells on 08/06/2021 - 11:44
    +1

    For the bib shorts I would highly recommend Caratti. They are only £55 including shipping (around $100 AUD) which makes then significantly cheaper than higher end alternatives but they are just as good as bib shorts 2-3 times their price. I was willing to spend much more on bib shorts but the reviews convinced me they were worth a shot and I haven't been disappointed! I've used the same bib shorts on every single ride for the past 2.5 years (I cycle a similar amount to you) and they are still in great condition. They are comfortable, well made, and cheap.

    For the jersey I use Le Col. They are pretty good quality and look good but they are pricey. The only reason I bought them was because Strava gave out £50 vouchers for completing cycling challenges. I wouldn't buy Le Col if they weren't on special or I didn't have a voucher.

    • frankfu1122 on 08/06/2021 - 22:51
      +1

      The only concern for me buying from overseas is the shipping cost involved if the sizing doesn't fit and the long shipping times. Have you ever had to return any of your Carattis?

      Thanks for the reminder to use my Le Col voucher haha… almost forgot about it.

  • 2ndeffort on 12/06/2021 - 09:55
    +2

    Buy out of season kit, when the northern hemisphere is going into summer there are often sales on Wiggle, PBK etc to clear out last seasons winter kit …. just in time for our winter. I've often bought 'Sportful' brand kit from Wiggle, Sportful I think is made by Castelli, good quality kit, not as good as some of the premium kit I have like Rapha, Assos etc but still pretty good. Another idea is Sportpursuit, they sometimes have sales for brands like De Marchi or even Rapha.

    • frankfu1122 on 15/06/2021 - 15:39

      Noob question but how do you know if a kit is out of season? Is it just any item without a "new" label on it? or do you need to be reading cycling magazines, channels, etc to be kept up to date with current season gear?

      • 2ndeffort on 15/06/2021 - 16:24
        +1

        I meant seasons of the year. The Northern Hemisphere (where most of the world's cyclists live) is about to go into Summer when we down in Oz are about to go into Winter. Their shops are clearing out unsold winter jackets and leg warmers and stocking up with short sleeve jerseys. Same thing happens when they are about to go into winter and we are heading into the warmer months. I have picked up some bargains via websites like:

        Bikezaar https://www.bikezaar.com/?v=79cba1185463 (currently have Assos entry level bibs T Mille S7 for $152 + postage. Might seem expensive but Assos are premium kit, particularly for Bib Shorts).

        https://www.bikebargains.co.uk/ (gotta be quick here)

        https://www.sportpursuit.com/ (they have some brands that seem to be their own but they regularly have sales on common brands like Pearl Izumi, De Marchi and Rapha)

        • frankfu1122 on 16/06/2021 - 11:33

          Thanks for the effort! Might go with the T Mille S7, seems like a slick deal.

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