clothing upgrade time.

[dave0010]

When I first started cycling I bought myself some altura shorts and long sleeve top. I then got a pair of full length trousers and in time a pair of 3/4 bib shorts. Also a hi viz waterproof jacket.

All the clothes I have bought have all been the basic cheapest clothes as at the time I was unsure if I would continue with the sport.

Now many miles on I'd like to invest in some proper clothes for all seasons. As with anything cycling there is a infinite range and just wondered what people would recommend,

So what do you ride in? Also what do you wear in different conditions and distances? I'm looking for gear for an evening blasts, sportive rides and cold/wet weather riding. I understand this will involve a while range of clothing but I'm happy with that.

[anonymous-user]

Mostly Castelli here, the kiss3 pad in the shorts is great, yeah the sizes don't flatter you, I'm 6' and 80kgs and I wear XL but the material and fit is very good and it's half the price of Rapha or Assos.

[TheFungle]

I'd suggest the most expensive you can afford and what you like the look of the most.

For instance I'm happy to pay Rapha prices but if they were styled like Assos I'd run a mile!

Favourite bits of kit are:

Arm warmers
Lightweight wind proof gilet
Merino baselayer
Merino jerseys
Merino socks
Cotton cap
Rapha softshell jacket
Castelli 'toe thingies'

Nothing worse IMO than I'll fitting, flappy clothing when on a bike.

Except perhaps mid matched clothing

[dontdobends]

Lusso pro gel bibshorts take some beating and the only ones made in the uk

[Disco You]

DHB offer great value for money at a few price points from cheap to mid range.

Other than that, I'd recommend Castelli, Sportful, Assos and, if you're feeling really flash, Rapha.

[okgo]

More and more I'm moving to assos. It's great kit and is styled well I think (with exception of some of the jackets) and it fits really well

[47p2]

Gore Phantom 2 which has removable sleeves and is one of my favourite bits of clothing

[Rouleur]

Assos shorts for £90 delivered from http://www.assosfactoryoutlet.com/. Same kind of price as Castelli but infinitely better technically and in terms of quality too. I've got a pair of Castelli shorts from a couple of years ago and they're pretty poor, I'll never buy any of their products again.

Pearl Izumi and Gore make good stuff IME.

[Fotic]

Gore stuff is lovely and dhb seems good vfm.

[duff]

These are the basics that will cover you for most situations, excl gloves, shoes etc:

SS Base layer
SS Top
Bib Shorts
Bib Longs
Windproof/Waterproof Top
Arm/Knee warmers
Overshoes
Gillet
Skull hat


The brands I use and like are Mavic, Castelli, Endura and Pearl Izumi. However I have had inconsistent sizing with all these brands except Endura, also had a couple of Castelli bits that weren't very well made but others that have been excellent so it's a bit hit and miss. If you buy from somewhere like Wiggle or CRC you get free returns so buy a load of stuff send back what's no good.

I have an Assos LS top which is superb but I paid nearly half price, it's great quality but I will only buy Assos if it's reduced! A friend has some Capo stuff and it looks very good (online pics don't do it justice) but not cheap. At the other end of the scale I got some Sportful tops online from Halfords for £15 and although they did look a bit fragile they've been fine.

[WinstonWolf]

Rouleur said:

Assos shorts for £90 delivered from http://www.assosfactoryoutlet.com/. Same kind of price as Castelli but infinitely better technically and in terms of quality too. I've got a pair of Castelli shorts from a couple of years ago and they're pretty poor, I'll never buy any of their products again.

Pearl Izumi and Gore make good stuff IME.

I've got Assos shorts, worth every penny

I found the Pearl Izumi ones I had before chaffed the gentleman's region a little.