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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2014 6:00:49 GMT
Hi guys
Fast approaching the big five zero and like many, getting back into cycling, this time for health reasons. Having to go part-time at work so money is tighter than ever. Buying a Triban 7a on the Cycle to Work scheme but need advice on the following clothing:
Base layer Tights Shirts Zip up Jersey/jacket (not the waterproof ones)
What do you wear? What is the best value for money?
Having read many comments on this forum I know you guys buy wisely and I need to do the same.
I'd really appreciate you advice on this and anything else you think might help.
many thanks
Andy
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2014 8:13:12 GMT
Aldi Aldi Aldi...
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2014 8:24:37 GMT
I recently got back into cycling Andy and I'm kitted out in mostly Aldi clothing. Good value, good fit for me and washes well. Only problem is the clothing is only in store during their special buys offers. I've found Sports Direct are great for base layers, as their footy and running stuff works equally well for cycling. They also stock the Muddy Fox clothing range but £ for £ I preferred the Aldi items.
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Post by captslog on Feb 4, 2014 8:26:03 GMT
My story is very similar to yours. I returned to cycling after 50, and didn't have a lot of cash, or really didn't want to spend oodles on something which I was not sure I'd stay with.
As a consequence, a lot of my initial gear came from Sports Direct or similar. I picked up padded tights really and a decent enough long sleeved top and I doubt I paid more than £15-20 for the lot, the brand was Muddy Fox.
I also got my shoes from there for £20, I still use them and don't own another pair. My base layers came from various, I didn't have them to start with, and I think they were bought as presents, but I do recall getting an Aldi one in the early days. However, I also use the super cheap Decca ones which are about £6 and as warm as toast.
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Post by ianmoss on Feb 4, 2014 9:57:19 GMT
As we still have cold weather, you need more items of clothing than normal. If you buy cheap, you can have lots of items to get you through. In cold weather, layering is the key. A good base layer / vest is the best thing to wear next to your torso as it will remove sweat and stop you getting cold when you are not 'working' then it's a case of whatever is comfortable. A Jersey, then an outer long sleeved jacket, maybe a wind-stopper Gillet over. In bad weather it is important to get waterproof outer to stop you getting soaked. Being wet in the cold is bad. Go light and waterproof for this layer so you can take off when it's not raining so you don't over heat. With layers you can un-zip to regulate your temperature if you get too hot, you can't warm up more if you don't have enough layers. don't forget your head, a great cheap buy is a 'buff' which is a simple tube of fabric. which can be made into a head cover, a scarf which you can pull up over your mouth and nose if the air is freezing. you can get these in packs of 3 from TK-MAXX or sports direct. Cheap items (Aldi / Lidl) are arm warmers, leg warmers and overshoes. These are great for extra warmth when it's really cold and will serve you well in the spring and Autumn as you wear them when the start of rides are a bit chilly. You can quickly remove them as you warm up. Best tip is to buy stuff 'off-season' all the winter clothes go on sale when the wether gets warmer and there are spacial deals as the cold draws in around September. Once you have one year under your belt you will have a good selection of suitable clothing. The very best investment you can make is a good pair of padded shorts, they are a very person preference so try to visit a store and try them on. Try to make sure they are tight and secure so the pad 'stays put' between you and the saddle. Some links and pics FYI Waterproof JacketArm Warmers
OvershoesGilletPeople here always post their good finds and bargains, watch out for those. Hope that helps a little.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2014 13:02:07 GMT
However, I also use the super cheap Decca ones which are about £6 and as warm as toast. I've got a couple of these as well - unbelievably warm! If anything I don't think it's been cold enough this winter for them. The one time I wore it on the bike I was far too hot and ended up soaked in sweat. The only downside is they aren't that breathable. I've kept mine for hillwalking now. The Decathlon merino base layers are good though. A bit more expensive but worth it. Planet X merino seem good value as well, but I've not bought one (yet.....)
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Post by robertsims on Feb 4, 2014 13:37:16 GMT
Shorts (bib) = dhb Everything else = Aldi
That is my policy summed up!
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Post by Steph on Feb 4, 2014 14:20:01 GMT
I've been doing fine with Aldi leg and arm warmers plus their under helmet cap, the cheap Decathlon base layer tops (long sleeved, I think they are actually marketed as ski ones) and I'm still in my summer short sleeved jersey on top of those. Also wear one of their cheap fleece neck warmers/beanie hat (only ever as a neck warmer though.)
I can't really recommend shorts/bib tights. I got cheap MuddyFox shorts/tights from SportsDirect. As far as warmth goes they are great despite being summer ones, but the pad leaves a lot to be desired. I did pick up some discounted Decathlon bib tights last week, ones with the orange and black pad. If you can get winter shorts/tights with that pad for around the £25 mark I'd say go for it. From what I've read I think you could get a better pair for the usual £50+ that the Decathlon ones seem to be.
For gloves I have cheap Karrimor ones, again from SportsDirect. 1 pair of liner gloves and some grippy-palmed and finger fleece gloves on top. Not waterproof but reasonably wind-proof. I only get cold fingers if they are wet. If you can get on with the Aldi ones then they are very warm, but for me they are too thick/stiff and I didn't feel comfortable using them.
I have the cheap B'Twin overshoes which are warm and wind-proof but like the gloves can get cold if it's wet.
For waterproofing, I rarely bother, which probably isn't advice to follow. I have a MuddyFox waterproof jacket and it is very waterproof, and very, very warm. Which is a downside, I just get too warm wearing it so don't usually bother when it's raining. If it's bad enough rain for me to want to use it then it's bad enough to stop me going on the bike.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2014 17:53:59 GMT
Hi guys, thanks for all your advice.
Needles
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