Cycling clothing

Hi, at the moment I ride in a t-shirt and normal sports shorts. I am interested in buying a cycling top (is it called a jersey?) and don't want to spend more than $100. Since I have never bought one before what advice can you give me so I decent one? What brands are siutable, I am obviously not a pro cyclist so I don't want to look like a try hard if you know what I mean.

Apart from looking good, what purpose do these jerseys offer? more breathable material? extra pockets? better tan line

I am in Melbourne eastern 'burbs. thanks.

 

I like www.Trikotboerse24.com they are a German site that do have some really cheap stuff for sale(dont forget to click on the English option at the top of home page). The specialise in Nalini clothing (italian stuff) Most australian bike shops stock Netti which I hate/loathe

You will not look stupid riding in a pro cycling shirt. People that support a football team dont look stupid going to the footy in the shirts the pros wear.
I think the pro jerseys look so much better than a standard cycling jersey.

What I wouldn't do is wear the full get up (socks, shirt, shorts, helmet, booties) because I think you do look stupid. Why not wear shorts by some pro team and a jersey from another?

Good Luck

 

Thanks for the link but I really do need to try it on before buying, wouldn't have a clue what size would fit. What do you dislike about Netti?

this may seems silly to ask but anyway, what about colour co-ordination between clothing and bike and helmet etc? My thinking is that the jersey could be any colour (does not need to match bike) and perhaps the helmet should match the clothing.

 

I find Netti shorts in particular to have a really poor cut. They dont feel the same to me like the italian brand. The rear end fits funny whereas Nalini is super comfortable. I guess It is just a personal thing, but I have purchased a lot of shorts over the years and I wouldn't go near Netti with a forty foot pole. cannibal is a bit better if your looking at australian clothing.

Go into a shop that sells Nalini stuff. Try them on and judge for yourself and while your there, find your size and buy on the net as your guaranteed to save huge amounts of cash.

Color matching is personal. Many people will think Im a pansy or something but color coding is important. Green nicks with a red top come on. Black socks dont go with black nicks it has to be white socks and if you go the green nicks, find some socks with some green on them if you want colour on them.
I think it is commonsense. Now for the helmet, if you join a club go for colours that match your clubs colours. But this is the only reason I would buy a helmet to match my outfit, otherwise you commit yourself to only buying clothing of a particular colour.

 

I went from riding in shorts and a t-shirt, to baggy shorts (with in-built cycle shorts) and a jersey to now cycling knicks and a jersey. There is a big difference in comfort with a decent pair of cycling knicks with a 3D pad (variable thickness pad) although at times it feels like you have something stuck in your bottom when walking, but absolute comfort when sitting down in the saddle.

I suggest you try on a pair of knicks before buying them as sizing varies. For example my pair of Scody L size is the same as Netti XL. All my jerseys are European size 5 (XL) which is the same as an Australian L. I would keep away from the basic entry level range and get something decent as comfort and longevity are increased.

The great thing about decent cycling clothing is that it keeps you cool and wicks away the sweat. Knicks are pretty good, although some people feel they are a bit revealing but they do have thick pads in them to cover all the exposed bits.

You can get cheap jerseys at probikekit.com. Also at woolywheels.com.au they have Netti Pronix at $49 which is a good price and I have a pair, although I prefer my Scody Avengers for better fit.

James

 

Style is a personal thing, choose what YOU like. Cycling clothing is about FUNCTION as well. Modern materials wick away moisture and keep you more comfortable. Tighter fitting clothing is more aerodynamic, and doesn't "bunch" around sensitive areas. Cycling jerseys have pockets in the rear for gear and food etc... It's best to layer clothing, you can then remove or add as conditions change. Think synthetic (wool is expensive usually, but cotton is surely out), and since your budget is limited, try and get things that will work in conjunction with other garments, like leg, knee, arm warmers and a vest rather than heavier jackets, or long tights and jerseys. Visibility is also a consideration if you travel the busy streets. Style tips: Never wear underwear under cycling shorts, DON'T turn the elastic bands at the bottom of your shorts up (yes, some manufacturers put their logo there, don't succumb). Stay away from jerseys that advertise the cheap mail-order houses, wear your sunglasses OVER your helmet straps, and never put a playing card in your spokes.

 

I love the dont roll up the elastic on your knicks bit.

In 1994 The commonwealth bank cycle classic came through and all the german riders had rolled up the elastic on their knicks. How unusual I thought.
For the next 3-6 months, all the "professionals" in my club were doing the same thing. It kinda dissapeared after that. I think the pantani bandanna came in to fashion, which could only really be shown off at the cafe because of NSW helmet regulations (Bandanna covered whilst riding).

I have noticed some riders recently grasping their water bottles with the strange twist of the wrist that the pros were doing this year in the TDF.


Does any one know what I am talking about?

 

Hmm, much to think about. Next time i'm at my LBS I'll see what they have. I'm not sure about cycling shorts yet (one step at a time) although it may help with my sore tender bits (i'm playing around with my saddle position to try and help too)

 

Hi Mark

If you are uncertain about buying proper knicks at this stage why not try buying lycra gym shorts and wearing these under a normal pair of shorts. Although I would recommend eventually buying cycling knicks for the benefits they provide, wearing the gym type shorts would be far better than just wearing normal underwear (stops chafing). I have a couple of these shorts I bought at Rebel Sports for $25.00 which I use for commuting. Here's a link to their site -

http://rebelsport.com.au/?action=view&id=709758&cat=130

Once you feel more confortable with the tight lycra feel then maybe you could treat yourself to cycling knicks. As far as shirts and jerseys are concerned you could possibly go to any sports store or leisure and camping store like Kathmandu, Mountain Designs or the like and buy a tshirt with Coolmax fabric or anything which has moisture wicking capabilities. In fact, I remember seeing Diadora shirts with moisture wicking material in Kmart for between $20 - $30. Although these won't have the rear pockets usually found on cycling jerseys they will at least be more comfortable than normal cotton shirts and you won't look like a mobile billboard or advertising sign. There's a lot of styles of shirts available now with moisture wicking properties from tank tops and tshirts to button up shirts.
Best of luck in your search.

 

If it helps, Goldcross Chadstone has a 25% off clothing sale from Boxing Day. This should save you a few dollars, plus you get the chance to try it all on at the same time.

 

Thanks to everyone, I think I'll check out Goldcross, is it only Chadstone that are having the sale? i suppose everyone here is now going to get the sales must be quick.

 

Aldi sell cycle tops and shorts about every couple of months and great prices, this week mtb gear is on sale, the mtb shorts are good and only $20 but the tops are without rear pockets so may not suit road use. Just need to keep an eye on the site http://www.aldi.com.au/.
Buying online is painless and within 2 weeks its delivered, can get big savings on high quality gear, not manny bargins pre xmas but can bet on reductions in the new year from http://www.probikekit.com/.
Get team or plain colours, team gear is fun though.

 

Why do you put your glasses OVER the helmet straps? I've never even thought about which side of the straps i put them. Also, the playing card in the spokes...Ahh, the memories!

 

A helmet is only effective if it is fit properly, without too much freeplay, so if you leave enough room for your glasses you may compromise safety. Also, it is a real pain to try and re-insert the darn things if you peel them off to wipe them off, or more difficult to get them off in a hurry. But you do look stupid if you try and peel the helmet off suavely at the coffee shop, post-ride, without taking the shades off first. I guess though that you're limited by the design of your glasses ear/head "arms" (I am at a complete loss at the moment with respect to the name of the parts of eyewear, oh bother!) Seems most new eyewear styles feature the straight, rubber-clad variety of whatever they're called.

I have seen the "upside down" wrist-flick bottle move. I just got the "gum-chewing and walking" thing down (mostly), so I'll just keep grabbing the bottle the old fashioned way. Dropping the bottle in your teamates spokes puts a strain on the relationship, not to mention the extra work you incur trying to catch back up after retrieving the pesky flask.

Style BEFORE substance is kind of like alimony BEFORE marriage, if you're gonna pay, might as well get a little "saddle-time" in first!

velowear.com features an easy return policy on clothing that doesn't fit.

 

Grabbing the water bottle in a backhand position then twisting it out enables you to bring the waterbottle up higher once in mouth (therefore enabling more water to come out) without having to raise your arm/elbow as much as you would otherwise.

Once your use to it, its a much better way to get more liquid into you,faster.

 

Depending on your size you could check it out now...they've got a rack full of stuff thats marked down by about 50% or so...bought my gear there as well..

as for feeling uncomfortable in knicks...i kinda lost that whole self conscious attitude once i stacked it standing at the lights...

i'd recommend getting a pair of knicks...god knows that road bike saddles are a lot harder than the ones you'll find on a mountain bike.. >.<

 

hehe, great discussion

i mostly own MTB stuff...

for bargains, I am a great fan of the natudry Giodarno polo tops... when they go on special, they are a great buy, when not on special, they are still only $30 each... they are alot cheaper than the equivalent Kathmandu, Mtn designs, netti, Snowgum stuff

I do agree, Netti shorts are pretty average. I got a pair of cannibal knicks, had them for 12 years and they are still going strong. The padding just seems to be alot more comfy than the netti stuff, though i am only comparing it to the shy/super shy shorts and my fox mtb stuff.

my advice would be to go for the giodarno polo tops (if you are not big on fashion), go for some nice knicks and you could always wear some shorts over them

if you are comfortable with wearing skin tight lycra, then there is some fantastic choices out there

 

Go exploring on the internet for some Australian/Kiwi based clothing. Explore Jaggard, Uno, ...I have used Ground Effect nix and Jerseys for several years and found their stuff to last and the nix protect the areas that can hurt on 50-80 km rides. When I am going on long rides I use bib style (Assos- high end and cost) nix to minimise chafing.

The real advantage of the jerseys is the pockets on your back, so you can get to stuff while riding. If you know somebody who is good with a sewing machine you may get a t-shirt modified with rear pockets. Now that my upset the style police.

Read the posts in the Bike Cafe on how to look like a better cyclist.

 

I bought a pair of Uno 8 panel knicks two months ago - they wore out within a fortnight (fabric was clearly pilling and looked like it was falling apart). Got them replaced by arguing that they should last for more than 200km of light riding, and the same thing happened with the replacement pair.

The price was very good, but I can only postulate that some corners may have been cut to get them that cheap.

--
nerdag

 

I observed similar piling on my high quality nix in the inside of my thighs near the chamois. The problem is that Lycra and velcro don't like each other. The velco straps on my seat bag were rubbing on the lycra - I replaced the seatbag and to be doubly safe covered the velcro strap around the seat post. No more piling.