Best cycling clothing?

I don't know if you can get it where you are, but here in the U.S. the best I have found is the store brand from Performance Bicycle. It is also cheaper than the other high quality stuff out there.

I'd recommend having a light breathable, windproof outer layer. Running gear is great for breathability, but not on wind- of which is a big factor for cold in cycling. Check for some sort of wind-proof claim on the label before you buy. Layering is key, especially to keep your clothes versatile from season to season. Once you have a the wind layer, wear a base layer thick enough to insulate. This will take some trial and error. Fleece or wool works well, remember it still has to be breathable or else you'll get clammy. I also add a headband, full-fingered gloves, helmet cover, and thick socks. You tend to warm up after riding a while, so it's nice to have many laying pieces to take on and off until you figure out what the right layers are.

That's the best generic info I can give since I'm in the US. Have fun!

There's loads of online sales at the moment in the UK with big discounts during the end of season sales - checkout Wiggle, Evans Cycles, Cycle Republic for example .

Original retail price is actually a reasonable guide to quality but like most things at the very high end you end up paying an awful lot more for something better, but not massively better, than mid-range.

Altura, Gore and DHB are good value IMHO.
Castelli gear is lovely but expensive and their sizing is tiny.

I don’t know if you use cleats or trainers but if you’re using cleats then do not underestimate the benefit of overshoes (sock like covers that go... over your shoes). It’s my feet and hands that get cold so I use double socks, toe covers over the front of my shoes then seal skinz neoprene overshoes on top of that. Yes the overshoes might look a bit daft but they do delay the frostbite!
I also often wear cycle shorts under long bottoms, and you might want to check the lovely fleecey lines Castelli arm & leg warmers that you can put on under layers or use if you’re unsure of the weather or if it’s changeable.
A decent jacket that is breathable and doesn’t turn you into a sweaty mess is a worthwhile investment. Altura make some reasonable kit at reasonable prices.

georgyporcupine wrote: »

Thanks everyone. I know it was a seemingly obvious question, but there is so much choice for absolutely everything now that it can be difficult to know if you are buying the right thing!

My top picks over the years:
Altura NightVision jacket for short rides and commuting use. (Too sweaty for long rides for me though.)
Merino wool socks or SealSkinz
Shoe/toe covers (any brand)
Good gloves.
Arm warmers (most useful Spring and Autumn to change a short sleeve into a long sleeve, great place to wear something hi-viz)
Compression top/base layer. (Doesn't have to be cycle specific.)

I like de soto, castelli, and craft. You probably need some windproof layers - look for Gore's WindStopper fabric.

georgyporcupine wrote: »

@Machka9 Thank you so much for those recommendations my running stuff is all too lightweight I think as I am an absolute sweaty mess when running. Need to get something a bit warmer for the bike!

on bikes you create your own windchill, a lot more than you do when you run. so you generate warmth but you also shed it almost immediately unless you're dressed right. the trick is to find clothing that allows you to carry your own biosphere bubble around at the same time.

i always like wool. wool plus a layer of whatever is windproof makes all the difference, especially in a high-humidity version of 'cold'. and if you don't want to drop a ton of money on expensive experiments, thrift shops are full of the stuff. the wool traps your body's warmth for you and the top layer keeps it from being stolen by your own speed.

a scarf or balaclava is also great when it's cold enough. not just for protecting your face, but if you're really feelng the cold you can tuck your chin and use it to kind of funnel warm air down your own neckline. i'm not saying this doen't look odd to bystanders of course. i'm just sayin', it works.

in general i find a lot of snow-sport equipment to be an adequate crossover. skiers and boarders both need good wind barrier and lots of play in the knees and hips, and skiers for sure also need gloves with enough articulation to allow them to grip.

Two of my favourite on-line shops are in the UK and both have, from time-to-time, great deals on clothing & equipment......

chainreactioncycles.com/ca/en/clothing


https://ribblecycles.co.uk/clothing/

Something you probably want to consider for colder weather riding are bib tights (no gaps for that cold air to infiltrate) and a good windproof jacket with lighter layers underneath (for really cold weather merino wool is hard to beat) if your hands are susceptible to the cold check out "lobster" gloves (a mitten/glove hybrid).

As far as brands go you can't go wrong with any of the name brands like Sugoi or Castelli or Craft. I'd think that either Ribble or Chain Reactions house brand stuff is pretty decent quality too.

I ride a spin bike inside so I typically dress lightly. I assume you need warmer clothes like padded pants or padded tights?

I like the brands: Aerotechdesign out of Pittsburgh, Hincapie in South Carolina, plus I get a lot of gear used on ebay and Poshmark. I've also gotten cool things from around the world on Etsy.

Another main stream brand that comes to mind is Pearl Izumi, too.