Cycling Clothing

bunnyrock

Hi all! I'm new to the forums and new to cycling. Well, perhaps I should say, new to taking cycling seriously as a sport that I want to be involved in. I bought a low end bike (a 15" Norco Pinnacle) to make sure that the sport was something that I would enjoy enough to stick with, and, wouldn't you know it, I feel in love with riding. Thing is, I don't have any cycling-specific gear to wear, and have been making due with wearing my usual workout wear.

Any recommendations to summer and even colder weather clothing would be much appreciated, types and even brands. Jerseys, jackets, shorts, pants? I have no clue where to start. Additionally, I'm quite small, taking an extra small in tops and zeros in pants in street and workout clothes, so if you're familiar with companies that produce smaller sizes that you could recommend, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!

keydates

Pearl Izumi is a good clothes manufacturer.

I'd say first get bike shorts ($40 is a good start) and a jersey. Then go with gloves, socks, and shoes. You might want a rain jacket and sunglasses.

Check nashbar.com (something like that) for online shopping, or just go to your LBS (local bike shop).

Brunswick_kate

Bunny Rock... Louis Garnier is a Cdn manufacturer with good stuff. Also, for out weather gear, you can't beat Mountain Equipment Co-op www.mec.ca . Be prepared to pay for it but it's GOOD stuff.

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denisegoldberg

I've had the best luck with Pearl Izumi shorts and Shebeest jerseys - but of course each one of us somehow finds something different that fits best. I'd recommend checking out http://www.teamestrogen.com as a good source for women's cycling clothing. They even give you the ability to shop by size (under the comparison charts menu item) so you can narrow your search to the smaller sizes.

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bunnyrock

Aw, great! Thanks all!

adapa

I don't know about your area but I'm expecting some major sales with in the next month or two. I do live in an outlet shopping area tho.

Chester1

I had a pair of Louis Garnier mitts once which were expensive, as stated above, but they wore very well indeed. Very nice.

cannongirl

First of all, a good Quality Helmet, remember, it's just as important to dress for the Crash as well as the ride....I like Giro Helmets, especially the well vented ones ...

Also, good quality padded Cycling shorts are essential, Pearl Izumi, Cannondale...etc, make sure they have real chamois padding do not skimp on these, buy the best you can afford....(It's best not to wear anything underneath them)...


Then of course a nice Cycling Jersey/shirt, one with Pockets in the back, they come in handy for your cell phone, car keys and energy bars etc...I wouldn't be without them...

Some nice padded gloves...

Then for colder Days, maybe arm warmers, tights...oh, and not to forget socks...and a Cycling specific Jacket if you need one...

Shoes are a completely different ball game, it depends on the type of Pedals you're eventually going to use..but always go with velcro fasteners, never laces...they can wrap around your cranks and cause you to crash (read item #1)

Supergo normally have some great prices on everything you're going to need if you have one close by...

It's fun shopping for Cycling gear, almost as fun as Cycling itself...

Princess20

Let's start from the inside out:

Undies: I've read that polyester is a must, to wick moisture away from the body. I shop at LaSenza for my panties (low-waist type to avoid flashing people while I cycle -- unless you enjoy doing that!) and Mountain Equipment Co-op in Vancouver for sports bras (I believe you can also shop on the 'Net from www.mec.ca).

Shirts: I bought poly blend tops at M.E.C. in funky colors to get motorists' attention.

Pants: During the summer I favored capris in stretchy, poly blend fabric. I liked having my knees covered in case I fell. And as always, in black so that chain grease remains invisible. I don't bother with cycling shorts with padding because I only ride 10K one way.

Jacket: I buy water-resistant. Wind shells for summer, something with padding for winter. And I TOTALLY advocate jackets that allow you to zip off the sleeves -- this is a big help when I start to warm up.