New gear for a newbie

[Jsnyd]

So i just got home from REI, I love that store and suprised I got out before I had a hole in my back pocket. I bought a pair of cycling shorts(black), bright yellow jersey and a nice white helmet. Does it take some getting used to when wearing that stuff? I feel a little out of place. I’ve worn spandex while playing sports but usually under a uniform haha. I feel a little silly. I checked out the normal looking shorts with chamois but they are so baggy and punk looking. Maybe i will wear gym shorts over them? Is that acceptable?

Topic

[RESTONTODC]

Yes, it’s acceptable but it might be too hot during summer. You also can try the MTB shorts if you’re not comfortable in spandex.

When I started cycling, I bought the cheap Performance Bike cycling clothes. But when I tried on the Gore or Pearl Izumi clothes, I would never go back to wear the Performance stuff. The Performance chamois and fabric was too thin. It doesn’t keep thing tightly in place. Finally, I have to throw them out. There are other good cycling cloth companies out there but Gore and Pearl Izumi have the reasonable price.

I would research and invest on the good cycling clothes. It would performance better and last for years.

Rick

[Jsnyd]

@RESTONTODC 4776 wrote:

Yes, it’s acceptable but it might be too hot during summer. You also can try the MTB shorts if you’re not comfortable in spandex.

Thanks Rick,
I guess I just didnt like the selection on MTB shorts that REI had. They looked a lot like skateboarding shorts. The shorts and shirt I bought are made by Novara, both on clearance so the price was right.

-Jon

[StopMeansStop]

You can buy mostmstuff on amazon and get the best prices. And yes, the more expensive stuff is worth it. Your privates will thank you for it.

[RESTONTODC]

@StopMeansStop 4778 wrote:

You can buy mostmstuff on amazon and get the best prices. And yes, the more expensive stuff is worth it. Your privates will thank you for it.

When you figured out your size, buy them online. 90% of my shopping is online.

When I’m not really sure about a Gore or Pearl Izumi item, I would buy it from performancebike website and ship free to the local store. If I don’t like it, I can return to Performance store without the return shipping cost.

[acc]

Yes, it is hard not to feel odd at first. The neon colors for starters, the strange way everything fits takes getting used to. I agree about the quality suggestion. I had cheap stuff to begin with and it looked fairly bad and felt worse. When I started wearing a better grade of shorts it made a big difference. The more you ride the more accustomed you become to the look. I just came back from a weekend at a race track and it seemed odd to me that the men did not shave their legs. That will be your next step…

Happy trails,
ann

[Greenbelt]

I wear those ultralight running shorts over my padded bike shorts. The jogging shorts have a useful pocket for when I’m carrying my backpack and jersey back pockets less accessible.

[Jsnyd]

Here’s my next question. Is all this unnecessary if all I am doing is commuting and starting a new hobby? I have almost paid as much for my outfit then I have my bike. I dont want to be “that guy”, but I can see how it could happen often.

[CCrew]

@acc 4781 wrote:

I just came back from a weekend at a race track and it seemed odd to me that the men did not shave their legs. That will be your next step…

LOL. Be careful, it’s a slippery slope too!

But as to whether it’s necessary, no it’s not. But having the accessories designed for the sport does sometimes make it more pleasurable. If you don’t like tight lycra however there’s always the MTB stuff, which works too.

[Greenbelt]

I have almost paid as much for my outfit then I have my bike.

True, gear costs some but it also seems to last forever. Just don’t skimp on the bright colors and don’t forget to get good lights!

[acc]

Yes, bright colors matter. We all want to see you around for very long time. Bright, garish colors, they work to keep you safe. And please get the best lights you can. Every precaution you can take to make you visible is worth it. Look for sales on clothing (kits) in August. Consider bib shorts. And comb through Dirt’s post on saddle sores.

Yes, it is a strange world. Welcome.

ann

[OneEighth]

When I finally got back into cycling as a commuter, I dusted off my early 90’s mtb and my mid-80’s road bike and went the minimal gear route—e.g., my old motorcycle messenger bag, cheap pedals and shoes, mtb shorts, and whatever t-shirt and baseball cap were at hand.
Among the first things to go were knobby tires. The rest of the mtb followed shortly on. The 80’s road bike lasted a bit longer, but it, too, inevitably went the way of its cousins, the dinosaurs. (Which is to say it got donated.)
Before long, I was putting together a new bike roughly each year and was buying expensive bib shorts, expensive shoes, and good pedals. I think I still have the baseball cap somewhere, but that got replaced by cycling caps (which I now dutifully cover with a good helmet).
The progression wasn’t lighting fast, but, nonetheless, I wasted a lot of money on half-steps. You have to find your own comfort/performance level—my only advice to you would be to take it slowly or you will end up spending as much for two or three sets of shorts that you will never touch again when you could have bought a nice pair of bib shorts instead (assuming, of course, that the bibs will make you happy).
Good luck.

[Dirt]

@Jsnyd 4786 wrote:

I have almost paid as much for my outfit then I have my bike.

That just means it is time to buy a new, much more expensive bike. (TOTALLY JOKING THERE!)

See how those shorts and that jersey feel for you. Generally the roadie clothes are kinda funny looking, but they are truly functional… especially when it is very hot or very cold out.

You’ll know you’re a bit around the bend when you start to like the look and feel of cycling clothes… when you’re comfortable wearing them in public… when you actually feel odd walking around in jeans. I think there’s a 12-step program for that.

[DismalScientist]

Looks like I am permanently on step 2 of my 12 step program to becoming a bike commuter. :p

[Jsnyd]

@Dirt 4806 wrote:

I think there’s a 12-step program for that.

There must be haha. I think the largest hurdle will be commuting in an area where no one else owns a bike. I will keep in mind all of my friends in the forum. I might go on a group ride or over at Mt Vernon on the weekend to at least see others out. Thanks for all the informational posts, especially yours on saddle sores Dirt. I scan the forum for articles like that constantly, soaking up as much as possible, keeping myself “in the loop”.

[Dirt]

@DismalScientist 4808 wrote:

Looks like I am permanently on step 2 of my 12 step program to becoming a bike commuter. :p

I’m obviously pre-step 1. I can stop buying bike stuff any time I want.

[Author]

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