Road Cycling - Shorts and Helmet for Road Cycling

I've never worn cycling shorts but since recently upgrading my bike and getting back into the sport, I've decided to give them a try.

I'd appreciate any advice for selecting cycling shorts and also suggestions for selecting a helmet.

Thanks,

Jim

well, as for shorts any cycling shorts will be better then regular shorts, since they have padding and mostiure wicking material. I suggest you go to nashbar.com or performancebike.com and get a pair from them, 8 panel seems to have a little better stitching then 6 panel (imo). Mostly the generic lycra shorts are as nice as the peral izumi with a pretty big difference in price.

as for a helmet, just go to a LBS and try on a bunch until you find one you like, that is how I got my first helmet, don't be surprised but you will most likely spend at least $40 to get a nice helmet, they go up from there but it is not necessary for the beginner Giro and Bell both make excellent helmets, you really cannot go wrong with them.

one last note, make sure you try on a few pair of lycra shorts before you purchase them (especially over the net) as it can be a hassle if you get the wrong size.

mm. moisture wicking material.. i like that.

for the beginner Giro and Bell both make excellent helmets

Between these two companies you should be able to find a good fitting helmet. There are other companies but Giro and Bell seem to be the most accessible.
As stated before, any cycling shorts that you find comfortable will work. Personaly I like to use baggy mtb shorts when I ride even on my road bike. Although I will wear lycra shorts if I am going to be riding for more then 2 or 3 hours because they tend to stay cooler.
Slainte:beer:

Try checking out this site (http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=CATLIST&PRO_SUB_CAT=450&PRO_SSUB_CAT=999) they have some really good deals on 1 and 2 year old gear got my helmet for a steal and am a big fan of their Nema jerseys

I wore cycling shorts for a few years but I've now discovered . . . .


BIBSHORTS!

Its the way to go. No more waist band rolling down your tummy. Much more comfortable fit.
There must be a reason the pros wear them and it's because they're better.

Stew

I agree with Stew,
Bibshorts are much superior than waistband shorts for the reasons mentioned, also I purchased coolmax shorts, these are so comfortable i feel i am riding in the buff :D
My helmet purchase was a Giro which i have been very satisfied with, lightweight and comfortable.

Bibs are the way to go, especially if one has
any gut.
I just got some Etxe-Ondo and all I can say
is the chamois in it feels like real chamois, and
doesn't bunch up at all. I like em better
than the Castelli's albeit they're not cheap.
With all the time I spend in them and on a saddle,
I figure they are worth it.

Marty

Jim,

Shorts are a personal thing. Try on a few brands and styles at your LBS since this is something new for you. Same with helmets.

Any good brand of shorts (Pearl Izumi, Bellwether, Cannondale, Sugoi, Canari, Louis Garneau, Giordana, etc.) should work for you.
Don't buy the cheapest if the padding seems too thin. Ask some of the guys/gals at the bike shop for some help in deciding what is too thick or thin.

I am in the same situation having just started riding. I'm having a helluva time finding a helmet I really like. I like the looks of the Giro Pneumo. Is it really worth the asking price, or is it just priced higher because Lance wears one...LOL :D So what's the basic differences between the cheaper brain buckets and the top of the line skid lids??

dragracer,

Brain Buckets ...
Mo Money = Better Fit, Air, & Style Points

Most any will keep your brains intact in the event of a fall. I went ahead and paid for the Pneumo (on sale) because I prefer the air flow in my usually HOT environment of the South.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'm going to make a trip to the my LBS and start trying out their shorts and helmets. I'll probably make my purchase at the LBS since they carry a pretty good inventory of both helmets and shorts.

This bike forum really works. I wish that I had a forum to help me do my job!

Thanks.

Throw down for a Briko helmet and SUGOI shorts.

The best bibs are from Nalini