Fifty Plus (50+) - Finding clothing

I'm all for supporting my LBS, but in the matter of clothing they just don't seem to stock what I am looking for. Part of it is just a matter of how much stock an LBS can afford to keep. One of the best shops in the area just had a sale this weekend, but when I went to check it out I found that "sale" seemed to mean reduced from "exorbitantly overpriced" to just "mildly overpriced" ;) .

But the main thing was the selection. Frankly, at my age, I don't think I look that great as a rolling neon billboard. Do I really want to pay Pearl Izumi (or Fox, or Nike) all that money so I can go around advertising their brand name for them? Are they sponsoring me or something? I guess I've (finally) gotten out of the stage of wearing flamboyantly branded apparel as a status symbol or something.

In any case, I did not find anything suitable at any LBS in my area. On the other hand, some of the catalog places like Nashbar have a good selection of the types of shorts and jerseys that I'm looking for in a more conservative style and at a much lower price. That's probably the way that I'm going to have to go this time. Anyone else have experiences like this?

Doug

I've never bought Nashbar clothes so I have no first hand experience but I have heard some negative reports re. durability. I have been very pleased with Performance jerseys and shorts, although I stay away from their cheapest stuff. If you wait for sales (and you never have to wait long) a $30 plain color Performance jersey or $30 shorts are going to be as good as the garish faux team stuff at 2-4 times the price.

I've never bought Nashbar clothes so I have no first hand experience but I have heard some negative reports re. durability. I have been very pleased with Performance jerseys and shorts, although I stay away from their cheapest stuff. If you wait for sales (and you never have to wait long) a $30 plain color Performance jersey or $30 shorts are going to be as good as the garish faux team stuff at 2-4 times the price.

Nashbar/Performance are the same company owned by Performance.

Don't know if they have same clothing suppliers, but I have always been happy with my Nashbar clothes. I also have been happy with Performance.

I bought a "Spider Man" Jersey on a gift certificate at the LBS!
The kids in the area love it, expecially the little kids. They are always saying, "There goes Spider Man!" :D

I have been happy with the Performance brand "elite" bibs...currently on sale at 42$. They seem to last well and fit nicely. Their mtb jersies, eg. the "moab" are well made, understated and have a relaxed fit that covers my "German Goiter" (beergut) well. I like the zipper closure on the pocket as I don't sweat loosing things as much. rich

I find soccer shirts very comfortable and much cheaper than cycling jerseys, but I miss the rear pockets.

I have 5 pairs of bibs, 4 jerseys, and leg and arm warmers from Velowear (http://www.velowear.com). I just got this (http://www.velowear.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=301026&variation=&aitem=16&mitem=103) two weeks ago, at the sale price. :D
The prices are right and if you sign up for their email newsletter, you get special "member-only" sale prices on selected items.

Cyclepath has some reallyl discounted stuff (jerseys/shorts) at least 50% off sticker price.

But the main thing was the selection. Frankly, at my age, I don't think I look that great as a rolling neon billboard. Do I really want to pay Pearl Izumi (or Fox, or Nike) all that money so I can go around advertising their brand name for them? Are they sponsoring me or something? I guess I've (finally) gotten out of the stage of wearing flamboyantly branded apparel as a status symbol or something.


One of the things I liked about my white Sirrus was the open faced type that makes the name a little less obvious. But when I got around to shopping for a helmet I couldn't figure out if I needed to match the brand name or look like Times Square on Wheels.

Right now I'm getting by with old jeans and moving towards slightly more descrete Mountain Bike type apparel. Bike shorts under pants, a good windbreaker, and some inconspicuous fleece. Now if I could just peel this brand name decal off my helmet I'd be happy.

Stacy

Don't forget, if you need much stuff. Performance has a year long plan where for $20 you get 10% cash coupons for next purchases. They are in $10 increments. Just got my first coupons today. Obviously you need to spend $200 a year to break even, but in some cases this might save a few more bucks.

While mentioning crude advertising thrust on the poor biker, don't forget these monster bike brand labels. Who really needs 3 inch letters advertising Trek, or Specialized or Giant?

If their marketing people were smart, they would put 1 inch letters on the bikes and sell the 3 inch letters as a $10 accessory.

Huff

I have three floresent green pearlizzumi jerseys that I got for half price that I wear all the time now because I have been told by so many car drivers that they can really see me.

Yeah, I'm not a hard core rider, but I've been biking for 50 years, and I still wear whatever I have that suites the weather. Fortunately, living in Nashville, Tn, I can make myself pretty conspicious by just wearing some good old Tennessee Orange! No problem finding orange clothing around here, what with all the UT fans and hunters!

Since I live and ride way out in the country, it's best I don't look like one of them there "sissy bikers" in tights that the local rednecks like to run off the road.

I prefer to look like a "redneck biker." It's a lot safer where I live.

I've found some nice loose jersey style shirts at Target under the C9 style
they also have a good poly sox under same brand.
karl

My local LBS isexcellent, but not in the clothing department. I always find that it is better to hunt out a specialist shop, one that has the range of clothing of a variety of manufacturers, that will give me a large enough choice of styles and prices to suit my needs. Unfortunately, a shop like this is not on every corner. I used to have one in London, a mere 70 miles from where I live, and went there 3 times a year, just to see what was on offer, but even they have closed down their clothing department in the face of profit margins.
The only point to remember is that quality counts, and it is worth paying that extra bit for a proven itenm than that cheap pair of shorts that you will grow into when they shrink after a wash.

Since I live in Southern California (Orange County aka O.C.), its mostly warm but the mornings can get in the 40's during the winter months. I find that surfing clothes can also be used for bike riding. The rash guards have spandex material mixed with non cotton material. Its light weight and dries quickly. For colder days I wear a short sleeve rash guard under a long sleeve rash guard. Also I wear arm warmers too. These rash guards are moderately priced, especially if they're on sale. Good sales prices are like $20 and sometimes lower.

For bike pants, its more of a problem. In Huntington Beach there's a company called TYR. They make swimwear similar to Speedo and Body Glove. But they also make triathlete wear so I buy their tri bike pants. Only problem is that there is just a minimum padding. So I have learned to live with it. The good news is that these pants also double as swim trunks. The TYR long leg pants are just as good as regular bike pants except for the padding. TYR has their semi annual sales in July and December so pants can go for less than 20. TYR also sells tri tops that are sleeveless, all less than 20 on their sales.

I was in Hawaii this summer and went to their surf shop and bought a short sleeve rash guard for close to 30 but it was a cool design.

I stick strictly to Pearl Izumi bicycle clothes. They were made in the USA in the past and the quality is really great. However they do have some of their clothes made in China and I do not think the quality of those products is as great. Check before you buy.

I don't need to wear "bike clothes". that they sell in bike shops. Just khaki shorts in the warm months, and sweat pants when it gets too cold. Maybe I wear "Thinsulate" under shirts when its very cold, hoodie-sweat shirt, bike gloves, sunglasses, tennis shoes, and helmet. Thats it. No tight fitting, lycra, proffessional bicylcist clothes for me.

Performance has Ultra Bibs on sale again at $40. They work well for me and seem to last very well.

I'm with you. Anything I have other than plain, single-color jerseys or black shorts, I received as a gift.

If anyone likes Primal cycling clothes, try this:

http://www.primal-sports.com

They have some specials and a "factory seconds" section. Another place is EBAY.

Hi,
lots of options, all the outdoorsy stores have stuff that will work.
I like Col D'Lizard. Just ordered a 2nd core warmer, I love it.
http://www.coldlizard.com/cgi/wc.dll?GEKKO~catalog~start~source~~fp

I refuse to wear Lycra or Spandex bike clothes.

Getting colder, so needed leg warmth. Hello navy goretex from lands end. goodbye gaudy tights.

I can't afford $60 and up for a shirt when I normally wear things that cost $10 or less...

and I also want to know why I would pay for the priviledge of advertizing for someone else...

I can't afford $60 and up for a shirt when I normally wear things that cost $10 or less...

and I also want to know why I would pay for the priviledge of advertizing for someone else...
I refuse to pay for the privilage of advertizing for someones else, as well. I usually wear khaki shorts, loose fitting t-shirts,tennis shoes, sunglasses, and a helmet during warm weather.When its cold, sweat pants, sweat shirt, with thermal-Thinsulate underneath it all. I dont like lycra, too "gay looking"

That is one of the nice things about being 'bent (recumbent, that is). You don't need any fancy padded shorts, and jerseys with rear pockets are all but useless. Pretty much any moisture wicking clothes will do just as long as you are comfortable in them. Since I'm pretty small, last summer I picked up some polyester "T" shirts and shorts in the Wally-World Boys' dept for $3 each. Wore them all summer and can probably get another summer out of them.

'bent Brian

I have the same problem--I'm 6'4" and about 230, with size 15 feet, and I don't think there's a bike shop in the country that can fit me consistently. Even if there were, I'm just not going to wear team jerseys and skintight tights--I don't want to look like a NASCAR Pontiac OR a ballet dancer.
I buy as much as I can locally, because I've lived in the same community a long time and know most of the owners, and they're really being pressured by a new REI and the mail-order places. When it comes to clothing, though, if they don't carry what I need and are reluctant to order it, I buy elsewhere without guilt.
As for Nashbar stuff, I've bought a lot of it over the years and haven't had any problems, though as in most cases, you get what you pay for. A $19 pair of shorts is worth $19. I've actually reached the point where the cycle clothing I have will probably take me on to the grave, because I hardly ever wear anything out.

Zoic makes some pretty comfortable and understated cycling clothing. And teh Performance jerseys like the 'Freeride' and a good value when on sale .

I'm a newbie with a recumbent. Rear pockets and padded shorts are useless to me, and tight lycra (gay looking, as someone said) may not be my favorite, but I don't like clothes that flap in the breeze either, and high visibility is important if you ride on public roads or streets, so I shop for cycling clothes. When you are new, looking for everything, but on a budget, the prices are killer. Someone suggested soccer clothes, but every short sleeved shirt I've seen, other than a cycling jersey, has sleeves that are just too loose. I've been bargain shopping Nashbar and Academy Sporting Goods; it's just going to take me a while to get well outfitted.

I've been bargain shopping Nashbar and Academy Sporting Goods; it's just going to take me a while to get well outfitted.

You can get some pretty decent Jersey-type "breathable" shirts a Wal Mart for about 10-12 bucks, but they have no back pockets. I guess to a bent rider that is likely an advantage. This was last year, and I wouldn't know if they will have them again this year.

I wear all sorts of things - I have several "Jerseys" and bike shorts, which I use on my road bike. On my mtn bike, I wear just about anything, including Jeans in cooler weather, or just regular shorts with big leg openings.

Around here, with so many bikers (literally thousands on any weekend in warmer weather) no one thinks the bike clothes are in any way "gay." Everybody wears them. But things might be different in Texas?

I I dont like lycra, too "gay looking"

How many gay people do you know and do they all look the same? How do you tell them apart?

Let's keep bigoted and homophobic comments off the board. They just make you look stupid. And I know from your other posts that you're not stupid.

I'm all for supporting my LBS, but in the matter of clothing they just don't seem to stock what I am looking for. Part of it is just a matter of how much stock an LBS can afford to keep. One of the best shops in the area just had a sale this weekend, but when I went to check it out I found that "sale" seemed to mean reduced from "exorbitantly overpriced" to just "mildly overpriced" ;) .

But the main thing was the selection. Frankly, at my age, I don't think I look that great as a rolling neon billboard. Do I really want to pay Pearl Izumi (or Fox, or Nike) all that money so I can go around advertising their brand name for them? Are they sponsoring me or something? I guess I've (finally) gotten out of the stage of wearing flamboyantly branded apparel as a status symbol or something.

In any case, I did not find anything suitable at any LBS in my area. On the other hand, some of the catalog places like Nashbar have a good selection of the types of shorts and jerseys that I'm looking for in a more conservative style and at a much lower price. That's probably the way that I'm going to have to go this time. Anyone else have experiences like this?

Doug

I find the same thing. As much as I like to support my lbs, they just don't carry enough of a selection of clothing to make do. Thus, I mail order some of the clothing.

Like you, I don't want to go around advertising. However, I do like bright jerseys because I find when driving in my car that I can see someone with yellow or orange or red or certain blues way better that darker colors (black or grey or dark blue or green or even white).

You can get some pretty decent Jersey-type "breathable" shirts a Wal Mart for about 10-12 bucks, but they have no back pockets. I guess to a bent rider that is likely an advantage. This was last year, and I wouldn't know if they will have them again this year.

I wear all sorts of things - I have several "Jerseys" and bike shorts, which I use on my road bike. On my mtn bike, I wear just about anything, including Jeans in cooler weather, or just regular shorts with big leg openings.

Around here, with so many bikers (literally thousands on any weekend in warmer weather) no one thinks the bike clothes are in any way "gay." Everybody wears them. But things might be different in Texas?


There are really a lot of cyclists here in Texas (at least my part of it); cycling clothes rarely draw a second look. I have found some Athletic Works long sleeve athletic shirts, in bright blue and red colors, at Walmart for less than 10 bucks, and they work very well for cycling jerseys. Unfortunately, the short sleeve version of the same shirt has the too-loose sleeves that most short sleeve shirts seem to. With the angle I sit on my bent (see my avatar), loose short sleeves really catch the wind. I have found that rear pockets don't bother me, as long as they don't have zippers or an excessively large seam, so most of my short sleeve jerseys are probably going to really be cycling jerseys (as I can find bargain ones). I haven't had my Nashbar clothes long enough to comment on the long term quality yet, but so far, so good.

I refuse to pay for the privilage of advertizing for someones else, as well. I usually wear khaki shorts, loose fitting t-shirts,tennis shoes, sunglasses, and a helmet during warm weather.When its cold, sweat pants, sweat shirt, with thermal-Thinsulate underneath it all. I dont like lycra, too "gay looking"

ROFL! Too "gay looking" huh?

Actually I like bike shorts because of the padded crotch, but I usually wear the off road style baggy ones. This, year, though, since I started riding a steel frame again and my old Brooks B-17 saddle I have been able to wear all kinds of things from full length jeans to gym shorts to walking shorts. I have never worn jerseys, preferring whatever t-shirts I can get cheap. I like bike shoes because the last time I rode with sneakers my feet would cramp. (I still ride platform pedals.)

How many gay people do you know and do they all look the same? How do you tell them apart?

Let's keep bigoted and homophobic comments off the board. They just make you look stupid. And I know from your other posts that you're not stupid.
uh oh, busted by the p.c.police.

uh oh, busted by the p.c.police.The last sentence in my original post was probably incorrect.

Totally cheap here

Tee shirts from REI when on sale for 9$

Sportif shorts, 6 pockets,only when on sale or I find them in the local thrift shops

Shoes, either Merrill or North Face, no clipless need apply

Took 4 tees 3 shorts 2 pr shoes for 2 months in Europe, worked perfectly

Used all for riding and hiking in the mountains

Not a slave to the "fashionable" racing look, its a look for geeky young who ride FAST and go clunk, clunk, clunk when they stop in our morning coffee shop on the beach

I'm an old geek who rides slo, enjoys the scenery, eventually gets to where I'm going

Besides nothing sillier than an old guy in TIGHT Flourescent colors, and bulges in the wrong places

I hide mine with loose clothes

Helmet? never short change my head protection

How many gay people do you know and do they all look the same? How do you tell them apart?

Let's keep bigoted and homophobic comments off the board. They just make you look stupid. And I know from your other posts that you're not stupid.

Doh! You mean he was talking about gay as in "gay" and not: "Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la, la la la la.....?"

Doh! You mean he was talking about gay as in "gay" and not: "Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la, la la la la.....?"

Come to think of it, some of that awfully-colored, advertising-heavy apparel DOES appear pretty "gay", in the older, pre-1969-Stonewall-Rebellion sense.

And most of my gay friends wouldn't be caught DEAD in those colors... although I'm told the cut is pretty attractive, on the right body. (Which is not mine, by the way; my physique is less likely to elicit stares of appreciation than pointing and snickering.)

The last sentence in my original post was probably incorrect.
****-phobic? according to Webster,phobia implies an irrational fear of somthing. I only am disgusted by a deviant life style. But if some one else prefers show tunes, and color coordinated fashion accesories, that's there business. Anyway, I could give a damn what's considered correct thinking in some p.c. circles.

The last sentence in my original post was probably incorrect.
but, hey, call me stupid.

I frequently ask the proprietor of my LBS if he can get something I need and at what price. If he says he can, I order it. If he say's he can't, I ask if he knows where I can get it.

Generally, I have been satisfied with his responsiveness, service and pricing. I am not embarrassed or ashamed to let him know that I sometimes purchase goods elsewhere.

I think that I might purchase some tennis shoes with velcroe straps, however. Shoe strings keep getting wrapped around the crank and peddles.

Ok kiddies mind your manners now.


Ok, I realize that none of you are kids, just had the urge to put it in words that way.

Chicharron, Try double knotting your laces to make them shorter, or tuck the laces into the side of your shoe. Either way they should stay out of the cranks. It works for me. I ride with hiking shoes and sneakers, and have for many years. Ever had them get caught and wind up so tight you couldn't get your foot off the pedal?

'bent Brian

I think that I might purchase some tennis shoes with velcroe straps, however. Shoe strings keep getting wrapped around the crank and peddles.

Make sure the knot is to the outside of the tennis shoe, double or triple tie the knot, and you should have no problems. I ride my mtn bike on casual rides with tennies all the time. I use a rubber band or two to keep my pants leg out of the sprocket.

As far as "gay" clothes, around here there are thousands of bikers, about 90% who wear those "gay" clothes. No one here considers them gay, in fact, most folks have a bike (perhaps not ridden much) in their garage, and their own set of biking clothes. For longer rides, such as 20+ miles, they are comfortable and designed to not chafe. I love my jerseys and biking shorts. They are the norm, and you would be looked at funny if you did not wear them. Bicyclists are highly respected in this part of the country.

Here I am at age 59 - I don't think I look "gay" at all. That jersey is from a 400 mile ride, "Ride the Rockies" (This picture was taken in the middle of a 100 mile bike ride in one day. Many folks attitude about clothing change when they get to 100 mile rides in one day and realize the comfort of and need for Lycra shorts and Jerseys.)

http://hometown.aol.com/dnvrfox/hrtbrk1.jpg

I realize this varies considerably depending on in what part of the country you are located.

Anyway, I could give a damn what's considered correct thinking in some p.c. circles.
Let's keep bigoted and homophobic comments off the board. They just make you look stupid.
uh oh, busted by the p.c.police.
Get over yourself. "Gay" is a teenager-ism in this contaxt (sic)
But things might be different in Texas?
I dont like lycra, too "gay looking"
tight lycra (gay looking, as someone said)


you may not give a damn about the PC circles, but if you want this thread
to survive, and for you to remain active here please do give a damn about the guidelines.

Denver, No different here (Tejas) than in denver, except you have climbs. And it's green in
Colorado. And you have stands of Aspen and other hardwoods. And it Snows there as opposed
to Ice storms here. . . As I said no difference. . . .

Please, we expect more "decorum" from the old farts forum . . . :D (I can say that as I'm an old fart ).

Marty

I have collected lots of road & mtn bike clothing over last several years and almost everything was purchased on sale from various LBS I've visited. I seem to have ended up with a lot of Cannondale. Good quality, functional design and widely available. Critical bike-specific clothing are shorts and shoes. Everything else can pretty much be multi-sport. For everything other than really laid-back recreational riding, clip in, bike specific shoes are a must for me, and aside from bikes, shoes are where I've invested the most money. Also, regarding "flamboyant" clothing, I try to be as colorful as possible on the road. The farther away you can see me, the safer I feel. Having said that, my wardrobe is pretty much black, with occasional blue highlights - pretty boring, but functional.

. . . regarding "flamboyant" clothing, I try to be as colorful as possible on the road. The farther away you can see me, the safer I feel.

I seem to recall a study that said in effect a solid colour (no matter what colour) is more
easily seen that a pattern. Makes sense if you think about camouflage where the pattern is
designed to break up the lines of whatever you're trying to hide. I've been moving more towards
solid colours, albeit bright colour (screaming yellow jerseys).

marty

you may not give a damn about the PC circles, but if you want this thread
to survive, and for you to remain active here please do give a damn about the guidelines.
Please, we expect more "decorum" from the old farts forum . . . :D (I can say that as I'm an old fart ).
Marty

I agree wuth this. There is no more room for bigotry here on a forum where everyone over 50 should feel comfortable. I wasn't clear if chicharron's "deviant lifestyle" remark referred to homosexuality or to bike shorts. A case could perhaps be made for either :) --but please make that case on the Politics Forum--not here!

Make sure the knot is to the outside of the tennis shoe, double or triple tie the knot, and you should have no problems. I ride my mtn bike on casual rides with tennies all the time. I use a rubber band or two to keep my pants leg out of the sprocket.

As far as "gay" clothes, around here there are thousands of bikers, about 90% who wear those "gay" clothes. No one here considers them gay, in fact, most folks have a bike (perhaps not ridden much) in their garage, and their own set of biking clothes. For longer rides, such as 20+ miles, they are comfortable and designed to not chafe. I love my jerseys and biking shorts. They are the norm, and you would be looked at funny if you did not wear them. Bicyclists are highly respected in this part of the country.

Here I am at age 59 - I don't think I look "gay" at all. That jersey is from a 400 mile ride, "Ride the Rockies" (This picture was taken in the middle of a 100 mile bike ride in one day. Many folks attitude about clothing change when they get to 100 mile rides in one day and realize the comfort of and need for Lycra shorts and Jerseys.)

http://hometown.aol.com/dnvrfox/hrtbrk1.jpg

I realize this varies considerably depending on in what part of the country you are located.
So,this is what Dnvr Fox looks like. Is the abreviation short for "Denver Fox" or "Dover Fox'?
Say, did you win the grouchiest poster contest?
Thanks for the tip about the shoe strings.
Well, I'm sorry, but those lycra shorts and jerseys really do "flame". Esp the "tight little shorts".