General Cycling Discussion - cheaper non-cycling products

what are some of the products marketed towards cyclists that have much cheaper non-cycling counterparts? i would have to say plenty of the cleaning/lube products, and jerseys. unless i find a design that i instantly fall in love with, i'm not gonna pay $50 for a nike drifit tshirt that's a size too small.

How much would you pay for one that's the right size?

Bag Balm

Bright yellow Starter Dri-Star t-shirts at Wal-Mart for $6.83. They make superb jerseys. You can buy a tapered version for a couple of bucks more. Some WalMarts also offer actual Starter Dri-Star cycling jerseys with the front zipper for about $12.

Of course, they don't have some French bank's logo plastered across the front... but you have to make sacrifices somewhere when you're on a budget.

Yeah, I noticed wallly world was carrying quite a bit of cycling type clothing now. Seamless underwear, all the starter dri-star stuff.
D

bag balm..... best kept secret in America.

Gloves
Mittens

Keep that in mind for next Winter.

CO2 cartridges are much cheaper at Wal-Mart.

sunglasses

Bright yellow Starter Dri-Star t-shirts at Wal-Mart for $6.83. They make superb jerseys. You can buy a tapered version for a couple of bucks more. Some WalMarts also offer actual Starter Dri-Star cycling jerseys with the front zipper for about $12.

Of course, they don't have some French bank's logo plastered across the front... but you have to make sacrifices somewhere when you're on a budget.

WHOA, I got to check this out.

What cracks me up are the degreasers. Just put Pedros on the label and you can charge a freakin' fortune for a little bottle of the stuff, whereas something like Simple Green you can buy all day long cheap. Or better yet the ZEP citrus degreaser available at Home Depot for $8 a gallon. You can't beat that with a stick!

Socks. Cycling socks are another thing I have an issue with. What is so fantastic about them that a regular pair of crew or ankle cut athletic socks can't do?

And lubes too. Last year I used 3in1 and it worked as well as any of the other cycling specific petrolium based lubes I've tried. Really couldn't tell any difference except for the price. My chains didn't care! Same with grease. Marine grease will work just fine.

Yes, some of the cycling specific stuff gets a little silly at times.

walmart also has starter cool-max socks that are a steal. really snug, and wont damp up like cotton socks. i like wearin em even when i'm not playing a sport.

Haha I wear those cheap walmart dri-star pants every day on my way to and from work, they are great. Gotta check out those undies though....

If only I wasn't philosophically opposed to walmart... Never bought anything there, never will.

walmart also has starter cool-max socks that are a steal. really snug, and wont damp up like cotton socks. i like wearin em even when i'm not playing a sport.

I did not know this. I think I'm taking a trip to Wal-Mart this weekend. Thanks for the tip.

WalMart?? What's that?
STP has lots of cycling related stuff and it's dirt cheap.

WalMart?? What's that?
STP has lots of cycling related stuff and it's dirt cheap.
What's "STP"? An engine additive and what else?

What's "STP"? An engine additive and what else?
sierra trading post.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com

sierra trading post.
http://www.sierratradingpost.comOh...I thought everyone knew that. :)

How about polyester long johns from any discount store. These go under pants, and are for us commuters only. Not suitable for anybody who wants to look cool!

Campmor has some good bargains on closeout clothing. Here's an example. This shirt is made with moisture wicking fabric and has a partial zip just like a bike jersey and has a reflective logo on the back, but doesn't have any pockets, for $12.97, regular price $50.00.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=32287022&memberId=12500226

I've never seen the jerseys or coolmax socks at Walmart. What department are you looking in?

Mens? Womens? Kids? Camping/sports?

I bought a couple of very nice tights from Campmor, and the rain shoe covers are a really nice back up on a tour. All economically priced.

Dawn dish soap is a damn good degreaser. Just let it soak for 2 minutes.

How about polyester long johns from any discount store. These go under pants, and are for us commuters only. Not suitable for anybody who wants to look cool!

Dang! There I was wearing the poly long johns from Target all winter as tights (on the outside) and I thought I was cool. :D

Dang! There I was wearing the poly long johns from Target all winter as tights (on the outside) and I thought I was cool. :DOnly cool if you wear bibs over them! Prevents chafing too.

Socks. Cycling socks are another thing I have an issue with. What is so fantastic about them that a regular pair of crew or ankle cut athletic socks can't do?


regular crew socks are cotton. Same cotton nightmares on your feet (yes, they do sweat)....

'sides, I love my DeFeet Aireators. Wear them everywhere, and for any sporting activity. They're great :D