Mixing brands with your riding gear?
09-03-15, 07:45 AM
#26
Senior Member
No kit here. Keen sandals, short socks, some kind of mt bike shorts, various shades of neon green shirts and such. Works for me.
09-03-15, 07:47 AM
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 2,977
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Rival; 2014 Cannondale Trail 7 29; 1972 Schwinn Suburban, 1996 Proflex 756, 1987(?) Peugeot, Dahon Speed P8; 1979 Raleigh Competition GS; 1995 Stumpjumper M2 FS, 1978 Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Prologue
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
One of the reasons I don't like Trek or Specialized is because they sell all that matchy matchy stuff. Now I ahve seen some cool vintage MTBs with matching stuff...KORE stem, bars, seatpost and skewers - that thing looked pretty rad...but KORE is not owned by a bike manufacturing company in the way Bontrager is.
09-03-15, 07:48 AM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Zinj
Posts: 1,826
Bikes: '93 911 Turbo 3.6
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I feel like this question is a bit elementary, but what is everyone's opinion on mixing brand when it comes to your kit? Not so much in terms of matching things like jersey and bib short brands...but more along the lines of gear that is made by bike manufacturers and the like. For instance, would you buy a helmet from Specialized when riding your Ridley, etc? I bought a Bontrager helmet about a month ago because I needed one quick and liked it the most out of what my LBS had to offer, but I ride a Giant and it seems Bontrager is generally associated with Trek.
I support and agree with whole idea that its really up to what you like...but lets face it, someone in the crowd is undoubtedly judging you and who wants to be the poor fellow everyone is pointing at and snickering about. I'm a noob in every sense of the word, just trying to hide it from everyone I run across as best I can.
I support and agree with whole idea that its really up to what you like...but lets face it, someone in the crowd is undoubtedly judging you and who wants to be the poor fellow everyone is pointing at and snickering about. I'm a noob in every sense of the word, just trying to hide it from everyone I run across as best I can.
09-03-15, 08:43 AM
#29
Senior Member
I ride a Trek and wear a Specialized helmet. I don't care and I don't think anyone around me does, or even notice, either. My shoes, shorts, and jerseys are all from different brands too.
09-03-15, 08:59 AM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Maybe I'm odd, but I tend to think that when a person has kit or pieces that don't match the ride they're on a the time they're probably experienced, and have a history in the sport. Matchy-matchy tends to be a sponsored rider or someone pretty new to the sport who went to their local Specialized or Trek dealer and dropped a large check for a full-meal-deal on everything.
So I'll wear my old Trek shorts and gloves with Specialized shoes and Shimano pedals while riding my SRAM equipped Salsa....
So I'll wear my old Trek shorts and gloves with Specialized shoes and Shimano pedals while riding my SRAM equipped Salsa....
FWIW, if I am racing or on a multi-team race ride, I will try to wear this year's kit, but that's to support our sponsors.
09-03-15, 11:09 AM
#32
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I suppose any kit is the last thing I should have been worried about, eh?
09-03-15, 11:46 AM
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 120
Bikes: Surly CC
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I wear what a wear when it's clean and fits the weather/activity 
Sometimes I bike in my NPS Ranger gear, sometimes I have a wicking shirt, sometimes wool, but I don't care about brand, and if someone actually made fun of my for that I'd be super happy they weren't my friend.
Sometimes I bike in my NPS Ranger gear, sometimes I have a wicking shirt, sometimes wool, but I don't care about brand, and if someone actually made fun of my for that I'd be super happy they weren't my friend.
09-03-15, 12:18 PM
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Eastern NC, USA
Posts: 264
Bikes: 2015 Giant Talon 4, 2015 Fuji Roubaix 1.1, 2010 Fuji Newest 3.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The only thing that has to match for me is the color of the jersey has to match my shorts, that's it. I ride a Fuji bike, helmet and shoes are Specialized, most of my kit is Garneau brand but I do have a pair of Specialized bibs in rotation. I wear really low cut socks too. I could give a crap what others think of my kit.
09-03-15, 12:28 PM
#35
rebmeM roineS
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Metro Indy, IN
Posts: 16,216
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 653 Post(s)
Liked 347 Times
in
226 Posts
I aim for the colors of the air in my tires to not clash.
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
09-03-15, 01:12 PM
#37
Banned
Join Date: May 2015
Location: North Jersey
Posts: 1,245
Bikes: 1975 Motobecane Le Champion lilac, 2015 Specialized Secteur Elite
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 97 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I wonder what pseudo elitist snob originally coined the phrase 'dork disc'?
09-03-15, 02:00 PM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,522
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1422 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
5 Posts
Me on a typical ride
Shoes: Specialized
Socks: SmartWool
Bibs: Louis Garneau
HRM: Garmin with a Polar strap
Jersey: Pearl Izumi
Gloves: Louis Garneau (Oh My! They match my shorts!!)
Hat: Halo
Helmet: Giro
Sunglasses: Oakley
Bike: Waterford
Bottles: Camelbak
Shoes: Specialized
Socks: SmartWool
Bibs: Louis Garneau
HRM: Garmin with a Polar strap
Jersey: Pearl Izumi
Gloves: Louis Garneau (Oh My! They match my shorts!!)
Hat: Halo
Helmet: Giro
Sunglasses: Oakley
Bike: Waterford
Bottles: Camelbak
09-03-15, 02:07 PM
#39
Señor Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 5,066
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 649 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
215 Posts
On the contrary - I think non-pros, and especially non-racers look very d o u ch ey when they have obviously made an effort to match all their gear. I associate them with $9000 bikes ridden 25 miles per year and usually seen locked up outside a coffee shop.
However, I acknowledge my opinion as being as bad as someone who thinks the opposite.
However, I acknowledge my opinion as being as bad as someone who thinks the opposite.
09-03-15, 02:22 PM
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 8,088
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 686 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
I would say helmets can be whatever, it's personal style/comfort issues. Same with gloves, shoes, socks.
Wearing a BMC team kit while riding a non BMC bike is kind of goofy though. I just assume those people got a good deal on the kit.
Wearing a BMC team kit while riding a non BMC bike is kind of goofy though. I just assume those people got a good deal on the kit.
09-03-15, 02:23 PM
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 8,088
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 686 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
09-03-15, 02:28 PM
#43
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Posts: 21,843
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1173 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
612 Posts
I can't ride my homemade bike until I make a helmet too ??
Time to cut up the picnic cooler, and reshape with knife & heat gun.
Time to cut up the picnic cooler, and reshape with knife & heat gun.
__________________
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
09-03-15, 03:22 PM
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 246
Bikes: 2015 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 105, 2012 Fuji Roubaix, 1988 Basso Gap
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's better to look good than to feel good. You look MAHVELOUS!
No one has mentioned the guy with the $600 kit yet. We all have seen that guy though. Matching pro kit, helmet, bike (top end, solid dura-ace groupset with carbon wheels). Gets dropped in the first 5 miles during the warm up.
No one has mentioned the guy with the $600 kit yet. We all have seen that guy though. Matching pro kit, helmet, bike (top end, solid dura-ace groupset with carbon wheels). Gets dropped in the first 5 miles during the warm up.
Last edited by series1811; 09-03-15 at 03:33 PM.
09-03-15, 03:43 PM
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,388
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 176 Post(s)
Liked 25 Times
in
13 Posts
It's better to look good than to feel good. You look MAHVELOUS!
No one has mentioned the guy with the $600 kit yet. We all have seen that guy though. Matching pro kit, helmet, bike (top end, solid dura-ace groupset with carbon wheels). Gets dropped in the first 5 miles during the warm up.
No one has mentioned the guy with the $600 kit yet. We all have seen that guy though. Matching pro kit, helmet, bike (top end, solid dura-ace groupset with carbon wheels). Gets dropped in the first 5 miles during the warm up.
09-03-15, 03:43 PM
#46
tcarl
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 561
Bikes: Roark, Waterford 1100, 1987 Schwinn Paramount, Nishiki Professional, Bottecchia, 2 Scattantes, 3 Cannondale touring bikes, mtn. bike, cyclocross, hybrid, 1940's era Schwinn
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 27 Post(s)
Liked 9 Times
in
7 Posts
People actually think about these things!!?? I guess they do. Well if you worry about it I guess you're as bad as they are.
09-03-15, 04:34 PM
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: still above ground
Posts: 1,066
Bikes: 2016 Specialized crosstrail comp disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
socks..............Walmart cheap
Bibs................For babies and fancy pants cyclists
shorts...........Dexcente
HRM...............someone needs to tell me what this is so I can add it to my list of things I won't buy unless it's a computer thingy in which case ...IPhone 5s "map my ride" app
Jersey............Pearl Izumi, Cannondale, or similar
gloves............Pearl Izumi
Hat(cap).........Cannondale
Helmet...........Giro
Sunglasses...Walmart clip ons
Bike................Specialized
Bottle...........Polar
09-03-15, 04:58 PM
#49
Senior Member
Lessee: Today I rode:
Suntour team jersey and standard-issue black shorts. Trek brand helmet.
Tomorrow I'll ride my Enron jersey. Or perhaps a Parmalat team jersey. Or USPS team jersey.
So I'm fashion coordinated!
- Bike frame: Vitus 979
- Front wheel: Suntour hub and Mavic rim
- Rear wheel: Shimano hub with Ambrosio rim
- Shifters and derailleurs: Campagnolo 8-speed.
- Bar and stem: Cinelli
Suntour team jersey and standard-issue black shorts. Trek brand helmet.
Tomorrow I'll ride my Enron jersey. Or perhaps a Parmalat team jersey. Or USPS team jersey.
So I'm fashion coordinated!
09-07-15, 06:41 AM
#50
Senior Member
First thing I want to know if some one is worried about my helmet not matching , is what the hell they doing in my basement !!!. Because it hasn't been out of the tote that I keep extra stuff for riding in for a year and a half .