bruce19

The only high end kit I own is Assos. I buy them on sale and have never had a problem or regretted a purchase. In fact, I am reluctant to consider other gear at this point.

Alias530

That second thread is mine... still bummed about that. They were super comfortable but at that rate of wear I wasn't going to risk it. Exchanged evenly for two Castelli shorts. They're showing similar wear marks but after much more rides and the wear is a lot less visible.

a1penguin

I buy sale jerseys at Performance or REI ($25-30 each). Socks are sale socks or seconds ($4-5). Shorts are $50 on sale (the Performance Elite are nice depending on the pad that year). I spent $60 (on sale!) on a decent windbreaker jacket and Novara Headwinds cycling pants and jacket. I bought arm and leg warmers on sale too. Base layers are whatever technical clothing I can purchase at Marshalls (Under Armour, Nike, Adidas). I buy gloves on sale ($20-25). I feel like I spent the minimum amount to purchase serviceable cycling apparel. I have gotten a lot of use out of all my cycling clothing, but riding conditions here are ideal year round. If I lived in real cold or where there is real rain, I would not hesitate to invest in good outer clothing for cycling.

Shuffleman

You Environmentalists take things too far every time

Shuffleman

This is so true. I normally spend about $50 or less on both shorts and jerseys. It try to catch sales and pay less. When I bought my first road bike the shop gave me 2 pairs of bellwether shorts. They did not last long before the stitching came apart and the pads bunched up. I switched to Performance Ultras and have used them for years. They are good and priced well, especially if you follow their sales.
I try to spend less on Jerseys because I find that most Bontrager and LG's hold up well and can be had on sale for pretty cheap prices. I would not spend more there. I did buy a Dare 2B jersey from Bike Tires Direct for around $12. It was on sale and looked nice. I just assumed it had 3 pockets. Wrong. It had one pocket and it was only stitched on one side so if you put anything in it, the pocket sways back and forth. My wife stitched it up for me so I still wear it but only on short rides where I do not need a phone or food.
I guess that buying middle of the road has been safe for me. The cheap stuff falls apart.

Jseis 

Well, I've a BF 41 jersey I've never worn.....

BoSoxYacht

What size? I might be interested.

Fly2High

I have a hard time with this thread's question. I say that only because if a high end article of clothing didn't fit, one would think they would return it. Only if someone purchased a poor fitting garment and kept it or if it didn't hold up to expectation over time would it be worthy of inclusion.

I have not purchased any high end. The closest is a Pearl Izumi P.R.O. InRCool short and trying on an Assos Cento S7 bib shorts that might fall in this category. In both of these cases the chamois was too small or not placed back enough to line up with my sit bones. I own the PI but passed on the Assos due to my experience with the P.I. The P.I. at retail cost over $150, give or take. It was a shame too since I really like the 'man pocket' in the Cento s7 as those parts were held nicely without compression , the chamois was of various types of material and was comfortable and it had OK compression. I tend to like more but it did feel good. Had they offered a larger chamois or if it was further back, I would not be complaining about them. Needless to say, I did not purchase the Assos. Then again, I hear the newer line of Assos bib shorts are not as good as the outgoing ones so maybe I missed that boat.

WalksOn2Wheels

It is a strange question. I'm trying to frame the discussion that we seem to constantly have on whether or not that new wheelset will really make any difference in terms of apparel.

For example, say you have a bike you love and have had for years. Then you get the idea to try out the new-fangled crabon fibre everyone is going on and on about. Suddenly, you've made a high end purchase that most people would take all day long over your old bike, but you find that you miss the feel of the old bike. Just ask Stucky. We know it's all about the motor, so for some, the payoff isn't worth the investment.

So looking at clothes, let's say you ride in cheap jerseys for years and year and then suddenly decide to try out a fancy summer jersey to see if it's really any cooler. Has anyone ever put on a really nice jersey and just thought it was absolute crap and certainly not worth the premium price? That's the really weird question I'm asking.

It has been interesting to see people's responses. It makes sense in a more mild climate that you could get away with a minimal investment in cycling specific clothes. Kind of the same way you don't need a compact and a 12-32 cassette when you're cruising across Wyoming. For serious riders in extreme cold or extreme heat situations, I would think investing in the right gear would make even more of a difference than a lighter set of tires, or that new carbon crank.

Fly2High

MY question is if you purchased any kit and it didn't live up to expectation, would you just return it, especially if it was expensive?

For me, I got 3 pair of PI Pro InRCool shorts for less than the price of one. Only when my mileage got longer did I notice that they were not really comfortable and it was way past the return date on them. Also, this company, I think, doesn't take returns on used merchandise. Some, on the other hand do. Those are the ones I tend to purchase from more often so I do not get stuck with something I do not like.

Seattle Forrest

I have a nice winter piece I got on summer clearance. When it got cold enough, it just wasn't for me. Ridiculously warm, but heavy.

Also some "best of the best" cottage industry stuff.

FLvector

If I purchased an expensive kit and didn't think it was of the quality expected, yes, I would return it immediately. Most allow for returns. I wouldn't wear it, then expect to return it several months later and expect a full refund.

Jseis 

Large as I recall, I'll hunt it down & shoot you a pic.

Jseis 

Primal, men's large, excellent condition as in never worn.
HTFU

Almost had it monogrammed ��. Was going to wear in the STP (smoke out the BF'ers) but then the LBS asked me to wear theirs.

SpeshulEd 

I have this full kit...probably wear once a week or at least every other week. It's held up nicely.

HardyWeinberg

Hahaha... I was following someone once w/ HTFU in big white caps on their shorts, I wanted to ask them about that.

SpeshulEd 

Rule #5 .

Velominati ? The Rules

HardyWeinberg

Oh I know that I just wasn't sure how far widespread it was.

milkbaby

I have a Pearl Izumi winter jacket that I got at one of their outlets. I think it was on sale for $125 discounted from the regular $375 price. I may have worn it twice, and while it seemed like it would be okay in the store, it really is a bit too loose on my frame. My usual size is an "Italian small", and this jacket is only slightly smaller than an "American small". It's from their PRO line but seems designed to be able to squeeze a few extra layers underneath.

Jseis 

As per the Rules I wear black shorts....I'd wear my wool but can't find them after 35 years.

TheManShow

I have never spent big bucks on cycling clothing. Performance, Nashbars stuff is functional. That is what I need functional stuff, not impressing antone with designer labels. Diadora shoeswas the exception that are 15 years old & leather.

SpeshulEd 

Haha, well the important parts on the bibs were black, they just had darker blue panels around the bottom. I break the black shorts rule if there's an option to do full kit. I probably put too much thought into matching things.

TheBlast82

I bought two Garneau padded shorts at $50 a pop plus taxes. Then I bought 4 generic padded underwear all for $30 and free shipping and I feel more comfortable with the generic stuff than the Garneau stuff.

BoSoxYacht

As fat as I've become, I'm still too thin for that.

Jseis 

Ha! I'm between sizes. I fear that in a few more months I'll be a medium. Large (used to) work(s) in the winter when I wear a long sleeve T underneath.