I am looking to update my riding clothing for next spring, and would like some advice on whether to buy strictly from local LBS or online (e-bay, etc.) .... with winter almost upon us here in Toronto, most LBS are clearing out the cycling apparel at discounted prices. That being said, many apparently "good deals" can be found online, but I am wary that many may be cheap "knock-offs", so I would like some advice on what the other folks on here do. Any thoughts greatly appreciated!
I love the clearance rack at my LBS. Especially since I can try stuff on at the shop.
A lot depend on what your local LBS have, and how knowledgeable you are.
My personal experience with Toronto bike shops has not been all that impressive. Given the exchange rate, you can find much better deals online from places such as realcyclist.com or CompetitiveCyclists.com (they are now the same company, but still have two different sites.) or probikekit.com (from UK.)
If you like something, and it fits, and it is comfortable ... buy it.
I get most of my cycling clothing online but every so often, I will see something I like on a clearance rack of a bicycle shop.
i got one!!!! CAPO MARTELO! This jersey ROCKS! http://www.ebay.com/itm/Capo-Martell...#ht_618wt_1189
super comfortable, the fabric is super breathable, and the jersey looks very elegant. id buy a 2nd one for this price
+1.Originally Posted by Pug
ps: you can do both.
In a world full of people, only some want to ride. Isn't that crazy?
Seal/CRAZY/misquoted
If it helps, I've been replacing many bibs, socks, jerseys and jackets in the last few months and have bought 90% of it online (Realcyclist, Western bike works, etc...) to great success. After several exhaustive searches of online shops, many Lbs's seem to have taken note and are offering similar discounts of some of their top end apparel lines. Now is the time to save on the 2011 gear, wherever you buy it...
don't forget to check out MEC on king.
By the time you're experienced enough to get something germane out of a test ride, you won't need a test ride.
Sale rack at Performance and REI and Sports Basement. I found a pair of the Ultra shorts from last year a couple of weeks ago and they were $40! Cycling jerseys last a long time. I buy the DeFeet seconds at Performance.
If you want to buy online, read up around here and wait for other people to take the first plunge. I think places like Bonktown/Department of Goods are probably not dishonest. I prefer to try on cycling gear so I buy locally.
+1.
Buy what is on sale at the LBS and pick up what you can't find there on-line.
Most of what I buy is from www.voler.com and have been using them for years. They have a lot of specials especially if get on there e-mail lists.
http://shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Mens-Ride
Once you go to merino wool, you will never go back. Quality that lasts, never smells, and is always comfortable from 10 below zero to 100 degrees F.
Last edited by surgeonstone; 11-24-11 at 09:44 AM.
The cheapest jersey I've gotten yet was the club jersey from my workplace. $20 dues for the year, plus reimbursement for half of race/event entry fees.
Anyone know of some place that sells Bicycle and racing related t-shirts? I have a large dirt bike and MX t-shirt collection and want to get a good assortment of bicycling t-shirts like I had in high school.
Bill
"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me", Phillipians 4:13
I get almost everything via lbs, however I very occasionally will buy something online only if it is somethng I know will fit and is at an exceptional price. I have found some good things at 2nd ;ahd stroes for layering, (thin wool sweaters, windbrekers etc. and general sport and army surpus can be good for (base)layers and wool socks
Pat5319
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
