Originally Posted by
twodownzero
I must be cheap. I'm riding with $40 bibs, $23 shorts, and none of my jerseys were more than $25. I did spend $50 on a pair of tights, though, but when it's cold outside, I can't imagine being without them.
Similar here. $40 shorts (sale rack at Performance, but chamois comfort is important and you should buy what works), sale jerseys ($25 for short sleeved, $30 for long but they last for many miles), $25 gloves, $50 on Headwind cycling pants. I cried when I spent that much on pants but I failed to find any non-cycling pants that looked like they would work. I have the cheapest bright lime/yellow cycling jacket I could find (I cried when I spent $45 on it). All my winter thermal layers are about $15 from Marshalls, TJMaxx, Ross. Nike, UA, Asics thermal shirts. Socks are from Performance: seconds, $4-5 per pair.
When people tell you that cycling saves money, gas and the environment, it's a total lie; you end up spending a bundle on other non-environmental products you would not normally purchase.