Originally Posted by
dynaryder
My first one was green. Matched my fatigues.
Goretexes didn't come out 'till long after I left the flightline for the computer floor. Fun fact,got issued a desert one for my last deployment to the AOR. For Jun-Sep. Yeah,I didn't take it with me.
Dating yourself there, brother!
I'm not as old as you, but at nearly 15 years, I see the kids coming in now and think how much crap I endured that they'll never endure...you probably thought the same. Such is the cycle of life.
Originally Posted by
stdlrf11
For the big ticket items, like my cycling shoes, jackets, helmet, gloves, etc., I go for Performance brand or better. I expect to get at least three years out of them.
For pants, shirts, base layers, etc., I go to the Thrift Shop or Target's C9 stuff. I've got a few pairs of homemade wool knickers and a ton of cheap tops.
You've nailed the key to what one buys- get three years out of it! OP, those of us that have been riding for a few years aren't telling you to break the bank, we are telling you to invest in the future...the future of commuting for your health, enjoyment, and sanity. Spend a little bit more now on the right gear, and get a lot of enjoyment out of the start and end of your day, and keep your motivation up. Wear ill-suited, or just plain the wrong, gear, and watch your motivation plummet.