Originally Posted by
yarbrough462
As some of you know, I am pretty new to cycling. Like any sport though, I like to have the right equipment. When I bought my bike, I also bought a set of long bibs they had on sale because it’s the end of winter. Now I want to pick up a few sets of short bibs and a jersey or two for myself and my wife. There are a million brands out there and probably even more here in Italy. I always prefer to buy quality over things that won’t last and don’t mind spending to get it but, I don’t buy things specifically because of the name brand or status symbol items. Any suggestions on high quality, fairly priced gear?
Torso geometry and fit preferences vary significantly so YMMV. Look at the size charts.
If you're an average sized climber (5'10, under 140 pounds in good shape, 33" chest, 26" wais) I suggest Voler XS race-fit, LG XXS pro-fit (which they don't usually make), LG XS skin-fit, or Verge Sport XS skin-fit (they make a nice aero thermal jersey) all with ample room for ten pounds of winter fat. Castelli, Giordana, and Pactimo don't make jerseys which fit or at least don't sell them to the public.
Bottoms vary some too.
Voler black label shorts and bibs use a nicely shaped Elastic Interface Technology (same guys that do the Assos and Rapha pads) chamois with stiff 120kg/m^3 foam beneath your sit bones so you don't sink into them and put pressure on tender bits. You can try a pair risk-free with their 90 day return policy.
Get last season custom program size samples if you want to save money, where $30 can get you a $100 jersey or $50 a $200 aero model. Allowing for weekly laundry loads and clean clothes on each ride so you don't break out, six short sleeve jerseys, six thermal jerseys, six shorts/bibs, etc. add up.