I think a fair number of our pricey-clothing advocates have TRIED riding in cheap stuff. After all, who gets an Assos jacket to go with their first-ever bicycle? I started riding without much riding-specific clothes, and accumulated masses of it over the years. I think it's a marked improvement.

I have to wonder out loud if there is anyone on this board who has purchased and ridden in higher-end gear has GONE BACK to stuff like jeans because of comfort issues.