SpikeyAsian

Just purchased a Fisher Wingra yesterday and I'm very happy with its performance. I took a quick 5 mile ride in my gym clothes (typical cotton shorts and cotton t-shirt). It wasn't uncomfortable, but I hope to build up the length of my rides and I'm told specialized clothing will help out. What are some affordable options out there? My body/confidence isn't ready for anything skin-tight yet, lol. I've tried searching the forum, but couldn't find any dedicated threads. Any guidance is much appreciated!

rwp

I wear the same thing as you for most of my riding. Spandex shorts with chamios helps a lot with the 50+ mile rides though. Nashbar.com (and a lot of other retailers) sells all sorts of bike specific clothing if you want to browse.

Most important, wear a helmet and enjoy.

Blue Order

Bike Nashbar always has something on sale.

Keith99

The shorts are a must. You may get away with gym shorts, but if they start rubbing wrong remember they will keep rubbing until you get back home. Once you find shorts you like get a second (and perhaps a third or more) pair. You always want a clean pair.

Real cycling tops are a big advantage, tehy are cut for the position on the bike so you are not showing a plumbers smile white riding. The pockets in back are really nice, especially once you start doint longer rides and want to keep some food somewhere. My one rule is BRIGHT. There are some nice cheap single color flurecents out there, but if a car ever hits my I want the driver to claim he was blinded, not that he did not see me. Keep your eyes open. Last years team jerseys sometimes go sheap and often have good quality. (A cheap zipper can be a real bummer, full length does little good if you can not work it with one hand).

Shorts are the priority, but if you live where it is hot remember that a soaking wet tee shirt is no fun. Again if you live where it is hot think of investing a bit more in a top that has at least a half length zipper.


Helmet has been mentioned. Think about gloves. Proper cycling gloves have a little padding which helps damp out road vibration. It makes a difference after 20 miles. Pump, tubes and knowing how to change them is a must. I'd personally advise a multitool of some kind. But a cell phone works too as long as you have someone you can depend on.

doghouse

Get some mountain bike shorts if you are not ready for the roadie stuff. They look like hiking shorts but have a chamois inside. They are always on sale somewhere.

Just came in form a 15 miler on my hybrid; mountain bike shorts and a neon yellow t-shirt. I have jerseys but t-shirts work fine on short rides.

Nicodemus

Agreed. Shorts are the bingo factor.

I'm a lardy git and I don't give a flying rat's behind - just do it.

Also, I find cycling gloves to be tremendously useful.

becnal

I gave up bike shorts and now wear normal black spandex shorts. My Brooks saddle is so comfortable, I don't need the chamois pad in the shorts. Not even after 130 km days.

I often get bike clothes from eBay. I've gotten shorts, shirts and jackets for 2 bucks each.

v1k1ng1001

Check out Velowear.com, they have some really affordable stuff that's well made. They're also great with returns and such--they send out a return priority envelope with every order!

flatlander_48

Aside from shorts with some degree of padding, what you really need are clothes that breathe and wick moisture. This is why cotton is so uncomfortable. It just tends to hold the water. The technical clothing made of synthetic materials do a much better job of keeping you cooler in hot weather and less clammy. They also work well in the winter, but you must be properly layered.