The Secrets Cycling Brands Don’t Want You to Know

[@brothermaynard3759]

If you’re worried about “belonging” to a community based upon what you’re wearing while cycling, you’re with the wrong crowd. Who gives a crap?

[@jorgmischke5839]

Unfortunately a lot of local groups, depending on the region, also are snobbish about it and those who join- wanting to be part of the „cool crowd“ instead of just ride. Well, once you find out you know who to avoid.

[@brothermaynard3759]

@jorgmischke5839 I can tell you, once you get north of 60 years of age, just being out riding comfortably is paramount. You find out you have other aches and pains and the least of which to worry about is your backside. Looking good may not always equate to feeling good. Keep pedaling my friend. 🙂

[@Northwindbreeze]

I don’t give a crap about it but since my idea of not giving a crap put me on the back seat. I live in an area where people work already and are single. They have enough free budget for top of the range choices… unfortunately they are also snobbish. It sucks BUT. Now the dudes wearing budget stuff are fake humble people. They show disdain to the brandy dressed ones, the sport should be ride together but humans managed to bring in a great shitshow with all sorts of attitudes.

[@toddmunk9823]

It's strange. I could care less what I wear for normal (non-cyling) clothes and how stylish they are. But on the bike, I like to look good, with perfect fitting, fashionable, and high performance clothing

[@jorgmischke5839]

@@brothermaynard3759 Im 46, like to ride long distances and know that comfort is king. My cycling clothes range from Decathlon to Assos. I like a perfect fit, regardless of the price.The "cheap" Decathlon has some really good offers wich are perfect for me. That being said, if a group is snobbish and puts brands over riding, it's what I call "community killer"

[@pcmjpcmj6854]

I contacted Rapha under their repair policy regarding a pair of (approx) 5 year old bibs. The lycra was failing. They asked for some pics and my order number. They replied that they could not repair them but I got a full refund, I don't mind paying extra for such good customer service.

[@csendiii]

Same story at Pas Normal Studios. My 2,5-3 years old mechanism bib was exchanged for a brand new one just because I had the feeling that the padding wasn’t sitting right anymore. So they could’ve said that it was just basically worn out.

[@chappy24]

Yes and Factor in that Rapha or whatever brand Bibs and Jerseys base layers socks whatever go better togher and continually add to your kits of Rapha clothing or Le Col Clothing or whoever the brand is.

[@cathalkenneally1614]

Rapha might cost more but I know plenty of people who swear by their clothes

[@youling1997]

They gave me a 25% off coupon for a broken zip that they cannot fix.

[@youling1997]

Pearl Izumi sent me free replacement too. Don’t think you have to pay premium for it

[@TeoSluga]

You should mention a big French sport company Decathlon in this video. You can buy an AG2R PRO cycling kit there: a superlight cycling jersey for 70 EUR, PRO bibs for 90 EUR and aero FCR helmet (tested in the wind tunnel!!!) for 100 EUR (120 EUR with MIPS). These are premium products with premium materials, no doubt about it. Produced in Asia, true. Ben O'Connor was using them when racing in 2024. Now you know better what is the margin. And don't forget, Decathlon is making profit, they are not a charity organization.

[@RAP4EVERMRC96]

The helmets suck big time though.

[@TeoSluga]

​​​​​​​​@@RAP4EVERMRC96because you own a Decathlon FCR 100 EUR helmet, you tested it, and it sucks? No? Or maybe you are just commenting sth you did never try? I suggest you look up for some online tests before making comments 😜 This is not a "kindergarten helmet" we are discussing here, it's a proper aero helmet.

[@TechSucht]

@@RAP4EVERMRC96 in which respect? Fit? Protection when needed? "Suck" is not specific enough to help decide wether to consider one or not.

[@snooqzz1289]

@@RAP4EVERMRC96 cant agree , when i crashed, my head was very well protected by it , so i am not sure why they would "suck" as you say.

[@RAP4EVERMRC96]

@@snooqzz1289 the fit is garbage. There is a reason why most higher end helmets have been removed from the line up at decathlon

[@repo4]

I wear €25 - €30 bibs and shirts, they preform fine, are comfy and last long. None of my bikes are over €1000 mark (I just bought a €480 road bike), I couldn't possibly justify spending couple of€100s on a single piece of clothing.

[@njsfer]

I am just like you. Cycling is kinda elitist and many of the cyclists that I know who buy into the hype of fancy gear or even fancy bikes don't ride shit. It's all about the looks and not the performance but they fail in the training part. And I love to get past them in my humble aluminium bike with a smile on my face.

[@meibing4912]

Assos bibs changed my cycling experience. After 50 years no small feat. Worth every penny for me. Identity buying is not a cycling thing but the main consumer driver overall as all our basic needs (in OECD countries) are more than covered already. BMW sells youth, Channel romance, Champagne companies empowerment, Walmart affordability, McDonalds time. This is how modern economy works.

[@Northwindbreeze]

The same for me. And I started with all the budget bibs possibly out there. I was: “not buying brandy stuff they are a lie” 😂 in the end, Assos is just superior.

[@talonlan]

Assos are my favourite as well I have tried many but Assos are just noticeably better than the rest.

[@konstantinpapoutsidis6076]

and last long(er)

[@jc10747]

Missed: Assos wins for men due to incorporating a jock strap into the pad. No other company has done that, likely due to legal restrictions. But when men who suffer finally find Assos, they’ll pay anything for relief and prevention of problems to where it really counts: down under.

[@christopheparisse9499]

Actually the quality really makes the difference for rides longer than 3 hours. For shorter rides a lower quality is ok.

[@christosandreev6392]

I have tried lots of brands over the years. For me, Assos bibs are the absolute best. Chamois is excellent. They cost like 140-240 depending on which model you get but you can ride like 15-20k Kms on a pair. I've had Giordana, Sportsfull, Siroko and many other brands, they don't last as long and padding is not at the same level.

[@oskerblooser]

I agree. I wish I could find the same level of quality cheaper, but so far no luck

[@stepheneaston8354]

The Northern Irish brand Galibier is excellent. Performance quality and usually sold at a constant, fair price point. You do not see You Tube affiliate links for it either. Effort is on the gear, not hyping it.

[@gsavage02]

Could not agree more - top tier stuff without the excessive price.

[@bremnet1812]

I've been recently introduced to this brand by a friend and I'm really enjoying their kit. Excellent recommendation by you.

[@keithjenkins7919]

Yes great for the price but found the sizing inaccurate, needed XL tights for a 34" waist, however they do have a choice of leg lengths, few others do.

[@HughDWallace]

I love my Galibier stuff.

[@shirtlessGraveler305]

Lately I’ve been just purchasing from Neo Pro , based out of Australia. Great value for the money ! Also before discovering this Australian brand , I also recommend Voler out of California, high quality kits priced well.

[@UserNo13]

I have so much Neo Pro gear. 😂 I tried Castelli recently and received defective products. Even gloves purchased at a local bike shop failed within a month(sent those back for a refund). Returned the replacement defective bibs to Castelli and did get a refund. But for $175(CAD) on sale for a pair of bibs, I expected way better quality. I'll stick to Neo Pro or on sale Pearl Izumi items.

[@janwillemkuilenburg7561]

Did you not forget Endura as a good brand? They have normal prices, great fabrics, and even bibshorts with longer sleeves for long legs and 3 widths of shammy's. They last forever.

[@CoolGrey7Man]

Nice that you posted this video, I'm sick and tired of the "hype" that marketing pushes on us cyclists. So many times while climbing wonderful hills/mountains I pass people with these top brands such as Ass-holes, as I call it and Rapha, etc., because I see the labelling on their arses. Many people are suckers to the hype and feel I've got to have these top brands to show others I'm a good rider. I've been riding and racing for over 30 years and you have to know the products and what to look for, I shop around. There are many brands that are a lot smaller than the big ones and they have great pro-fit kits. Educate yourself and stop getting fished in by the crap that is out there that is ruining cycling.

[@Bozza36]

I got a custom skinsuit from ECYKER for AUD$120. You get to choose the fabrics for every panel (you can choose from almost any high-end italian fabric), YKK zippers, and elastic interface chamois (any model). They are a Chinese brand, but the quality is amazing, and so is the price.

[@BenDrennan444]

This is why I have recently started a cycle/ triathlon clothing brand trying to bring down the price while still keeping the premium quality!

[@andreasr6632]

I really love my Endura bibs they are one of the most comfortable i have ever bought and the padding is just amazing.

[@davidjenkins2011]

Having tried to personally make a few sets of kit myself using the exact same materials I can tell you for free that those price points albeit expensive are totally fair. You buying into a brand and that allows them to keep building it. I don’t find it cheap but I am bought into the ethos and think that is okay and nothing people should be ashamed of. F all about cycling is value orientated and hasn’t been for years 😂

[@kenmcdonald3963]

Thanks for the video. Great topic. I invested in some gear from Isadore. They consider themselves a premium cycling gear brand. I was sceptical. Anyway I pulled the trigger and purchased a summer jersey, hat, cap, winter jacket and one of their most popular bib shorts. They don't come cheap. And while the price IS inflated. After 2 years of wearing the gear very regularly. I am very satisfied with everything. Their is truth in the old adages: you get what you pay for and buy cheap buy twice!

[@smithy1011]

Decathlons mid tier bib shorts are great value at €55 and were very good but need to buy a size up on everything. skins which nobody mentions have small range of cycling clothing but the quality is amazing, expensive enough so only wait for the 50% off times of year. Had a pair of skins shorts which I bought at 16 years of age ….used them for 9 years in athletics and only the waist band deteriorated 5 years later through washing or drying machine which was a no go anyways

[@aldrinclementina4297]

I'm from Curaçao (Caribbean). I have used Santini in the past. But it wasn't that cheap like you mentioned here. I use Vermarc (Belgain brand) cuz it's easy to order and ship from Europe and Suarez, which is a Colombian brand with different categories, which is also good quality but on a lower price

[@RS-il5zw]

It's all marketing hype

[@screw200012]

True. But various manufacturers are following. As result you cannot buy jersey for 35-50eur anymore.

[@ghostwriter9266]

Most of the brands you mentioned are not really visible in Europe. A Bibshort more than $200 is crazy. Solid brands are all over europe between €90 -130

[@mariosimas]

my limits are 150 for a bib and 60-70 for a jersey

[@H457ur]

I’d like to hear your take on Q36.5. I have been an Assos guy since the 90s but recently started wearing because it’s incredibly good. Their marketing centers around keeping your body core temperature at 36.5°C and I’ve been testing it for myself for over a year - it’s accurate and I’ve never ridden better winter gear (FYI, I ride every single day, regardless of weather, 16,000+ km / year, in temps ranging from -5 °C to 40 °C). Interestingly, they make all their fabrics and inserts and everything is made within in a 350 sq km area in Italy. I’m not going to go into their marketing hype, but I’m going to say that, from my point of view, this stuff is worth the price.

[@mf0u3021]

Strong agree. For me Assos peaked with the S5 bibs and S7 jerseys, and have been on a slow decline the last 10years. They still have an occasional piece of kit that is good but no longer a guarantee. Q36.5 stuff is absolutely superb across the board. And the price v innovation seems well balanced as well, with their cheaper/simpler kit being leagues better than any other brand at a similar price point and the more expensive/complicated fabrics are unrivalled for performance.

[@semiprocycling]

Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s good to hear Q36.5 worked well over a year of testing. While their core temperature claims raise questions without detailed proof, your results suggest there’s substance behind them. They emphasise localised production and proprietary fabrics, but it’s unclear how much of an advantage this provides. If it’s working that well for you, it’s a strong endorsement despite any initial skepticism.

[@bamicus9342]

Assos makes the best bibs Ive ever used, and been that way for years. I’ve heard that pro’s would have Assos chamois sewn into other brand shorts. The fit on all of the line is really great as well. The product evolves as well, the new S11 shorts are better than S9 IMO. Albeit, haven’t tried Q36.5, but heard good reviews. Yes, they’re expensive, but you can find deals if you look around.

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

@@bamicus9342 ASSOS WAS the gold-standard but that was long, long ago. Even then I couldn't figure out how/why they got the high price for their stuff vs Santini, a brand that's served me well for decades. Pros would have Santini's founder fly off to races to sew their chamois into national team kits from other suppliers...so ASSOS can't claim to be the only ones. I think Q36.5 was started by someone who left Nalini, but I couldn't swear to it, but Nalini/MOA Sport makes a LOT of private-label stuff for more brands than you might imagine.

[@tomtennant-Propel]

Shout out to Neo Pro, bibs and jersey delivered to my door for under $200 AUD comfort is spot on for me, warning it’s race cut, probably not ideal for bigger cyclists

[@alextorresphoto]

They are continuously making bigger and bigger sizes. I really appreciate that from them.

[@UserNo13]

I do see XL XXL for sure. They have fun designs, and are very well made. Love their periodic sales too.

[@Realist-m9c]

I always bought DHB lycra gear through Wiggle before they went belly up 😢

[@MarkNeal75]

End of season sales and Black Friday deals have been great for me. There is very little cycle gear I own that I paid full price for. So I get the quality for a reasonable price

[@josuezuniga6776]

Buy the cheapest from your trusty local bike shop not online, without logos and with basic colors,like black ,white or red

[@gerdabahnsen3216]

I am using aliexpress bibs with elastic interface pads for 12$. They are pretty perfect

[@Odyniec444]

what brands?

[@car__8537]

What brands??? (2)

[@slowcyclist4324]

It’s also pretty much close minded to just write a brand off because it’s perceived marketing impression.

[@vladviktorov102]

Thanks for topic! Im accidentally find a video and it's super nice. Im a PAS, MAAP rider for las 3 year. what I want to say so PAS - yes its expensive, fabric and fit not for all, (also as for me, I cant wear all collection) but its great quality for jersey ( bib - I cant use unfortunately because my fit) but about quality - so I fell when I was in Mallorca thinking that the asphalt wanted to hug me but in general the jersey itself took the blow on a sliding trajectory and did not tear, there was a large abrasion on the shoulder but the jersey was intact and there was no hint of a tear in the fabric or along the seam. Model is essential light jersey. Also want mention Ekoї - also nice brand and when I fall in hug with asphalt, I wear ekoi bibs and they also without any scratches and not tear.

[@MarvhinVillafuente]

I'm using a chinese bib set for 25$. The pad feels great, the fitting is nice, i can't ask for more. You just have to look for a product with plenty of positive reviews with photos to backup their claim.

[@Odyniec444]

what brand?

[@MarvhinVillafuente]

@@Odyniec444 knock off of Santic brand. They just print the brand name on the product. But overall the item is good.

[@Insert_Screename_Here]

I'd also highly recommend Eliel out of the US. On par price wise with many of the brands you mentioned here for their starting level products, higher priced, amazing quality products available too.

[@Felix74566]

Viva aliexpress, I love it! And I don't care that my bibshorts are only enough for 1-2 seasons, for $30 I can change them more often than socks. At first, chinese jersey and bibshorts sucked, but over time they learned how to do it. I don't feel any discomfort while cycling.

[@richardkaz2336]

All of my cycling clothing as in sox, shorts, knicks and jerseys are ALDI Crane brand, sadly they don't seem to be bringing them out anymore. Gloves and glasses from Bunnings.

[@ForestCyclingAdventures]

Crane, is or at least was made by Lusso, here in the UK. Not sure if they supplied worldwide, or even if they still do it. Maybe check them out if you liked the crane stuff. Beware, Lusso own brand is considerably more than Crane pricing though.

[@johndef5075]

I bought some Darevie brand bib shorts on Aliexpress. Very nice and very affordable. Kemaloce brand base layer very nice too.

[@Abomai]

Rion is also good

[@Kamil999]

I have 7 Darevie Bib shorts. I like their long ride ones; for $50 it was more comfortable than Assos, Rapha, Castelli.

[@SmeriglioDavid]

@@Abomai waiting for my Rion delivery... hope its as good as all the reviews seem to point to. Their logo seems subtle and understated but present as well.

[@blaze1148]

I love Castelli apparel - a bit more expensive but well worth it in my view.

[@r.d.vaughan4541]

Interesting you say this as I was always buying inexpensive brands of shorts off of Amazon (Santic), because I didn't think name brands were worth the cost. As my distance per km increased there was a period of time when I developed a very sore butt then saddle sores. I decided to try an expensive brand which is Castelli. They made a significant difference, right away, as the material slid on the saddle while keeping the padding fixed on my butt. No more padding rubbing/moving when my bottom change saddle position. I still don't like the cost but will not go back to cheaper brands. I'm sure I could find cheaper alternates, that deliver comfort, but going from saddle sores to none in a very short time pays off again and again.

[@blaze1148]

@@r.d.vaughan4541 I'm an ultra endurance cyclist where quality apparel certainly makes itself apparent.....I hope you apply plenty of chamois creme - I normally let some soak in overnight then put some fresh on in the morning of the race plus nivea on my butt....absolutely no problems with saddle sores 😉

[@TheRflynn]

Some Castelli stuff is great, I’ve had some of their products wear out quickly.

[@blaze1148]

@@TheRflynn My Castelli bibshorts / leggings have some serious miles on them and they are absolutely fine.

[@TheRflynn]

@ i had a jacket and some gloves wear very quickly. I do plan on wearing my Alpha Ros jacket tomorrow, its great in really cold weather.

[@jerrybagley6267]

Arsuxeo and Baleaf brands off amazon have great stuff at about 25 -30$ for jerseys about 50$ for bibs seems pretty good quality

[@karlj711]

I have recently discovered Siroko, there gear is superb & very well priced. It's all i buy now.

[@co7013]

Just become a member of your local cycle team and you will get affordable gear AND be part of a community. They will be negotiating with different suppliers to get a good deal and they will try to keep stuff affordable.

[@PhilRotz]

Now entering the fourth winter with a pair of Rapha Core Bib Tights. Twice sent them in for successful repair. Had summer bibs repaired as well. Cost me only the one-way postage to mail them in. In terms of longterm value, sustainability, and waste reduction I’m willing to pay a little bit more up front (I’m only buying on sale) for the possibility of repair.

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

Gotta wonder WHY stuff needs so much repairing? I've got Italian-made stuff that is decades old and still just fine. I have to toss stuff when the elastic finally loses its...elasticity, either the spandex fabric itself or the waistband/hem, etc. but that's with stuff used for decades. Good quality stuff saves money in the long-run.

[@songfta]

I've run the gamut of the premium "image" brands down to the bargain ones. Yes, Rapha and Café du Cycliste are really nice - the latter has some of the best craftsmanship I've ever seen in cycling gear. And I have bibs from The Black Bibs and NeoPro that get the job done - not super premium but they work and have lasted longer than expected. Le Col used to be a go-to for me but ever since they moved their production from Italy to Romania that quality has plummeted. My balance point seems to have landed on Gobik (made in Spain), Santini, or Cutaway (U.S. brand manufactured in China). All have great build quality, fit, and longevity.

[@grahamriley8124]

The staff at the Assos shop in London explained the detail in the video about their bib shorts. To be fair they felt / looked great. Wasn’t paying that price though.

[@allibloo]

Great, well researched video mate. Real food for thought. Great to see it has lit up the comments - some good tips in here. Thanks!

[@herbertbloch4167]

That's the comment I was going to write. 😊

[@TechTraction]

Got several pairs of bibs from The Black Bib, they are fantastic. Definitely worth trying.

[@martinberry1540]

Not sure the manufacturing costs are as high as you say, have a look at brands like Galibier and Attacus in UK and you see quality for half the price of the big names.

[@colinsmith8908]

The most obvious and important interface between you the cyclist and your expensive bike is your bib shorts/tights and the chamois within. I only use Assos. Why? Comfort Performance and Quality. A pair of Assos will last at least 3-4 seasons before the lycra becomes see-through. The chamois simply do not wear out!

[@MH-js8vb]

Unfortunately only one season for me before the see-through. Tried two pairs. Randonneuring so lots of milage

[@rg807]

I've been riding Assos bibs for 40 years. They are worth every penny. I have tried other shorts, and they simply aren't as good. That said, I haven't tried them all. Also, I had a 10 year old pair of thermal bibs that the zipper broke on, and Assos sent a new pair for free, so there's that. I don't think their jerseys are as good, they seem to be warmer than other jerseys I've used.

[@MH-js8vb]

True the bibs are very comfortable to wear and well made, and with good warranty...but they last only one season for me (randonneuring so lot of km). The material becomes transparent at the back even if I wash them delicately. Tried two pairs. I think they don't bear the the sun well. So sadly, for the very expensive price, it doesn't make it for me. But good for you if your experience is different.

[@windar2390]

I wear yoga pants for 35€ and they are great. They even have double layer at the knee which is great because my knees hurt when they are too cold.

[@Canadian666]

Been riding with Souke clothing's since 2020, $180 a set (as low as $100 for some models), last for years, good fabric n padding, can't ask for more

[@markusg8242]

Got my first gear from skinfit five years ago. Still like brand new. A bit pricey, but lasts forever

[@razorree]

"anyone can ride a bike, but I spend more monies than you.... " lol

[@davidwebber8028]

But Rapha is losing $Ms, about $8M last year. We are however blessed to have such choices in kit. Riding 5 to 7 days a week, nice to have kit choices each day. And a new jersey can motivate each year.

[@paulgilliland2992]

Assos is the most expensive brand out there but I’ll admit their chamois if you buy the top of their line is worlds best . Did you know Assos used to have a great warranty? If you hit the ground they’d repair but more likely to get it replaced for free. They stopped offering that.

[@asteropeuspeoneos5406]

I just get 1 - 5€ cycling gear (premium branda often) from the local thrift shop 😎.

[@GOLTEB]

PNS bandana costs €35, we cant say it has any kind of technology bullcrap, it's just expensive because it has PNS brand on it but elitists and cyling purists will still buy it. You're buying the brand

[@wannageering]

What about Shimano bibs? I have a few, and they're the best for longer rides - even better than Santini. Price during deals periods with 50% off is below 100.

[@tonyjames5444]

Manufacturers know their market, cycling is a passtime for predominantly wealthy people with cash to spare, as well as spending thousands on bikes they'll happily do the same for kit. Case in point I'm a long distance runner and a keen cyclist and the difference in price between running and cycling clothing is shocking and yet materials wise there's not that much difference.

[@Milfordx]

Decathlon has some quality bibs and jerseys too!

[@ariffau]

They do. But if you have long legs short torso, those bibs look like hot pants. I’m 171cm tall with 84cm inseam

[@TeoSluga]

​​​@@ariffauwell, looks like you didn't try their premium products, like AG2R cycling kit which PRO team is using. PRO cyclists all have long legs and it fits perfectly fine. Also the price is ridiculously low.

[@ariffau]

@@TeoSluga wow. They “all” have long legs? And I have been using their bibs since forever. From BTwin to Van Rysel, I had most of them. Lol. Idk if you know, but brands like Rapha and Q36.5 have versions for long legged individuals. Cheers.

[@talibe801]

I have many bib shorts,from various brands,the decatlon ones are great,some of the best ive tried.GSG are very good too.

[@Alive_and_kicking050]

Clearly you are being conned, I mean seriously, not only that, the manufacturer is literally laughing at you. You are riding around with P N S on your bibs and jersey. Literally could they make it any more clear to you? Yes, I ride a bike and yes I have plenty of decent kit, not this pretentious CRP though.

[@seandunderdale]

haha yeh...PNS is a well derided brand on Reddit for this very reason. I get my gear from specific Ali Express brands that Ive found work well for me. Ive never worn expensive kit, so I dont know what Im missing...and ignorance is bliss, and money in my pocket.

[@santiagobenites]

Thank you for stating the obvious. The pretentiousness meter is truly off the charts for some of those brands. I have a limited budget, but I've been able to source some affordable and comfortable kit that works for me through Ali Express and some other places.

[@99cya]

all my gear is from assos. yes its pricey but i hardly ever disappoints. and it seems to last quite long.

[@UserNo13]

@NeoPro from Australia. They sell direct to the buyer and IMO are a very good value for money, especially for beginner cyclists. Keep an eye put for their sales too.

[@ronggearrob9622]

For mountain bikers I would recommend the Canyon Bib by Ketl - good quality, comfortable, 3 rear pockets, lifetime warranty and reasonably priced.

[@albertolaveaga2082]

Where do other brands like GOBIK and ALE stand in your analysis?

[@motoevoracing5723]

Love them

[@Pmor75]

In the group of more expensive brands I have experience with the Spanish brand Etxeondo. The quality is great. Also tried Isadore which is not as good but also a good brand. They are a younger brand and still improving

[@themightymite5688]

I will show this video in my class on undergraduate culture and media course.

[@krakou9]

A lot of belgian teams ride with Vermarc, a brand with reasonable prices. Same for Endura. I have 2 top end BIBs from that brand, I've done thousands of kilometers with them.

[@robinrdale8318]

Vinted and other second hand outlets are great for cycling stuff

[@arrecky]

santini & Le Col are the best ❤

[@alexshaykevich509]

Brilliant honest info. Thank you!

[@JeyDeee89]

And I just drive with my flat pedals in normal shoes, and some unpadded running shorts. After some month i can cycle nearly 2h until my butt hurts.

[@louis1904]

Maap and Etxeondo are the best for me

[@adamgriss2025]

For me, northing beats the quality of Assos, but their designs are not my taste at all. Their jerseys and bib shorts are extremely comfortable, but I so dislike how they look. It’s bad enough that I’m slow, but looking awkward and being slow just ads insult to injury 😂.

[@hughstultz7849]

Apparently Ale are made by Assos, but marketed at much lower price point

[@MH-js8vb]

Sorry but I have to disagree here. I do find the Assos bibs very comfortable but they only last a season for me despite taking good care of it (but I ride a lot). So luxurious feeling yes, but durability not at all. At least for the two pairs I had

[@adamgriss2025]

That’s unfortunate. I’ve had mine for a few years and I ride around 7k KM a year, so they do see a lot of time on the bike.

[@MH-js8vb]

@@adamgriss2025 I wish I had the same experience. Maybe they changed their material. The problem happened to a friend too. At least I had the second pair for free under their good guarantee policy 🙂

[@andreasplein5441]

What about Etxeondo?

[@rokibuca]

$520 for shorts is just robbing I get mine from a local shop where they are custom-made to perfectly suit me and it cost me around $100

[@ElToro36]

Please add customer service and style to your list when evaluating apparel brands. Performance and comfort are important but I’m not going to buy a brown and mauve jersey unless it performs and feels ten times better than the competition. And if the zipper breaks or the stitching comes undone, I would expect a full refund or replacement in short order.

[@DuhRev]

Ornot - so much better for me than the brands discussed and I have yet to wear my bibs out... Also small business NOT some corporate monster or worse some investment bank owned profit farm! Ornot is my go to!!

[@DuhRev]

I should say I live about 2 miles from their shop so they are also "local" for me and I LOVE that!! I am never going to judge anyone's choices but if you can find good local small businesses PLEASE shop there first!!

[@n.eilo_rides]

I buy from Lameda via aliexpress. Save money with fit and longevity the same as the expensive brands.

[@kenblakeley9940]

China makes everything cycling, and the Ali-express is the direct market, you just need to know about the gear closeouts,vs.impostors.

[@LouMartucci]

I wear shorts (not bibs) and have found the Rapha Core shorts to be a fantastic performance short and value choice. They are currently $110 but 5-years ago they were under $100

[@iecrime]

I no longer buy 'high end'/grossly over-priced gear. Most often I'm wearing a performance tee for $20 & bib shorts for $40 from amazon, and mtb shoes with mtb flat pedals. I have a hella lot of fun, am comfortable, and happy about not burning a hole in my pocket chasing brand and trying to role play looking like a cyclist when cycling is already expensive enough.

[@LimitedWard]

What budget bibs do you recommend?

[@iecrime]

@@LimitedWard Baleaf. Less than $50. Also have several Pearl Izumi quest line, which is usually less than $100. I found them just as comfortable and durable than the high end Rapha's etc. I used to buy.

[@galahaaad]

How about Slovak brand Isadore ? They seem to make quality stuff, but they are expensive. Are they overpriced in your opinion?

[@olivierhenrat5881]

I owe 2 pairs of their gravel bibs and some jerseys among other stuff. I suspect that Isadore might not be as well known as other generic brands in the US. They are however very good at being transparent about the materials they use and how they purposefully choose them. While their distance cargo whool bibs are not directly cheap at 275€, they are among the most technical ones out there combining Merino whool with high degree of compression, water repellent and perfect sized pockets. Looking at the PNS range nothing seems to justify their price range in terms of fabrics.

[@olivierhenrat5881]

....and I can also add that they have a great customer care similar to Velocio's and far better than the incompetence experienced with Maap or Pedaled!

[@Andrej-jq1pw]

Isadore has very high quality and functional products, own by former professional cyclists, designed locally and made as much as possible locally or in neighborhood countries. Good customer care and service. They were first who started to use merino for road cycling garments. Prices are higher, but adequate, and often they have sales, or sell bundles. The products last for ever, therefore at the end the price is not high at all. There are other small local brands in Europe like German Everve, Belgium Bioracer or Italian Q36.5, which as well concentrate on sustainability, reliability, high quality, produce locally, having own R&D, own by former professional cyclists and producing for professional cyclists.

[@mypojam]

Thx man! Already am a fan of Pearl Izumi. Will look into Black Bibs and the other brands mentioned

[@peterjay6580]

I have several Black Bibs bibs. Chamois is rough(green). Chamois is disbonding (pad from chamois material). Red chamois the pad has shifted and rolled. I have written them before, they are aware. Not recommended at all.

[@chapmag6578]

Had Pearl Izumi for years the tried Assos bibs, expensive, but brilliant for me

[@biggestelvis]

I’ve been using Black Bibs for about a year now (red and green). No issues yet; I also delicate cold wash and air dry. We’ll see how they do in the longer run

[@bloopasonic]

I use the cheapest Black Bibs for trainer rides. They get the job done... just. The sizing is big and baggy, the materials are heavy and get very clingy from sweat. Entry to mid level gear from e.g. Castelli can routinely be had on clearance for marginally more, and are definitely a step up in terms of fit and material.

[@Andychungkring]

Red White Apparel FTW!!!

[@CycoWarriorx]

Rapha and Assos would (still) like a word with you regarding premium branding… 😂😂😂😂… seriously tho, I’m also buying the customer service component with Rapha and Assos, as well… 🍻

[@recordednowhere]

bought some Pearl Izumi jerseys last year, for not a lot of money, very happy so far. Recently bought a whole range of gear from Ekoi for their 60% Black week. Look and feel is great, they apparently use high tech fabrics and the sale price was very good. Hope they work and last.

[@dflett1881]

I have come off Castelli, Maap, Santini and other high end brands.. we have been using an Australian brand "Salita" and it destroys all these guys for price and comfort, durability is amazing. I ride 20k per year in all weather conditions and can easily say I wont need to go back to these other guys..I don't know where they get there fabrics from or chamois, but its spot on, size accurate and looks good. I guess they are small business so don't have the middlemen or something :)

[@frenchyroastify]

I still think there is a cycling tax. I was in a store and looked at the cycling Gore Tex Shake Dry jackets: $350 CDN. Passed by the running section which also had Shake Dry jackets $250 CDN.

[@alexanderh2715]

If its like any other area in fashion you'll just get ripped off. I'll get more cycling clothes once I lost weight. Unfortunately I am not the type of rider that those clothes are designed for with short legs and more upper body muscle due to years in the gym

[@mokasusa]

Assos never fails. Long lasting quality. I have 20 of them. Jersy goes with what the team jersy brand is, but the bib, must be 1st class

[@chapmag6578]

Moved of Assos bibs a couple years ago, they are expensive, but superb for my tired 70 year old arse 😎

[@TheRflynn]

Their gloves and warmers are very good. They do the thinking on things that look simple but need to work.

[@mokasusa]

​@@chapmag6578 I allways buy with disscounts, archives, and season ends

[@MH-js8vb]

So many Assos fans here!? I agree with the comfort, but the two pairs I had only lasted a year before seeing my arse thru it. The durability is just not there for me. Wash those by hand. Too much brevets I guess, but some brand just last a lot more. Sadly for me because they do are very comfortable

[@lie521]

Velocio is the best quality with the greatest customer service.

[@thejeffinvade]

Decathlon $40 biib works great😂

[@bypassp]

As a broke Balkan guy I totally agree with you! 😁

[@wildejagd]

I like the Santini bibs, esp their wool ones.

[@RevoltingRudi]

Endura, Cube, Gonso or even Otix (self brand from B.O.C. Germany). all decent brands with solid price range. sometimes the stuff from lidl or aldi if you are lucky with the fit. do some brands scam us? yes. be it kit, or the bikes itself.

[@JamesLerem]

It's similar to Stanley tool products. If you're deciding should I buy Craftsman, DeWalt or MAC tools? They're all under the same umbrella!

[@Datboyvideo]

My PAS chammy is by far the best I own. Have ridden ASOS, RAPHA, MAAP, you name it. It's the only Chammy I can forgo using any sort of butter with. Happy to pay for that, and it's different for everyone.

[@lechprotean]

I wouldn't mind paying even 500 EUR/USD for bibs that made all my comfort problems go away but the issue is you won't know in advance and it is a combination of bike fit, saddle shape and materials COMBINED with bibs so it's not cheap to experiment and you will probably gett better results buying 4 pairs of different 100 EUR bibs or maybe different saddles rather than taking a gambe on one pair of very expensive bibs

[@ajsiino741]

I can't ride without an Assos pad. I've tried Pearl Izumi and Castelli and others. They are good for like six months and then the pad breaks down and they get very uncomfortable. My Assos can last like 5+ years. Anyone ever seen another short with an Assos like pad? It's like the reverse cutout saddle inside the pad.

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

I've got Santini stuff decades old. Nalini almost as old. Tried ASSOS (even went there in-person) back-in-the-day and couldn't understand the hype. Still riding in Santini and Nalini, some old, some new. Tried a few other brands over the years but keep coming back to the folks who have been making the stuff for ages...they know best.

[@Cycle-Tourer]

In Ali-express all jerseys and pants for cycling 15-30 USD who needs more then that??

[@DanTuber]

A lot of the big aussie brands (Maap, Pedla, Black sheep, Attaquer) use the same manufacturuers

[@birdergirlrs]

One aspect not mentioned here is fit. I found Pearl Izumi products fit me well, so I shop them first.

[@zwiftingwithdemonhunter]

I know this is sacreligious to some, but I get my kits from Aliexpress. Not everyone can afford $300+ for a kit. And I don't care if my kit says Rapha or PAS Normal or not. I like my Red Bull Bora kits (GO PRIMOZ!) and they fit me perfectly and ride comfort is great. All for the lowly price of $25-30 per kit. If you can afford hundreds for a kit, congratulations. I can't.

[@ezraregan2243]

PAS bibs are worth every dollar. Also they retail for 290 not 520. The bib is a functional part of your set up. Buy cheap jerseys, sure. But not the bib. Especially if you’re putting in the hours. Also, as a heavier rider (100kilo)I’m a tough critic. Those sit bones need a great saddle and a quality bib. As far as fitting in or what other riders think, they should be more concerned with riding. FTP over 300 and wear what you want, lads! ✌️

[@quacker998]

Worth the money? Endura jersey in relaxed fit Pearl Izumi bibs are realistically priced, fit well and very comfortable Castelli jacket on sale price is perfecto Gore cycling socks are great and a good value. POC design aesthetic and fabrics are superb but their sizing is a bit strange All cycling gear can be had at fantastic discounts if you time it well. Fit and comfort are the key factors - if it fits well you’ll wear it to threads

[@kurt1391]

I like Gore, for the most part. I just ordered some bibs, and the paper tag said Large, but the bibs said medium. They fit well enough, so I kept them. They can be a little sloppy like that. The jackets are the best for breathability, but they do some crazy stuff, like making the tail too short, or using tiny, cheap zippers, or making the jackets baggy. They'll fix an issue, but introduce a new one. I still buy their stuff regardless as it's comfortable, and they replaced my jacket with the weak zipper. Customer service isn't like Rapha's, where they refund easily, though. You get a replacement which is not like the original because they switch models every year, it seems.