You Don't Need The Most Expensive Cycling Kit - Here's Where To Save

[@jwarmerdam7578]

i love decathlon gear, they usually offer three price brackets as well, you can start out with the lowest one, it will still perform perfectly as everything is well tested and will be absolute value for money. You can then find out what you like and dislike so when you do trade up you also know why you are paying more. most of the mid tier grade kit would easily be perfectly fine for most amateur riders. For all the premium brands, 100% you can get an equally good product for half the price. You are just paying for marketing at that point.

[@keessonnema]

Only downside about Decathlon is that they still have forced labor in some countries. Even though they've been fighting it (which is good).

[@sebastiandomagala9233]

Not only for cycling. Their Tennis gear is also nothing short of spectacular. I am currently wearing 30€ bib shorts. Work perfectly. Although it must be said that I ride only 10 km one way, only ride for commuting.

[@JarekZgoda]

Gloves, they have great gloves. I got autumn / spring gloves, winter gloves, hard winter gloves, all cheap and really working fine. The ugly - all are black. Seriously, Decathlon, is black the only colour available?

[@stanislavkindiakov6334]

Decathlon provides lowest acceptable quality, but very cheap. Good for beginners and then you just find better stuff if you ever need it. P.S. I rode 430 km during Easter weekend.

[@sgroadie6367]

Decathlon gear doesn’t last as long.

[@sasatrifunovski]

I trust I speak for entire majority of us when I say We need in depth video on good quality bibs Like proper explanation for idiots such as myself😅

[@phoffen3829]

There isn't any difference. They are all the same to me - I have expensive ones, and cheap ones. They have different types of padding that's all, and the bib variety, which can be quite comfortable, is a right pain in the ass when it is time to "take a break", and are a lot hotter on a very hot day. OVERRATED.

[@talonlan]

@@phoffen3829 I disagree I have an Assos pair and they are head and shoulders above all the other ones I own, they are cut lower at the front and have a different material used there so comfort breaks are far far easier, the pad is exceptional and they have a different material where mens junk will sit quite happily. I have another pair by a company I won't mention and they have fantastic straps but the pad is quite small for me and is too much round the front and not enough at the rear feels like I am just about sitting on it. In the Middle are my LeCols which have a great pad but are a nightmare to pull down low enough to have a comfort break in comfort.

[@phoffen3829]

@@talonlan I am glad they work for you. I will take your word for it!

[@saladaufdieeichel]

Pearl Izumi and Gorewear when discounted. Also the Decathlon gear is worth taking a look at.

[@johnstygall860]

I swear by Siroko, great value, design and durable clothing . My rain jacket from them has been well up to Irish weather. Worth a look

[@richiejames928]

Yeah me too, gave them a chance with a popular KZbinrs discount link and have never looked back. can’t knock the quality at all. and I like the small subtle branding on the bits of got.

[@chrishigham512]

On helmets I use the Virginia tech testing as a guide - you can get a top rated MIPS one for less than £50 normally

[@beetroot133]

Cade Media is turning in the BBC with the repeats😂

[@nihilisticfella]

It's making ne horny tbh

[@johnhickie1107]

Jersey - the paramount thing is that it ventilates well on a hot day. A jersey made of cheap heavy cloth is an absolute misery. It's easy to add layers on cold days, and there's lots of hiking and outdoor companies that make stuff to keep you warm and reasonably ventilated. I now love Castelli bibs with their Progetto 2 pads. Absolutely the most comfortable for multiple long days in the saddle. Their stuff is expensive and sizing is bizarre. Wait till stuff goes on sale or clearance. The pad is the important thing. There's always some new thing with the rest of the short assembly every year but the pad is the important thing. Nothing wrong with last years stuff if you can get it. The hard thing to find is the right saddle for you - no specific guidance here. Socks - no big deal - whatever you like except when it's raining. Waterproof socks by Endura or Showers pass have kept my feet warm and dry during cold Scottish downpours. Shoes that fit are hugely important - again no specific guidance. The only time I use gloves is when it's really hot so my sweaty hands don't slip or when it's really cold. Oddly enough, every single glove I've used with fancy pads has made my fingers number. For truly cold wet days I use my whitewater paddling gloves. Supple and warm. For cool days I wear light windproof gloves with no padding. Available in general outdoor shops they look good and aren't expensive. The Amazon glove option looks good.

[@Joshuavoice29]

I used to work for Pearl Izumi. We had a Pro level rain jacket wind up in our clearance. It was originally $375 I got it on clearance with my discount I paid less than $20 for it as it was a few seasons old. Great jacket.

[@StevenNassibian]

Living in Sydney, it never gets cold enough to worry about cold hands. As a motorcyclist, wind chill is a factor. In winter I wear glove liners with summer riding gloves. The advantage of this combination is that it is not bulky so you retain the feel of the bars and controls. With thick winter gloves, you loose some of that connection. I wonder if silk glove liners might help cyclists riding in colder climates.

[@salimsanchez89]

I wear jerseys because I keep my spares, food and phone in the pockets. Just prefer this to a bar bag or top tube bag. Also I live in Florida and like how breathable the materials are.

[@jasong546]

Me too I agree

[@antares8281]

They didn't discuss this and it is so obvious. Jersey's have pockets and many of us store thing in them. Cycling short don't all have pockets, so a plain T-shirt isn't practical.

[@gerritfahr6700]

The only rain jacket worth getting is a goretex shakedry jacket like the C5. Shakedry is the best!

[@mokotramp]

Too delicate

[@marcokalle2452]

Absolutely! Shakedry for the win!

[@timyaiser]

I live in southern Arizona. What’s this “rain jacket” thing you speak of?

[@emanueldesousa77]

I always buy off season kit, from two years ago, and it goes by a very affordable price… I never spend more than £30 on a jersey… same with bib tights. Altura has a very affordable line, especially from older collections.

[@ellipticalsoul]

I got my first bib shorts massively discounted because I bought them in a black friday sale in November. It's also worth looking for discount codes, my best ones are Le Col but I got £50 off from a strava code

[@ericharman4064]

On the jersey front, I'm in a jersey for the pockets. I'm trying to reduce the use of fabrics that shed microplastics, but cotton bike jerseys with pockets are hard to find.

[@GHinWI]

Voler, and probably others, do merino jerseys

[@ericharman4064]

@@GHinWIOregon Cyclewear is another source for wool. BikeWearhouse for cotton.

[@bmhvtt]

I think that it makes sense to pay a premium for cycling clothing that is made in the USA/Canada/Europe with good labor and environmental standards. Search and State, Mission Workshop, Ornot, and there are certainly others. There are brands that demand premium prices but are built with cheap labor.

[@NoahStephens]

Amen

[@owenfidler2115]

One thing you guys missed on rain jackets... The chemical coating (DWR or Durable Water Repellency) is important because it stops the outer fabric from wetting out. As soon as that outer fabric is wet, moisture can't move from the waterproof membrane through the outer fabric. Easiest way to renew the DWR it is to apply heat - either a warm iron or a warm cycle in the clothes drier. Usually takes many washes to get it gone completely and therefore need to reapply with a spray or even easier, wash-in treatment. I worked in an outdoor store for many years, this advice is tried and tested. Keep your jacket beading, keeps it breathing. DWR wears off from rubbing, always roll your jacket instead of stuffing it.

[@306maxievo2]

100% as soon as it sets out, the water vapour actually condenses on the inside of the fabric and you might as well not be wearing a jacket.

[@petetrundell5454]

After years of buying useless 'waterproof' rain jackets I bought an Endura. Bloody superb. Best thing is it cost £150 - the same as a Gore-Tex jacket I bought in the 90's!

[@ajc5869]

Honestly, Aliexpress cycling kit has served me so well. $20 bib and jersey set, really only had a couple over the years that were bad. I live in this stuff

[@mattimeo117]

Same, I still use the bib shorts and Jersey I got from 2020 all the time.

[@swordmonkey6635]

Two factors in expensive vs affordable helmets is weight and good fit adjustment (like removable padded inserts and floating head harness fit etc.

[@stanislavkindiakov6334]

And look. If you do not like how it looks you will not wear it

[@swordmonkey6635]

@@stanislavkindiakov6334 Professionals and sponsored riders don't get a say in their helmets and kit. It's part of a uniform to them. "Regular" riders emulate the pros either because of the way the kit looks or being a fan of the team/rider. The strange and garish colors of pro team kits wouldn't be worn by regular riders if there wasn't a team/fan connection.

[@siffoine]

Cold fingers and toes are often a symptom of the rest of the body being cold 🥶 Body cuts circulation when it needs to conserve energy elsewhere. Good gillet might help more than an extra pair of mittens

[@MartinBrown-mb7pz]

When I started snowboarding in the early 90s, I had a pair of mitten-style gloves that looked just like those gloves called Nutz . Fleece lines. Grippy. . They were brilliant.

[@Oxibase]

I bought some Pearl Izumi Men’s Select liner shorts for $18 plus tax and shipping and they work great for me. I’ve never used anything else though so I have no idea what I may be missing, but I don’t get sore or chafed even after riding 30 or 40 miles in them. I just put those on with some exercise shorts and I’m good to go.

[@litespeed65]

Biehler- made in Germany bib shorts, very nice especially on sale.

[@CarlosRojasBaritono]

1:31 i used to ride on T-shirts but when i started wearing jerseys was a day and night for me, but i never paid more than $60, the Bib shorts are different story because i had to get something more expensive but some people pays for fashion, that’s why those cycling kit are so expensive and it doesn’t worth it.

[@HEYSERGYO]

great video guys! It would be GREAT to have timestamps so we can check what are you talking about in the timeline =) thanks!

[@Cyberjenne]

I stopped bothering about rain jackets because where I life you'd get wet anyway and more likely be even more wet from the inside. There is no water resistant jacket that can breathe at the same time. It only works one way or the other. I prefer a lightshell jacket that actually breathes and is only 80% windproof and water repellent because is dries much faster.

[@Bob-ze1zo]

I personally love the Gore C5 Bib's. And those have a really good price too. Bioracer is good too.

[@mattpeters7884]

I agree with pretty much everything 👍🏻👍🏻. I have worked in a bike shop for 10 years so I could have gotten a lot at discount but it just doesn't fit. I ride assos Millie short because they fit. I do go for the long distance one at £165 RRP but the assos shorts at £200+ just don't fit, same with shoes. Also exposure light, I have a mk2 joystick and a mk11 race both of which are now on mk17. But mine still works, the race didn't have to be repaired a few years ago after a crash but its great that you can get them repaired 👍🏻👍🏻

[@scorchedearthdj]

i bought a bike light that is powered by 2 18650 batteries that can be removed and recharged. it's great!

[@brandonhoffman4712]

What are some quality jersey options around 60 scoots?

[@fishsayswhatsgoingon]

Pedro's tire levers - one love. Lights should be just as reliable to not let you down. But not that expensive to regret if you lose it. Cycling clothing is the best you can get for cycling. It's very odd to hear that you don't need cycling specific gear. Why no jerseys?

[@GumbyPJ]

Girodana FRC PRO. My go to for all rides. Cycle over 12000 miles a year, good quality gear is so important.

[@billybob7088]

I always get my Rapha gear during their annual sales, Best bibs I have ever worn. I also wear my old Patagonia tech t-shirts for my tops.

[@piercewasmund2042]

Insulated leather work gloves. What I use in the winter. In Minnesota, USA.

[@anthonylloyd6094]

Interesting insights into bike kit. Please can you post up the link for the Amazon cold storage gloves please?

[@SystemParanoia]

Crab 🦀 mittens for the win in winter.

[@eleven-eleven-eleven]

Yep. I'm still using a pair from Pearl Izumi that I bought in around 1994. Still warm! Amazing product.

[@ssmidnight9340]

I brought some planet x pro line 365X bib short of a friends recommendation, cost me £20 they are brilliant

[@tmp1k]

Tape is not just tape. Love the 3mm Enve tape. If there's anything similar for less money, I'd love to know about it.

[@philippannawitt3606]

I have the issue with chamois in road cycling bib shorts being too thick for me and putting pressure on in the wrong places causing me pain. So I have to wear tri shorts. Problem is they don’t come as bibs and so they don’t stay in place as well. That said, I find the Castelli tri shorts for 80-90 EUR really good.

[@stanislavkindiakov6334]

Try bibs from Gore C3, there is quite thin pad.

[@philippannawitt3606]

Thanks. Will have a look!

[@Xarx42]

Regarding the bib shorts: I kinda disagree. I do have the normal assos mille (for around 130 euro). A few years ago I wanted to know if the expensive shorts from Assos (around 300 euro) are actually worth the money. So I got one and yes, it simply is. The quality upgrade is absolutely noticable. I can understand everyone who doesnt want to spend so much money for it, but for anyone who has a sensitive butt (like myself) I can highly recommend it (well, in case of Assos).

[@lucioledizerot196]

didnt't they say it was worth investing in shorts?

[@richiejames928]

I’ve got assos bibs and rapha bibs. the cheapest of the rapha bibs are better than the mid range assos bibs.

[@TheKb117]

shirts, dri-fit fabric. gloves, garden gloves with rubber coating on the finger grips and palm areas. tires, Leo tires and inner tubes. Tire sealant, goes into the inner tubes so it doesn't muck up the inside of your tires and the rim. Helmets, I don't wear one, hehehe. I'd prefer those multi function tube fabric baclava. Btw, all my bike accidents happened with helmets on. ymmv P.S. Bike lights, a tactical torch with 18650 battery. Instead of bibs or padded shorts I use stretchy leggings as underwear. Shorts, mtb shorts.

[@stan2kay]

Shirts: breathable outdoor shirt. Usable for hiking and skiing. Shorts: agree. Jacket: if it’s waterproof it’s not breathable, so you sweat. But it protects you from wind, which is what will freeze you. Get outdoor stuff, usable for hiking and skiing. Gloves: mtb gloves. Multitool, lights, helmet, saddle, shoes, tape: agree Inner tube: go tubeless Sealant: agree Tires: agree

[@andreytsoy44]

I always buy jerseys and bibs on sale from those "fancy" brands.The thing that makes those brands stand ou is the FIT. I can't ride a loose jersey/ bibs, itst just not comfortable at all.

[@sbccbc7471]

My biggest problem with jerseys is the length. Due to my short torso, most Size S or XS jerseys are still too long for me (the edge always reaches the peak of my butt). So far, the only big brand that fits me is MAAP Size S.

[@johnhogg9756]

Speak to Keela re your rain jacket model. They produce some excellent products and even design and sell manufacturing products (they designed the first machine to tape seams). They own their own factories U.K. and SriLanka and could be potentially a great company to collaborate with.

[@LanceandtheLegionnaires]

The biggest scam in cycling is eye protection. You need sunglasses & a set of clear glasses. They're running $200 or so a pair! Look for safety glasses made for construction & manufacturing workers. Bolle for example makes $200 cycling glasses and safety glasses that are $25 for clear ones and $55 for polarized sunglasses. The safety glasses aren't as fashionable as the cycling glasses (a bit smaller) but they're guaranteed to protect your eyes (that's what they're made for) and a fraction of the price.

[@jean-noelschmitz3061]

For rain jacket, I have to say that a very good one, even if it's pretty expensive, is always worth the money : waterproof (at least 15000mm), super breathable and allowing you to move !

[@jepulis6674]

Have not seen a single breathable rain jacket ever. No matter if 300€ or 50€, its a sweat bag. Great for standing still in the rain or as a winter jacket in temps where the breathing actually can happen -5C or below

[@frankzijnsofa]

You should put up another affliliate link again for the gloves. I reckon a lot of people watching this would click it. I know that I for one am returning to this episode to find them.

[@HardcountsAdventures]

Tyre Glider is the best tyre lever out there.

[@NickSteffen]

Technical gear usually smells worse than standard cotton gear. They are light and wick water away from the skin, but cotton’s structure deters bacteria growth whereas synthetic fibers do not. It’s the bacteria that makes the worse smell.

[@gitnjur]

Cotton is horrendous for bacterial growth, it is not antibacterial whatsoever and holds onto water far more and longer than technical fibers. Hemp, wool, linen, silk are all infinitely better than cotton. Well structured synthetic garments are miles better than cotton, we're not talking about $3 solid polyester or nylon here.

[@harrymurphey2634]

... here are (3) things you do not go cheap on ... (1) the helmet (needs "MIPS") ... 2) a good bib shorts (the chammie is important) ... 3) the "multi-tool" w/ a chain press so you can repair a broken chain and "press" the chain pin in/out ( I do carry "quick-links)

[@stanislavkindiakov6334]

All helmets in the shop meet safety requirements and Mips is more marketing than a real thing.

[@suzukibobbygg]

Skytec gloves are amazing 👍

[@krstfrbrn]

In tropical countries, it is better to wear bib shirt or technical t-shirts. Because of the sun, the humidity, the perspiration, and eventually the sweat. It does not smell nice after.

[@hambo76]

That's what I do - I have XC shirts with a zip. They're still SPF rated but not tight fitting.

[@dominic.fielding]

Waterproof/Breathable jackets need a DWR to be breathable at the same time as being WP, when the face fabric wets out then the membrane can't breath anymore and you need mechanical venting from pit zips etc. Gore shakedry is clear because it doesn't need DWR to be breathable as it always beads up but it has 0 durability because there's no face fabric.

[@billeterk]

Great stuff but visibility sucks

[@sgroadie6367]

I prefer something against water ingress in bibs, especially soaked chamois. And don’t really care when my jersey is wet. But soaked bibs and socks, horrible.

[@kellylingus]

I sweat a lot, so a short sleeve button up shirt is best for me all summer. On the bike, you can open more buttons and it flows better. Aero? No. keeps me dry and cool? Yes!

[@Budulai89]

Can you add time chapters to video?

[@jasonhutchinson8060]

From Attaquer to LeCol, every premium cycling brand is on sale. For a prolonged period of time, too. And not the usual 20% but around 50%.....so it seems the days of these ultra premium brands taking the piss with pricing, has come to an end.

[@apagunaberlari2929]

For me if i just cycle not for profession tshirt and mid range bib should be fine for me

[@unfixedgears]

My list on products I use when riding m bike: Dry-Fit T-Shirt : $6-$10 (Walmart) Cargo Shorts : $20-$60 (Levis, Marks, Oakley, etc) Cycling Raincoat : $80 (Mountain Warehouse) Gloves (Waterproof or not) : $8-$20 (Winners, Local Bike Shops, Amazon) Multitool : $20 (Crankbrothers M19) Front Light : $80 (600 Lumens MINIMUM : Bontrager) Rear Light : $40 (150 Lumens : Lezyne) Helmet : $160 (Giro Cinder MIPS) Tires : $40 for the pair (Continental Ride Tour)

[@CruiserBrah]

I like full fingered gloves. Push bike specific ones are dear as poison so I went to our local hardware and bought mechanics gloves for 20 bucks, not 50 or 60. They work a treat.

[@matthewscox11]

I never went back after starting to wear jerseys. Doesn’t need to be expensive. Jerseys don’t flap about. Pockets for all your stuff and longer at the back meaning it doesn’t ride up.

[@grumpy-dad3701]

T-shirts and Hawaiian shorts for me. All cheap stuff.

[@rikar8727]

X tiger and west biking stuff from ali express

[@heidijarvis777]

I have just purchased a rear exposure light and had to send it back as the battery was running out after 90 mins and the feedback I have had is that there have been some faulty batches with certain product codes, I’m now waiting for a replacement

[@donavinnezar]

last time i bought cheap tyres was for a commuter i rode to school , they were made in india and made from NYLON they lasted a long time but they had no grip othet than what the tread pattern provided , after a year ad a half i had to cut them off the rims because they shrunk

[@jimsonjohnson3761]

If you aren't racing or putting 3k miles a year on your bike. A good condition 2013-2010 can be very nice. Even

[@kimrice394]

There are “washes” that reseal waterproof clothing. Warm gloves are too thick for me. Poogies all the way!

[@daveyhu]

Please wear tuxedos, it would make this so much cooler.

[@haakon_b]

T-shirts suck. I need back pockets and a zipper on the front. 50-70€ a piece and you wear them for years

[@ankittuli1746]

I don't like to ride in rain because it makes my bike dirty

[@ro...valverde1622]

I bought a rain jacket and basically never use it because it turns into a sauna within minutes of wearing it I rather get wet

[@mokotramp]

I'm a massive Castelli/Sportful fanboy, but I've never ever paid above 60 quid for any of my bibs! You have to shop wisely, buy everything in the sale! This is where Castelli trumps rip off Rapha on discounts! Gore Primaloft lobster glove for cold, dry weather! 👌 Tyre levers...Topeak Shuttle. Lights (front)....cheap Chinese with external packs. Rear light...Niterider Solas 250 Shoes...Sidi. Had a pair of Sidi Dominator, lasted 15 years!

[@diehardbikes]

I tend to buy a lot of mid to higher end stuff. Usually not new, but it depends on the item. I have several used saddles, several used cranks, several new old stock carbon bars, but tires is one thing I buy new. I ride Challenge Strada H TLR tires. The ride quality is incredible. Better than vittoria or continental or Scwalbe. Better than Pirelli. I ride hundreds of miles per month, so tires and saddles and all contact points in general matter for me. The things that make a ride comfortable and safe, I splurge a bit more on.

[@Mas421]

I don’t need the most expensive? 😳😳😳 unbelievable!

[@TKBedford]

For rain buy a poncho, such as the people's poncho. Rain jackets are horrible boil in the bag

[@LegalPropertyExpert]

"If you really want a good jersey, there's no need to spend more than £50... the rest is just paying for a designer brand. " Meanwhile, Attacus jerseys: £90

[@statom985]

pedros, i thought they are well forgotten

[@montylikesbeer]

For lights I can’t speak more highly than UK manufacturer Four4th. They are incredibly good value, the engineering is second to none and they repair on return. I have had Exposure in the past, yes they are good but very expensive.

[@derekkeith108]

$450 for a bike light, HOLY

[@stevenjoyce421]

Being so far anti-snob you’ve become snobs.

[@markrushton1516]

eBay for me and sales.

[@chrisoliver6690]

Ali Express for a jersey

[@al-du6lb]

I wouldn't be caught dead in a rapha kit

[@billeterk]

The brevet stuff has excellent pockets though.

[@deepzeliade-dk8uo]

Endura all day long

[@derbanner]

A lot of stuff stated in this video is based on assumptions and might be not true. Feels not very professional, but maybe it has not to be.

[@leiflarsen8422]

Helmet!!! well save a tenner and be a vegetable in whelchair rest of you life.......then standard IS NOT same, get some who perform best in test.

[@venividiwardi1427]

Can they do one episode without the greenwashed BS? :D

[@richardhaselwood9478]

Again, Nick confusing his good opinions with dopey edge lord stuff. Tee shirts are awful to ride in. I've done it when I was new to cycling, and they suck. Jersey's are waaaaaaay better. Gravel rides are better in jerseys. MTB, wear a bigger road jersey..... And, nowadays, there are (like everyone said), lots of good options at low price points. In Australia, I'm a big fan of NeoPro, who do plenty of jersey's at $64 AUD.

[@NoahStephens]

Jerseys. It’s “jerseys”

[@richardhaselwood9478]

@@NoahStephens My bad.....

[@Khaldor]

It's becoming more and more obvious that this channel is more targeted towards commuters than actual road cyclists