Do I need/ can I get: a flattering jersey & harder shoes...

[jenbug]

Hi,

I have a couple of questions about apparel that I wonder if anyone can offer advice on....

I'm a new rider and am gearing up for a 2-day 80 mile ride at the end of September. At the moment I'm training wearing a t-shirt and trainers (and of course a pair of padded capris). I'm wondering if a jersey and some harder shoes be worth the investment.

I'm a size 12 and got some extra padding of my own at the moment! (I'm hoping that the cycling can help with that). I don't feel comfortable with tight or clinging fabrics and although I haven't tried any on yet, I have a feeling that a jersey is going to be fairly unforgiving! Do I really need one? Are there any flattering ones I should look out for?

Also, I don't feel ready for toe-clips yet but wonder if some harder shoes would be helpful or if I should stick with my trainers? If so, any suggestions? I'd still want to be able to walk around in them.

Sorry if these questions are rather obvious - I'm still getting used to this whole new world of information about cycling. Thanks for any advice - it will be much appreciated!

[Smilie]

The jerseys are nice because of the pockets for snacks and things, so I would recommend getting a jersey for that reason. They are also stretchy and wick sweat nicely. Go on ebay and get an inexpensive one to see if you like them.

I wear the cycling shoes, so can only recommend the clipless style.

Good luck!

[Grog]

Hi JenBug:

1) Jersey: You definitely do not *need* one but it's nice to have pockets on the back, which is why I end up wearing a jersey most of the time on the bike, even for my commute, so I can keep important items (keys, wallet, cell phone) in my pockets instead of my panniers. I am pretty sure you can find something that suits your taste and body shape.

2) Shoes: I find that cycling for any significant distance (more than a few kilometers) in my regular running shoes (soft soles) is really uncomfortable and gives me foot pain, sometimes lasting for a few days. This is especially true if there are hills involved. However I am fine cycling with my hiking shoes (much harder soles). I have a pair of "touring" bike shoes that are a bit stiffer. They have cleats under them but I can use them with a platform pedal, and to walk short distances. However for very long, fast or hard rides I much, much prefer my really stiff shoes (Sidi Dominators), but these are not very good with platform pedals.

So the bottom line is that you might feel some pain with your trainers, but you'll discover that as you train for your ride. If you plan to get automatic ("clip-in") pedals eventually, then you could get bike shoes now and just add the cleats later. If you don't, then maybe just a stiffer shoe will do, or even your regular trainers...

[Zen]

Your regular sneakers will probably be fine as long as they're not too old. Mimic the same movement as walking by bending the sole in your hand. If you can bend the sole too easily you need new shoes anyway!

Have a look at PricePoint (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/15217-585_FOXLB6-1-Clothing-23-Womens-Clothing/Fox-Women's-Liberty-Jersey-'06.htm) for clothing.

[teawoman]

I wear a pair of running shoes with toe clips, and I am fine. They are running shoes that are on the stiff side, though--a runner's motion control shoe that is out of cushioning. I have ridden up to a century in a day (about 7 hours) without problems as long as I remember to move about a bit (that goes for all body parts :p).

Disclaimer: I'm still pretty new, so take what I say with a pinch of salt. It's what's worked on my longer rides.

[sfa]

I wear running shoes and don't have a problem, but I've never tried cycling specific shoes so I don't know if I would be more comfortable in them or perform better. I'm happy enough with what I've got so don't see any need to change. I suspect that as you cycle more you'll get a better idea if you're likely to suffer any foot pain or other problems because of your shoes.

As for the jersey, I don't think it's absolutely necessary, but I've become a big fan of using good materials for any clothes I exercise in. Cotton t-shirts are hot and sweaty when you're working out. Even an inexpensive "activewear" shirt like this (http://www.landsend.com/pp/ShortSleeveFitnessTshirt~187283_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::UMS&CM_MERCH=IDX_00008__0000000556&origin=index)will go a long way to keeping you comfortable. Oh, look, they even have a bike version of the shirt here (http://www.landsend.com/pp/ShortSleeveHalfzipBikeTshirt~187304_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::VOQ&CM_MERCH=IDX_00008__0000000556&origin=index)! No idea if it's any good, but I have one of the former shirts and it's comfortable. I've also found that close cut shirts are pretty flattering because they don't bunch up and cling in odd places.

Sarah

[ridenread]

It is very possible to find a flattering jersey and they are so much more comfortable than riding in t shirts. I am 5'10" and a size 14. I was a bit appprehensive about wearing a jersey initially. Funny I had no problem with the tight shorts and initially rode with cycling shorts and T-shirts. Then as the weather kept getting hotter I decided to try a cycling jersey. I now own several (OK more than several, it is becoming an addiction) and find they wick away the sweat,provide a great place to keep things, and don't blow in the breeze.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Whatever you do for shoes, just be sure you don't buy them only a few days before your big ride. You need to be sure whatever shoes you wear for 40 or 80 miles are going to be comfortable. Try the new shoes out ahead of time on a couple long rides, and also bring a SPARE pair of comfy shoes you can switch to if the new shoes give you pain after lots of miles.
Same for the padded shorts- if I were you I'd bring two different kinds just in case.
Tops? ...whatever is logical for the temperatures, plus the sun and rain factors. Try to have several thinner, breathable layers as opposed to being stuck with just one thick layer. That way you can regulate your body temperature better by adding/removing a thin item or two. I often wear a sports bra, then a breathable tank top, then a lightweight longsleeve top. As I heat up or the day heats up I just take off the outer longsleeve top. Another choice is to have a lightweight wind vest over a light longsleeve or shortsleeve top- then remove the vest if you get warm.
I myself use a bike saddlebag and am not into stuffing things into a pocket on my back. Others like the back pockets of jerseys.
Remember to use your sunscreen! Sunglasses help too. Doesn't hurt to bring a very lightweight windbreaker/rain-resistant jacket or vest. TWO water bottles if possible.
Sounds like you're going to have FUN! :)

[KnottedYet]

BMX pedals work nicely with regular street shoes. The very large pedal area lets your feet be pretty well supported and efficient.

(mind you, 3 of my 5 bikes have BMX pedals, so I'm biased)

[wolfak]

I was shocked at the expensive price of jerseys for my first ride. I started by going to Target to get workout apparel, basically an exercise shirt that was pseudo-wicking material. It's nice because I felt dry rather than sopping in a tee. I have jersey now, which I bought at the TE shop, but it's a Terry brand. I'm very happy with it, I do feel very comfortable and at ease in it, and I love the fit and function.

My preference is for a stiff shoe, but it is up to you. I started by changing from the plastic stock pedals on my bike to metal ones and had some gain in efficiency with the stiffer pedal. Then I added toe clips, and finally switched to clipless shoes and cleats. I had selected the hybrid pedal with standard platform on one side, SPD clip on the other because I knew I would be graduating.

[Zen]

I was shocked at the expensive price of jerseys for my first ride.
Which is why I recommended Price Point.


My preference is for a stiff shoe, but it is up to you.
Perhaps more important is the amount of grip the shoe/pedal combo has, which is why Knott mentioned the BMX pedals. They have a large comfy platform as well as little grippy pegs that bite into the sole of the shoe.

[mimitabby]

jerseys are expensive, but if you want flattering, some have black panels on the sides that really enhance the figure.
like this one:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=32560
http://www.teamestrogen.com/images/products/MB-MICRO-FUC_lrg.jpg

[Trek420]

And don't forget the closeout, sale pages of TE. Great service too.


Whatever you do for shoes, just be sure you don't buy them only a few days before your big ride.

What she said. Don't make immense changes before a long ride. Ride with what you trained in. Ignore the inner voices and/or voices of others that say "you have to go clipless" "you have to get these new shoes or that new pedal" If you're riding in Converse All-Stars and doing fine, loving it ... wear them. :cool:

If you're comfy with what you train in, use it. There will be plenty of rides in the future to try other stuff and dial changes in. You do not have to change anything unless you want to or need to. And even that could be inadvisable this close to your long ride.

[shootingstar]

I didn't start wearing cycling jerseys until 6 years. ago..and I returned to cycling regularily in 1991.

Part of me didn't want to wear the polyester fabric of jerseys..I feared the smelly polyester tops that I wore as a teenager in the 1970's..

So I did wear poly-cotton T-shirts for many thousands of kms. on bike, on trips, etc.

But after switching to cycling jerseys I haven't looked back. I even wear it for my work commute which isn't super long. Just start with in an inexpensive cycling jersey that will last.

You will want to wear hard soled shoes..once you cycle abit farther...and farther.

I bought cycling shoes 2 years after I returned to cycling. It feels much better and you will ride even better.

[Ana]

I find some of my best deals in eBay: mostly random team jerseys of good quality that are overstocks. My latest purchase was a Giordana women's team jersey for $20 shipped :) I also purchased some matching bib shorts for $30 shipped!

I just checked my eBay profile and the seller isn't selling anything anymore =/

The only problem is that it's virtually impossible to predict when these chances will arise so you have to buy them when you find them...and be less picky about the colors :p

[BethG]

bikenashbar.com has some dirt-cheap jerseys and other bike gear, as does sierratradingpost.com

As for whether you'll find any of it flattering, is a matter of taste :)

[jenbug]

Thanks everyone - advice much appreciated!

I feel ok in the stuff that I'm using at the moment but I think I could get more performance or comfort out of a jersey and definitely some better shoes (my trainers are pretty old).

I'm more of a buy-online girl but I think I'll go to my local bike shop to check out some of the options that you've suggested and try some things on. I like the suggestion of the black side panels on the jersey.

Thank you! I'm continually bowled over by helpful everyone is on these boards!

[TrekTheKaty]

A cheap moisture wicking shirt from WalMart will work. I started out keeping everything in my handlebar bag. Now, I try to do without a handlebar bag--so the jersey is good for keys, cell phone and snack.

If you want a jersey, I recommend Cannondale jerseys from PerformanceBike.com. They don't fit so snug, but I would order at least one size up. Now is a good time to pick some things up on clearance.

[shellkay1212]

Does anyone have any suggestions where to get plus size jerseys and shorts? I am losing weight but would still like to get a couple of jerseys for now. Thanks!

[Crankin]

Terry has a nice selection of plus sized tops and shorts. Not cheap, but good quality. And, when you lose weight, you can sell them here on TE!

[Grog]

COme right this way:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/product/plus-size/cycling/c0-atspecialty_03-atsport_01-p1.html?sorter=price-desc