Intro

[golfingirl]

Hey Everyone!

I'm really excited to join this forum and get some good info on road biking. I am an experienced mtn biker but new to road biking. I pick up my new bike today... Trek Lexa SLX.

I figured I need some new bike clothes to go with my shiney new bike. Any recommendations on brands? I have an athletic build and am long in the body. I've been having problems finding jerseys long enough for comfort and I don't want skin tight... a little loose would be more comfortable for me. I'm not worried about speed right now.

Thanks!

golfingirl

[Tri Girl]

welcome to TE!! :D
If you have a bike store near you, I would go and try on a bunch of different brands of shorts. There are so many brands and they all fit every body type so differently. You want the shorts to be very snug, and the chamois to be tight up against your skin. If you have any loose room down there, that chamois will move around and cause chafing (and OUCH!). ;)
They do make mtn bike shorts that have the tight liner underneath with the chamois, then have a baggy short on the outside (if you're overly conscious about how you look in skin tight spandex).

If you don't have a bike shop nearby, there is shopping here at TE (just click on the banner at the top). If you call them, someone from the warehouse will talk with you and try to get the fit just right. They are FABULOUSLY helpful, and returns are a breeze if something doesn't work out for you.

Congrats on your new bike!! Wishing you many miles of joy together. :)

[BreezieD]

Contests on the new Lexa! I have the same one in grey and green. Love it! Ive only been riding for a few months now. I'm also still looking for a good jersey to wear. I'm picky ans want one to match my bike :rolleyes:
Shorts wise; I have Pearl Izumi Women's Sugar Short that I have really enjoyed. They are shorter than most cycling shorts.
Welcome and enjoy your rides! The ladies around here are very helpful!!!

[Owlie]

Congratulations on the new bike! We like pictures around here. ;) Look for jerseys described as "club cut" or "semi-fitted." Depending on where you are (because shipping from the UK is expensive!), Foska's jerseys are a little longer (at least on me), and they run big.

[Koronin]

Congrats and welcome. I also agree with trying on different jerseys until you find the ones you like the best. I get men's jerseys because they fit me much better than women's do. I have broad shoulders and am lucky if XL women's jersey's are wide enough in the shoulders for me.

[Anyabeth]

Welcome! I have the same bike and I love it. It is so exciting.

My LBS doesn't seem to have as much selection for women's jerseys but I have had luck at REI and of course here at TE. For me I just have to find the longest ones possible.

[golfingirl]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and advice! I picked up my bike yesterday and waiting for my shoes to arrive before I can take her out for a ride.

As afr as clothing goes, I guess I'll have to do some serious shopping and trying on. I tried a Bontrager jersey on last night. Very nice material but still a little too short in the body. Looking forward to finding that perfect pair of shorts too. In the meantime, my old mountain bike gear will have to do.

I purchased speedplay pedals for this bike. My knees are still recovering since my marathon in March. I thought they would help. Anyone out there use speedplays and have any concerns or advice about them?

Thanks!

[Cycling Sister]

Welcome Golfingirl.

Congrats on the new bike! I got the Lexa S a couple months ago.

I'm short with an average torso. So, stay away from Louis Garneau jerseys. Unless it's reviewed otherwise, their jerseys are short. I have a Capo jersey that is longer than my other jerseys. You might want to see if there is a local bike shop that carries Capo.

As for shorts, I am loving my Giordana FormaRed Carbon shorts. I ordered another pair a size smaller. However, the pair I have in medium is my favorite. I absolutely hate the Castelli shorts because the chamois is HUGE and the fabric is very shiny like plastic. I could get over the fabric if the chamois didn't make my tush look weird.

Can't say anything about the speedplay pedals or Sidi shoes. I went from SPD pedals to using SPD-SL pedals. I actually preferred my SPD pedals with my Pearl Izumi shoes. I have a harder time unclicking out of the SPD-SL pedals. Some say it's because the cleats on my Shimano shoes are newer and need time to break in. I might switch back to my SPD pedals if this continues for much longer.

[Lolo]

Hi Golfingirl and congratulation on your new Lexa! When I was shopping for a new road bike I tried and really liked the Lexa! I opted for a Ruby in the end and use speedplay light action pedals. Being a newbie to riding clipped in I had read many horror stories about falls and such getting used to new gear. I found the light actions very user friendly and have yet to fall with them. Clip in and out a few times while holding onto something to wear the new cleats in and make sure to lube them after each ride. I would also suggest getting cleat covers for when you have to toddle around in road shoes. Think I located some on Amazon? Have fun with your new ride!

[TigerMom]

Welcome to TE!

I have an "athletic build" and long torso. My favorite shirts are form fitting jerseys from Hincapie. Although you don't want form fitting, my shirts from Hincapie are very comfortable. My favorite bike shorts/knickers are from a small company called Aerotechdesigns. I currently use their knickers and their women's century shorts.

We love bike pictures, hint hint
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[golfingirl]

Newbie update.

So far I'm loving getting back into cycling... although I much prefer the traffic on a singletrack trail to the streets.

My Trek SLX is holding up her end of the deal. Fits great and easy to ride. I am also loving my speedplays. I fell over once from a standstill the first time I tried to clip out. Only my ego was bruised.

Still trying to find some jerseys with little success but I bought a pair of Sugoi shorts that are fantastic.

Trying to ride 20 - 30 miles twice a week to start. It's breaking up my half marathon training nicely. Lovin' it!

[indysteel]

Welcome and congrats on the bike!

My longest and most relaxed jerseys are from Canari (their SPF jerseys) and Terry (their touring jerseys). My suggestion is to contact TE's customer service and ask for specific recommendations. They know their product lines. I really love the Canari jerseys. I have them in high viz colors and they're very lightweight. Not too loose; not too tight. Plus, they're not as expensive as some.