new here

Intro--I just bought my first bike since I was in grade school...I just turned 31 so that was a long time ago! I work with a guy who rides to work daily unless the snow gets in the way...and sometimes he doesn't let that stop him either. He is 62, so I figured I could do it too. I wanted to do something that would get me out of the house and active. The trail system in the area is excellent and I always loved riding when I was younger so I figured I would like it now. I am hoping to love it and get involved in some bike clubs and do some longer rides as I get used to it. I bought a Trek FX 7.5 WSD, I love it and I've only ridden around in my driveway. I am waiting for it to get a little warmer to ride around the neighborhood.

Here is my question...what sort of clothing do you all recommend and where should I buy it? I already have a helmet of course, and want to get some gloves. I bought some padded knickers (I think they are called). I want to get some jerseys and a nice jacket to wear so I can get out there sooner.

I am so excited to be here though!!!

Nice to meet you--I'm pretty new at this, too. I have my first real road bike...at the age of 36 (37 in less than an hour, woot!). Only my 3rd in my entire life, but I hardly count the clunky Schwinn mtn. bike that I got maybe a decade ago. It was miserable and too big for me, so I hardly used it.

As far as clothing and stuff, I have found good deals at Nashbar.com, Amazon.com, RealCyclist.com, and eBay. Right now I am pretty much at 1-2 of everything. I have 1 strappy top, 1 sleeveless, 2 shortsleeve, 1 warm jacket, 1 windbreaker, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of thermal tights to wear over shorts, 2 pairs fingerless gloves, 1 warm pair (1 helmet and pair of shoes, of course). As weather warms up I will probably pick up another sleeveless top and another strappy top or two. Except for the shorts and shoes I have generally found stuff for half-price or less by really scouring the internet. Google shopping search is really good for this.

Most of my rides, thus far, have been indoors, since we get a good deal of snow and ice here in MI. I got my bike in November, so I only managed 3 outdoor rides before weather turned. I cannot wait for Spring! :D

It sounds like it's cold where you're at, so for cold weather stuff I would recommend the all weather (rain, wind, and snow) jacket and pants from Craft, along with their baselayers that come in different ranges such as 0-30 degrees, 30-60 degrees, etc..., if you have cycling shoes, shoe covers are a must in the cold weather and craft makes a good pair of those as well.

Here's the pants I have (to be worn over cycling shorts, no pad): http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCR_193363.html

And the jacket:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCR_193425_0.html

As for all weather stuff - I adore assos cycling gear, but it's expensive. My friend likes pearl azumi, although I've never tried them, it's more reasonably priced. And you can pretty much count out all new Castelli shorts since they started making their stupid kiss pad (you might as well not have a pad at all!). Jerseys are pretty easy, it's hard to mess those up, so any brand will do. I would recommend some tank top jerseys for the hotter months, my favorite brand of these are Descente. My biggest pet peeve is jerseys that are short! Descente makes them nice and long!

Welcome and good luck!

-Jessica

Do I have to have shoes? I think I will get shoe covers at least because I've heard it gets pretty messy otherwise. I live in the Omaha, Nebraska area.

Welcome to the addition! I am a new road bike momma just since August. You have gotten some good advice so far. I know for me I walked out of the LBS with my bike, new shorts, jersey, shoes and pedals. I wouldn't say that you have to get shoes unless you were doing a lot of climbing. COvers wouldn't be a bad thing especialy riding on the trails through slush. The internet is a great place to find accessories for cheap. I rarely buy anything at the LBS anymore. They are all overpriced IMO.

Enjoy yourself! Have a great time.

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Originally Posted by newtobikesmama

Do I have to have shoes? I think I will get shoe covers at least because I've heard it gets pretty messy otherwise. I live in the Omaha, Nebraska area.

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As far as I'm aware, the shoe covers are only for cycling shoes. They have a little hole at the bottom for the cleat to clip in, and that's it. You don't have to get cycling shoes. I road my bike for the longest time with regular pedals and tennis shoes. I would double up on socks when it was really cold out though and that usually helped, but it's nothing like having the actual shoe covers, they're amazing in how warm they keep your feet.

-Jessica

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Originally Posted by zoom-zoom

As far as clothing and stuff, I have found good deals at...

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Ahem...and our gracious host site, perhaps?

Hi! *waves* welcome to TE.

I been riding for 2.5 years and I have acquired quite a bit of clothing! Much depends on how much you ride a week and what the climate is. I have a pair of padded shorts a day to last me a week of riding. Socks too. That way I can do laundry once a week. I have 2 pairs of tights to go over the shorts- 1 thin 1 thicker. 2 jackets- 1 a windbreaker. Various tops, jerseys and singlets and base layering items. 2 pair of fingerless and one pair of full finger gloves. I have a head warmer and shoe covers too! I wear clear protective eye wear year round too and I dont leave home without my road ID! (Helmet and shoes are a given!):)

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Originally Posted by Zen

Ahem...and our gracious host site, perhaps?

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Oh, ha...yes. I did get a good deal on the first pair of shorts I tried...though I ended up not liking them. TE needs to stock the PI Symphony Cut shorts *hint hint* ;)

Welcome!

Gloves, gloves, GLOVES. They provide additional padding, and most importantly, protect your hands if you fall.

Remember to dress in layers. Clearance racks this time of year are a great place to stock up. Moisture wicking long & short sleeve t-shirts are great for layering and cheaper than jerseys. My best investment was a neon yellow jacket (for visibility) with zip off sleeves. Good all year round and perfect for those chilly mornings that warm up.

(Support your LBS. You want them to still be in business when you're in a pinch.)

Welcome mama! I would also suggest some arm warmers, knee warmers and a vest....or jacket with zip-off sleeves like Trek suggested. They are relatively inexpensive and are great for nippy mornings. You can turn a short sleeve jersey and bike shorts into a long sleeve jersey and capris in a heartbeat and when it warms up, you can roll them up and pack them away in a jersey pocket for the remainder of the ride. I bought a neon yellow vest a couple years ago on clearance that I use all the time....even when I run in the winter. Some jackets have zip-off sleeves AND they have a self-storing pocket that you can strap around your waist when you arent' using it.

Thanks you guys! It is a bit overwhelming and I want to buy everything! So far I have added two jerseys and gloves to the knickers. I am going to buy a jacket too...Capoforma Fiora Thermal Jacket...this week. I am planning on getting some shoe covers to cover my tennis shoes until I can save up for some regular shoes. I haven't been this excited about doing something in a long time! My husband says it's been since I was pregnant with the kiddos and couldn't get enough of reading about babies online and in magazines. It is a great feeling...just wish it would warm up to the 30s at least!! The last two days it has been in the negatives with the windchill.

Thank you guys for the welcome and advice. I really appreciate it!!!

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Thanks you guys! It is a bit overwhelming and I want to buy everything! So far I have added two jerseys and gloves to the knickers. I am going to buy a jacket too...Capoforma Fiora Thermal Jacket...this week. I am planning on getting some shoe covers to cover my tennis shoes until I can save up for some regular shoes. I haven't been this excited about doing something in a long time! My husband says it's been since I was pregnant with the kiddos and couldn't get enough of reading about babies online and in magazines. It is a great feeling...just wish it would warm up to the 30s at least!! The last two days it has been in the negatives with the windchill.

Thank you guys for the welcome and advice. I really appreciate it!!!

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Yes its really good. :cool:

Welcome to you too Laurielee!

It took me a couple of years to accumulate the basics of my cycling wardrobe. Now I add the extras. Both of you will find that there is always a new accessory to spend your money on when it comes to cycling---either for your wardrobe, uprades for your bike or an upgraded bike:D. I will spend $200 on a pair of cycling shoes or $80 on a pair of bike shorts and never bat an eye but complain about spending $50 for a pair of shoes for work. Priorities, you know!

Have you checked these out? This is a fun way to spend some money!
http://www.teamestrogen.com/product/...1-c39-c40.html

http://www.goodsearch.com/goodshop.aspx

I like to use "GoodShop."
Download it and whenever you go to a shopping site in its network it notifies you of any coupons they are currently running. It shows up on their toolbar if you choose that option.
They also notify you if the store will make a donation to your choice of charity organization.
I also use the "GoodSearch" search engine b/c they make donations when you search as well.
It is not the best, so I switch when I need something more high-powered, but it is an easy way to support your favorite charity!

Have fun shopping!