Various Fit Questions

[VeloVT]

I need some fall/winter things (mostly knickers and long sleeve jerseys right now, maybe tights) and I don't want to spend a lot... I'm looking at Performance and Nashbar sale items, and house brand items (cringe). I have a couple of questions:
1. How do Adidas cycling clothes fit? On the smaller side or true? I'm a small in most things, including brands like Castelli that people usually say to size up in. According to the Adidas size chart at Performance (which is annoyingly in centimeters), I'm in the middle of small. But I have some Adidas running clothes, and it's not uncommon for me to need a medium in Adidas running stuff, while I'm a small in other running brands.

2. Quality/comfort/looks of Performance/Nashbar brand stuff? Performance has some knickers on sale for $29 -- which is appealing. But if they are poor quality/not comfortable/painfully ugly in person, it's not such a good deal after all... Any comments? Suggestions?

Thanks!

[indysteel]

I can't help you with how Adidas fits; I don't think I own anything from them.

As for Performance's "house" brand, I have to say that I've returned the handful of things I've bought for their inferior quality, including a pair of knickers. For bottoms at least, I generally find that you get what you pay for. You might check out Campmor.com for a decent price on some PI Sugar Knickers.

[KnottedYet]

I've had good luck in the past with Nashbar. Yeah, some snooty types made cracks about my Nashbar stuff, but hey, it got me out and riding! I still have a pair of Nashbar shorts that are at least 10 years old now.

Try www.sierratradingpost.com for off season bike stuff. Their prices are generally very good and their return policy has never let me down.

[Zen]

I'm quite happy with my Performance clothing. As for Adidas, I would say they run true to size.

[7rider]

Don't be tempted by cheap prices at Performance!
I find that there stuff - while generally running "true to size" - tends to be ill-fitting and uncomfortable. I have a pair of their knickers and they feel like they're constantly falling down (just say NO to crack!) and they just don't fit right on my hips. I think the fabric wears out before the chamois, which is fair, and they're passable for short rides at best.
I've sworn off Performance brand, but I can't speak for Nashbar or Adidas.

[Susan Otcenas]

I've sworn off Performance brand, but I can't speak for Nashbar or Adidas.

Performance owns Nashbar.

Susan

[teigyr]

...they're constantly falling down (just say NO to crack!) and they just don't fit right on my hips. I think the fabric wears out before the chamois, which is fair, and they're passable for short rides at best.
I've sworn off Performance brand, but I can't speak for Nashbar or Adidas.

Very true, I've noticed the same thing. Performance jerseys don't fit me right and the tights/knickers expose more than I'd like. It's uncomfortable to have to stop every few miles and pull up my knickers as high as they'll go!

I've ceased to be amazed by Performance/Nashbar low prices, it just isn't worth it. (At least to me, that is.)

[blueskies]

What about adding layers to what you already have?

- get one pair of tights & wear them over your good shorts (don't have to wash the tights every day, if you've got shorts under them)

- wear base layers under your summer jerseys (which do double duty for skiing, etc...); living in Vermont, you probably already have some...

[kelownagirl]

What about adding layers to what you already have?

- get one pair of tights & wear them over your good shorts (don't have to wash the tights every day, if you've got shorts under them)

- wear base layers under your summer jerseys (which do double duty for skiing, etc...); living in Vermont, you probably already have some...

That's what I did - I bought a medium priced pair of tights and wear them over my favourite shorts. Good chamois, comfort, warmth. Works for me.

I also bought one warm fleecy long-sleeved jersey which I love and, this may sound cheap, but I just couldn't bring myself to spend the big bucks on underarmour type long-sleeved shirts to wear under my regular jersey so I went into Walmart and bought a boy's black undershirt-type thing for wearing under hockey gear. It's the same type of material and it was only $20. That being said, I'm not always cheap - my shorts are $125....