Poor Cyclist

[bruiser]

First post- wahoo!

I totally started out buying stuff from REI -other outdoorsy/climbing purchases there made me feel comfortable with being a cycling newbie. Now that I am not so intimidated I have switched more to my LBS. I got my bike on sale for less than $500, and its doing double duty as transportation and recreation

I say go for the shorts first. They have saved my butt... Plus, I feel pretty cool wearing them. Definitely boosts my confidence. The last things for me to purchase were jerseys, gloves, and energy thinga-ma-jigs. However, I do wish I had bought the gloves first off (didn't think I could justify them until I started riding more than 10 miles at a time- I was so wrong)!

I say don't sweat the clothes. Who cares what you look like as long as you're having fun and feeling good? You can always upgrade parts/clothes later on, too. I prioritized by fixing the trouble sports (head/helmet!, shorts, shoes/pedals).

I now upgrade after saving up for months!

~V

[Starfish]

Also, really use the For Sale forum right here on TE. Proactively ask for the things you want/need, and let folks know your price range.

Not long ago, I posted there asking if anyone had a certain saddle used that they wanted to sell. A TE member contacted me and said I could have it free for the price of shipping. It would have been a $100 saddle new. It is in great shape, and I love it.

Recently, I had two other saddles I wanted to let go. Because of the generosity of that first TE member, I decided to let them go, also just for the price of shipping, in order to "pay it forward" so to speak.

Ask for what you want and need, and who knows what might come to you!

[surgtech1956]

Ebay, Ebay, Ebay. I just bought a pair of Bike Nashbar Thermal Tights for $18.00(includes shipping) - they are like brand new. Also, REI and Campmor.

[onimity]

yes, cycling is definitely expensive. You have some great advice for finding things on a budget. I just want to reiterate that it's not the bike or the gear that makes you a cyclist. Get the things that will make you safe (and don't be shy about telling other cyclists you know what you are looking for...many of us have purchased things and then upgraded later and still have the old ___ sitting around).

And remember that riding a bike that is not the newest/fastest/greatest is a good way to get in great shape. I commute a little over 20 (hilly) miles RT on a heavy mountain bike. I was painfully slow at first but now pass bikes of all sorts (including some really expensive ones!) even loaded down with groceries/books/etc. I just got a road bike and feel like the hills just melt under me.

Good luck and most importantly have fun!
Anne

[fixedgeargirl]

Fikustree, I'm also in ATX .

My best thrift store tip - look in the men's clothing section. That's where I found my pair of Shebeest shorts. You'd think the brand name would be a tip off .

I think a lot of thrift store sorters assume that all "active wear" belongs in the men's section. I've found tights and an excellent pair of Pearl Izumi shorts w/ the coveted corduroy-type chamois in the men's section. I don't have much luck finding tops there, as I am pretty petite above the waist, except for the girls , which leaves me out of shopping tops in the kids section too .