Clothing

[Becky]

What Biciclista said.

As for my favorites:

1) good moisture-wicking bras; Moving Comfort makes lots of nice bras. The Cara style is my favorite.

2) skorts or baggy shorts with good chamois (I am not comfortable is traditional cycling shorts); Terry liner shorts are awesome, and make any bottom into a cycling bottom. Not cheap (but cheaper than cycling shorts), but mine have held up very well, and have been worth the expense.

3) jerseys; Here's where I'll spend a little less. As long as it's a wicking fabric and fits ok, I don't care what brand it is.

4) outerwear/wind jackets; IMO, spend the extra for a jacket that converts to a vest. I have a Shebeest jacket that I like, and I like Pearl Izumi's version this year. it's like getting two garments in one, and will be very versatile almost year-round.

Have fun out there, and welcome aboard!
5) anything else you think I need to know . . . ? Wicking socks are the difference between happy feet and miserable feet. Wool is your friend- jerseys, socks, you name it! Gloves and a helmet are required gear, IMO.

[mom_on_bike]

Thanks for the tips. Much appreciated.

[hoffsquared]

I am a big fan of Target with their Champion(?) clothes. I rotate several pairs of dry-wicking capri's for my commute. They work great. Long enough for cool morning & not too short to ride up. You can pick up two pairs for about $30.

[marni]

performance bicycle makes some nice, not terribly expensive clothes.

www.performancebike.com

marni

[Zen]

The only reason you'd need a jersey is for the back pockets. Otherwise just look for a high-vis tee or tank.

You could also buy regular bike shorts and wear a skirt over them.

Depends on what kind of riding you're doing. There's no need to drop a load of cash. Keep an eye out here for second-hand clothing. I've gotten some really nice stuff here.

[Juliegoddess]

I'm with you, Zen! the only thing I spend a little on is my padded bottoms. I just CANNOT do the $85 jerseys, though. Who needs back pockets, really, when you have a little bag on your bike? For biking shirts, I go to good ole Wal-Mart and pick up the men's Dri-Star wicking shirts. They work for me, because I am plus-sized. But Wal-Mart's Danskin Now line for regular sizes is also GREAT, and those prices are amazing! I can wear their larger sizes, too...I'm not a huge plus size.

[ColoKate]

I bought padded shorts and capris but have so far made do with the layers I've worn all winter snowboarding - a dri-fit top and thin zip-up shirts made of either SmartWool, polypro or coconut fibers - just depends on the temp. My fleece vest works great over top but I am on the hunt for a windbreaker and an ear band.

Check Sierra Trading Post online for the cheapest gear!

[ummbnb]

E-Bay and thrift stores are my favs for cycling clothing which I wear on rides where my goal is a workout. For commuting and around town I wear whatever I'm wearing.

I am fortunate to have kickass thrift stores all over though. They aren't always an option for everyone.