Clothing

[mom_on_bike]

I am new to cycling, and mostly when I am on my bike, I am pulling my two kiddos along in a trailer behind me to the grocery store, zoo, etc.

However, I am interested in getting into longer rides sans trailer. This weekend, I did a pretty short ride (12ish hilly miles) in my street clothes. Without going into details, it was uncomfortable. I need some gear, as my husband and I would like to start doing some longer rides/touring together when I become a better/stronger cyclist.

So, without spending a bundle, does anyone have recommendations about the following:

1) good moisture-wicking bras;
2) skorts or baggy shorts with good chamois (I am not comfortable is traditional cycling shorts);
3) jerseys;
4) outerwear/wind jackets; and
5) anything else you think I need to know . . . ?

Specific brands and styles would be great.

Thanks much!

[Biciclista]

welcome to TE.
I might suggest you go to a well-stocked bike shop and try some stuff on. What fits me might not fit you.
And of course, this IS TeamEstrogen, you can call them on their free help line and you will talk to women who run and ride bikes and can help you with all of the items you listed.
For free!

[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.

[chicagogal]

OK, so I guess I'm different than a lot of the posters above. First of all, I LOVE the back pockets that come with cycling jerseys. Yes, you can stick a cell phone in a saddle bag, but what about reaching for a snack while on a ride? Stick some easy to eat nutrition in a back pocket and it is easily accessible whenever you need/want it. I am also pretty picky about my cycling jerseys and so will spend a little extra to get one that fits really well. I don't like the ones with elastic on the bottom as they always tend to ride up on me (someone please pass that info to the shop I race for, as I despise the jerseys that comes with our team kit!!). Also, I like them to be snug enough that they don't move around, like slip from side to side, when there is stuff in the pockets.

[mom_on_bike]

This has been very helpful, everyone!