What are some good brands of cycling equipment (clothing etc.)?

Question

I am going to buy some stuff in the nearish future and would like to know some of the better brands to buy.

Answer 1

As far as cycling clothing goes, it's Assos, Assos and more Assos. I've tried several brands, most recently Pearl Izumi. They are crap. Remember it's the chamios that you are buying much more than the lycra. Spend the extra money and buy the Assos, especially for your shorts. Your butt will thank me.

Assos also makes some really cool women's clothing including a pair of bib shorts that are specially designed for women. My wife has a pair and she loves them.

Answer 2

Pearl Izumi is good clothing and you can find it just about anywhere. Though expensive, go for at least Ultrasensor quality shorts (your keister will thank you).

I'm built long and skinny, and European brands fit me the best. I am a perfect Castelli size large, and their Kiss shorts are not too expensive and feel very nice.

Giordana also makes very nice clothing, though they run a full size small (if you wear L, you'll need an XL in Girodana). Descente, Campagnolo, and Sugoi all make nice clothing as well.

If your wallet is DEEP, you can look for Assos or Exte Ondo clothing, but $200+ for a pair of shorts is just too steep for me.

Answer 3

Carz!!! Get them $20 Jerseys at Wheel World ( www.wheelworld.com) ---i.e. Bad 2 the Bone/Nail Biter!!! Then try the Sette Impact Padded Under Shorts ($29.98), or if you prefer the Price Point 6 panel tights ( cheaper at $22.98)---all at Price Point ( www.pricepoint.com) For shoes---get the North Wave Kaiman ($59) ---( wheelworld.com)and the Giro Flak Helmet for a mere $29.98 at Blue Sky Cycling. (www.blueskycling.com) same with the gloves---the Fox Unabomber ($24.98) or the Fox Sidewinder ----hope you like them ALL!

Answer 4

In the bike shops you'll have the chance to see it and try it on in person. Fit is most important, especially in shorts.

Me, I mostly buy stuff on closeout from Nashbar, their house brand shorts are pretty good (tons better than the junk that we used to consider top-notch a few years ago) and a plastic/poly miracle spage age fiber jersey shouldn't be more than $50 except for the snob factor.

Just my .02.

Answer 5

Personally, I prefer:

Voler
http://www.voler.com/

Assos
http://www.assos.com/en/
but clothes are mostly a preference on color and style, so you should be good to go as long as you are buying the right clothes wit hthe options for the job.

and as far as an online retailer, try bicyclinghub.com, if you can pick up a pair of bibs with the pro chamois, they are definitely worth it.

Answer 6

Not sure exactly what you're looking for, so I'll cover clothing, helmets and shoes.

There are lots of cycling clothing manufacturers - do a yahoo search for "cycling clothing" (http://au.search.yahoo.com/search?fr=my-vert-web-top?ei=UTF-8&fr=&p=cycling%20clothing&btn=Yahoo!%20Search)and check out the results.

Off the top of my head, Pearl Izumi clothing/shoes (http://www.pearlizumi.com/index.php) are very good, but not cheap. Exte Ondo (http://www.etxeondousa.com/home.asp) also make good quality cycling clothing. Check out Nike, too - they also have lots of cycling clothing.

Giro (www.giro.com) for helmets. Also, have a look at Catlike (http://www.catlike.es/english/index.html) .

Shoes wise, pearl izumi, carnac, adidas, nike, sidi are all good.