I try and cycle commute a couple of times a week, all year round, it is 13 miles each way and is mainly countryside! My current kit is trashed and to be honest I went for a 'whatever is cheapest' when I got it! So it was a mixture of lidl, Planet X, boardman kit! It was all ok, but not especially comortable or super warm etc
My wife has agreed that because I am not putting the miles on the car, I can invest in some good quality kit! I still have some bits of assos kit from 12 years ago that are still going strong so I am looking to buy a few really nice bits of kit and build up from there!
I am no longer the right 'body morphology' ahem, for assos so want something that is comfortable for the ride but doesn't scream racing snake! Currently looking at Rapha, with the repair service and 50% off if you go down a size it looks like it could be what I am after, it is at the top of end my wifes budget though, any other suggestions?
I have a lot of DHB clothing (Wiggle own label). I have never had a bad piece of kit and it is long lasting.
Assos / Rapha is too expensive for my tastes; especially for commuting. I am a tight Yorkshireman though.
Same, even dhb is a bit spendy for me I generally get whatever I can that's cheap, so Planet X the odd DHB bit, some decathlon stuff. It gets wrecked quickly commuting so I don't spend much, plus you need lots of it if you're riding every day - 5 pairs of shorts, 2-3 jerseys socks arm/leg/knee warmers gilet, gloves, many hats. It starts to add up very quickly.
Most worn bits of kit in last year or so..
Castelli Perfetto SS jersey
Castelli Gabba LS jersey in winter
Morvelo stormshield bibs, Morvelo 3/4 bibs and Morvelo Nth bib shorts.
Shimano RW5 winter road shoes for 6 months of the year
The Perfetto and gabba would be top of the list for functionality and use in many changeable conditions. Not cheap but shop around..
I think you've got your priorities wrong if you are getting hung up on a brand like Rapha, rather than focusing on the specific items you need.
For example, Rapha make some very nice kit, and some of their bibshorts are reckoned by many to the best for long distance rides, but it makes no sense to use them for a 13 mile commute: for that distance any shorts from Aldi, Planet X, dhb or whoever should be more than adequate providing they fit.
If you are able to choose the days you ride, that will influence your choice of kit. In other words, if you have to ride on a given day whatever the weather, then you will want to get very good waterproofs and wet weather accessories.
Now is the time to pick up the cold and wet weather weather kit that will make Winter commuting tolerable and even pleasurable, since much of that kit is discounted at this time of year.
So in your shoes I would be prioritising:
- cold/wet weather gloves, e.g. lobster claw if you feel the cold
- hat/skull cap/gore tex helmet cover*
- winter buff or similar
- winter socks, e.g. De Feet Woolie Boolie
- overshoes or winter SPD boots
- long sleeved baselayers
- a good waterproof jacket, e.g. gore-tex or event fabric
- whatever wet weather legwear you will prefer, e.g. waterproof overtrousers or softshell type bibtights like the Pearl Izumi Elite Amfib Bib Tight
* I like the Castelli Difesa cap, which is windstopper with some ribbed material to keep the ears warm, and a peak which protects the eyes from rain and also deflects cold air away from the forehead. It's currently half price at [url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-difesa-cap/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&sku=5360771377&kpid=5360771377&utm_source=google&utm_term&utm_campaign=UK_PLA_Clothing&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid%7csuqKfxjTr_dc%7cpcrid%7c67090791782%7cpkw%7c%7cpmt%7c%7cprd%7c5360771377uk ]Wiggle[/url] Edit - [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/castelli-difesa-cap-aw16/rp-prod136733?gs=1&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Chain+Reaction-UK-PLA-PLA-All-DT-SE-Shopping+QLB+Product+Desktop&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid|sntUnco76_dc|pcrid|161855196941|pkw||pmt||prd|496021UK ]CRC[/url] also have them in black at half price.