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Since returning to the road a couple of years ago, I have kitted myself out - at least in part - with shorts, thermal tights, and gloves that I have bought off ebay. I must be honest and say that I have been very lucky with what I have bought, as after many wears, most of it is holding out quite well.
But I can't help but wonder: for all the 'brands' that are out there, is it actually all just the same?
I am thinking, for example, of stuff by
FDX
KKC
Tenn
Piu Miglia
The last two in particular have been excellent, but I wondered if Piu Miglia wasn't in fact just re-branded Tenn stuff. Then the FDX and KKC stuff seems to be exactly equivalent. In fact, I think one of them is now called Didoo.
Anybody on here know about this shady world of cheap cycling wear, and if all the stuff is just branded Chinese imports, or whatever?
Piu Miglia is the in-house label of Start-Fitness/Start-cycles in Newcastle (as is More-Mile) It's definitely generic rebranded stuff, feeling the stuff in the flesh in the shop I'm amazed it's lasted it feels pretty flimsy to me. but hey ho I'm not the one wearing it.
Am I the only one cycling on the cheap, then? 😐
Yes (sashays away in Rapha)
I can't believe you have a P by your name and aren't kitted out in Rapha. Next you'll be telling us you don't have an Audi, Aeropress or wood burning stove.
Am I the only one cycling on the cheap, then?
IME cheap lycra goes transparent quickly, rather than falling apart or holes appearing etc. [i]You[/i] might not notice it, but...
SaxonRider - MemberAm I the only one cycling on the cheap, then?
Nope. I've got some 'nice' Lusso bibs that a friend in the bike trade got me at cost.
Other than that it's budget dhb or sales stuff for me.
My last two pairs of bib shorts were from Polaris for £12 a pair.
They are perfectly fine for rides up to a few hours.
My other shorts are Aldi specials, which to be honest are almost as comfortable as my posh Lusso ones.
Jersey's are all 'last years colours' or cheap stuff bought in end of line sales etc.
If I could afford 'nice' kit I would probably splash out, but I can't.
And I'm not a brand whore or overly bothered if the colours clash a bit.
I use the Tenn outdoor stuff a lot. Can be had cheap on Amazon quite a bit. Not had a problem with it. Considering a pair of bib shorts is only 20 quid. Lidl/ Aldi lycra I find can be hit and miss. I don't have enough time these days to do long or epic cycles so would never bother spending a fortune anymore.
i think dare2b bibs are very good and my ones were really cheap in the sale. speaking as someone with kit at both ends of the spectrum and with a long lanky frame.
i heard the fdj kit was decathalon and also very good vfm.
Merlin bibs are good vfm and lusso stuff is good too (uk manufacturers!)
Cheap: Ribble and Altura bibs, all bought at sale time. Lusso jerseys and Fox tights all bought second hand. Aldi funny looking quilted winter cycling top which I really like.
Not cheap: a really nice summer full zip lightweight riding jersey from the shop in Sydney where my daughter's boyfriend worked.
I have some cheap(bottom 🙂 of the range) sms they're the type of bibs that give mamils a bad name so are used in the trainer only.
Usual DHB recomendation for cheap vs quality balance. Although I have some basic Endura that I had to buy when travelling and they are actually ok even the stitching has stayed put, very un Endura.