Affordable brands for cycling shorts and jerseys

[Susie]

I'm trying to get back into working out whenever I can, however I can, after baby #2.  Unfortunately, I'm carrying 15-20 extra lbs. (ouch) of baby weight, and I am tired of the beating my self esteem takes every time I try to stuff myself into pre-baby lycra.  It is not productive.  So I am trying to thread the needle of spending enough on things that fit now while the weight loss is a work in progress, but not buying $$$ workout clothes that I hope to shrink out of.  

This kind of shopping for running was easier:  I bought some sized-up running crops and tees, but they're Old Navy price point, not Athleta.

Where can I look for cycling shorts and jerseys to fit this bill?  Decent cycling shorts are so expensive.  I have cute stuff from pre-baby (Coeur tri kits, etc.) but I'm not looking to spend that kind of coin on this size.  

I also need to buy new cycling shoes for my commuter bike, because my feet grew and my mtb shoes are now too small.  At least my road shoes, socks, and helmet still fit, lol!

[emilyj]

I have had a lot of luck with REI’s clearance site for cycling shorts. I’ve snagged Pearl Izumi and Louis Garneau shorts from there for around $30/pair.

Jerseys I buy off eBay. I won’t buy used shorts but I have no problem buying a used jersey.

Performance Bike has good sales on clothes too - I got really nice winter cycling gear there last year for pretty cheap.

[sadlebred]

Nasbar/Performance--They were bought out by another company but still have decent deals
Primal (sign up for their email list for really good sales)
Hincapie Warehouse sale in Greenville, SC in October (best deals I've ever seen for premium clothing)
REI clearance website
REI Garage Sales if they have those local to you. Check your store's events calendar on rei.com
Amazon also has some cute, cheap jerseys.

Maybe invest in 1-2 good pairs of shorts and go cheaper on the jerseys?

A friend of mine swears by these shorts: www.theblackbibs.com/

[mrspez07]

I had good luck finding shorts in the clearance racks of the local bike shop.

[vcubergirl]

Amazon! I have a few shorts from there. They aren't the best shorts ever, but they were maybe $25-30? I couldn't even tell you what brand or anything, if you search on there you'll find a few cheaper options.

[Susie]

Thanks for the suggestions!  I had no idea REI had so much cycling stuff.  We have EMS (but no REI) near us, so I often forget to check there.

[sakura]

Can I hijack the thread a bit? I commute to and from work about 8 miles each way. Right now I just wear whatever capris/workout pants I have with a padded bike seat. I’ve been wondering if I should switch over to bike shorts? What am I missing out on? Are you supposed to go commando? How do you wash the shorts and not ruin the padding?

[mrshandy]

I've bought some decent ones from Amazon as well.

[Susie]

Sept 24, 2019 11:41:46 GMT -5 sakura said:

Can I hijack the thread a bit? I commute to and from work about 8 miles each way. Right now I just wear whatever capris/workout pants I have with a padded bike seat. I’ve been wondering if I should switch over to bike shorts? What am I missing out on?  If you're comfortable, you're fine to KOKO.  My commute to work, when I bike it, is 8-9 miles, and I usually don't break out cycling clothes for that.  When I bike for a workout though, I do.  I'm usually on my bike longer than the commute when I workout, and none of my bikes have much padding in the saddle.  Having a chamois in the shorts instead of padding on the saddle generally = less chafing.  Are you supposed to go commando?  yes  How do you wash the shorts and not ruin the padding?  I throw mine in the wash/cold but hang to dry

[sadlebred]

Sept 24, 2019 11:41:46 GMT -5 sakura said:

Can I hijack the thread a bit? I commute to and from work about 8 miles each way. Right now I just wear whatever capris/workout pants I have with a padded bike seat. I’ve been wondering if I should switch over to bike shorts? What am I missing out on? Are you supposed to go commando? How do you wash the shorts and not ruin the padding?

After so many years of riding, I put on padded shorts for any ride. The padding is meant to stand up to a lot, but it will eventually break down. I ride 5 days/week and usually have 2-3 pairs of shorts in rotation with another dozen or 15 in the drawer. I get about 14-18 months out of a pair before the pad breaks down, but I am HARD on my clothes. I know ladies that can wear a pair of shorts for 6-7 years. 

I wash shorts in the washing machine on the quick cycle with like-clothes. Avoid washing cycling clothes with heavy things like towels, cotton tshirts, and pants. These will wear the fabric down faster. (You wouldn't wash your dedicates with the towels & jeans, either--just an example). Use a gentle detergent. I use Kirkland (Costco brand) fragrance free detergent + 1/4 cup of white vinegar to help keep the stank away. I dry mine on medium in the dryer every other wash and hang them to dry the other wash. Ok, probably 80% of the time they get put in the dryer. I can't lie. Never ever use fabric softener or things that "make clothes smell good" in the dryer. They kill the wicking properties of shorts and any athletic clothing. Honestly, I don't treat my shorts that special. 

[luckystar2]

I’ve gotten Pearl Izumi shorts from Sierra Trading post online (they’ve had some in store but not my side). I’ve seen the same ones on amazon and some combinations are the same price as Sierra.