What Cycling Kit Do I Hate….And Love?

Great review, I appreciate the time you put in on this! This type of content is very valuable to the average cyclist! A couple of years ago I switched from primarily Pearl Izumi to LeCol for my bib shorts. I initially tried LeCol due to the Strava discount and found that I liked them. Their different models are indeed quite different. I have found that the Sport model is good for a shorter ride (90 minutes or so), I prefer the Pro or the Pro Aero models for longer rides. I have 1 pair of the Haute Route and I find that I don't like those as well. I believe that LeCol are in the category of generally over-priced, however, like with other brands, if you watch for the various sales and discounts you can get some good deals. If you are patient and a good shopper you can get things at about a 50% discount and at that price, I think that are a good value. I generally do not buy many higher-end jerseys. Unlike most road cyclists, I prefer sleeveless jerseys in the warm weather and have picked-up a collection over the years very cheaply. They are not aero, but for performance I have a couple of performance kits I turn to. Residents of the US should investigate The Black Bibs.....very solid quality and great prices.

Cracking video and one I’ve been waiting for. I’d agree with pretty much everything you’ve said about the premium brands. I definitely wouldn’t ride around with PNS on my back, everyone just laughs. Brands that offer repairs are really important for me now, and even more so if they use recycled materials.

Agree on importance of winter kit. Castelli winter jackets are fabulous, especially those made from Goretex infinium fabric (e.g. Perfetto ROS). Also highly recommend Sportful who is sister brand of Castelli same quality but often slightly cheaper and more understated.

Thanks Dave...I wear Le Col in winter , and Assos summer kit in the heat. Both expensive.....but, like you said and I think .It's worth paying a bit more for quality and comfort , never mind the look !

Good scan of the kit offerings 👍👍 Personally I’ve used too many expensive kits that lasted less than a season. Not spending my money on those again. Rather the “expensive” Spexcel bibs for 40,= with a good, simple non-gel chamois. Couple that with a Spexcel or Darevie jersey and you’re good to go for 80,=

I have been riding with gore gear since i started road cycling seriously and its not flashy but it's built to work and last longer than anything else on the market.

MAAP is hands down my favourite kit on the market.

The best bibshorts I’ve had was about 12 years ago from decathlon but big but that was before Attacus, then I heard of them and my life changed, I’ve got all there kit now starting with the foundation bibshorts which are great but using them for the last 8 years or as long as they have been about they are falling apart now in places, I’ve got a pair of the onyx black evo shorts but I’m having trouble with them in places just can’t get as comfortable in them but can’t do anything about it now I’ve had them to long to send back! so I just try and carry on with them once there back in fall making kit might try and get the foundation ones again love the top fit me really well.

I tend to favour UK brands like Lusso and Stolen Goat. Both provide good customer service, quality kit, and all at a fair price.

I wear Gore, Attacus, Endura, and Chrome gear, really happy with all 4! All reasonably priced👍

I use Rapha and Dhb… Altura shorts. Out of them all, Rapha are by far the best for me, comfortable, and wash up so well. Each to their own however.

appreciate the insights, just got into Biehler and SYN, and have been happy this winter in the kit!

Nice one Dave, that was interesting. The price of the Gucci level gear is crazy though! I’m not enough of a brand snob to consider spending that kinda cash on kit.

I use Castelli, Endura, Stolen Goat, Le-Col, Rapha and Chapeau all excellent I thoroughly recommended.. :) Pete

I have quite a few brands castelli, dhb, Rapha. Gore is my favourite their long distance bib shorts are amazing material feels great and prefer the fit of their jerseys too. Plus not mental expensive

My go to is Rapha gear as find it the most comfy. Plus I’m only a large in their sizing rather than xxl 😂 feels mentally better

Can’t believe I never realized PNS is kinda like Hambini’s “the pen is working” catch phrase

Love MAAP clothing. Its expensive, but the quality and fit are great and customer service is on point too.

PEdALED do good kit, use good quality Elastic Interface pads and the material in their odyssey range is pretty hard wearing. My other favourite are Albion who describe themselves as making kit for 'riding in British weather' 😀

Attacus rocks! Well made, durable and comfortable. they aren't my preferred bib but it is a personal fit reason, not a quality or performance reason, the ones I prefer fit me better... In terms of performance, I have ridden multiple endurance (400km plus) rides in the Attacus bibs and they are great. Even crash tested them (not recommended) my collarbone broke, the Attacus bibs did not! Attacus give good product support as well. Good work Jimmy and Emily! I have to put in a plug for Redwhite bibs... great product, really well priced and awesome support from the company as well. PNS response... that is bogus... they need to get their quality sorted out. Not acceptable for the money they are asking.