I just started with this whole road biking business and need a bunch of gear before Ican get started and go to training camp during reading week/race in march.
I was wandering if anyone had anything USED or could point me in the right direction as to where is good to buy etc…
Looking for beginner ( but good) grade stuff, nothing really high end
What I need:
helmet ( i have to check what size)
Sunglasses
cycling shoes ( im size 10.5 ish)
clip pedals
arm warmers
leg warmers
(vest/jacket - cold weather)
I may have a pair of SPD’s laying around they are Multi release if I recall so if you decide to start off with those I can get you a set or two of clips and the pedals Free.
MEC’s not a big detour, and have much cheaper glasses. While they’re not the same quality as rudy projects, you can get a pair with interchangeable lenses (I highly recommend) for about 20$ + ~6$ per lens. Definitely amongst the cheapest around.
For clothing and shoes, la Cordee and MEC probably have the lowest prizes. You can buy stuff directly on line for both stores, but I do suggest you try stuff on first. Choice is rather limited at this time of the year too.
also wanted to add that the MEC cycling jackets arent bad I have one and have rode with it during the winter time, it’s also pretty darn good to protect you in case of any accidents, I crashed once and it saved a fair amount of skin not to mention that is still in usable condition.
keep an eye out on the stuff you want for about a week or two, and then you can find some really good prices on stuff. all of the “Performance” brand (Forte) stuff are name brand products just re-branded (ex- Forte shoes are actually Lake shoes). all of their stuff are great for starting out with
Also similar to performancebike.com is priceline.com, my personal favorite for the states.
And it’s true the rudy sunglasses are really expensive (and fabulous) but their helmets are very reasonably priced with our discount. if you are interested pm me about that.
Ok the one thing you might not want to cheap out on are the shoes. Go to a shop, get a proper fit, try a few different shoes on, and select the ones that feel the best. Different companies run a bit different so don’t think a 42 Sidi fits the same as a 42 Mavic. Just a heads up before possibly making a costly mistake. Shimano has some cheap entry level shoes that I’m sure could be found for $100-ish although I’m not sure on prices up here…My experience, save up a bit more money and get a decent pair of shoes that will last you a long time. Don’t waste money on the bottom of the line shoe, at least get a mid level with a carbon sole.
“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of lower price is forgotten.” -Benjamin Franklin.
I agree about the shoes, kind of. Definitely you should try on a bunch of shoes and get the ones that feel best. BUT, if you are smart about it, you can get really good shoes for really cheap. This is kind of the wrong time to mention it, but for example the KMI warehouse sale (which happens in late fall) you can get ridiculous prices on great lake shoes.
But I 80% agree with Nybom, don’t skimp on the shoes. Glasses? Meh. I’ve worn lab glasses before, they work fine.
I’d definitely get a pair of glasses. I rode a whole season without a pair. Really not a good idea. a bug in the eye going down camelion housde is really not a fun situation. not to mention the sun.
And I also agree with not buying cheap shoes or cheap sunglasses. I also bought a really expensive pair of glasses, but I do not regret it at all.
The thing about glasses, as long as they don’t weigh a ton and have “real lenses” they are probably more than adequate. For what you get the MEC glasses are pretty sweet.
I actually own those MEC glasses and use them for my outdoor track training. THey are fantastic and have changeable lenses that are cheap and can give you unshaded protection on cloudy days. Great buy.
