Best Budget Cycling Wear

[CDollarsign]

Looking to purchase some base layers, long sleeve / thermal gear and tights without breaking the bank. Which brands offer quality and functionality without dropping major coin?

[weisan]

Voler

[Lewis Moon]

Originally Posted by weisan

Voler

+1 I regularly troll ebay for large, race fit Voler jerseys. How are their bibs?

[fignon's barber]

For base layers, you can't beat Craft. As a former crosscountry skier, nothing is better. And if you shop well, you can find them for sub $30.

[icepick_trotsky]

Nashbar branded stuff isn't bad either.

[Lewis Moon]

I USED to be a proponent of Performance Ultra bibs until I had two pair rip at the chamois in under 1 year, after maybe 25 rides. The old ones with the blue chamois are still in the rotation after two years but the ones with the yellow chamois are toast.

[Vientomas]

Base layers on sale here: https://store.vergesport.com/base-layers/

[bpiecuch]

I found some decent/cheap base layers at my local UnderArmour Outlet store. Minimal brand labels, good compression fit, under $20 iirc.

I've also been using Nike compression tops for years. They've lasted many hiking/skiing/cycling/running outings, and not a single problem. They don't even smell! They were mid-$$, but if you find them on-sale they're a good deal.

The cycling specific gear seems to be way over priced, I don't understand what the differences are in sport-specific base layers.

[FlashUNC]

Originally Posted by fignon's barber

For base layers, you can't beat Craft. As a former crosscountry skier, nothing is better. And if you shop well, you can find them for sub $30.

Tough to beat Craft at the baselayer game.

[SpokeValley]

I've been wearing the "Heat" brand base layers from Costco. Long sleeves go under arm warmers. Pretty nice for sub $15.

[Jaybee]

While we are on the subject, does anyone make a good affordable bib tight without a chamois? Waterproof/resistant not needed, but some windblock would be nice.

[MagicHour]

Voler and whatever I find around on sale. I like the latest stuff from Bellwether too - nice designs and fit - their stuff isn't cheap at msrp but they almost always have 15% off coupons and 30% sales. Merlin Cycles in the UK house brand Core line is pretty good quality for the price - $19 ss jerseys and $21 long sleeve.

This time of year is a great time to find deals on short sleeve jerseys and summer stuff. Check out places like Arts Cyclery, Bike Tires Direct, eg. Nashbar and Sierra Trading Post used to be better, but clothing selection seems to be lackluster the last year or so.


EDIT-oops didn't read that you were looking for base layers Well enjoy above tips anyway. Base layer and thermal - Nashbar Mansfield tights are pretty good super cheap winter tights. Otherwise my favorite winter base layer tops are Craft and Patagonia capilene if you can find those on sale.

[Dirtdiggler]

Take a look at Target's C9 baselayers that include their merino blend. Also now is the time Marshalls and TJ Maxx will be stocking the baselayer that include Terramar and Duofold and if you are lucky, might see some Craft brand included.

[CNY rider]

Originally Posted by fignon's barber

For base layers, you can't beat Craft. As a former crosscountry skier, nothing is better. And if you shop well, you can find them for sub $30.

+1 on Craft.
The only other brand that I wear as much for base layers and cold weather stuff is Ibex.
Ibex is a little more pricey but you can occasionally find it on the discounter web sites, or wait for them to have a sale.
It will last you for years so the investment is worth it.

[chrismoustache]

Aero Tech Designs produces some affordable, basic pieces.

A good chunk of it is made in the US as well, if that's a consideration.