Best and worst cycling kit purchases

[BoysofMelody]

My best: wind proof packable jacket from Decathlon - £10 and has proved an absolute lifesaver on many an occasion. Plus a Belgian style cap I wear under my helmet in winter made by Madison.

Worst purchases: The pear of bib shorts I've just bought from Evans' own FWE range. Absolute bloody agony in the bum cheeks after 20 miles. I thought the pad looked slightly thin, but didn't realise how quickly it would start to hurt.

What's everyone else's best/worst kit purchases?

Rose had the best selection of sandals when I bought mine although I bought locally in the end. They have got the Keen version which I think are fugly ( not that mine aren't a bit fugly but I think they are worse).

I have a fairly narrow foot and the shimono ones swamped me. Mine are not narrow but the fact that I can adjust every strap makes them work.

I have the Aldi lobster gloves too, they are ace! Look a bit ridiculous but super cosy. I also have a pair of winter tights from Aldi which are a dreadful fit but they are very cosy and stand up well to the Scottish winter weather so I tolerate them.

Whilst we're on the subject of Also, the cycling specials are in stock this Sunday

www.aldi.co.uk/c/specialbuys/dates/2017-05-21?sort=popular&q=%3Apopular%3AtransactionalStatus%3Atransactional%3AtransactionalStatus%3Anontransactional%3AEvent%3ACycling&page=0

What SPD shoes can anyone recommend? Another one in Scotland here, so sandals are out for me and my freezing feet - my best ever cycling buy has been my Seal Skinz neoprene overshoes!

I currently have these Giro shoes but they are on their last legs and I fancy a change, but can't find anything similarly "normal shoe" looking...

I always find filtering by trekking/touring shoe at Rose shows something I like.

I then either find them in the UK or try to try something in by the brand/read reviews to get as sure I can of the sizes before ordering from Germany.

www.rosebikes.co.uk/products/clothing/cycling-shoes/trekking-and-touring-shoes/mens-trekking-and-touring-shoes/?sex=116&page=1&order=topseller&count=16#anchor_products

My shoes are ancient but still fine, if I had any reason to replace them I really like the vaude aresa in plum.

Thanks - some good options there. That's a new website to me, I will now spend the next hour looking longingly at cycling kit I really do not need!!

Rose is fab - just returns to Germany that are not - I use transglobal express to return as cheaply as possible if ever I return to them.

If ordering Shimano SPD shoes, I'd recomending a size up from the usual as they tend to come up small.

My wife has these and they've survived two Scottish winters. The ratchet closing is particularly effective.

Shimano WM64 SPD shoes

I've got these. Goretex is required for winter cycling in a Scotland I feel! They are very comfy but I second the recommendation of going up a size.

Blimey piff they're a serious looking piece of kit! I tend to wear thermal boot covers in winter. Although they look a bit silly.

Shoes and gloves are two areas where I won't compromise on comfort, so end up spending loads. These Shimanos are like slippers when they are on, so comfy and easy to walk in (for pesky singletrack hills that I invariable have to walk up).

I also have an older version of these for my road bike, also v comfy - can you see a theme emerging here?! They are on their last legs now so I think a new pair for Christmas.

I've got those Shimano's too Piff, they're worth every penny for a rainy winter commute!

Best: Rapha bib shorts

Worst: Castelli long-sleeved jersey. It's beautiful and good quality, but I'm 5'11" and it's too short!

Can anyone recommend a good brand for longer length women's tops? I've tried men's stuff but the cut isn't right.

Have you tried mavic stella? Their stuff is longer than usual on me, though I am short to start with.

I'm 5'10 Stella, and Threo and Fat Lad at the Back are the only brands that are properly long enough for me - and both brands go in and out in the right places too which helps the length not being taken up on your norks

Useful recommendations, thank you, I will check them out!

CMOT are those brands online only, do you know, or would somewhere like Evans stock them?

Online only I'm afraid, but both brands are available from www.velovixen.com which does free returns so you can try several. But both are small businesses run by people that actually wear the kit they design and are super helpful if you have questions - and both are proper sized so if you are a 12 you aren't in an xl like some cycling brands

I've got a couple of Chapeau and Madison tops which are nice and long - I'm 5'9 and find most cycling kit too short!

Ribble cycles also do Fat Lad/ Fat Lass
kit, items on sale at the moment with 20-25% off, Ive got couple of items and rate them.
www.ribblecycles.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=fat+lad

Top of my list of best purchases is my Cobb saddle. It's a Cobb Randee with a cut-out, it's gender neutral. It's not cheap but highly recommended if you're doing long days in the saddle. www.cobbcycling.com/saddles/

I'd been meaning to ask you what type of shorts you use TheLongRider, I though you do some serious miles so they must be comfy but is it the saddle that's the thing?

I have years-old Terry woman's-specific Liberator (I think?) saddles on all my bikes, the cut-out makes a HUGE difference for comfort.

I wear tights and shorts not bib-tights because of having to go for a wee in a ditch more often than not.

I do well with Castelli kit. I'm 5'4 and pear shaped with short Dachshund-like legs. I have 23" thighs and my waist is 28'! Usually tights are too long. Rose bikes own brand kit is very good value for the price. Pearl Izumi do great winter tights. Assos kit is comically long on me. I got lucky with Cipollini shorts a few years ago.

I'd say most of the comfort is in the saddle.

Thelongrider, have you tried the Dhb halterneck bibs from Wiggle, highly recommended!
www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-aeron-womens-halterneck-bib-shorts/
I also like Cipollini kit, but have the bibs rather than shorts only. They're really well thought out - media pocket which is handy.

I haven't tried the dhb bibs. I'm cycling at all times during the year, often all day in cold and wet weather in the middle of winter. The thought of having to take off a top layer or reaching under multiple layers to reach a halter-neck is not appealing. It's easier just to pull down tights and get on with it, less chance of freezing.