Where to buy clothes for cycling?

[maamalady]

Any ideas? Wiggle used to be my go-to, but now I'm at a loss as to where to look or what brands etc. dhb used to be the reliable affordable option, but I think they disappeared along with Wiggle.

I'm a size 18, which makes it trickier, so much seems aimed at thinner, fitter women. I'm not planning on going up against Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, I just want to ride my bike in practical clothing!

I am usually a 16 but buy 18 in cycling clothes.
For the last couple of years ive been using Vinted, thers usually loads of stuff on their in our size.
Ive had some bits of kit from decathlon and also Evans.

Thank you, I always forget about Decathlon! I'll have a look and see what I can find. I'm not sure where to start with Vinted though - helpful if I know what I'm looking for, but I'm not sure I know yet 😕 I miss being able to browse a large variety of items!

I take it you're talking about fast cycling, racing type clothing?

Because I never really understand the need for 'cycling clothing' for the majority of people out for a bike ride. We regularly do rides of around 30 miles but just wear our normal clothes. (although a coat/jacket if its cold of course)

Stolen Goat, they definitely do size 18 (and more). Good quality kit.

Also VeloVixen

Thank you @OnlyOnAFriday I'll check those out!

@soupyspoon If I was cycling to a destination I'd wear my normal clothes and go a great deal more slowly. I'm trying to get some exercise though, not make my way to work or meetup with friends. My usual day clothes are not very cycling-friendly: I tend to wear dresses more often than not, which I don't want to damage with chain grease or road dirt, or get holes in if I fall. Like any other sport-specific clothing, cycling shorts and jerseys are practical, that's why I'm choosing them. There are a lot of hobby joggers who prefer to run in sportswear rather than fashion shorts in a similarly reasonable manner.

Stolen Goat, and their site where they sell other brands, Velovixen. Their xxl is an 18 (does depend a little on the style as some are race fit which is very slim), but they have two sizes above that.
Sigma Sports has a good range of different brands.
I haven't bought from them, but https://cyclewearcentral.com/ is run by the woman who was chief designer for Fat Lad at the Back who I had a few things from (as did DH) and really liked them, and they go up to a 26

I’m with you.
Women’s bike gear is a bit of a soap boc of mine! It’s out there, it’s just not cheap.

I bought a lot from Fat Lad at the Back, until they also recently stopped trading. As well as their diverse sizing, I like that their gear accommodated height snd boobs!! Their designer has taken on the brand, and range of sizes, and operates on a largely “preorder” basis as Cycle Wear Central

For mountain biking Trailbloom go up to a 24. I’ve never bought any of their stuff though, so can’t comment much more.

Corinne Dennis is a small uk brand that makes men’s and women’s cycling kit aimed really at the cycle touring market. I’ve found it a little short length - body and leg length, and in the rise - but it’s good kit, albeit not cutting edge. They go up to a 22, but stock levels can be hit & miss.

I’m a curvy 16 and Endura’s women’s range sometimes fits Endura and Altura do a lot of their styles up to a realistic 18.

Decathlon, I find very skimpy.

Alpkit are decent too, although getting pricey, and not currently doing any bottoms.

Stolen Goat, who sell via Velo Vixen do a XXXL. I’ve not tried it, but my friend loves it.

X post a lot with @CMOTDibbler! Great minds etc.

Thanks so much @CMOTDibbler !

I feel so weirdly daunted by the idea of getting back on my bike. I used to ride for miles and miles all on my own pre-kids, but since then I've gained a lot of extra weight (physical and mental) and moved house so I don't have a familiar easy route right outside the door any more. DH has been coming with me for weekend rides, but I'm trying to get brave enough to go alone, and being dressed appropriately is part of regaining that confidence, rather than cobbling stuff together from >10 year old kit and DH's stash. Fake it until you make it, etc.

And thank you @IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads too! Much appreciated, that's a really helpful list

Can’t you just get cycling shorts and a sports / gym top rather than specific ‘cycling clothes’

Cycling tops have very handy pockets in the back. Where else are you storing your phone, keys, spare innertube, tyre levers, gels? I do have a saddlebag but that’s stuffed with my multitool, stans sealant.

I could, yes. But I'd rather not, for the same reason I wouldn't try to play baseball with a cricket bat: although it would work, there are more appropriate options for my sport of choice. It's a potentially interesting discussion though, maybe you could start another thread about it.

Wiggle is still a thing! It was relaunched although I think it’s Fraser’s group now so not the same. DHB are available on there.
i completely know what you mean, wiggle was always the go to and DHB were great value for money and good quality too. I’ve started going for better brands now, rapha jerseys and castelli shorts and all via small independent online retailers - but they are pricier vs DHB in the good old days.

Padded shorts.. jerseys with pockets.. cycle gloves… general gym clothes just won’t cut it.

THIS IS NEWS
Thanks!

DH has some Rapha stuff, but almost all of it has been either bought in the sale or a birthday/Christmas gift, the prices are eye watering 🙈 I am not (yet) doing enough miles to justify that kind of expenditure, but you never know, one day...

Trail loom are awesome! Mountain bike aimed but there’s no rule to say you can’t wear it on a road bike. I love their kit! https://trailbloom.com

I’ve got some fantastic cycling bargains on Vinted

Try sportpursuit.com - they do sales of top brands like Rapha, Castelli and also Rivelo, Endura and other more mid range brands. You do have to sift through a lot of stuff and the sizing tends to be at the extremes or v small or v large unless you get the sales straight away. But… I have loads of top rated items for 50%+ off so worth a try.

Thank you so much for this thread! I stocked up on dhb when wiggle was about to go under (did a massive order and wasnt sure it would arrive but thankfully it did) but one day I will need new kit. Yes, cycling jerseys with the back zipped pocket and padded shorts are totally worth it for an enjoyable ride. Strongly recommend woollie boollie socks to keep feet warm on winter rides https://defeet.com/collections/woolie-boolie/products/woolie-boolie-4-baaad-sheep

Oh, thank you! I do get cold feet - partly because my feet expanded during pregnancy but my shoes are older than my kids so my feet are getting squashed on every ride, but some warmer socks could definitely help too!

Also - Freewheel, Tredz, Evans Cycles and not all the time but LIDL and ALDI do offers on cycle stuff - after investing in a lot of expensive mitts over the years, I discovered LIDL mitts - cheap, comfortable and well made. You could also try Amazon?

Findra clothing might be worth a look. Also try Tiso—Alpine bikes https://www.tiso.com/cycling/clothing/shorts-tights-trousers/

Lusso are thinking about expanding their women's section. I like Galibier for a gilet but their sizing doesn't go up enough in other stuff. Cyclewear Central is the offshoot of FLAB, who's stuff was great so it'll be fine, I think.

I'm collecting stuff off ebay!

I like my Band of Climbers top. DBH is fine, if you can find it. I have a Pearl Izumi bottom that I like and if you're into MTB, Fox trousers fit great and I'm pretty short.

I'm a very solid 18 and rock the lycra because it's just way more comfortable.