A cycling wardrobe for a beginner

David9694 · 2025-09-01T20:49:25+01:00

One of the RCC writers had a crack at this a few weeks ago - this is the one pointing beginners to Rapha jerseys and £50 glasses. I’ve got a number of pieces, but being a few years old most are not available any more, so saying “here’s a a brilliant jersey but you can only now get it in size S” isn’t all that helpful. But here goes anyway. I probably do half my riding in this top, with a Carnac base layer across late spring, early autumn and summer and further with a gilet. This is a really good example of a first jersey - a fairly bland loose fit, a fabric that lets the air through, decent cuffs and collar, decent zip and rear pockets - for under £40. https://fawkes-cycles.co.uk/funkier-talana-gents-active-long-sleeve-jersey-in-red-black-p12103 The wider Fawkes jersey range is pretty decent, depending on how “cycling” you want to be. I guess I’m more towards the badger on a bike end. This top is usually paired with my Corinne Dennis 3/4 tights - hurrah! still available! https://www.corinnedennis.co.uk/mens/cyclingshorts Another good beginner pick is the Night Vision range - sold as commuter wear, but not constrained to that or to night riding. I still have the tights for winter riding - nice and easy to don and doff. I did have a predecessor of the Night Vision jacket (or jersey, I forget) years ago - this one has a fuzzy lining, so is warmer than the Funkier https://fawkes-cycles.co.uk/altura-nightvision-mens-long-sleeve-jersey-lime-p41012 Another thing beginners don’t want is sketchy availability on a current product where those lucky enough to have got one rave on about, and so it goes with https://planetx.co.uk/products/carnac-long-sleeve-base-layer I mention it here because there are some pretty tall prices out there for simple base garments. Merino socks are another example of pricing variation - try https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Universal-Colours/Merino-Socks/S2OE?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&co=GBR&cu=GBP&glCountry=GB&id=1453522&srsltid=AfmBOooCxW_hlyT8_d8MBoEmwwBw7RobOIMvAZcxIEJhW3JSj6jRoqeJ0qw unflashy at at £5 vs Endura Baa baa at £13 https://www.endurasport.com/baabaa-merino-stripe-sock-red/12928600.html?switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&variation=12928601 I’ve got some of the Enduras and I’ve managed to not shrink them. There’s a good range of socks here for different seasons and price points https://fawkes-cycles.co.uk/footwear-c5/socks-c53#sort3 It doesn’t get said enough, look after your extremities in colder weather. My long gloves and other trousers are either too old, or just not worth writing home about. My only comments are (i) make sure the fingers aren’t too long if you’re running brifters and (ii) the Endura Hummvee mitts are a bit more substantial in their make than most for spring and autumn https://www.endurasport.com/hummvee-plus-mitt-ii-red/12929098.html I own one Castelli short sleeve jersey (worn with s/s Carnac base layer usually) - the fabric keeps you cool while blocking any wind chill. I’m not big on this stuff myself because if it’s hot enough to go for shorts/short sleeves, the window to it being too hot to go out at all is for me quite small. I’d say two things to avoid on jerseys are neoprone cuffs and undersized zips. As the temperatures drop, our beginner is going to need to layer up on top. Most colder, days it’s a pick between a merino or a poly base layer, then two fuzzy lined jerseys and possibly my other bit of Castelli, a fluorescent gilet, or the Galibier Mistral jacket over a base layer and jersey. The Mistral works very well in the cold, and copes with rain, but isn’t ideal for layering.

This topic has 7 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 9 months, 1 week ago by David9694.

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September 1, 2025 at 8:49 pm #1150469

David9694

One of the RCC writers had a crack at this a few weeks ago – this is the one pointing beginners to Rapha jerseys and £50 glasses. I’ve got a number of pieces, but being a few years old most are not available any more, so saying “here’s a a brilliant jersey but you can only now get it in size S” isn’t all that helpful. But here goes anyway.

I probably do half my riding in this top, with a Carnac base layer across late spring, early autumn and summer and further with a gilet. This is a really good example of a first jersey – a fairly bland loose fit, a fabric that lets the air through, decent cuffs and collar, decent zip and rear pockets – for under £40. https://fawkes-cycles.co.uk/funkier-talana-gents-active-long-sleeve-jersey-in-red-black-p12103 

The wider Fawkes jersey range is pretty decent, depending on how “cycling” you want to be. I guess I’m more towards the badger on a bike end.

This top is usually paired with my Corinne Dennis 3/4 tights – hurrah! still available! https://www.corinnedennis.co.uk/mens/cyclingshorts 

Another good beginner pick is the Night Vision range – sold as commuter wear, but not constrained to that or to night riding. I still have the tights for winter riding – nice and easy to don and doff. I did have a predecessor of the Night Vision jacket (or jersey, I forget) years ago – this one has a fuzzy lining, so is warmer than the Funkier https://fawkes-cycles.co.uk/altura-nightvision-mens-long-sleeve-jersey-lime-p41012

Another thing beginners don’t want is sketchy availability on a current product where those lucky enough to have got one rave on about, and so it goes with https://planetx.co.uk/products/carnac-long-sleeve-base-layer I mention it here because there are some pretty tall prices out there for simple base garments.

Merino socks are another example of pricing variation – try https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Universal-Colours/Merino-Socks/S2OE?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&co=GBR&cu=GBP&glCountry=GB&id=1453522&srsltid=AfmBOooCxW_hlyT8_d8MBoEmwwBw7RobOIMvAZcxIEJhW3JSj6jRoqeJ0qw unflashy at at £5 vs Endura Baa baa at £13 https://www.endurasport.com/baabaa-merino-stripe-sock-red/12928600.html?switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&variation=12928601

I’ve got some of the Enduras and I’ve managed to not shrink them.

There’s a good range of socks here for different seasons and price points https://fawkes-cycles.co.uk/footwear-c5/socks-c53#sort3

It doesn’t get said enough, look after your extremities in colder weather. My long gloves and other trousers are either too old, or just not worth writing home about. My only comments are (i) make sure the fingers aren’t too long if you’re running brifters and (ii) the Endura Hummvee mitts are a bit more substantial in their make than most for spring and autumn https://www.endurasport.com/hummvee-plus-mitt-ii-red/12929098.html

I own one Castelli short sleeve jersey (worn with s/s Carnac base layer usually) – the fabric keeps you cool while blocking any wind chill. I’m not big on this stuff myself because if it’s hot enough to go for shorts/short sleeves, the window to it being too hot to go out at all is for me quite small.

I’d say two things to avoid on jerseys are neoprone cuffs and undersized zips.

As the temperatures drop, our beginner is going to need to layer up on top. Most colder, days it’s a pick between a merino or a poly base layer, then two fuzzy lined jerseys and possibly my other bit of Castelli, a fluorescent gilet, or the Galibier Mistral jacket over a base layer and jersey. The Mistral works very well in the cold, and copes with rain, but isn’t ideal for layering.
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September 5, 2025 at 8:04 pm #1156285
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David9694

I like the idea of “the type

I like the idea of “the type of rider who” as a way to present kit recommendations. I think the main divide is 60-90 minutes riding and less and over 60-90 minutes. The main DON’Ts are denim jeans, and a cotton t-shirt. Anything flappy, chafey and absorbey will likely lead to a bad cycling experience.

September 5, 2025 at 11:34 am #1156273
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Simon E

There is a level at which you

There is a level at which you simply don’t need anything cycle-specific, just an adequately maintained bicycle with a spare tube, levers etc in case of a puncture.

When you go further and/or faster then a cycling jersey (or something that is closer fitting and wicks better than a cotton t-shirt) is worthwhile. I’m intrigued by Rendel’s suggestion of rash vests; I hadn’t considered anything like that before because I always want pockets for keys, wallet, banana etc but I may get one to try as a base layer (cotton t-shirts should be avoided for this too).

Having been a fan of lycra shorts for years, my commutes and shorter rides are done in Altura baggy shorts that have a built-in unobtrusive pad (which is only a piece of furry fabric). They are comfortable and look and feel better when off the bike. Altura Stream tights or Polaris 3/4 when it’s cooler. Don’t bother with bib-anything unless you find waist shorts restrictive.

Bollé safety glasses from Screwfix to keep insects, dust etc out of your eyes. Cycling cap and a lightweight, compact rain jacket for wet days. A heavier softshell jacket and buff/snood for colder days. I get cold fingers so have a variety of gloves to choose from depending on the temperature. No need to buy cycling-branded socks, get cheaper supermarket items.

Arm warmers for early starts and days when a jacket is too warm or too bulky plus a thin plastic or compostable bag to use as a lightweight wind barrier between base layer & jersey that can be pocketed once you’ve warmed up.

I prefer SPD cleats and shoes but wouldn’t recommend someone doing modest and/or steady rides to bother with them.

September 4, 2025 at 8:58 pm #1156261
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ktache

Ta, I have been looking for a

Ta, I have been looking for a replacement for my Respro reflective waistcoat. Yellow top and orange bottom, scotchlite (naturally) and with black mesh front pockets. So old and worn. Thought I’d got a new one, but it seems to be a much later design, very plastic rather than polyester (?) fabric of the original. Needs to be very breathable even in the deep winter. Little ProViz tabards for the summer. I require the pockets for my scull cap/head band options.

It’s a shame that Respro have stopped doing their reflective range. I could do with some fresh ankle bands.

September 3, 2025 at 7:53 am #1156203
0

chrisonabike

Actually I do have a niche
Actually I do have a niche one – a mesh hi-vis / reflective vest with pockets on front *.

I got mine here (the general purpose one not their cycle-specific one) but you might want to look around as they now seem to only do mesh ones if you pay for the custom logo version (a few quid extra):

Safety Vest with Custom Print

* Mesh and *front* pockets because for “recumbent” use. But because it’s really light (for normal riding, not in “sports” terms…) I often take it along as a general cycling “chuck over the top of anything if out in low light / dark” – since it’s mesh it’s less sweaty to do so.

September 3, 2025 at 3:21 am #1156199
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Rendel Harris

I’ve recently bought an

I’ve recently bought an excellent hydration pack (Rockrider Explore) for commuting and general riding which has pretty much done away with the need for bottles, frame/saddle bags and jerseys with pockets. Because of this I’ve bought several “Long sleeve rash vests” from Mountain Warehouse for riding: they’re designed for swimming but are perfect for cycling as well, close fitting, flat seams and UPF 50, very light and cool in summer (they seem to get more breeze through than my cycling-specific tops) and also excellent as a base layer as it gets colder. Currently on sale at £12.99, recommended. They also do a short sleeve version, also on sale for £9.99. Great quality and with a two-year warranty.

September 2, 2025 at 10:51 pm #1156197
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chrisonabike

When you say “beginner” … ?

Tl/DR – “No, sorry – except that anti-chafe gets more important with more miles”

When you say “beginner” … ?

I might say “the clothes you’re wearing – just cycle!”. (And in fact some don’t even need them…).

There are some “general” useful items. But for me (a fundamentally unserious cyclist, but it’s my main transport) unless I’m going lots of miles my current wardrobe is basically my general outdoor gear for that time of year, plus some reflectives … (I’ve got SPD shoes and shorts and various cycling-specific gear but for most riding ICBA). Most useful have been cap / sunglasses / anti-chafe embrocations!

I see your summer / winter / commute – but does this need a tilt towards a who / what e.g. “just want to cycle a bit” / “want to commute to work” vs. “beginner roadie / club runs” / “fancying a cycle tour” vs. “going out on the gravel / MTB”…?

September 2, 2025 at 9:06 pm #1156195
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David9694

Anyone got any kit

Anyone got any kit recommendations? Ideally still available in the fickle cycling clothing market.

I haven’t worn them in a while, but the Northwave boots are marvellous for winter – I’ve almost submerged them in deep puddles and stayed dry.

I had to image my seasonal cycling kit list.
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