Kitting out a mate - which online shop's best?

dhb is the way to go, also if you stick with the same brand you know the sizing will be the same.

This is my first winter back in the saddle, so I have had to kit up from scratch, having done so for summer originally. I can understand the need to keep the cost under control.
I would say don't limit yourself to one retailer. Shop around for the best deal on a variety of sellers. dhb gear at Wiggle seems to be good quality at good prices (I got a twin pack of their long-sleeved base layers). Planet-X certainly do have some bargain stuff on there, check out their deals, but a lot have limited size options. Amazon is another option, I got a Gore windstopper jacket for under £100
I think it's a good adage to 'get the best you can afford', but if you're looking to put together a 'starter kit', the budget won't run to the best of everything so you do have to compromise, and the quality will probably reflect that to some extent. They will probably survive the winter at least, and then if anything needs replacing down the line it can be done a piece at a time, and with a bit of experience of what is a quality bargain rather than just cheap!

Sigma had a good Giordana sale recently- might be some things left. I would recommend Giordana kit anytime, any weather. Chain Reaction can have some good discounts as do Always Riding in their outlet section. I've also had items from Primera, Prendas, Planet X, Tredz, Merlin and Parker International. Good service from all.

Good luck!

Planetx, Ribble, Merlin, Prendas and PBK are where I look.

If he isn't a label snob, take a look in your local decathlon, I train in their stuff (and aldi but that's only sold twice a year) and while I wouldn't do 100 miles in their cheaper shorts, they are great value.

Finally parker international are clearing out their remaining stock on ebay, massive bargains there.

Just be careful with Planet X, their prices fluctuate a lot.

As for dhb, they are almost premium priced these days.

Wow think the other guys are right,the kit at planet x looks amazing.ive just ordered some beanie hats,cycling jersey and some gloves

it maybe best to look around all the online places and get different bits from different places.

Also dont forget Decathlon, they have good stuff in the cheeper range to get started with

Planet X for gloves, overshoes, hats, baselayers etc. Seem alright for everything else too but haven't tried shorts and tops.

Planet X...

3 merinos for 60 quid.

Then all like these brands that you've never heard of.

And their own labelled stuff for overshoes and gloves.

Wiggle and DHB is certainly an excellent choice on a budget. Not that the DHB is budget stuff in itself.

Wiggle and dhb kit is in my opinion the best stuff.shoes £45,full length tights £40,waterproof jacket £30,overshoes about £15 and gloves about same.with the £50 or so left you could get gilet at £18 and arm/leg warmers at £10 each.wear rubber gloves under main gloves and wrap tin foil around toes before inserting in road shoes and you'll be warm in any condition