Video: MTB on a Budget - Where to Spend VS Where to Save on Clothing

Jan 25, 2021
by Mike Levy  


Yes, we all know that you need a bike to go biking but on top of that, there is a laundry list of expensive gear that riders should also have. Join Mike Levy as he reviews where you should be spending and saving your money when it comes to mountain bike gear.







Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

333 Comments
  • 142 4
 UK, we just need skinny jeans, a hoody, plastic bags on our socks and a fucked hardtail that looks like it's been dragged out of a skip.... oh and an old full face that's been crashed in loads and plastered in stickers and gorilla tape
  • 8 0
 Are you Mr. Vanlife ?
  • 11 0
 Sounds like you just got a head start on next years 12 Days of Christmas.
  • 6 16
flag TSridesbikes (Jan 25, 2021 at 11:29) (Below Threshold)
 UK where it rains more often than it doesn’t. Trails in the north are probably at least 70/30 wet than dry. Jeans are literally the worst thing to wear in wet and mud.
Same goes for folk wearing shorts. Why would you want to get clarted up calves!
  • 3 1
 @TSridesbikes: bcse skinny’s cost a tenner from primarmi and everything else is £100 or over
  • 5 1
 @TSridesbikes: I know that the U.K is wet but you’ve never been to the Pacific Northwest where we get 90 inches of rain a year and that’s not a lot.
  • 6 2
 @tech-floguy: Agree... People in the U.K always go on about how wet it is, I've lived Squamish for 4 years and it rains a lot more than the UK in total volume for sure.
  • 6 0
 @VolatileMike: Squamish sucks! Don't goWink
  • 1 0
 I think I saw you sleeping in lot 5 at Whistler
  • 11 0
 sandwich bags between 2 pairs of socks = ghetto sealskinz
  • 1 0
 @cains08: Honest question, has anyone been able to fit sealskinz socks in their usual-sized five tens or other riding shoes and not get their feet squashed? I'll probably give it another go because I've got a pair as a gift, but it kinda feels like I'd need a separate pair of sized up shoes.
  • 3 0
 @bananowy: I've got two pairs of Ion shoes...one pair has a much wider fit and I can fit in Sealskinz plus another sock inside if I slacken the laces off a bit. The others are so tight that even just Sealskins are too fat to fit.

If your shoes are too slim and have to squeeze your feet in, you restrict blood flow to your tootsies...so even though your toes will be dry, they'll be ice cold for your whole ride!
  • 3 0
 @VolatileMike: It's not about the amount of rain fall we get tho, rather the endless drizzle. The trails stay sloppy It also varies depending on the part of the Uk. The south doesn't get half the rainfall of the North, Wales or Scotland
  • 2 0
 @bananowy: Bontrager oversocks are amazing. I fit them over a pair of thin merino socks and they fit good in my five-tens. It's snug, but not uncomfortable. Best off I'm dry so after the ride I just take my ride shoes off, peel the oversock off, then I'm good to go.
  • 2 0
 @terribleone1982: @rrolly

Thanks for the tips my dudes. I'll give my sealskinz another go but if they're so snug they restrict circulation, I'll give those bontragers a look.
  • 1 0
 As long as there’s a Can’t Quit tee for summer shredding Wink
  • 1 0
 @famesjearnley: I’m afraid you’re incorrect. It’s a case of west verses east. The West Country, wales and the west coast of Scotland get the shit off the Atlantic. The east coast all the way down is colder and drier from the artic. In general that is.
  • 1 0
 @tech-floguy: I live 3 miles from the wettest place in England
  • 1 0
 @tech-floguy: average rainfall is 140 inches annually so yeah, trails are pretty wet most of the year
  • 1 0
 @TSridesbikes: oh wow that’s a lot.
  • 80 1
 I find poly cotton shirts get gross and sticky. So i just get all polyester shirts from a thrift store or a discount place (sierra trading post) and wear those. Way cheaper sometimes 7 or 8 bucks for a north face shirt.

The hardware store was grossly underrepresented in this video as well. 15$ safety glasses 10$ gloves go there first. Your stuff doesn't have to say mountain bike in the description to be able to wear it on a bike.

I agree with all the spend category's.
  • 43 0
 Cheap safety glasses I've found are always scratched so badly they look like toilet glass after a weeks riding. I'm too tight to buy proper ones though, I just squint.
  • 16 3
 Wait you wear safety glasses?? In all seriousness, I buy google compatible helmets and just buy the cheapest moto gogs I can find. Found pair of 100% on amazon for $25
  • 6 0
 try merrino wool adidas t shirts. Sometimes you found them on cheap for around 25€
  • 59 0
 @DaFreerider44: And those helmets show ads while riding?
  • 3 0
 I think it's a humidity thing. Where I live it's arid, low humidity in summer, cotton t is fine. I much prefer it to synthetics. If I stop for a break it slowly dries keeping me nice and cool. But on the occasional high humidity day cotton just never dries, can get clammy and annoying. In winter I like a merino base layer.
  • 48 0
 Call me a snob, but I can't handle the distorted optics from cheap safety glasses. My trail perception at speed gets all thrown off. For this reason I rode without glasses for years. That is until I almost got my eye poked out by a spear shaped branch. I now have a pair of smith's I baby and buy replacement lenses for every 2 years
  • 8 2
 @DaFreerider44: I like googles in the winter but the summer is too hot and I feel like a tool wearing googles trail riding especially if its not gnarly. I typically rock 3M safety glasses or whatever work has laying around.
  • 4 2
 You can find dedicated bike gloves that fit perfect for 10 bucks on amazon. Better than some yard/mechanic glove at the hardware store.
  • 15 0
 Online closeouts for everything:
Long sleeve jersey, bike or moto x store $20-25
Short sleeve tech shirts, back country, sierra trading post, decathlon $10-15
Shorts, bike store $30-50 with liner
Gloves, moto x store tld, fox, 100% $10-15
Socks, whatever plus 1 waterproof pair and a long darn tough pair
Shoes you got to pay for what's right for you.
Glasses $30-50
All protection is super specific gotta pay for the right fit for you
  • 12 16
flag rwgil370 (Jan 25, 2021 at 8:11) (Below Threshold)
 Cotton = death weave as it holds onto moisture whether sweat or rain. Polyester is my go to as it passes moisture better than smart wool : for me.I sweat lots, that is my reason. Dry fit is the best I have found, and can be had at goodwill for 6 or 7 dollars by the arm load.
Gloves, I get work gloves at the hardware store for 10 bucks. They have palm and knuckle padding.
  • 9 6
 @rwgil370: Cotton Kills. is a saying on the outdoor community becaus of its impresssive ability to hold onto water.
  • 93 7
 @NivlacEloop @rwgil370 lol "death weave" and "cotton kills" are so dramatic. Merino is amazing and I've got a bunch of nice jerseys, but it'll be absolutely fine if you just put on a damn t-shirt and go ride bikes. Unless you're attempting to fatbike up Everest or something you'll manage to survive cotton.
  • 13 1
 @brianpark: In summer, yes! But I made that mistake once on a weekly night ride (multiple cotton layers and a wind shell, in California mind you) and I absolutely froze. HUGE difference between cotton and poly. If it's a summer day, sure it doesn't matter. If you're pausing on the mountaintop to drink beer on a windy evening, it matters!!
  • 6 1
 @NivlacEloop: Sometimes holding onto sweat is a good thing. Like when it's 90 deg F and I'm trying not to get heat stroke. If I stop riding, and thus not have any convection cooling if there's no wind, I would quickly overheat if my cotton t shirt wasn't fully saturated with sweat. Cotton can be bad in many situations but not always. "cotton kills" is such a blanket statement. hehe
  • 4 0
 @brianpark: they are very dramatic. they just have a nice ring to them and are a good reminder that cotton isnt ideal. If its 60 and windy in the shady woods a sweaty cotton t shirt can be quite chilly.
  • 7 0
 @kcy4130: thats a pretty specific situation. but even then wet cotton isnt very breathable and the evaporation of sweat is what cools you off so you want your shirt to wick. and once that wet t-shirt gets hot your just going to be wet and hot.
  • 4 1
 @NivlacEloop: I see you're up North, so maybe 90 degrees is a specific situation for you that doesn't arise much. In the south, 90+ can be 7+ months of the year. If your shirt is wicking the water away from you, then you get a shirt that is being cooled, not skin that is being cooled. The wicking does not provide cooling, it's transport.
  • 1 0
 @Explodo: I don't think you quite realize how hot and (especially) dry it gets in the desert SW. I can ride in a cotton shirt and it's dryer than my synthetic shirts were when I was riding in the humid NE.
  • 3 0
 I'm down with the inexpensive safety glasses. I wreck glasses left and right. Also, no matter how fancy the glasses, all glasses fog up.
  • 1 0
 @NivlacEloop: Not that specific, in rolling terrain one alternates from fast to slow every few minutes. With the occasional very slow hike a bike climb. With a synthetic shirt that causes rapid evaporation the shirt dries on a short fast descent and cools me down, perhaps too much: I stop sweating. When trail turns upward and speed is greatly reduced is when I really need the evaporation my body begins sweating like crazy again. Its like the rapid evaporation causes a bit of yo-yo effect on body temp and sweat flow. The cotton keeps it more steady. Then again, everyone is different so wear whatever works best for you.
  • 29 1
 A cheaper hack I've found is to just ride shirtless.
  • 2 1
 @MarcusBrody: I'm not quite understanding how you're disagreeing with me.
  • 4 0
 @learningcycles: took the words out of my mouth. Uphill at least. When your trails are all up or all down, it's a pretty simple equation.
  • 1 0
 @tacklingdummy: the only time my Oakley radars fog is when it’s cold af and I’m standing still and panting.

Tried safety glasses once and f*cking hated them. Don’t hold up once you’ve used proper riding glasses.
  • 4 2
 Its so dry in Alberta that wearing cotton shirts are totally fine. $3 CAD from the thrift store and I'm good to go.


The knock off glasses on Ali Express are pretty good these days (no distortion, not dark though tinted) $20 CAD with interchangeable lenses.


Got $8 MTB gloves on Amazon. They're so good I bought 5 pairs for myself just in case they run out.


Don't cheap out on helmets. I've tried cheap helmets on Amazon and Ali Express, they break easily, even when not being worn. Scary if you ask me.


Shorts could be anything as long as you're comfortable. Imagine crashing and puncturing your $80 shorts, at least its not the end of the world if they were cheap.


There are $4 fanny packs at the dollar store.
  • 5 2
 You can't wear Googles.
  • 2 0
 @dumr666: I have 6 icebreaker merino shirt. Very expensive. But I only use these 6 tshirt (+ a long sleeved xbionic, very expensive too..). Hiking, running, biking, working, drinking, travelling, everything.
  • 1 0
 @Explodo: You're right. We agree. I'd meant to @ the person that you were replying to, not you.
  • 1 0
 @NivlacEloop: Specific to 90 % o the riding in Southern California though Smile
  • 1 3
 I only wear Oakley on the bike, thus pretty much making this video moot for me.
  • 1 1
 Yep, +1 for hardware store gloves. $15-$20 for gloves with the same durability and features that would twice as expensive from a bike brand
  • 7 0
 @learningcycles: an even cheaper hack I've found is to ride naked.
  • 4 0
 @tacklingdummy: Hey check these out www.dasoptics.net
I've been riding for these guys of the past couple months and these glasses are a great buy $40 and they donate $10 to a local non profit. Not sure if they ship internationally tho
  • 2 1
 @DaFreerider44: If you catch a rock or stick in the eye, you'll be happy you're wearing safety glasses.

A few years back I met a guy in Tennessee, he had lost an eye to a stick kicked up by his buddy who was riding in front of him. I've worn good glasses ever since.
  • 2 1
 @nyhc00: Finally, someone with a little steaze!
  • 2 0
 @tbev and @DaFreerider44: I really think that wearing 'google' glasses, goggles and helmets must be rad, do they tell you your speed? and have you ever crashed because an add popped up and blocked your vision?
  • 2 0
 @dllawson819: fashion > function
  • 5 0
 Work gloves only make sense if you are after maximum protection at the cost of usability, they are not a substitute for normal bike gloves which are much thinner and have better dexterity. Some people get confidence through protective gear while others get confidence through control, for me my confidence takes a nose dive when wearing thick gloves that make it harder to feel the brakes/bars. I dont see them as a way to save any money either, its not hard to find good name brand bike gloves on sale for $15.
  • 1 0
 @mountguitars: you don’t buy $4 things at the DOLLAR store lol
  • 1 0
 @singleandluvinit: I buy mostly bike gloves on sale as (like you say) they're really easy to find. That being said, I have some pairs of work/mechanics gloves from home improvement stores that are at least as good in terms of dexterity. Just don't buy the ones that are heavily padded and you're fine.
  • 3 0
 @pbuser2299: been wearing safety specs for years,even tell Folks there some fancy expensive biking brand,and they are non the wiser.I could probably sell them on for huge profit if wanted to.
  • 3 0
 I honestly tried to love safety glasses from the hardware store since everyone here and some of my buddies kept hyping them, but I just could not. Like someone above said, they distorted the vision way too much. For me it was to the point of making me sick.

I'm still not splashing £200 on Rudy Projects but there are a lot of brands out there selling decent sports/cycling/MTB glasses that I forget I'm wearing for £30-£60. They last longer than safety glasses before being scratched to shit too so it works out in the end.

As for gloves, I guess the hardware store ones do the job, but when the LBS has £10-£20 ones that look nicer, then why not. At least that's some of my money going to the LBS. I spend enough at B&Q already Wink
  • 1 0
 @singleandluvinit: You're thinking of the wrong work gloves. I found some at a hardware store(can't remember which) a couple of years ago for $8 that are nearly indistinguishable in materials and fit from a $40 bike glove. The only difference was in the cuff.
  • 1 0
 @MindPatterns: Naw. The giro Tyrant is very minimal in graphics. Looks really good in my opinion.
  • 2 0
 @Ardenjacoby:
Thanks for the info. Dasoptics stuff looks great, affordable, and I love that they give back $10 with each purchase. Thinking about placing an order for the yellow low light ones.
  • 2 0
 @brianpark: Ask anyone in SAR, Hypothermia is no joke and can set in at surprisingly mild temps when someone is wearing soaked clothing. A less extreme issue is the chaffing that wet clothes can cause.
  • 48 0
 An alternative view on this, cheap isn't cheap if it it doesn't last. Obviously everyone has a budget, but if you can manage buy quality gear that is built to last and look after it well. I hate the idea that people find that something can be bought cheaply in bulk that it basically becomes disposable! Having said that, I know well that just because something is expensive means it is going to last!
  • 3 1
 Agreed. I have several pairs of Endura shorts that have lasted for many years. The shells still look perfect, but I had to replace the click-in liners at about the 8-year mark. Not cheap (although not nearly as expensive as the "boutique" brands), but good value.
  • 10 2
 Totally agree. Also, I know the shirts from Costco work just as well as TLD, Fox, etc., but Costco isn't putting any money back into the sport like the others. Again, I know everyone has a budget, but i'd rather support a company that supports pro riders.
  • 2 1
 "Having said that, I know well that just because something is expensive means it is going to last!"

I haven't had too many problems with cheap shirts/shorts falling apart on me. I had a one or two cheap shirts pill quickly, I guess, but I have a lot of stuff I bought at TJ Maxx/Sierra (American clearance stores) and I've almost never worn any of them out. Now, some of them are discounted brand names, but still a tier or two below Endura. I wear out shoes and socks. i wear out jeans and other cotton based pants. I even wear out dress shirts. But I've yet to wear out a synthetic bike t shirt or pair of shorts (though I've torn a few crashing). As long as I can see it in person, I don't have a problem buying cheap stuff at all and even when I'm ordering online, I haven't had much of an issue for these type of things.
  • 2 0
 I agree for somethings. The only thing I think Mike was definitely wrong about was bags, bumbag or back pack, buying a heavy duty one is worth it. I used a dakine heli pack for ~16 years, books in school, hiking, biking, everything. It's amazing how long it lasted. Oversized, heavy duty zippers and thick abrasion resistant materials are a requirement for me.
  • 1 0
 @brandaneisma: Yep....I got turned on to the Gerry brand shorts they sell at Costco for $14 and that's all I've worn for 3+ years now. They work 100% just as well as the name branded stuff selling for over $100 and quite frankly are MORE comfortable.
  • 3 0
 @kcy4130: I have a Dakine Heli that's lasted over a decade, but I find it too stiff/heavy to be an ideal everyday mountain bike pack. I started with it when I started riding as I already had it for ski touring, but eventually replaced it with a Camelback that is much lighter but which has a few duct tape patches (mostly from my dog to be fair) but is still in good shape 5-6 years in. The Heli is now my trail maintenance back where it's robustness is great when I'm carrying saws or an ax.
  • 2 0
 @MarcusBrody: Yeah, I have a dakine nomad for biking now and a dakine dlx for hiking and/or trail work. I always take more than I need hiking, hiking with a heavy pack doesn't bother me at all. Riding with a heavy pack does.

Also the dakine nomad is in rasta colors... there are disadvantages to having gear that lasts for a super long time!
  • 26 0
 I think I've posted this in every "budget MTB clothing" thread on the internet, but Moto shops are the best budget MTB clothing shops. Those dirtbike fashionistas won't wear any style that's been around for more than 38 minutes, so there's always a huge rack of clearance stuff. $5 gloves, $10 jerseys, $15 pants, $10 goggles, just crazy good deals.
  • 6 0
 Love rocking moto pants, they fit over pads well. The only problem is mine are pretty loud looking so if I wear them I better be ready to send it!
  • 5 0
 @4thflowkage: how do they pedal? Or would you only wear it for shuttling/ park days?
  • 2 1
 This is how I have all my jerseys. My dad always buys them at moto shops on clearance, I've got a closet full of the goofiest looking jerseys, and most of them have matching gloves.

Lifehack: don't care what the jerseys look like...profit.
  • 1 0
 @Fullsend2-13: Just fine in the winter. May be rough in the summer, I'll see. IMO it should be fine under 70 degrees.
  • 1 0
 moto gloves often have extra good protection so are ideal for DH/Enduro use
  • 21 1
 I've ridden top shelf helmets for years. Earlier this year I got tired of dropping mass coin on expensive MTB helmets and cheapped out this year with a $45 replacement only to smack it on the ground ,with my head inside, and ended up with a nice little concussion. I immediately went to my LBS and dropped some serious coin on the best dam helmet I could find. Your brain is worth it.

Also my crash was caused by my nice MTB specific shorts getting hung up on the nose of my saddle as I was going up a steep rock slab and had to jump off the back of the bike, and they weren't even baggy. Don't rock baggies on the bike kids unless you hate yourself.
  • 17 0
 I agree with your sentiments on dropping coin on a nice helmet, I just can't see dropping $500 on a carbon DH helmet to crash on it once and have to replace it. There are good deals to be had on say last years model DH rated helmet too. I found my previous year TLD Stage (DH rated) for $170 brand new with pads and tags.
  • 3 1
 Wisdom here. Glad it was nothing worse.
  • 34 1
 the main lesson here is to ride down steep rock slabs not up them.
  • 3 0
 @bdreynolds7: Thirded. And while we are at it, I think there is also something to be said for full face helmets during trail riding. If you hit the front of your head instead of the side, it's still a concussion. Also, I'm willing to be a little warm to keep my teeth in my mouth. (Note i still do open face for XC riding.)
  • 5 2
 @bdreynolds7:

Having seen a shitload of those "enduro" full faces cracked after tiny crashes they're nowhere near as strong or safe as a real full face. Like Mike said in the video, there's a lot more to helmets than just the ratings. They feel cheap and flimsy compared to a real DH helmet. There's no free lunch--strong, light, cheap--pick 2.

Just look at what helmets most EWS riders are using, all the expensive real DH ones despite what marketing wants you to think.

If you're riding a $5k bike you can afford a $300 helmet every 2 years.
  • 2 0
 It is frustratingly hard to find shorts that aren't saggy in the crotch. That's my #1 requirement, and eliminates 90%of the shorts I try.
  • 1 0
 @bdreynolds7: Some brands offer you a discount on replacement if you crash (I know Fox did at least)
  • 1 0
 @thelibrarybiker: I don't disagree with you. My point was more in regards to crashing on a more expensive helmet vs a less expensive helmet, the end result is still the same; buy a new helmet.
  • 3 0
 Glad you are OK. Whether your spendy helmet would have protected you more is unknown, however, so you can't blame a budget lid for your injury. Too many variables.

I've been rocking Giro's for decades and have had many a crash where the helmet was impacted. No concussions yet and they run around $50-$60.
  • 1 0
 @Tortatortatorta: Ya Troy Lee does as well.
  • 10 0
 @4thflowkage: I've got a big nose, though. So by the time the earth hits the rest of my face I'll have slowed down lots. It's like a crumple zone for my head.
  • 3 0
 @Poulsbojohnny: I've tried Giro's more expensive offerings, but somehow the lower end universal fit Fixture (in the current lineup) seems to fit me best. It's kept my head intact through several crashes. Newer crash test standards can really help separate the wheat from the chaff though.
  • 1 0
 @simonusedtoskate: Ha! Very true. Down is certainly more fun.
  • 1 0
 @Poulsbojohnny: agree totally with you about the unknown. On the other hand when my head bounced in the helmet and it nearly felt like I wasn’t even wearing one, suddenly I became thirsty for a nice big tall glass of the dual density foam Kool-Aid. That and the Virginia Tech ratings quickly became important to me. I’m also knocking on 50 and have had more than my share of head injuries.
  • 3 0
 @Dornbox "Don't rock baggies on the bike kids unless you hate yourself." What are you suggesting? Whenever I ride without shorts on my Nextdoor feed lights up with haters who don't support my lifestyle choices.

PS. Crashed on my Bell Super DH without front lid hard and escaped without a concussion. I replaced it with a POC. Don't skimp on the helmet folks.
  • 2 0
 @Dornbox: Go on ya for still riding! I'm 52 in a few months. Still a blast, but recovery takes a lot longer when you get injured!
I think I've been lucky with head injuries. I've had multiple motorcycle crashes as well as bike crashes and have somehow managed to avoid injury. Well, I think I have? Someone, anyone, can you help me remember if I got hurt or not? Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @4thflowkage: agreed, I can't fathom the things pros do in open face helmets!!
  • 3 0
 @skelldify: Look at the Patagonia Dirt Roamer. They are cut a bit tighter than normal baggies.
  • 2 0
 I for sure agree with the core of this but I think, as others alluded to, the idea that dollars spent have a direct correlation to quality and safety isn't entirely true IMO. I work in mental health and for years have seen the devastating mental health impact of concussions- something that is often less talked about. Suicide rates are over five times the normal rate in post traumatic brain injury patients. That said, I think most helmets over the 120 price point from a respectable company with some empirically supported rotational protective system will do most of what helmets are currently capable of. So I think the advice should be get yourself a "good" helmet. Even the Virginia Tech studies won't correlate directly between dollars spent and safety. Your brain is definitely worth it and I hope you recovered okay from the TBI!
  • 1 0
 I completely agree not to cheap out on a helmet, but the top end helmets are mostly that expensive because of the weight savings. Anything you spend over €150 usually just goes into weight savings.

I would say the most important thing with helmets is the fit. If it doesn't sit on your head properly it won't protect you how it should. Generally helmets around €90 - €150 have a better fitting system, meaning they will protect more people better. If a €50 helmet fits perfectly to your head it should protect well too, but the cheaper the helmet, the less chance that it will properly fit the shape of your head.

Because of this I always recommend to actually go to a real bike shop and try on several helmets before buying one. Don't order any online without trying them first.

Also the fact that you had a concussion in the cheap helmet does not necessarily mean you would not have had a concussion as well if you would have worn a more expensive helmet.
  • 22 3
 Waterproof shorts are worth spending a bit of money on, saves a lot of soggy crack unpleasantness.
  • 3 0
 Amen
  • 12 3
 Only for brits.
  • 2 0
 @mi-bike: I've got a few pairs of fox ones, rangers i think, I cant really say there's any downside to them, fit well, very hard wearing, not all that pricey. Dry arse when it is wet is just a bonus.
  • 10 3
 @pbuser2299 also shorts that don’t advertise your manhood.....especially if you’re making a PB video that the entire user community will see!
  • 2 0
 They actually make waterproof shorts?
  • 2 0
 Why would you not have a mudguard if riding in the wet? It's far easier to clean than a pair of shorts and your drivetrain will thank you. (mudhugger comes to mind)
  • 6 0
 Had some waterproof shorts, I was soaked under them from sweat.
  • 2 4
 @noapathy: can't ride in the wet here, guys rocking mud guards look silly. They still rock those 70's full fenders that are back in fashion now though.
  • 3 0
 @RonSauce: Woah man, mud guards look sick though! Definitely not the full on fender type ones but the smaller ones definitely make a bike look better.
  • 18 0
 Lol I wear $8 construction glasses from Home Depot for riding
  • 24 0
 Even at World Champs?
  • 1 0
 I should try those 1EUR security glasses:

www.action.com/fr-be/p/lunettes-de-securite-werckmann
  • 2 0
 Reece is a smart rider right there. Nice Safety glasses that are frameless so you don't have obstructions of the front wheel and terrain.
  • 1 0
 I wear (less than) 1USD glasses from chinese maker Oulaiou.
  • 12 0
 Some more ideas:

- The classic skier's trick: Buy your kit at the end of the season when it's in the sale. Try on friends' helmets and kit beforehand so you know what size you're looking for and then just wait for the products you want to hit the sales at the end of the season. I've picked up a TLD D3 for less than half price, £70 jersey's for £20, £80 shoes for a quarter of that etc. £200 GoreTex jacket for £80.
- Look for brands that are no longer doing a type of product, e.g. when a brand stops selling shoes the shops and distributor will look to dump stock
- Keep an eye out for brands that change distributor, that often results in the old distributor dumping stock (Giro was a good recent example of this IIRC)
- In Europe Decathlon sell some good value kit, e.g. their MTB pants
- Never pass a sale rail without having a nosey
- Buy stuff that wears out regularly like gloves and shorts/liners when you see them cheap, not when you need them
  • 2 0
 Absolutely recommend this as the way to go: support your LBS by helping to clear their sales rails and keep a wardrobe of proper bike kit at reasonable prices. Helps if you're a weird size and don't care what colour something is too. (Always a whole lot of XS and XL fluro bargains to be had).
Recently I've picked up 2 goretex jackets for £50 each, some POC liner shorts at £10 each etc
  • 2 0
 +1 for the Decathlon MTB trousers!
  • 1 0
 thanks for the MTB pants tip!
  • 1 0
 Yep! Timing is everything. Historically I would buy one new kit each Christmas for the upcoming season from my LBS. It was a way to support them, get the gear typically on one of their 50% of last season stock sales, and come into the season excited with new gear. However, with COVID it really is a sellers market at the moment as production is down for a lot of companies, shipping rates are changing, and demand is way up. This year I shall be sporting the same gear. Though, I did find some Orage bike shorts while buying some ski pants for my kids at 50% off so will give them a try. Seem to tick the boxes. Still on-sale if anyone else wants to try them also... www.orage.com/collections/men-sales/products/berm-short-e10504
  • 8 0
 I have a few MTB jerseys that i picked up cheap on sale. Otherwise, training/running tech tops from your average sporting goods outlet work just as fine for summer months. Even Nike, Adidas etc are pretty cheap. Sometimes not as rugged/durable as MTB specific tops but often perform better for cooling, breathability and moisture absorbing.

Pro Tip:
Why spend money on training AND clothes? Enter a local/regional running race and they will normally have a tech tee in a goodie bag with your finishing medal. Entry fee is normally waaaay cheaper than the cost of a branded MTB jersey. And you're building fitness while your getting it.
  • 3 0
 Literally all my riding "jerseys" are tech tees from running races over the last decade. Unfortunately they are more of a reminder of training time I spent running instead of biking!
  • 11 0
 HOW DO MUCH YOU EFFORT GIVE?
  • 3 0
 They don’t think it be like it is, but it do.
  • 9 0
 Have you guys done one of these for components? Like a frame up build -where to spend v save...
  • 18 0
 Tires - Get spendy. Suspension - You don't need the best, but don't be cheap. Brakes - If you're riding steeps, splurge for 4 pistons. Otherwise get some old Deores. Pedals - Lose the stock pedals. Composite body with replaceable pins wins bang for buck. Everything else is whatever. As long as it rolls. If doing huge long rides far from your car, should probably get a quality rear hub BEFORE your cheap one explodes 28.4km from the nearest road.
  • 4 0
 @Lylat: only 9 miles but man was I late to work when my hub exploded
  • 3 0
 Carbon handlebars on a Schwinn, my friend.
  • 5 0
 @Lylat: you give that number so specifically... like its caused you 28.4km of pain!
  • 1 0
 @Lylat: This comment should be pinned somewhere. All you need to know to start a (budget) build in 4 lines.
  • 13 3
 Costco Image would have been an AMAZING place to drop in the Bernie meme.
  • 6 0
 Gloves are a contact point too, those cheap ones often bunch up, give you blisters, feel uncomfortable.
Different riders like different things from their gloves.

Ride where there are loads of gorse bushes and you will be wanting some protection.

5.10 for flats shoes
100% for gloves.
  • 3 0
 Yeah, alot of people reccomend trying to save on gloves, every non-mtb pair I've had get soggy, bunch up, pinch or have bad grip. Thats not for me.
  • 2 0
 I agree that it's a good idea to spend some more money on gloves.
My favorite glove is a discontinued style of Specialized Lowdowns; articulated, velcro closure, well vented, very durable.
The first pair lasted a good four years. I'm on the second pair now and got replacements for the next 10 years.

I had no luck with 100% gloves.
  • 1 0
 @pyromaniac: The reliability of 100% gloves is nowhere near as good as the older Specialized Lowdowns.
I used them for some time, I just prefer the feel of 100% gloves.
When they start to fall apart (tip of braking finger, cuff join), I just get out the needle and thread and they are all good to go again.

Reliability is often only governed by ones lack of desire to carry out a 10 minute repair. Smile
  • 1 0
 @RonSauce: Mechanix Wear Vents. I use them for just about everything.
  • 4 0
 I had a buddy that rode in polyester dress shirts from Salvation Army or Goodwill. Left them as long sleeves for winter, cut as short sleeves for spring and fall and then went full sleeveless for summer. Super cheap and looked spiff.
  • 3 0
 For shoes I would say get the entry level from real mtb brands, going up in price introduces a lot of gimmicks like BOA. My last 3 BOA shoes were less practical and aged poorly, relative to my current much cheaper 2 velcro and a ratchet system.
  • 2 1
 I've tried shoes from $30 to $150 and they all lasted the same amount of time.
  • 3 0
 Can helmet manufacturers please use a material that doesn’t blister, peel or get generally eaten by the slightest exposure to DEET?? I’m generally careful and don’t spray it like a fire hose, but I live in the northeast where every tick is carrying a body wasting disease. So far POC, Giro and Scott helmets have all started peeling after a season. For the over $100 Mike recommends spending this shouldn’t be that hard for the manufacturers to fix.
  • 5 0
 Use picaridin sprays, it doesn't melt polyester and other plastics and works just like DEET and also doesn't smell quite as horrible. I use it here in Texas so chiggers don't take my virginity.
  • 1 0
 I made this mistake with a TLD A1. Stopped mid trail to cover myself in chemicals, as the other option was to get picked to the bone by deer flies, black flies and mosquitos. Just went to town with the DEET and got the back of my helmet - which is now a bubbled mess. I just put the bug spray on before putting my helmet on.
  • 1 1
 DEET absorbs into most plastics, it'll soak into your water bottle, drink some water with DEET and your throat will burn for days. Use low percentage DEET and you'll be fine ... or ride faster to avoid the bugs Wink

So yeah, use less DEET, ain't no such thing as a DEET proof helmet.
  • 1 0
 Also hide your glasses and goggles when you spray.
  • 2 0
 @nurseben: The bugs around here are turbocharged. There is no out running them. Frown
  • 1 0
 DEET is horrendously bad for your skin, consider looking at something more natural perhaps? then your POC lid's will be sweet as!
  • 3 1
 Yeah thats an issue with the DEET not your helmet. Unless you want a steel or aluminum helmet...
  • 2 0
 @lefthandohvhater: well the DEET spray comes in a plastic bottle that definitely isn’t steel or aluminum ;-)
  • 1 0
 Another trick is to carry a small bottle of bug spray and only use it if you have to - ie, if you have a mechanical and you're tempted to run away screaming leaving your broken bike behind for the rabid horseflies. Other than that, keep the flow up, and the stopping minimal. I hate putting DEET on if I don't have to.
  • 3 0
 For gloves, I really like having good windproof gloves for winter riding. Don't need a ton of insulation above 30 degrees, but it sure is nice to not have the wind cutting through your fingers. Klim makes great, reasonably priced moto kit that works for mtb.
  • 1 0
 +1 I have Leatt Airflex Wind gloves. Windproof worked year-round, lasted 3 years before the palm blew out from wear/pressure at grips. Smashed fingers enough to appreciate real armor. Got em on sale... the full price is intimidating.
  • 3 0
 For clothes, I wait for sales online and get real biking clothes for not too much. Real biking clothes are so much nicer to wear. Other stuff works but simple luxuries like the back coming down further on jerseys and shorts cut for biking are just simply more comfortable, but I wait for online sale thing on clothing. Which means I usually buy shorts in winter. I spent years getting cheap stuff, but in many cases just popping an extra 10 bucks would have bought something purpose built. I also caved in and bought some real winter shoes instead of using tape, aluminum insulation and heatpacks. I didn't realize just how bad it was. So real winter gear may be worth it. Never skimp on helmets though.
  • 3 0
 The best deal on trail/enduro helmets is at sixsixone.com in their sale section. I have a couple of their EVO AM helmets.. Little older design, but modern features and they rival what is on the market now. BOA locking system. Fidlock on their EVO AM helmet (not EVO AM Patrol).

sixsixone.com/collections/sale?sort_by=price-ascending
  • 2 0
 For sure, best deal out there! I picked one up last winter, same kind of crazy pricing, but I only ever got it to a 8/10 for comfort. But I used it for the whole year, they seem super well made, and don't really care since the price was so cheap!
  • 3 0
 @bishopsmike: For my head it is one of the most comfortable I have owned. I don't have the MIPS model though.
  • 3 0
 I DEMAND REPARATIONS!!!!!!!!
I started mountain biking this year because I was locked up due to COVID. Found Pinkbike and followed all of the advice offered here so I bought a Yeti and spent an equal amount on my kit and accessories. NOW your telling me I can buy used shoes and Costco shirts??? I demand the US Government forgive my MTB debt!!!
  • 2 0
 Helmets and pads aren't clothing, they're protective gear. I spend on those.

Undies: Breathable Micro Mesh Fruit of the Loom's from Target. Like $1/pair. I prefer them to Ex-Officio's.

Shirts: Any poly shirt. Target, Old Navy, etc. for $5-$10 apiece. I actually prefer many of them to MTB-specific shirts from a comfort/fit perspective.

Shorts: Any poly/nylon combined with spandex blend that fits well. You could go with hiking shorts from places like Patagonia/Prana/etc. I recently bought some Wrangler shorts from Amazon that are nylon/spandex blend. They were $20 and are surprisingly good MTB shorts (good stretch, stay up, long enough to cover the kneepad thigh gap, etc.)

Socks: Any active sock.

Pants: Any hiking pant. Or any poly/nylon combined with spandex option from Old Navy / Lululemon / Target / etc.
  • 3 1
 I have decent mtb specific stuff now buying clearance deals. But I have plenty of cheap riding gear tips.

Shoes. Sneaker style non slip work shoes. Sole patterns have great pin interaction. Won’t grip like 5 10s but nearly on par with vibram stuff I’ve used. At a quarter of the price you def make do and progress just fine. But I agree that shoes is the first thing to spend on besides helmet and pads.

Just wear regular athletic shorts that aren’t baggy. I literally never wear the mtb shorts that I do own. I just wear an extra pair of socks and some long underwear in the winter. Maybe some regular athletic pants that can shed mud that you can prob find in a thrift store. Just tuck the right leg into your sock if it’s a little baggy. I’d spend on winter riding pants long before summer shorts. Especially if you find some on clearance for 50 bucks or something.

Tops. Just go to thrift stores and find decent regular athletic stuff. Spend 5 dollars each. I have a couple pairs of mtb jerseys I got on clearance and while they are a bit nicer there is no way they are worth full price in my mind. Especially if like me you need to wear an orange vest cause your locals have hunters.

Socks. Don’t matter. I got a pair of the grow cycling socks to support the cause but either wise I just wear cheap wool socks from the department store. I just get whatever brand is domestic.

Jackets. Thrift store finds. I got an amazing truly weatherproof jacket for like 30 bucks. Very easy to find decent wind shells too. If thrifting ain’t an option then the advice in the video is quite sufficient.

Pads don’t need to be expensive. Regular skate knee pads work fine and are 20 dollars. Mine are prob 10 years old. Get some nice ones on clearance or used when ya can but it’s fairly low priority.

If ya gonna go cheap on a helmet get a bell, giro, or similarly reputable brand. Their top of the line models are absolutely worth the money. But the budget stuff is well designed and well made and not everybody got a spare 100 for a new helmet when ya need one.
  • 2 0
 I tried out the mechanic's gloves from Harbor Freight because they're cheap enough to be almost disposable. $5.50 for the regular, $9 for the padded version. They're going on two seasons of riding now and only one has started to tear on the index finger. The construction isn't that different from basic MTB glove offerings from Fox, etc.
  • 1 0
 I've got some Boildegg mtb specific gloves from Amazon for all my family that cost the same, look rad, and are the most comfortable gloves we ever owned. Way better than 661, Fox, 100%, etc.
And some Aliexpress Photochromic "enduro" glasses that cost 15$ that actually work and have 0 distortion.
  • 2 0
 Costco for the win on clothing. Their synthetic golf polos (around $20) do a great job for a jersey especially when you are traveling and only want to pack a few shirts, wear it one night to a decent restaurant and then get it sweaty on a ride the next day. Yeah, a polo doesn’t look endurah, but it also doesn’t look endurah. I don’t need to shred signal to anyone. Their hybrid shorts ($15) go from a ride to the pool, aren’t too baggy and have enough stretch to them to be comfortable riding. And as Levy said, you can’t beat their deals on merino long sleeve t-shirts when they got them (usually under $20).

And where else can you get all your riding gear and a 10 lb slab of pork belly for $30.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy Thanks for posting this! Do you ever waterproof your flat-pedal shoes, and could you ascribe the longevity to regular care like any hiking shoe?

I was thinking about it and not sure if it really matters for longevity (I also live in San Francisco, so probably doesn't matter as much here since it is fairly dry year round).
  • 4 0
 I think Kazimer mentioned this in the podcast: Levy’s flat pedal shoes have held up because he never uses flat pedals.
  • 4 0
 @Nainalerom: Nailed it Smile They still look new! But they're also old Five Tens from when they were indestructible.
  • 3 0
 Good shoes, good gloves (not expensive or brandy, just good) aaaand most importantly good helmet.

The rest, whatever. Wear what if comfy and appropriate for where you ride.
  • 1 0
 Spill Suppressor glow fingers.. lol... I like the awareness and focus on all budget ranges for mountain biking. I likely spend too little on clothes / accessories. I've never purchased a mountain bike jersey in my life. I use my moto gear when racing and t-shirts ( cotto / poly ) when trail riding. Whatever is reasonable clean and I can find. Shorts / shoes / decent socks are def vital as well as good fitting gloves that don't bunch up. Glasses is something I do need to invest in though...
  • 1 0
 Pretty spot on, except for go full polyester shirts from Costco! 10 to 15 bucks for a quality shirt there! You can also check out work gloves at a store like Home Depot. I found some that were really similar to mountain biking gloves, 3 pairs for 15 bucks!
  • 1 0
 Thrift store is the best for Nike DryFit shirts. They're usually about $3-8 and work great for riding. Costco Marino wool base layers are only $20 and excellent for cooler weather. REI frequently has cycling windbreakers on sale for around $40. They pack down super small so you can always having when it's cool out. When I ride in the winter I usually put my windbreaker on when I get to the top so I stay warm and it makes a huge difference while descending.
  • 1 0
 i dont buy expensive winter jackets as they always get ripped in a crash and loose there water proofing after a year and a few washes anyway no matter how much you spend. usually i get a endura in end of season sales £40 max for me.

mx summer jerseys are great . cheap , well ventilated tough and easy to clean. they also have long loose sleaves so can cover up from the sun if your pink skinned and roll them if its to hot. iv got 2 that are 10 years old and going strong.
  • 2 0
 Until this year if you weren’t picky about brand or color you could purchase MTB clothing on sale/closeout for more than 50% off. My son used to joke my favorite brand was whatever is at least 1/2 off.
  • 1 0
 Still can. I got 4 pairs of pants from fly for like 40 bucks each. Now I just gotta not get any fatter.
  • 1 0
 @bulletbassman: Ha, my problem is I lost 35 pounds. Need any 38” bike shorts?
  • 2 1
 Havent watched the vid.

But for uk riders on a budget good options are Lidl or Aldi cycling stuff, their merino jerseys and gloves are tidy.

The Chain reaction own brand gear used to be good as well. Don’t know what it’s like currently as not bought any for a while.
  • 1 0
 Ya definitely nailed it on the shoes! I'm still using my old Shimano DX-MP66 shoes from 2006! And I bought a new pair of Shimano AM-41's years ago to replace the MP66's when they would ever wear out. Guess what? Still using the DX shoes and the AM-41's are still new in the box. And I ride a lot. Almost every day in the spring, summer and fall. A testament to how great Shimano shoes are.
  • 1 0
 Quality safety glasses with scratch resistant coatings are the way to go. I use Uvex glasses with their "supravision sapphire coating". This coating is on both sides of the lens and makes a huge difference when it comes to longevity. My current favourites are their uvex pheos cx2 glasses. Super comfy, clear or tinted lenses, and a rubber gasket that helps keep mud and water out.
  • 1 0
 Put money towards well fitting padded shorts, and a comfortable saddle. Gloves give grip, reduce vibration and protect hands in a fall (fingerless roadie type my favorite)The rest will take care of itself. When it gets nasty or cold, your bike is express elevator back to the car. You can ride out of carazy weather covered in mud and shivering and be just fine, just carefully press on. The old nylon anorak with a hood tied on the waist sucks, but gets her done. Name brand bull honky crap wont save you. Brutal hot rides with a cotton t shirt tied on your head soaked in a stream keep you cool. Slather bug spray n sunscreen heavy. A sun burn with skeeter bites is a hell I wouldnt wish on anyone. Never wear shoes you cant walk out 8 miles in. That bike contraption gonna shit the bed one day way out back, i promise.
  • 1 0
 Have to chime in about Ryders. They're good sometimes...but they're also bad. My favourite riding sunglasses of all time are the antifog version of the Nelson. I have two pairs of them. Never have fogged up once. Look great, fit great, and don't have any scratches on them at all. But every other pair of glasses I have tried from them are absolute trash. I've tried the Seventh, Main, Nimby, Calibre, and Face models...all garbage. Broken frames, fogging up like crazy, lenses scratch after just a few rides. And customer support isn't great. I've managed to weasel a crash replacement 50% discount on a set that broke on me, but that's it. Any other issues I've had just get passed around through email loops that don't go anywhere. I wish I had just taken the money I spent on all those failures and bought one pair of quality glasses from another brand and never thought of it again.
  • 1 0
 I agree with most of the points and would like to add:

Non-mtb hip bags don't stay on right unless you cinch them to the point of turning your legs blue.

Freeriders go on sale at the end of each season for like $50-80. Even in 2020 despite COVID.

mtbbot.com is your friend
  • 1 0
 I think it’s worth spending money on quality optics. I buy Oakley sunglasses and just buy replacement lenses every year. I save money on gloves and buy $29 Mechanix DuraHide leather gloves. They fit great and are nice for rides that involve trail work.
  • 1 0
 661 dbos knee pads are super protective, they only cost like 70 bucks. also you can save on pants, just do the sweeden setup like I always do: slim black hoodie, skinny ish black jeans with pads underneath, synthetic tee, back protection if necessary, vans old skool bmx, always shin guards, bmx helmet, indoor skatepark and dj bike. if ur downhilling/slopestyleing, replace bmx helmet with full face and goggles. trust me this setup works crazy nice.
  • 1 0
 EOFY and end of season sales on Chain Reaction and Pushy's for MTB-specific gear, cheap synthetic department store exercise wear for everything else. Cotton is just a bad idea unless you're the kind of person who never perspires.
  • 1 0
 Here's my recommendations as a value rider:

Shirts: Tesla polyester compression shirts (Oversized)/Max savings: t shirt $5
Shorts: Pearl Izumi shorts/Max savings: Basketball shorts $10
Knee pads: None
Gloves: DHB from ChainReaction $25/Max saings: MechanixWear Original $17
Pants: Polyester soccer/training pants
Glasses: Tifosi/Max savings: Anti-fog safety glasses
Helmet: Giro Fixture $53
Shoes: Five Ten Freerider $80/Max savings: Skate shoes $40 (Look for a DC sale)
  • 1 0
 In general you can save shit ton of money on mtb clothes, however paying for top nothing clothes will definitely deliver you same feel as top notch bike; here and there a little bit nicer and comfortable! Does it justify price - not sure, however it does justify your comfort etc
  • 1 0
 I've been riding with my bike shorts throughout this winter in ~-10°C temperatures, because I don't have long biking pants. This works great, but you definitely should not do longer stops, because you get cold really quickly.
For glasses, I've been riding with Aliexpress glasses for quite a while and thy didn't let me down.
  • 1 0
 I'm a fan of the butt shorts with cutoffs and a cotton T. That is cheap and no problems. I do wash my cloths after I ride after all. But 8 years on 5.10's? Mine done last over a season without water seeping into them from the soles.
  • 1 0
 I'm going to be really uncool and mention elbow pads. I've taken that many chunks out of my elbows over the years!! Trouble is I can't find ones that are comfortable. I start wearing them again after another loss of skin only to get fed up with them after a few weeks - then BAM another elbow literally bites the dust. Any good recommendations? Why is it so uncool to want them? Help me please I'm so uncool. There may be a way to hide your name if you reply I don't know.
  • 1 0
 I couldn't agree more. I DESTROYED my left elbow for the third time while wearing a g-form pad this past summer. I got a pair of Alpinestars Bionic Flex moto pads. I really didn't notice I had them on. This may not be the case for you, but I ate shit and my elbows were fine. I don't know if it's uncool to want them, but I am positive that kneepads are given disproportionately more attention than the elbow pads considering we participate in a sport that claims a noticeable amount of upper body injuries (collarbones). I'm not totally convinced of the efficacy of the harden-on-impact variety of pads and all the bicycle-specific pads were out of stock when I bought the Astars Bionic Flex, but they were great until my dog chewed them up.
  • 1 0
 @hIDesert: Thanks for that, I'll look into them there pads. I don't know why more folk don't wear them.
  • 1 0
 I got 5 pair of J. Crew tech pants for $20 each last week. Slim, stretch in 5 different colors. They breathe, you can fit (slim) kneepads underneath. Cut them if you want shorts.
factory.jcrew.com/p/mens-clothing/pants/tech/5pocket-tech-pant/AI044?color_name=dusty-slate
  • 1 0
 I had a bitchin' old western style shirt that I think was a hand-me-down from a friend. The brand was Stagecoach and I am pretty sure it is 85% polyester. His wife bought it by the pound at the local Goodwill. Someone asked me if it was the new North Face stuff. It has two holes in the back from my hydration pack rubbing on it for hundreds of miles.
  • 4 2
 How I save money while rideing: Ride in jeans all year long, just don't wear gloves and ride all year long in cheap skate shoes. It is as simple as that.
  • 4 0
 Since when have skate shoes been cheap? Growing up as a skateboarder, I found that to be a pretty rare occurrence.
  • 1 1
 @RBalicious: You can always find Etnies 'fader' cheap. Zumiez or Journey's or some random mall poser skate shop. You will look like you stole shoes from a mall rat a couple of decades ago but they work great on flats lol!
  • 1 1
 @RBalicious: there are plenty of budget department store style skate shoes. Even cheaper soles though.

My suggestion instead would be a solid set of sneaker style non slip work shoes. The soles tend to have patterns that have excellent pin interaction.
  • 2 0
 Only broken one bone and that was my little toe in Etnie's. 5-10s from then on.
  • 2 0
 That sounds horrible. Nasty crotch rub, painful arches, sore IT bands. Unless you're in a jump park, this seems like bad way to spend time on a bike, if there ever is such thing.
  • 1 0
 Nicely played there @mikelevy. "Spend $30-$60 to buy some glasses from some company like Ryders" [Pssst, hey web team, now go insert image of some $240 USD Roam's!!!]. Way to bait and switch there PB!
  • 2 0
 Ha, good catch! Not on purpose, though - they do have a bunch of stuff that costs waaaay less and works well.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Agreed (though the Roam's are great...but yes, have used safety glasses too!). Maybe they can help you battle the Godfather for the title on the Impossible Climb. Wink
  • 1 0
 What exactly is the risk of buying a used helmet if its in new condition and never sustained any crash damage? Sometime people decide they don't like the fit but its outside some new return window.
  • 3 0
 Because damage cannot always be seen. And some people are not trust worthy. I mean if you're buying from a close, trustworthy friend, then maybe.
  • 5 4
 I was all set to watch this, but as my finger descended on the play button I had an XC-video flashback. Please, someone, tell me he's not going to discuss how cheap you can go with lycra (eeek).
  • 4 0
 We'll save that for the NSFW video.
  • 4 1
 The local dude who wears jean shorts also only trail rides a single speed hard tails.
  • 6 0
 True but he's got a killer mustache!
  • 2 0
 And a sweet windowless van.
  • 1 0
 @bob-oso: just don't get into an argument with him about what Pavement album is the best!
  • 1 0
 Ugh and he's always so goddamn fast
  • 3 0
 Go to Iron Pony Motorsports and buy MX Jerseys instead. They are a third of the price of long sleeve Mtb jerseys.
  • 2 0
 This would make a fantastic short article that we could reference. The only time articles-as-videos work is when they’re accompanied by, at least, a list of bullet points.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Touché Levy. Touché. Thanks for the link!
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Wait a minute. You pulled the old link-to-the-same-article ploy. Bullet points and text, man!
  • 3 0
 Forgot to say also keep eyes out for previous years gear or end of season stuff on sale
  • 1 0
 Especially helpful if you don't wear a common size, so basically everything but M and L
  • 1 0
 I have a small box of 8 or so size L mtb jerseys and shorts, mostly dakine, in the back of my car. slated for donation if any Seattle cheapskates can scoop it before I go by the Goodwill
  • 1 1
 best place to save $$$ on clothing: Goodwill...in fact, i've purchased 80% of my riding apparel there over the last 3-4 yrs, & spent a grand total of $40 on everything. you'd be amazed @ what people get rid of that's perfectly good (sometimes almost new). Fox riding shorts for $3.69? check. Specialized riding shorts for $3.69? check - these were practically brand new. nice riding jerseys, both short & long sleeve for $4.19? check.

best place to get good riding footwear for dirt cheap - Poshmark. sunglasses? Poshmark or eBay. hydration packs? eBay. knee pads? McDavid basketball knee pads f/Dicks...$40 - done. helmets? eBay. hydration packs? eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

bottom line: buy used when you can, but don't cheap out on eyewear, helmets or shoes

that is all
  • 1 0
 All I’m gonna say is Wrangler Outdoor ATG shorts are cheap and are just as good as any mtb specific shorts I’ve ever owned. Get em from the local outlet mall $20. @mikelevy gotta check em out
  • 1 0
 I tried couple times mtb gloves and jerseys from ali - total junk, thow them away after first ride:

Actually TLD make goos jerseys, with lift ticket pockets and googles padding(napkig) totally worth buying
  • 1 0
 cotton-poly shirts are gross. In the hot summer and cold winter 100% poly or wool base layer. Spring and Fall cotton all the time.
  • 1 0
 What about upper body protection? I'm not sure if I should just get elbow pads or invest in a full jacket with back, chest, and arm protection.
  • 1 0
 2 dollar safety glasses work the best for night riding. I bought some x-tiger MTB glasses for day riding and they work great for 35 bucks. (Also come with 3 lenses)
  • 1 0
 First of all high end douche goggles is my shit it has more aesthetic appeal and plus when I put them on it somehow highlights all the best lines on the trail.
  • 1 0
 I found most home improvement or lumberyards have safety glasses that work well for riding, complete with anti fog for under 50 bucks
  • 14 11
 video time staaaaaamps pleeeeeease if you’re gonna do this as video
  • 6 1
 they won't do it, because then you only watch by segments, thus not getting YT money.
  • 4 0
 You have to wait for the article for that. Or podcast.
  • 14 0
 Except this was a quick moving 8 minute video, not an epic 80 minute documentary.
  • 4 0
 @iammarkstewart: I bet 2x playback will blow rickybobby's mind
  • 2 0
 @jasonlucas can we please put timestamps on this one? Smile
  • 1 0
 @brianpark: My Sarcasm-O-Meter is malfunctioning....I can't tell if the smiley is genuine, nor not.
  • 1 0
 just put one at 4:40 and call it a day
  • 1 0
 @jasonlucas: u forgot to mark 7:46: "Levy jams gummy bears in his bib shorts"
  • 2 1
 I only wear Addis and Rapha, I don’t see any reason to buy clothes that are just going to get ripped up and filthy that are more expensive.
  • 3 1
 Isn’t Rapha kind of the most expensive in cycling clothing? Maybe TLD beats them on price sometimes...
  • 2 0
 @gnarlysipes: you think $250 is a lot of money for a quality jersey? I guess you’re being sarcastic about being Gnarly.
  • 4 1
 for bike gloves nothing beats mechanix less than 20 bucks at walmart...
  • 4 0
 You can get MTB-specific gloves for that or less. I’ll have to try a pair of those and see how they fit, though.
  • 1 1
 @gnarlysipes: Yup, been using them for years. I buy three pairs at a time. Recently started cutting the index fingers off for better grip on the brake levers. A little warm in the summer, a little cold in the winter, but fine all-around gloves. After they're too beat up for riding, they become my yard-work gloves.
  • 1 0
 @gnarlysipes: Get the Vents, they have a sweat wipe and are light, thin, and well ventilated. Easily my favorite glove.
  • 2 0
 Spend good money on a Helmet then take a 50 dollar bill and watch how far it gets you on AliExpress
  • 4 0
 Do i feed it into the floppy disc or cd drive?
  • 1 0
 These are great helmets under $50. Sixsixone. The EVO AM Patrol w/ BOA locking and EVO AM w/ BOA and Fidlock. Free shipping in US.

sixsixone.com/collections/sale?sort_by=price-ascending
  • 3 0
 Buy everything on sale, pretty easy to do if you do some looking around
  • 2 0
 "you can hang them on that chin-up bar you bought a few years ago."

I feel personally attacked.
  • 1 0
 Same tho
  • 1 0
 I think the lighting of the green screen needs some work. Made it hard for me to notice the quality of the information contained in the video.
  • 3 0
 Yup, we're working on it. The green screen is literally in my workshop and we set it up each time, but we're currently putting together a full-on studio with multiple sets. CANT WAIT Smile
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Awesome. Sorry I’m such an a*shole.
  • 1 0
 @Unrealityshow: A true a*shole wouldn't apologize for being one Wink
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: but he would sarcastically Wink
  • 2 0
 I use 3M safety glasses. they're $3 and if they get scratched or lost i just get another pair.
  • 2 0
 shooting range glasses. yellow or clear. 15bucks and have adjustable nose bridge.
  • 1 0
 Mine were $6 from Amazon. Unfortunately there's no anti-fog on the inside of the lens.
  • 2 0
 Strangely the video started out with the $400 jacket but he never spoke again about jackets. Hmmm
  • 1 0
 Marmot Precip gets it done for me in PNW. Im not riding in storms though...
  • 1 0
 Drop the ball you ask... how about shipping PB merch from the USA? I save by not paying an extra 30% for exchange and shipping.
  • 2 0
 Nutrition is somewhere you can save money. You don't need gels and fancy bars. Make some sandwiches, eat fruit.
  • 2 0
 Totally agree, especially if you're not racing. There are also a TON of good recipes online for homemade bars that taste much better than what's at the store. Also, Mars bar > energy bar.
  • 1 0
 8 years from a pair of Five-tens? My current pair has big holes in the bottom of both shoes after 3 months of wear. I ride once or twice a week.
  • 1 0
 I'm mostly clipped in, to be fair.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy
That 8 years old pair of Fivetens has surely nothing to do with an actual today's quality which lasts between 8 days to 8 weeks.
  • 1 0
 Agreed, and those old shoes of mine don't see much use these days.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Honestly, the last 3 years I got Fivetens for a half od the MSRP, bit the only model which seems to last are Freeriders PRO, to be fair I have these few seasons and the most damage on them made my puppy. However, I went for Sleuth DLX to try maybe a year or two back. The sole got unglued from the shoe in 10 days, another pair had some crap left under the canvas around heel so I had to cut in and get it out.
Now I was in need for new pair riding shoes (damn availability at shops is a nightmare). After long decision making I ended with RC lifewire. Iam riding about 10 years and never give a chance to anything but 5.10
You know, its not cheap fun and you just wanna be connected correctly to your bike. However after few weeks in RC I can tell Iam not going back even for a half price.
  • 1 0
 Brilliant video @mikelevy! One of the most honest pieces of MTB journalism I've seen in a long time. Hopefully people actually pay heed to it, they really should...
  • 1 0
 What about socks! Socks are very important. Cotton socks are non-bueno. Recommend wool or some kind of synthetic material. Cycling socks are rad.
  • 1 0
 As long as they're high.
  • 3 2
 Even when they make budget reviews, they cut cost on the video production LOL
  • 2 0
 loool I cannot wait until the new studio is done.
  • 1 0
 Good riding shorts and knee pads, a $300 helmet, $4 cotton T-shirt and bare hands
  • 1 0
 You can get a 2-pack of Hanes dry-fit type long sleeve shirts for $18, that's been my go-to instead of a $60 jersey
  • 1 0
 Lycra Lycra Lycra. Come to the aero dark side. Join your local roadie club. Match socks to kit and always wear toe covers.
  • 1 0
 I am always on the dark side.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Not sure if it's the desert southwest (Flag, AZ) or the newer five tens, but me & some shredders I know get super deep gouges on flats in them after a few months. They definitely seem less & less reliable long term especially for the price.

I do agree with the dark side for shorts & such though. (after all they have cookies) Smile
  • 1 0
 Dear Mike Levy,

You are full of baloney. Eight-year-old Five tens!?! Come on, dude. Stop the lies!
  • 1 0
 This is good info! SCG shoes are a great bang for the buck! Rider owned as well.
  • 1 0
 $9K bike, $25 in gear.... Why spend at all? I bike naked, cheap and huge weight savings!
  • 2 0
 Good Armor, Cheap Dickies... Done
  • 3 3
 Just go Aliexpress, mtb gloves for 10EUR:

www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001910443423.html

Same for jerseys, socks, trousers, etc...
  • 1 0
 The jerseys of premium and budget brands are often the exact same quality probably coming out of the same sweatshop in asia.
  • 1 0
 Dragon Enduro X glasses with interchangeable lens on eBay for $40
Highly recommend them
  • 1 0
 Pop some tags in a thrift store for day-to-day stuff, and spend the money on bike clothes
  • 2 0
 Yep, my most expensive clothes are for getting muddy in the woods.
  • 2 0
 You can't keep a good nip down, Mike.
  • 1 0
 Fox "180" and Troy Lee Designs "GP" series moto jerseys are a bit more than a tee shirt.
  • 1 0
 $20 gloves USD do not exist. And dont post a bunch of sale bin shit. $25 is the bottom.
  • 1 0
 Check out Watson gloves.
  • 1 0
 Mechanix runs sales that will get down there quite often. I recommend the Vents.
  • 1 0
 True. 661 have some for $21.99, and free USA shipping.

sixsixone.com/collections/comp-gloves
  • 1 0
 Something that went unmentioned is used jerseys and windbreakers at the thrift shop. 3 nice windbreakers for $10
  • 1 0
 Tell me more about having an 'OK' time.
Asking for a friend.

Loved the "my intern" call too.
  • 1 0
 how is @mikelevy this sexy with just a greenscreen? What else can we put on the green screen?
  • 2 0
 "how do much you effort give?"
  • 1 0
 came here to say the same...
  • 1 0
 Its really not hard. Buy discounted winter clothes as the summer season kicks in, and vice versa.
  • 1 0
 WHere can I find some cheap riding pants that arent $100+? Costoco/walmart options welcom
  • 1 0
 Prana brion shorts. Nothing else comes close in function or asthetics.
  • 1 0
 Great video! Good guidance on where to spend.
  • 1 0
 This is great, now do one for glasses that can be prescription.
  • 1 0
 Zenni is a great site
  • 1 0
 A few good tips but mostly common sense.
  • 1 0
 how do much you effort give?
  • 1 0
 safety glasses are 2-3 dollars and work awesome.
  • 1 0
 Great suggestions @mikelevy
  • 1 2
 On the other hand....nothing beats yelling "on yer rear" to a over priced S-Works (whatever) with a rider fully kitted in the latest greatest shit. Money can't buy legs.
  • 1 0
 How do much you effort give
  • 1 0
 1.3 percent.
  • 1 0
 Why people do not us googles? It is cheaper and more safe to ride;
  • 1 0
 I sometimes wear goggles with an open-face helmet, but pretty rarely. They're too hot and they fog - they're not good for trail riding.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: i never experience any issues with googles and open face, cheap 100% with dual lens work from -20 to +30 C, however i admit i never pedal uphill in those, so for trail riding must be so so;

However i do believe this is the safest possible option p
  • 1 0
 Just got some goggles for trail riding. I use them at the park but for some reason only the park.
  • 1 0
 Ain’t no one got time to watch fashion videos.
  • 1 0
 You need to spend $$ on the chamoix liner
  • 1 0
 I have been running dickies shorts for years. Way cheaper!
  • 1 0
 Fishing shirts are great to ride in as they breath well and have a collar.
  • 1 0
 3 days later PB releases an $80 jersey ????????
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