Pinkbike Poll: How Much Do You Spend on Your Riding Wardrobe?

Aug 25, 2023 at 17:27
by Matt Beer  
Cannondale Habit LT review
$500 waterproof dungarees - fashion faux pas or rain riding necessity?

Somehow, it’s already the end of August and although there’s still plenty of post-ride swimming to be had, the temperatures are cooling down during the night at higher elevations and the extra layers are coming along for alpine rides.

We shouldn’t forget that the weather in big mountains can change at the drop of a hat, even during the scorching summer months - just look how swiftly Mother Nature twisted the World Cup schedule in Andorra this weekend.

For those extra-large days or overnight bike-packing missions, a Gore-Tex jacket and a merino long sleeve are the bare minimum of apparel that are packed along, with hopes that they stay at the bottom of the pack.

photo
photo
Technical belts and shiny glasses - are the necessary?

That made me think about how much I appreciate quality gear, but like bikes, the lighter it is and the more efficiently the apparel performs, it’s likely to cost substantially more than a cotton T-shirt and a gas station rain jacket.

I haven’t bought those swishy jackets and pants all in one go though. It’s taken a few years to acquire and collect the best garments for those nasty days. I dread the thought of sliding out with those pricey layers on or scratching expensive glasses, but they do allow us to keep riding in less-than-ideal conditions.

Do you see value in technical apparel and protection? Are you rocking no knee pads, skate shoes, and a cotton T-shirt, or are you on the jersey, merino top, and Gore-Tex team?

How much do you spend on mountain bike tops?



How much do you spend on mountain bike pants and short?



How much do you spend on a weather resistant jacket?



What about eyewear, if you even bother?



Author Info:
mattbeer avatar

Member since Mar 16, 2001
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202 Comments
  • 450 1
 There's no option for "I buy pretty nice stuff occasionally, but then I wear it for the next decade until it's threadbare."
  • 49 1
 My work shirt I have on at the moment is from high school, I’m now 37. So, I hear ya.
  • 9 0
 I still have a pair of those shiny satinish Nema shorts from the 90s that I still wear on occasion. My kid says I look like an old retired boxer. But they still work!
  • 4 0
 @slayersxc17: Yup, I have two Diesel / 55DSL T-shirts from 1998 & 1999 that I still ride in (Diesel’s sponsorship of the UCI World Cup Downhill & Dual worked on me). The screen prints now have a proper vintage patina, but at least the printing hasn’t disintegrated like my Dainese T-shirts from 2017.
  • 28 2
 What about 'I buy second hand gear off Ebay for pennies, because who gives a shit about 1 small hole, it'll have plenty more after summer,' seriously, it's outdoor clothing, it's supposed to get ruined.
  • 2 0
 @FatTonyNJ: I found a pair of Nemas in the bottom of a drawer. Still fit great. Material is kind of heavy so wear them on cooler days.
  • 1 0
 @WRCDH: Damn that's a throwback. My first DH race was the amateur support race at a 1999 Diesel UCI event.
  • 4 29
flag likeittacky (Sep 1, 2023 at 17:06) (Below Threshold)
 Like that guy wearing the 90s zip up jersey with all the sponsors or goofy pictures all over it + the same goofy helmet worn 20yrs ago. lol ...There's frugal and there's retard.
  • 7 1
 @Fix-the-Spade: I sold USED bibs years ago. Could not believe someone bought them.

Hundreds of hours of use.

Yuck.
  • 12 5
 @likeittacky: Oof, find a different word for things you don’t like.
  • 3 28
flag likeittacky (Sep 1, 2023 at 20:52) (Below Threshold)
 @sfarnum: Snowflake's
  • 3 0
 @toast2266 Swobo lives.
  • 1 0
 I still use my 24 year old Oakley Race Frames.
I also have 6 plain black Sombrio 3/4 jerseys which I bought for about $100 for all at a closeout sale 15 years ago which is my only riding jerseys and they show little sign of wear still after crashing and thrashing.
  • 1 0
 @fabwizard: That’s so gross!
  • 1 0
 Agreed. I buy a lot of expensive jerseys and (usually bib) shorts for my team/club kits, but I also have some jerseys I've been wearing for over 30 years.
  • 1 0
 @fabwizard: Yikes. I'll stick to jerseys.
  • 10 2
 @likeittacky:
Not snowflakes at all. Just people with a fundamental level of respect for our fellow human beings.
  • 7 18
flag likeittacky (Sep 2, 2023 at 15:32) (Below Threshold)
 @njparider: Yea right, as you flick off and curse the next driver who pisses you off. LOL

You guys are a fukn Woke joke of soft language and word policing! Jailbreak
Would i go up to someone and directly call them a retard, NO. Would i out of frustration or anger call you a retard if you acted like a retard or cut me off in traffic? Hell yes!! Would i use the term retarded to describe a person with such a handicap? Yes, and not in a manner which would be a misuse or to suggest something cruel of the person; even though your deep wisdom and high moral minds will suggest its so wrong, mean or bullying Like they have brainwashed you to do. Cop

And Jsfyi, that was originally a depiction of a person i know, whom i've told directly what i said...jokingly; hahaha and he chuckled!! You idiots lol -Oh sorry, wait "You GUYS "
  • 6 1
 @likeittacky: You sound very normal and grounded.
  • 2 15
flag likeittacky (Sep 2, 2023 at 20:23) (Below Threshold)
 @sfarnum: Yes, i can confirm, I'm a male with testicles, I have no need for pronouns and use the designated restroom assigned to me. Also i'm guaranteed not to attempt to confuse You for any narcissistic reasons or try and gain any position in any social setting, entertainment or sports of the opposite. Thank You for accepting my true identity, masculinity and ability to be truthful as possible, with a slight of imperfections i may have; yet forthright in delivery of any manners of speech and awareness.Beer
  • 10 1
 @likeittacky: “I have no need for pronouns…”

Hate to break it to you, “I” is a pronoun.
  • 5 0
 @likeittacky: someone got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning Smile )
  • 2 8
flag likeittacky (Sep 3, 2023 at 18:58) (Below Threshold)
 @sfarnum: You wouldn't call a pronoun person "I" now would you? Hahaha....,You have a diploma i'm sure but take the pronoun ( I ) and try and make no sense of it using improper grammar, Retard. LMAO! Elementary my Boy
  • 2 5
 @DJ21111111: Nah, i mix it up; there's no wrong or right. Kinda like an atom with + - energy creating harmony in relation to each other. not yielding to one another but in perfect synchronicity. Grass hopper Razz
  • 3 0
 @likeittacky: It just an expression mate, I thought that it would warrant it due to the fact you're ranting about leftist ideologies and the dangers of woke culture in a comment section about mountain bike clothing
  • 1 3
 @DJ21111111: of course
  • 101 0
 I find the price range of $50 to $199 for pants badly chosen. The cheapest real riding pants I can get in sales are like 60 bucks most of the times, that's what I go for. I'd never call that "the latest cuts and colors" though, it's more like wanting something acceptable for cold weather
  • 6 0
 Couldn't agree more. The demographic split at the high/low ends of that group is wide.
  • 5 2
 Right? Every $50 short I've owned fell apart after 5-6 washes. I've never spent more than $110. I can't see myself ever paying $199.
  • 12 0
 @Weens: What are you doing to those shorts?
  • 12 0
 it's on purpose. they basically captured 80% of the market in one bracket, so they can say to their advertisers "look, see, you can easily charge $200" even though we all clicked because we spent $80 on pants then decided they still sucked for how expensive they are.
  • 6 0
 The stats are now going to tell companies the majority of people are willing to spend up to $200 on pants.
  • 13 0
 This poll is a total joke and the numbers seem really out of touch/pretentious.
  • 2 0
 @Weens: I have 2 pairs of Pearl Izumi Canyon shorts from 5 years ago that were $30 each. And they came with detachable liners too.
  • 4 1
 @Weens: buy clearance board shorts (ie hurly, oniel). They have pockets, they're stretchy, if they get a rup who the f*ck cares they were $30.
  • 3 0
 the price ranges seem to be optimized for influencing people into buying expensive stuff.

I have a 30usd high end jersey, a 49usd tld short, 49usd five tens, a 25 usd rain jacket. all on sale but most people I know also only buy these on sale anyway.the expensive stuff are my helmet and pads... (175usd and 100uss)
  • 4 0
 Wrangler ATG are $24 at Target until Monday
  • 81 0
 Aside from clown makeup and a bass pro shop hat, I ride completely naked.
  • 9 0
 lmao the mental picture this painted XD
  • 23 0
 This gets even more disturbing when you consider that you didn’t specify where the clown makeup is applied
  • 1 1
 Beat me to it! Naked and free is the way to go! Big Grin
  • 28 1
 Rubbish options for the answers. I just tend to stick to endura for most stuff, cos it’s good value for the quality and a Scottish brand.
  • 4 0
 Endura FTW Smile
  • 3 0
 Yup. Humvee baggy shorts with liner can be usually had for around £35. I've had a dozen pairs over the last 5 or so years, I use them for work and trail building (and general day to day wear, and anything else I do, I pretty much live in them, currently have a pair on haha) so I'm particularly hard on them. Have Humvee pants too, I think I paid around £80 for two pairs of shorts and a pair of pants last Christmas.
  • 2 0
 @inked-up-metalhead: I rode this afternoon on my 2012 Humvee shorts,they seem to last forever. Great stuff.
  • 1 0
 @nozes: I wore my 7 year old pair on my ride today. They hold up well. The Humvee and the Zoic Ether shorts have been my go to shorts for years.
  • 9 1
 Scottish from the county of Chinashire or the one of Taiwanburgh ? I always get Endura's location mixed up.
  • 4 0
 Humvee shorts are incredible, I own two pairs of them. One pair for riding and the other pair for graduations, weddings and meeting the president.
  • 1 0
 DHARCO has great sales as well
  • 1 0
 Chromag and Yeti jerseys, endura for the rest including socks. When on sale it's really worthy
  • 2 1
 @Balgaroth: dumb argument. They employ people and pay tax here. Should I just buy from a chinashire company then nothing gets contributed to my country. Teenage edge lord comment.
  • 1 1
 @ro-bert: lol if you are ok to pay 4x the price to support 2 bums that put stickers on a chinese part be my guest. I am all to support local business whenever possible but actual local businesses that actually employ and produce locally. It is thanks to the type of arguments that you support that most of Europe's industry is gone, the jobs that go with it too as well as the tax and contribution to the social system that were going with it. Supporting companies that out-source in low wage countries is just killing our countries to line the poquets of a very few so I'd rather not support that.
  • 1 0
 @Balgaroth: please point to a clothing manufacturer that actually makes their goods in Britain. And even if you can, the fabric won't be made in Britain.
  • 1 0
 @inked-up-metalhead: or support businesses that actually contribute to your economy. Maybe you don't have any in the great great britain but we do in France, people that work to restart the textile industry and I'd rather gave them my cash rather than give it to a Britwainese company but you do you. Also calling people names rather than offering proper arguments in a civilized maner surely sounds very grown up doesn't it ? Come on I am sure you cam do better, use the language of the royal familly and shine my man Smile
  • 1 0
 @inked-up-metalhead: sorry didn't mean to reply to you. No clue who would do it in Britain but I know that companies do it in France. Ogarun for instance has the fibers being transformed in France and the resulting fabric is assembled in France too. I know of Animoz and Relief that are supposedly made in France but I don't know if they also source the fabric here or import fabric and make clothing in France. Either way it is more than what Endura can claim to be doing in UK I believe.
  • 1 0
 @Balgaroth: I don't know what argument you think I'm supporting but I've worked in manufacturing all my working life. I'm a leftist and as in France we are the ones who have fought tooth and nail to keep manufacturing industries going. The world has been ran under the neolib mantra of tender it out and accept the lowest bid since around the time I was born. I can only do so much to counteract that. BTW in 2018 they were making 50k garments a year in the Scottish factory, they have since been bought so I don't know if that's still true. Its in the town were I live, so I could go and ask I suppose.
  • 39 15
 Brage is killing it in jeans a t-shirt. Apparel brands better buy him out before people realize what a crock of shit bike specific apparel is.

Side note: Jeans cost $50 and can slide down dirt without tearing.
Also noteworthy : If they do tear, they're still in style. If they tear badly enough, Dangerholm can still use them.
  • 83 3
 Brage doesn’t pedal though
  • 6 3
 Same with Remy Morton. He did an Red Bull edit a couple years back where he just wore cutoff jean shorts and a baggy volcom tee. Oozing with way more style than you’d ever see from the big apparel brands and the tech/poly fabrics.
  • 30 1
 But jeans weigh 8.7 metric tons when wet.
  • 28 3
 yeah what bertimus said... Go for a 40 mile XCish ride in jeans and tell me how it goes for ya
  • 4 0
 Jorts FTW
  • 6 0
 I mean if you ride in the wet or rain even slightly jeans suck, I will definitely pay more money for pants that don't feel like wet denim.
  • 3 0
 Some of us are too "husky" according to the section my mom took me to as a kid, and even modern stretchy jeans can't contain these thunder thighs!
  • 2 0
 BTW: no news from the Denim Destroyer? This guy was a legend.
  • 1 0
 @danstonQ: Those were jean jeggings, though, weren't they?
  • 2 2
 @Slope-Style: I'll do you 150% better: I've done multiple road centuries in jeans and no complaints. Everybody's skin is different.
  • 1 0
 @danstonQ: I thought about him just the other day and looked up where he's at, but it seems he's retired from pro racing to chase another dream. www.pinkbike.com/news/johannes-von-klebelsberg-announces-decision-to-quit-racing.html
  • 13 0
 I like nice stuff and am willing to pay for the things I want. I generally buy things that of are good value. Not cheap, but good value. Because, buy cheap...buy often...I find middle price point stuff is the usually best bang for your buck 90% of the time. But 'Premium" goods is kinda turning into a scam...(Not just biking)
  • 1 0
 Yup and I find this generally applies to literally everything in life. The middle road is often the best.
  • 2 1
 Poor man pays twice
  • 11 0
 Why is it easy to find deals on jerseys but so hard to find deals on shorts? I ended up with some Eddie Bauer shorts (laugh all you want) that were1/3 the price of my Chromag shorts. The material is halfway between Feints and Ambits thickness/durability-wise. Does the job. No ratchet waist or zip pockets, but I don't *need* either. Also the fit (and lack of large branding) means I can commute in them and leave them on throughout the day (ymmv depending on how formal your office is).
  • 1 24
flag scott-townes (Sep 1, 2023 at 12:15) (Below Threshold)
 Yeah, you spend too much time on outerwear, bud.
  • 5 0
 I have been wearing a good quality board shorts (Quicksilver, Herley, Billabong ect.) for the last few years and found them usually 1/3 the price and last way longer than any of the major bike brands.
  • 4 0
 @Garantson: this....I have been doing this for years, I have shorts that are still going strong that I found off-season for ~$10 about a decade ago.
  • 3 0
 Don't feel shame bro I have 2 pairs of Eddie Bauer Ascent shorts, they're pretty decent
  • 2 0
 @Garantson: I would wear my boardshorts too if they had enough pockets
  • 2 0
 Backcountry constantly has sales, or additional deals on top of stuff already on sale, I’ve seen their MTB shorts for like $40-50
  • 10 0
 Where's the option for 'My sponsors supply all my clothing'?

Unfortunately I'm sponsored by Victoria's Secret so it REALLY hurts when I crash.
  • 8 0
 Username checks out
  • 7 0
 Ben Davis or dickies shorts. Long day in the saddle? - I'll mix in some padded clingy undershorts from Fox or 100%. Skate shoes, tall socks (Sock Check Ahead) and a t shirt from a recent merch table. Best helmet and googles money can buy.
  • 3 0
 sock check, foo
  • 2 0
 @CAridinHIGH: Look at it closely!
  • 2 0
 @suspended-flesh: Thiss foo.. Thisss foo..
  • 1 0
 I’m more particular with my footwear than shorts but denim kind of sucks compared to thick cotton (or twill) cut-off chinos, imo. The chino fit is nice, too. Lower rise so no hanging crotch to snag
  • 9 1
 I just bought sutro lites for 50% off, where's the "latest lense tech, if on sale" option? Cheap lense makes me cross eyed anyway.
  • 6 0
 if your average ride is the post work 45 minutes with a can of beer for fluids then yeah, I think most cheap gear or not MTB specific is the right buy. If you are looking at a 6 hour epic during the shoulder season in the mountains with questionable amounts of rain and cold temps in the plan, I wouldn't head out without some real technical fabrics against your skin and layers in your pack for the inevitable. I try to buy higher end gear, but only on sale!
  • 8 1
 Pffft. All you Rockefellers in your fancy gym shorts and cotton T-shirts. I buy potato sacks for $2.50, maybe pair it sometimes for long rides with Fruit of the Looms I got in a 6-pack in the second-hand bin for $1.25.
  • 6 0
 Bike specific stuff is often overpriced or low quality. Can get nicer stuff made for other sports at the same price. Nothing wrong with riding in handball jerseys or hiking jackets.
  • 6 2
 Last time there was an article about pants this link was posted and I have been a huge fan: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B096LNSGHG.

Looks exactly the same as the Commencal team pants and costs way less: www.commencal.com/us/en/commencal-pants-black/grey/T21PANTBK.html

I am no in way affiliated with Commencal or whoever makes the knockoff pants, just a normal MTBer looking for the deals.
  • 2 0
 Same. Bought the pants based off of a PB comment, and recently bought the shorts for hotter days. Big fan.
  • 1 0
 Yep, only pants I wear. Zippers have started failing on me though
  • 2 0
 I bought these last time someone mentioned them. All of the zippers fell off and they stretch out 2 sizes within an hour or so.
  • 1 0
 @hessiannate: I have both the commencal branded and Amazon branded versions of those shorts. Zippers are all gone on both pairs and agreed they stretch out considerably. I bought a size down on the Amazon pair and they stretched to roughly be the right size but still a bit on the small side. Also the pocket location is awful and small. So the price was right but given the choice I would reach for my NF or raceface shorts everytime.
  • 1 0
 @gbeaks33:

I have both shorts and pants from Commencal, and I believe I was the one that started the Commencal comments when they did the review everyone is referring to. To this date I have had no issues with stretching or zippers, but I have a friend who's zippers have failed on his Commencal shorts. To be fair everyone, I do not use the pockets on pants or shorts, I prefer a small hip pack. It sounds like if you use them (my friend always does), they fail.

The Commencal shorts are my hands down go-tos, primarily because they have a "fitted" cut. Pants are amazing, no probs there either and they fit well with pads, but lower leg is super snug and they can be a bit of a drill to remove.
  • 5 0
 Rarely wear anything other than Endura - great gear, It's Scottish, and can usually be found on sale somewhere. Their repair service is excellent as well. Always Oakley for glasses and goggles though.
  • 3 0
 I have one Fly Racing long sleeve jersey I bought on clearance 5 years ago-$40
I i have one pair of Zoic Ether shorts that were under $50 on sale
np pants yet because I'm cheap and don't want to spend $100 for pants that might not fit my thicc thighs.
  • 3 0
 Shirts/pants: decathlon €10-40
Jacket: just move to a dry place or wait for global warming
Eyewear: in Europe some countries' health insurance will allow to get free Oakley's every 2 years.

With that said, I'm weirdly attracted to the TLD oversender overalls... And expensive stuff does feel better.
  • 1 0
 I only buy quality specific brands for shorts, shoes, and helmet, always in sale at the best possible price. For everything else Decathlon stuff is hard to beat price/quality wise, everything in my kit from socks to eyewear, including multitool, and hip pack are from them.

The MTB specific gear used to be very lycra inspired, but has being redesigned in the last seasons and is now on par with the big brands in terms of design/fit/colors.

Also as a personal opinion, any "designer" who designs a riding short without zippered pockets deserves to burn in hell for all eternity.
  • 3 0
 Plastic t-shirts and shorts are all the same. Just buy the cheap soccer and running stuff from TJ MAXX.

I only spend $$$ on eyewear because I need prescriptions.

I live in an expensive outdoorsy city so otherwise get the rest of my gear from thrift stores and closeout deals after tech bros dump last year's stuff.
  • 1 0
 Right. Where is the "I wear glasses, so they are expensive but not special" option?
  • 2 0
 I'll spend big money on head and eye protection since you don't get a second chance above the collar bone, but I've got about 50 tri-blend t-shirts from random vendors at work that will work just fine on a ride. Pants though? I'll kill a man for a full bag of NFs. Say what you will, but those DP4 bad boys fit like a wet dream.
  • 3 0
 since i discovered what gems i can pick from the second hand stores i don't buy new clothing at all. glasses are different story. eyeballs are difficult and expensive to fix so yeah - "shut up and take my money"
  • 1 0
 I need prescription lenses so have to spend big in glasses. I'm not convinced that more expensive means more protection though. Do manufacturers even claim superior protection, other than UV, for more expensive glasses?
  • 1 0
 @kevinturner12: yes ur right. i just wanted to refer to the construction safety glasses mentioned in one of the polls
  • 2 0
 I use UPF shirts that I get for cheap from Sierra (dermatologist says I need the sun protection). I don't skimp on the chamois, but everything else I do skimp on. But, I need prescription glasses which automatically makes them more expensive.
  • 4 1
 This needs to be paired with how long you keep the gear. Big difference between buying once and using it for 5+ years and people who spend the same amount but get new kits every season.
  • 1 0
 I learned to sew because of a hole in my $25 wool socks, and you better believe I’m punching a needle through my goretex jacket if it ever tears
  • 2 0
 Check out Kuhl brand pants with a tapered cut in the calf and large thighs perfect for cyclists. Such as:
"Renegade Rock Pant" for fall conditions
www.kuhl.com/kuhl/mens/pants/renegade-rock-pant/?color=INK%2520BLACK
or "Deceptr" for warmer conditions
www.kuhl.com/kuhl/mens/pants/new-deceptr/?color=Deep%20Pond
"Renegade" Shorts:
www.kuhl.com/kuhl/mens/shorts/renegade-short/?color=Burnt%20Olive

Though $99 and rarely on sale, they keep their shape and stay looking good over multiple seasons. And after a wash I can still wear them to my casual office job.
  • 1 0
 I always see their billboard along 1-80 near Dixon CA on my way home from Tahoe.
  • 2 0
 The button waist clasp is the worst. I like everything about kuhl except for this. I’ve gotten rid of all of my kuhl pants for this reason and switched to fjallraven.
  • 1 0
 @Chondog94: They’re cotton tho.
  • 1 0
 @Chondog94: I agree the Kuhl snap buttons are annoying. The Deceptr has a standard button instead of a snap. Hopefully they change all their pants to this style.
  • 1 0
 @Chondog94: buttons are fine, but they have to be the ones that snap and slide.....no idea their actual name. those are amazing.
  • 1 0
 @Chondog94: I almost bought a pair of their Keb pants for a hike up Mt Whitney but they all seem to be made in China.

P.S. Fjällräven is having a big Labor Day sale right now.
  • 2 0
 I have decent name brand stuff, but i buy it either closeout, outlet or second hand. By far the most expensive piece of riding clothing i own is the pb racing jersey that was 70 bucks or something. Only thing ive ever bought for full price.
  • 2 0
 Cheap rip off plastic Poc glasses from ebay, about £12. Face planted into a few pieces of slate that was wedged into the ground like an ancient caveman tool. They saved my eye, not sure if the real glass ones would have - i.imgur.com/iIVYjlo.jpg
  • 3 0
 Sport sunglasses don't have glass lens.
  • 1 0
 Wish there was an option for knock off jerseys from Ali Express. They’re actually really good material and nobody is any the wiser that they aren’t real Dharco. (I do always fess up, however)
  • 1 0
 @nozes: I thought the premium mtb sunglasses have tempered glass lenses? I've never had any because poor lol
  • 2 0
 Target All Motion Top - Polyester, good fit, available with UV protection - sub $25
Fox Ranger Shorts + chamois - $40
Houdini wind/rain shell - $100
Not a shred of cotton on me, quality mtb fit, everything is cheap enough to crash in
  • 2 0
 I don't always ride in "bike" apparel. I have some Outdoor Research pieces and some Icebreaker shirts. Sometimes I ride in boardshorts. Sometimes I ride in a regular cotton t-shirt. I also haven't been using a chamois much over the last couple years.

How frequent do I buy new bike apparel? Very rarely. I have had the same shirts for a couple years. Same shorts for 4 years. I buy new pieces before big trips that require more specific gear.
  • 3 0
 A lot of these ranges are too large as commented above and the descriptions often don’t match what a lot of people might associate with these ranges. Pretty poorly done survey. PB you can do better!
  • 2 0
 Can't stand polyester unfortunately which has led to merino wool being my material to ride in. That stuff is closing in on cocaine prices if you pay retail though so always keeping an eye out for sales...
The most expensive thing I wear apart from the helmets is a pair of Smith glasses, they're worth it imo and light years ahead of the pieces of $h1t Bliz glasses they replaced.
  • 5 0
 You can't beat Dickies for digging and riding.
  • 2 0
 Do they make synthetic or you taking cotton?
  • 4 1
 The super high end tends to be overkill. But the cheap is usually not even worth it. You really do get what you pay for in my experience on soft goods.
  • 5 0
 I buy stuff on deep discount in the off season.
  • 3 0
 Spending more on lower-body garments makes more sense to me. Spending the minimum on warm-weather jerseys has never caused overheating.
  • 3 0
 My riding gear is several years old. My glasses are the most expensive part, because they have corrective lenses and were f-ing expensive...
  • 2 0
 I've mostly found MTB clothes to be overpriced, often poorly designed and not very durable. Regular clothes I already have tend to do the job just as well and I don't look like a bellend - I think.
  • 2 0
 Most of these techies spend way too much money on everything... I see it far too often, and it is 100% a status thing... their skills rarely match up to the level of their kits.
  • 1 0
 I said it many times, riding apparel has become very over priced. I usually buy all of my riding apparel for the next year in advance when the have the Thanksgiving Sales. I'm also a fan of Oldnavy's Ultimate Tech Shorts as they dry quick, wore well and are priced economically.
  • 3 0
 Apart from shoes and shorts, I see no need to buy "bike specific" clothing at extortionate prices. I think I've spent under £200 total on riding apparel in the last 3 years.
  • 3 0
 Theres no option for "I only buy nice brands but specifically when they are having a big sale". Thats how I got Rapha shorts 60% off and a Troy Lee jersey for $19
  • 1 0
 Last time I was in my local shop they had all the shorts marked down. I was ready to buy, but inexplicably none of the shorts had decent pockets. I guess all the good designs could have already sold out?! But how did four or five brands all get it so wrong?

I do plan to splash out for some Abits when both pairs of my $28 Wranglers die, but it's taking longer than expected.
  • 2 0
 The Wrangler ATG pants are sweet and sometimes Target will have them in the $20ish dollar range. Learned about those from Singletracks a couple of years ago.
  • 2 0
 @Zoo1424: I think I read that same article and was so stoked when they showed up at Walmart here in Canada. So I have a couple pairs of those too. Only complaint being they look thrashed pretty quick, but that doesn't stop me wearing them.
The shorts, I don't remember the model name, but they seem almost designed for riding. Light weight with some stretch and three zipper pockets. The back ones are too wide to keep a phone upright (out of the saddle's way) but my wife can sew and was able to fix that in a few minutes.
  • 1 0
 outside of goggles when wearing a full face, I have never found a pair of glasses I don't drip sweat onto......I have some Oakley's that are magic for clarity, but the second a drop of sweat gets on them, it's like riding on a really solid mushroom trip.......I am guessing....I would never!
  • 1 0
 Pb polls about money are like "how rich are you?" and a surprisingly high amount of people just choose "yes"

No wonder we keep seeing entry level components on 5k$ builds and simple riding jerseys priced at 60 bucks. It's not tHe InDuStRy, it's all the people buying this stuff.
Then there are the bonus points for hating on capitalism and wanting to do "something for the environment".
  • 1 0
 I wear a lot of RideNF stuff because its super comfortable, incredibly well made and its supporting a company hand making their stuff in BC. The prices are pretty inline with a lot of the big brands getting their stuff out of Asia. It lasts forever so its worth it.
  • 1 0
 The longer the less.
Used to buy Fox, TLD, Endura, ION, .... but I am no longer willing to pay crazy prices for average products that last 1 season.
So I rather just wear normal clothes or functional non pricey working clothing.

Then I also do not end up looking like all the other shredders Wink
  • 1 0
 I discovered a few years ago that some golf shorts (made for golfers with larger sitting-in-cart-caused posteriors) work great for mountain biking. They have full coverage in the back (no one wants to see crack on the green), have great stretch (but not too stretchy), are longer than the current style for men’s shorts (I have nice thighs, but honestly I’d rather not show them off), and have pretty decent construction. I find pairs on sale for less than $10 and wear them until they tear (they usually last a while and tear because of something stupid, not worn out).
  • 1 0
 I ride everything from road to DH to occasionally BMX so my riding kit collection is quite varied. Jerseys I'm somewhat indifferent about, although it depends some on the ride I'm doing. Sometimes I'll trail ride without a pack and having decent rear pockets is nice. Sometimes they're not deep enough. Pants and baggy shorts, on the other hand, have been a real PITA since I need to ride with a belt and want shorts and pants with belt loops. My favorite shorts is a 10 year old Fox Sargent model that hasn't been in production for ages. I did find some Fox shorts that are similar, so I bought all the store had in my size. Long pants are even worse. My favorite pants are Club Ride riding jeans that are also discontinued. These are almost perfect - my main complaint is the side phone pocket could be a bit larger.
  • 1 0
 www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-water-repellent-mountain-bike-cycling-trousers/_/R-p-309674

This came up a few years ago. But for us in Europe, these trousers are perfect all rounders!

They get a bit saggy when drenched... But other than that, amazing value, stretchy and tidy pockets!
  • 1 0
 Check out Abit gear. They make pretty much the only shorts I wear on and off the bike. They last forever and have four zippered pockets. Simple and good fit. Local PNW company too.

abitgear.com/collections/frontpage
  • 1 0
 Ive been riding in these AND1 basketball shorts from walmart. There is a certain variety that is sooooo light and silky, They are long inseam and fit over knee pads well and are the airiest, most comfortable athletic short I've ever worn bar none and they are like 15 bucks. Whenever I wear actual bike shorts now they feel so bulky and restrictive.
  • 1 0
 I dont buy into bike riding gear, aside from Helmet and pads.
Do plenty of back packing and wild exploring so just use whats appropriate
to the weather, environment, its worked for me in all the time Ive been riding,
plus I can spend more on actual bike parts rather than some flimsy bike glove that
s h i t s inself on a thorn : )
  • 1 0
 Such a spectrum for me:

I have $200 riding pants because there are very few choices in a 36" inseam and they really do make a difference in function over my other tech pants with a cut with room for knee pads and close cuff to avoid being caught in the chain.

On the other hand any old tech tee works for a top for me.

I have expensive eye-wear as I really like a photochromic lens and found a pair with truly impressive anti-fog coatings, first pair of glasses I've ever been able to leave on during a climb and not fog up...

I'm sure the poller was trying to be tongue in cheak with the descriptions of expensive being all about latest and greatest fashion. But I'm sure there are a fair few of us that occasionally by expensive pieces for function but really do make them last a long time.
  • 4 1
 skinny jeans and a dri-fit/jersey-like/poly blend t shirt for park days all season long
  • 4 0
 Thrift stores - great deals.
  • 2 0
 I'm too self conscious and cheap, I'd have to be a lot faster to wear a fasthouse jersey and my dri fit shirts and amazon shorts have worked great for me.
  • 4 0
 If it aint on sale, I aint buying it.
  • 2 0
 Fit matters. For example, If I find shorts that fit perfectly, Ill buy 3 pairs all in black and wear them until they are completely worn out.
  • 1 0
 I've been riding for 30 years and have only found 1 pair of shorts that didn't fit properly. Have I just been lucky? What I find annoying is shorts that have a single press stud as a fastener.
  • 1 0
 Wrangler ATG pants from Target are $24 til Monday. f*ck a good majority of overpriced MTB gimmick gear.

www.target.com/p/wrangler-men-39-s-atg-slim-fit-taper-synthetic-trail-jogger-pants-caviar-30x30/-/A-79750517
  • 1 0
 These things are great.
  • 3 0
 Judging by these comments, no one is paying full price for anything. How do the manufacturers make any money?
  • 3 0
 They still make money on discounted stuff.
  • 1 0
 How is $50-$199 a useful cost band data-wise? I'll happily spend $50 on shorts but no chance I'd spend $199, and I don't expect I'm the only one, but we'll all be the same in PB's data.
  • 8 8
 Gym shorts. Cotton t shirt. Bulkpack socks. Nice gloves. Mid range sunnies. Helmet. Flat pedal shoes. Helmet cost more than all my clothes tbh. Mtb apparel is kinda cringe tbh
  • 12 4
 tbh, tbh
  • 6 2
 @mior: tbh, tru tbh
  • 6 1
 @mior: ngl, ngl
  • 4 1
 @mior: fax
  • 5 0
 Are you being honest?
  • 2 2
 @curtiscycles: A grandpa who's younger than me will be along shortly to DV you, too.
  • 2 0
 Thrift store T and amazon special riding pants. Mtb clothes are the biggest scam
  • 1 0
 i wear fishing shirts and button downs from cabelas. Shorts usually are a bike brand. Glasses I'll never spend more than $100 on
  • 3 0
 I buy Costco brand stuff for 12-25 bucks and it works just fine.
  • 1 0
 Bro just go a XL or 2XL t-shirt that costs like 10$ with baggy bike black shorts like a real freerider and use them until they can't stay on you due to huge tears.
  • 1 0
 Oversized baggy pants from the thrift store, taken in at the waist, fits shin and knee guards for cold weather riding. Not waterproof, though.
  • 2 0
 Whatever the next sacrificial garment costs at 60% off
  • 2 0
 A lot more than the Pinkbike Crew,
  • 3 5
 $4 clear lens riding glasses from Ali Express. They work and if I break one, oh well. These are mostly to stop the wind from drying out my contacts.

Everything else I wait for sales. Because screw paying $100 for a jersey and whatever amount for shorts.
  • 3 0
 Why are people down voting this? Lol

I guess offended by cheap clear eye wear that works?
  • 3 1
 @Canadmos: Cause It’s the internet. A third of these people are probably drunk. Who gives a rat’s rear end?
  • 4 0
 @TheR: I don't give a rat's rear end. In fact, hold my beer and watch this...
  • 1 0
 @Canadmos: That’s how you do it!
  • 1 0
 waterproof riding pants are a cold-rain riding necessity
$500 dungarees are a fashion faux pas.
  • 2 0
 Where’s the option where every clothing item gets turned into mtb wear
  • 2 0
 Pit viper eye wear. All day.
  • 1 0
 I prefer clear lens by a long shot, but safety glasses just don’t cut it for me. They seem to scratch and fog easily
  • 1 0
 I avoid expensive t-shirts, they got ripped anyway. Pants is more essential
  • 1 0
 Personally I just go to outlet stores for raincoats, keep my pants and shorts as long as possible and buy my glasses used
  • 1 0
 Where’s the spot for “I buy nice jerseys but they sit in a drawer while I wear a thrift store Hawaiian shirt”
  • 1 0
 I buy whatever I feel like but I only have one rule- Death before RRP.
  • 1 1
 Which options do we need to select so that the iNdUsTrY stops ripping us off for something we can get for $10 on amazon
  • 1 0
 Doesn't matter, the important thing is don't buy this overpriced stuff and brands will stop selling them
  • 1 0
 eBay is your friend for mountain biking products.
  • 1 0
 I don't buy on price, I buy on % discount and the number of pockets.
  • 1 0
 40-50% less than retail...;D
  • 1 0
 Too damn much. But most times it’s on sale.
  • 1 0
 Support your local used clothing store, Poshmark and Goodr glasses.
  • 1 1
 value village, 14$ pants all day every day. 8$ Ts. I don't need to buy special clothes to ride my bike
  • 1 0
 I just wish all this stuff had no logos or branding on it Blank Stare
  • 1 0
 no aliexpress option??
  • 1 0
 Old Swobo is best.
  • 1 2
 Sales and legacy pro-deals for me. NOLS alum ftw.
  • 6 9
 Riding in kit is kinda lame… vans t-shirts and jeans whatever the ride, dj or freeride
  • 1 0
 There is a ton of French Metal for heads like you! So much weird and evil BM and post-post-BM. I was just listening to some later-era Vous Autres at work. Very soothing. Bon Soir







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