Bike jerseys are my favorite! They can be as unique or as simple as you want. In fact, you can even get custom bike jerseys made (no, I haven't done this YET). I think I currently own six jerseys. I definitely don't need that many, but I can't resist - especially when I get them for a deal on Ebay or Craig's List. My favorite jersey came from a recent vacation to Napa Valley. We went to the Spoke Folk Cyclery in Healdsburg, CA. (Some very nice people there - ask for Kimberly. She's cool.)
On a side note, I think bike jerseys would be really cute with jeans and some funky sandals, but the husband disagrees. I haven't decided for sure yet, but I might try to start that trend. Stay tuned for more info. on "Bike Jersey Friday." It's coming...
The one downfall is that bike jersey fabric is easy to pick and then they look tacky and worn. So you really have to take care of your biking apparel and wash by hand. This is somewhat of a pain.
This is my favorite jersey from Spoke Folk Cyclery.
Then there's the shoes and clips (notice I've skipped the spandex bike shorts and went straight to the feet - again, spandex, so gross). I don't think there are quite as many options on shoes as there are on bike jerseys, but there are still many. I guess it mostly depends on what kinds of clips you have. I have Shimano SPDs. I like them, but I will say I take a long time to clip in which is bad when I'm stopped at a light and trying to cross the street, but I'm still not sure if that's user error or not. While I typically love shopping for shoes, bike shoes aren't exactly my favorite. They're not stylish, and they make you walk funny. I'm considering purchasing those mountain bike shoes that fit more like a tennis shoe. Anyone have thoughts or experiences on that one? The other option is to go with SpeedPlay clips for no other reason then they come in pink and that's just cool. Hopefully, clipping in faster would just come with the territory.
The most important piece of gear for cycling is the helmet. You must protect your brain. You need your brain to go to work and do a good job so you can pay for all your hobbies - like biking. I don't really know what else to say about that one except go buy a helmet BEFORE you make cycling a hobby.
This is my current helmet (BORING), but it does save lives...
Then come the accessories. There's bike jackets, arm warmers, foot warmers, gloves, tights, sunglasses, little funny-looking mirrors that attach to your helmet or sunglasses so you can see behind you, bike bags, water bottles, bike computers, gps watches, and much more I'm sure, but this list is getting ridiculous.
I also have a Garmin GPS watch that I'm still getting used to. It's huge - like literally wearing a computer on your arm. But, it does make me look like I know what I'm doing.
OK, I guess I have to say something about spandex shorts since you have to wear them (unless you enjoy having a numb butt). I recommend first trying them on in the fitting room. This will more than likely be an unpleasant experience (well, maybe it's only bad for cows - I don't know). Whatever you do, don't try them on with a full stomach. You'll want to die. Second, the more uncomfortable these shorts are in the fitting room, the more comfortable they'll be on your bike. I remember thinking that there was no way I would ever wear my shorts again. They felt like I was wearing a diaper. But I was forced to get them because I had bike plans the next day. Let's just say I've never regretted that purchase. Your spandex is another thing you'll want to wash delicately and take care of. They don't come cheap and I don't know anyone who wants to spend a lot of money on that! I have two pairs of bike shorts. My Pearl Izumi's (the diaper shorts) I wear on longer rides and the Quest shorts are for 20 miles and under.
I told my husband about this post before it was published and he asked if I was going to include things about wrenches and stuff. That's why I changed the name of this post from "Cycling Gear" to "A Girly Perspective on Cycling Gear." For any guys reading this, wrenches and other things manly will be included in a later post about tools and equipment (something I still need to learn more about).
So, do any of you have any bike gear or accessories you really like - besides a basket? (Although I do have one of those on my leisure bike, too.)
On another note, blogging is fun. My only problem is that I read these posts 8 million times before I publish. Will I ever get over that?
Happy cycling,
Chelsea
These are my gloves. I thought about investing in a cool pair, but I've since learned that when you need to wipe your nose mid-ride, this is where it goes. Lesson learned?
Don't spend a lot of money on gloves.
I also have a Garmin GPS watch that I'm still getting used to. It's huge - like literally wearing a computer on your arm. But, it does make me look like I know what I'm doing.
This is my Garmin GPS watch. Not attractive, but functional...I guess.
OK, I guess I have to say something about spandex shorts since you have to wear them (unless you enjoy having a numb butt). I recommend first trying them on in the fitting room. This will more than likely be an unpleasant experience (well, maybe it's only bad for cows - I don't know). Whatever you do, don't try them on with a full stomach. You'll want to die. Second, the more uncomfortable these shorts are in the fitting room, the more comfortable they'll be on your bike. I remember thinking that there was no way I would ever wear my shorts again. They felt like I was wearing a diaper. But I was forced to get them because I had bike plans the next day. Let's just say I've never regretted that purchase. Your spandex is another thing you'll want to wash delicately and take care of. They don't come cheap and I don't know anyone who wants to spend a lot of money on that! I have two pairs of bike shorts. My Pearl Izumi's (the diaper shorts) I wear on longer rides and the Quest shorts are for 20 miles and under.
I told my husband about this post before it was published and he asked if I was going to include things about wrenches and stuff. That's why I changed the name of this post from "Cycling Gear" to "A Girly Perspective on Cycling Gear." For any guys reading this, wrenches and other things manly will be included in a later post about tools and equipment (something I still need to learn more about).
So, do any of you have any bike gear or accessories you really like - besides a basket? (Although I do have one of those on my leisure bike, too.)
On another note, blogging is fun. My only problem is that I read these posts 8 million times before I publish. Will I ever get over that?
Happy cycling,
Chelsea
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