Originally Posted by
Mtracer
I've only used relatively inexpensive bibs and tights. But they have done the job well. I've worn out some pairs out, but only after 2-3 seasons. Some of the inexpensive jerseys are starting to fade a little, but again this is after 4-5 seasons.
That’s another area in which quality really pays off: durability. I don’t know how much riding you did in those bibs and tights in two or three seasons, but I get a lot of hard use out of more expensive bibs. I’ve got two pair of Rapha bibshorts that I bought about seven years ago and have worn quite heavily – – I’ve probably averaged at least 1500 miles per year in each pair. They are just now starting to show a bit of wear and tear. Ditto for a pair of Assos jerseys that I bought a long time ago – – after 10 years of very hard use, one of the zippers failed but was easily replaced, for about $10, by a local seamstress. Otherwise, the jerseys were still in terrific shape.
I’d rather buy good stuff once and enjoy it for a long time then buy a lot of cheap nasty junk that doesn’t even last very long.