JASONW322

Ok so recently I bought a road bike I've been saving up for quite some time( I'm 14 years old). I love biking so I would definitely want to get into it even more. The bike is a Specialized Diverge Elite DSW 2016. I have the bike ready and stuff, but I'm missing the riding gear. I usually bike in regular shorts in the summer and even jeans in the winter. I had enough of this kinda stuff so I'm wondering if you guys can help me out and advise me on stuff. Are there beginner gear that would be nice and cheap? I'm about 5'8-9" and 167 lbs. (yup I'm quite big)
Thanks guys

Corben

I recommend you watch this short video to get you headed in the right direction.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TEhySzO14ik

Butchchr

Hahaha I love the IFHT videos.

For cheap gear you can shop the bargain bin at Nashbar. They have their black Friday extra 20% off thing going on too. Though they seem to always have that happening.

Ebay can be a good source. I picked up a bunch of over ordered event jerseys from a Gran Fondo for $12 and change each, shipped.

As far as preferences I like bibs a whole lot more than shorts. Even though they tend to cost a little more.
I'll wear anything for a jersey, gloves, socks, and shoes. I have many different brands and styles. I go with what fits and is cheap.

On today's ride I had: Northwave shoes, smart wool socks, new balance tights, specialized bibs, craft compression shirt for a base layer, taymory jersey, and bontrager gloves. Only the bibs were purchased at full price (I really like them and sought out several pairs) everything else was on sale or a gift.

habilis

Wearing bike-specific clothing is fun. I suppose it gives a psychological boost, making one feel like a "pro." Back in the day (I won't say how long ago) I had all the stuff, including cleated shoes that you couldn't walk more than a few steps in. Without the uniform, you were ostracized by "serious" bikers.

Now, I'm back to cargo shorts and jeans. There's no big change of clothing before and after every ride. One thing I insist on, however, is high-visibility shirts and jackets for road riding, plus a helmet, of course. I have a Wolfbike fluorscent green jacket for cool weather, large enough to wear over a sweatshirt. For warm weather, a fuorescent green or orange T-shirt form Walmart is sufficient. The treatment from motorists is completely different when I'm visible.

doctor j

Academy Sports usually has some inexpensive shorts and jerseys that will get you started.

a1penguin

Nashbar, Performance Bike are reputable places to purchase gear. There's also Aerotech Designs which seems to have decent prices and good selection. Do you have an REI near you? You can find decent deals on the sale rack. Now is the time to purchase discounted summer gear. In the spring, purchase the winter stuff on sale.

I like cycling specific jerseys because they have zippers and pockets in the rear. Also cycling shorts have padding. For winter riding, I buy base layers really cheap at stores like Marshalls (I scored an Under Armor long sleeve cold wear shirt for $15!) and wear that under a cycling jersey. Any technical clothing will be good at wicking away sweat and be more comfortable than cotton.

While people mention ebay, I would be wary of purchasing new cycling clothing from China; I've seen people claim that it is thin and quality is not good.

Congrats on the nice looking bike! That's quite an accomplishment to save and earn for it.

JamesRL

I have these liners, which you can wear under regular shorts and still get the padding: MEC Ace Cycling Liner Shorts (Men's) - Mountain Equipment Co-op. Free Shipping Available Note the price is in Canadian dollars. You can probably find technical T shirts on sale at some point, I got some at a store closing, but I've seen them 50% off at Old Navy. I do wear full shorts and jerseys but having the technical shirts and liner shorts gives me other options. I do ride with a small seat pack where I can stuff my keys and a few bucks along with my spare tube.

jgadamski

if you are 14, there is a fair chance you are size small or medium, which are often the only sizes available at REI and other retailers who have a clearance department on their website. If you can fit small or medium, check out REI bargain section.

BikingZombie

JASONW322, pay attention to habilis' post as he hits the nail on the head.

Just wear what's comfortable and applicable to the weather. If you're doing some actual racing you might want specific gear, but in my personal opinion people put too much emphasis on having specific kits. Your profile doesn't list where you live, so I don't know if your winter riding will be snowy or just some chill, but overall wear whatever makes your ride comfortable and visible, and your destination activity do-able.

I usually prefer a wicking shirt on top with a wool longer sleeve over that when it gets colder. On bottom I wear ExOfficio Gine-n-Go Sport Mesh boxers with whatever pants, usually jeans or some cargo shorts.

MichaelW

What kind of climate zone are you in?
You can wear cycling shorts as underwear under windproof/leggings/cargo shorts. Jeans have very thick seams and are best avoided for extended riding.
If you layer up with cycling tops, you start to stack up on rear pockets which gets uncomfortable. No-name wickable, synthetic T-shirts and long-sleeve base layers and light fleece midlayers work as well/better in winter.

alathIN

Personally I think cycling-specific shorts/pants are the ones that make the biggest difference, especially on longer rides.

Most other cycling gear has marginal advantages that you may or may not wind up liking. I do like cycling gloves and shoes with cleats. But bike shorts is the one bike-specific article of clothing that I would not want to do without.

NYMXer

Not just the "kit", but the right bike too. I joined a cycling club recently and announced at my first ride that I was a mtn biker looking for an alternative to just riding single tracks.
Well, the looked at me in my regular shorts and shirt, cheap alum bike and concluded I would just go away. Oh, I was also taught what it means to be dropped if I can't keep up because I insisted that I could ride with a higher level than was suggested.
So, off we went and I did go away, to the front up every climb. Proving that clothing or bike are not as important as someone who just wants to ride and have a good time while doing so.
Lesson learned, just ride and have fun. To those that matter, your gear won't mind. To those that mind, your gear won't matter!