Csdhlhcky

Looking to buy a real high-quality pair of bibs and a jersey that will last me a while. I'm just sick and tired of buying $100 bibs and having to deal with sub-par chamois and replacing the bibs year after year. I also would like to get a nice jersey with them as well. I have heard good things about the Rapha Pro jerseys, are the Pro bibs up to the same quality level?

Any brand suggestions are welcome! I'm not necessarily looking to spend $500 on a kit, but something with reasonable pricing in comparison to quality would be justified.

Also, on a sort-of related note, who here wears base layers? The whole concept of them in the high heat seems foreign to me. Riding here in Houston though, I'm looking for anything to cool me down while riding.

TJKnight

The Castelli seamless is the best baselayer I have ever worn. It's perfect for high heat. It's pricey but hold its form well over hundreds of rides.

My favorite kit is Panache: Panache Cyclewear - American Style. Racer Bred. Beyond Category

Reality33

Another vote for the Castelli seamless mentioned above.
I also use the Giordana Sleeveless Lightweight Tubular here in Florida during the summers and it works great.

As for the kit itself, I have had great luck with Bontrager and Alé gear. I have the Bontrager RL and RSL kit and they are quite nice. The Alé kit is their PRR line I believe. The colors are a bit bright but the chamois are comfortable and the wear is excellent.

Csdhlhcky

I've checked out Panache in the past, they have some very nice looking stuff. Have you tried any of the Rapha gear? What have you been able to compare the Panache stuff to?

TJKnight

I have one Rapha wool baselayer that I like for rain rides.

Panache is comparable to high end Castelli, which I also recommend-- the inferno bibs and aero race jersey are great for high heat.

indyfabz

I have a Rapha base layer but would never wear it when it's warm, much less hot, out. In the cool and cold, it's terrific. I am about to pay off my mortgage. I may treat myself to a kit from Rapha. I got my GF a Rapha jersey for Christmas and she loves it.

Silvercivic27

Assos kit, Craft Baselayer. /thread.

stlcowboyfan

Man, I bought a a pair of Panache bib shorts and I could not be happier. I have Gore Bike wear, a couple of pairs of Pearl Izumi and some cheapie Ebay ones....the fit of the Panache can't be beat. I almost want to wear them every time I ride.

bruce19

Last season I bought my first bit of Assos kit, a pair of bibs. I now have three bibs, and four jerseys along with two pair of socks. I am totally sold on Assos.

Csdhlhcky

Where is the best place to buy their stuff? All the strange naming and such confuses me

dalava

Assos kits are very nice, so are Rapha. I think they both have a great combination of fabric and chamois (for shorts), and pretty good looking. Yes you are paying premium for their stuff, but the attention to detail and the longivity of the kit will probably in the long run make them worth it. For bibshorts, you really can't find anything better than the ones from Assos. The S5 is their older version, and the S7 is the current version. I really liked the S5 UNO and S7 t.equipe: both are in their lower priced range (but still pricing enough) but I find them to be more comfortable than the thicker ones in their endurance line. There is Assos Outlet website where you may be able to find the S5 bibshorts. For jerseys, Raphas are great. The best for normal weather is the classic jersey made with sportswool, and the Pro Team jersey is the best hot weather jersey I've ever worn.

No offence to Castelli, Giordana, Panache, et al, I think Assos and Rapha are on a different level, and if you are looking for the best, your search would lead you there at the end.

eric1971

Discount ASSOS Cycling Clothing Sale - Cheapest Prices Online | ASSOS Official Factory Outlet

I'm just not willing to pay full price for Assos, but their stuff is very good imo. The bibs are the most comfortable I have worn and have a high quality look and feel.

SpeshulEd 

I just picked up my first Black Sheep kit and I'm very impressed with the quality.

+Black Sheep Cycling | Premium Cycling Clothing.

Jofu

The pictures of the guy in bib and sunglasses just made me chuckle Very, errrr... classy!

Geoff

VeeArSix

I just received a merino wool kit from Eleven Velo. I'm very impressed with the quality and will definitely be ordering more from them. Price was very reasonable, $279 shipped from Australia to US.

rpenmanparker 

Let us know how a base layer works in Houston. I'm there too, and would never consider such a thing. When evaporative cooling is suppressed to near zero by such high humidity, it seems to me that only the insulating effect of the base layer would be observed. And thst is something you surely don't need. If you try it, I would like to know how it works for you.

dalava

Nothing works in Houston's humidity. Go shirtless.

bruce19

This is where I've bought a lot of their stuff. Sometimes Competitive Cyclist has a decent sale too.

Oldhead

Base layer I wear heatout from cycle gear. As far as bibs My voler bibs are the best pair by far. They make my Pearl Izumi elite bibs feel like cheap ebay stuff.