Is Expensive Cycling Apparel Really Worth It, or Is It Just Hype?

[Shawn Gossman]

Do premium brands like Rapha, Castelli, or Assos truly outperform budget options?

What features matter most in cycling apparel: comfort, durability, aerodynamics, or style?

Have you ever felt the difference between cheap and expensive gear on long rides?

Is cycling apparel becoming more about fashion than function?

Share your go-to brands for affordability or performance—what works for you?

Do you think expensive gear creates a “barrier to entry” for new cyclists?

 

[Rom]

The challenge is ALWAYS: Define expensive.

I've ever had a super fancy kit like rapha, casetilli or assos. That being said I've worn pactimo kit and its nice. Arguably nicer than my black bibs stuff. That being said, I dont see myself really moving away from black bibs as the cost is reasonable.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

The challenge is ALWAYS: Define expensive.

I've ever had a super fancy kit like rapha, casetilli or assos. That being said I've worn pactimo kit and its nice. Arguably nicer than my black bibs stuff. That being said, I dont see myself really moving away from black bibs as the cost is reasonable.

See, I have some Pactimo stuff, too. My Townsend, TN kit is Pactimo. It's nice but my Black Bibs stuff fits me way better and to be is way more comfortable.

Black Bibs is a premium cycling apparel that the company just forgot to put a bigger price tag on haha. The same with NeoPro!

 

[Rom]

Well Black Bibs doesn't make their money from that line. It's probably a low profit margin. They make money on the Starlight Apparel line

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Well Black Bibs doesn't make their money from that line. It's probably a low profit margin. They make money on the Starlight Apparel line

Kind of like Aero Tech Designs. Their consumer apparel is fairly priced and very durable. They do custom, though, and it's expensive with MIN orders.

 

[Rom]

Kind of like Aero Tech Designs. Their consumer apparel is fairly priced and very durable. They do custom, though, and it's expensive with MIN orders.

I'm mostly in the market for winter kit right now as I really enjoyed my bike commute this week and can see myself doing it more. If for nothing else but to get more hours on the bike.