Apparel

I have been asked what brands I like to use so here you go!! Even though it has been stated before, I prefer to get things on sale, clearance, discount, etc. All brands will be italicized.

TOPS: When it comes to jerseys, I use whatever I find on ebay, but it must be a great deal or I will not purchase it. Bret's jersey (it's red and orange) is a Squadra and my jersey (blue and orange) is from Verge. On the colder days, we each use a plain black long-sleeve base-layer. Note: Stores like Ross, TJMaxx, Marshalls, etc., are great places to find base-layers for good prices. I think we spent about $10/base-layer. I also have a light-weight Champions black, red, and white jacket that I purchased on clearance from TJMaxx for $7 and a sleeveless white and pink Nike Golf shirt that I bought on clearance from Ross for $5!

BOTTOMS: I use Castelli's gel padded brief shorts that I got off of ebay (see photo on the left). How I wear them: (1) under a pair of pants, usually the nylon track style; (2) under a pair of Magellan Outdoors polyester shorts I purchased from Academy Sports for $15, or (3) by themselves. When it's colder outside, I use a pair of Zimco cycling tights that I borrow from Bret; again, he bought them off of ebay (the only seller we have seen that sells the Zimco brand is Zimco Imports & Exports). We do like the tights as they are pretty warm and usually fairly inexpensive, but what we have noticed is that they have some minimal pilling just after just a few washes. It's a little annoying but we are not going to go out and purchase anything else. We really do like the Zimco tights. Bret is also intrigued about the bib tights and bib shorts and he might be purchase those in the future.

SOCKS: I use athletic moisture-wicking socks that Bret purchases from work as he gets them at quite the nice discount. I use Nikes and New Balance plus another brand I can't remember the name of it.

SHOES: I don't use the specialized clipless shoes yet, just regular sneakers. Currently, I am using my Nike sneakers. They are rather bulky on my pedals so I am trying to figure out other shoes that I can use that are a bit more narrow. Bret also wears a pair of bulky Nike shoes. When we are able to purchase clipless shoes, I want to purchase the Specialized BG Elite in white/blue. It's actually a men's shoe but it fits my foot perfectly, especially around my heel cups. Buying shoes for me is rather frustrating. With Bret, we hope that we don't have to spend too much dough. He has large feet (US sizing is between a 15-16); in bicycle shoes, it's a European size 50.

COMPUTER*: We each have a Bell F12 cycling monitor but we haven't put it on the bikes yet. This is why I haven't put any information regarding our average speeds, maximum speeds, etc. When we do start use them (next ride), I will make a page with those stats. I must admit that I am quite interested in what those statistics will actually say about my riding skills and capabilities. Thankfully, even if the numbers are low and somewhat on the crappy side, at least I know that I can only improve those numbers. I look forward to that!! What I do like about the monitor is that the numbers are large and easy to read despite the fact that screen size on the monitor is fairly small. It's also pretty easy to go through the different functions. We bought the computers from Target for about $12.

HELMET: I use a Giro Saros helmet that I purchased from Performance Bicycles on sale. I believe it is a 2009 model.

*I know this is not considered apparel, but I felt like putting it in here. My bike wears it so I am considering it to be my bike's apparel. :)

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