09-12-11, 05:01 PM
I've got Weise Psycho trousers (about £120ish) and a Hein Gericke prosport textile jacket (£60 in the sale).
The trousers I'd definitely reccommend (as do Ride), they have a removable liner and a leather(ish) patch on the arse which stops you sliding around on the seat.
I've had the jacket a couple of years now and the waterproofing has started to fail in heavy rain. I'm going to try and get it back with some Nikwax spray but if that doesn't work I've had great use out of it for the money I paid and will keep it as a spare.
Protection wise they both have the standard pads; knee and hip in the trousers (by Knox) and shoulder, elbow and back in the jacket (HG's own).
My thinking on the whole gear subject is; if it's designed for biking and is a reasonably established brand, the materials will work if they need to and the padding will be tested to EU standards. Nothing, regardless of price, will make you invincible but hopefully it'll cushion the blow and protect your skin if you end up bouncing/sliding down the road.
If you're looking to keep it cheap, look in clearance sections of retailers for last years styles. Go for (waterproof) textile jacket and trousers with removable linings so you can wear them into late spring. If/when the waterproofing begins to fail get an oversuit or some cheap waterproofs (worth having these as a backup under your seat in summer anyway).
Also, save some pennies for summer gear for if/when it warms up.
The trousers I'd definitely reccommend (as do Ride), they have a removable liner and a leather(ish) patch on the arse which stops you sliding around on the seat.
I've had the jacket a couple of years now and the waterproofing has started to fail in heavy rain. I'm going to try and get it back with some Nikwax spray but if that doesn't work I've had great use out of it for the money I paid and will keep it as a spare.
Protection wise they both have the standard pads; knee and hip in the trousers (by Knox) and shoulder, elbow and back in the jacket (HG's own).
My thinking on the whole gear subject is; if it's designed for biking and is a reasonably established brand, the materials will work if they need to and the padding will be tested to EU standards. Nothing, regardless of price, will make you invincible but hopefully it'll cushion the blow and protect your skin if you end up bouncing/sliding down the road.
If you're looking to keep it cheap, look in clearance sections of retailers for last years styles. Go for (waterproof) textile jacket and trousers with removable linings so you can wear them into late spring. If/when the waterproofing begins to fail get an oversuit or some cheap waterproofs (worth having these as a backup under your seat in summer anyway).
Also, save some pennies for summer gear for if/when it warms up.
thou shalt not kick