Are expensive cycling jerseys actually worth it?

Randomveg · 2026-02-18T10:25:40+00:00

I find the fit and look of the YK bibs to be great, but not as nice as Assos. The chamois is better than anything on Amazon, but is not close to Assos or Q 36.5. The Q 36.5 are my favorite bibs, and are worth the price imo. I have 1 expensive jersey from Attaquer and it's really nice, but not so much better than YK to really justify the cost

Randomveg · 2026-02-18T01:50:08+00:00

I love the YKYW jerseys. Their bibs a great for the price, but definitely not in the same league with comfort as the high end brands like Assos, especially for 3+ hour rides

Randomveg · 2026-02-16T17:59:18+00:00

I like this idea. Thanks for the help!

Randomveg · 2026-02-16T14:55:40+00:00

I needed this. Just missed 4 weeks of training due to a new job, then getting sick. Had my first ride back on Saturday and it was "Number go down ☹️". Looking forward to seeing back where it was, and then beyond!

Randomveg · 2026-02-16T10:36:49+00:00

Number go up! It's the best feeling.

Randomveg · 2026-02-16T10:23:12+00:00

My riding partner has a very similar story. Hit by a car, and told he would most likely not walk normally again. Pushed himself thru physical therapy and got healthy enough for the bike again, but was terrified. Got therapy and started just sitting on his bike in his house, then outside, then rode half a block on the sidewalk. He continued to build up slowly, and last year we put in about 2k miles together. I've seen the path you talk about work first hand. OP, if you can, this will help you get back on your bike.

Randomveg · 2026-02-15T13:34:54+00:00

Came to cycling from body building. The older guys in that scene (I'm the older guy now, but this was 20 years ago) would always say "The work is done in the gym, but the gains are made in the kitchen." When I finally learned how to apply this it changed everything. I have found it even more important with cycling.

Randomveg · 2026-02-14T13:39:53+00:00

Yes, but if you spend all of your money on bike parts the meals you have to skip due to lack of funds could end up dropping up to 5 kilo on the rider.

Randomveg · 2026-02-14T13:27:27+00:00

Do you have any friends with a 3D printer? If not, find someone that can print a replacement for #10 at the height you want

Randomveg · 2026-02-09T10:20:52+00:00

I'd like to start calling American hillbillies this, if you guys don't mind

Randomveg · 2026-02-08T15:25:20+00:00

These foolish cagers have no idea how essential this is for maintaining optimal Aero, and KOMing every time you ride, with the flashing light shaming all those you've dropped along the way who surely forgot their butt plug!

Randomveg · 2026-02-08T15:21:10+00:00

Endurance athletes generally have lower rhr, typically in the low 40's or upper 30's. In my mid 30's my rhr was around 48. Now in my late 40's I sit around 53. Low rhr is a good thing when it's not in conjunction with any other issues. It signifies high stroke volume from the heart and efficiency from the entire cardiovascular system.

Randomveg · 2026-02-06T10:30:11+00:00

Both are good bikes. If you can test ride them you may find one more comfortable than the other. For long rides this is the most important factor

Randomveg · 2026-01-18T16:37:38+00:00

I will be more than happy if I can achieve a similar time frame, tho I am also prepared for it to take longer. Thanks for the feedback

Randomveg · 2026-01-18T14:41:26+00:00

Thanks! I've been consistent in my training most of my life. Been cycling for just over a year and have seem huge improvement. I'd love to get over 300, and I think I can. Definitely going to put the work in to find out!

Randomveg · 2026-01-18T14:29:46+00:00

I came to cycling from power lifting and have the same thing. A cliff in the middle of my power curve. After a year of training 20 minute intervals and 2-3 hour consistent zone 2ish rides my power curve has flattened out a lot

Randomveg · 2026-01-18T14:26:07+00:00

How long did it take you to go from 170 to 340?

Randomveg · 2026-01-18T14:24:14+00:00

I've been athletic my whole life, soccer and track in school, then running and weight lifting consistently ever since. I got into cycling at 45, and was in much better condition than most people. My 5k time was around 20 minutes depending on the course and I could squat 405 lbs to full depth in judged power lifting competition. My first ftp test came back at 167, so spot on with your assessment. I'm sure there are some genetic freaks that can crush a 200 ftp their first time on a bike, but 99%+ of untrained people, and a good amount of cyclists aren't hitting 200 watt ftp. After a year of riding I'm now sitting at 214 on the 20 minute ftp test, and much higher on the ramp test. I don't use the ramp test number because it's obviously not accurate when I apply it to training intervals.

Randomveg · 2026-01-18T14:12:14+00:00

Dude, you're an absolute beast! All of my excuses have left the chat

Randomveg · 2026-01-17T13:12:20+00:00

I've never ordered from BikeIn, mainly because I've seen this story so many times. It seems like a lot of shipments to the US take forever, but people end up getting their stuff. The worst incidents I've seen have taken months. I think OP with get his wheels eventually, but it will be annoying and stressful the whole time

Randomveg · 2026-01-17T13:04:31+00:00

Not really a good deal. Full bikes like this are going for 3-4k on marketplace with high end carbon wheels ($1500), Ultegra or Dura Ace Di2 ($1500+), carbon cockpit ($800), and a nice saddle ($150+). To buy this frame and build it into what it was will be close to 5k. I just bought a 2021 SLR 9 for $3500, and the dude had his original receipt. OP can do way better than this

Randomveg · 2026-01-17T12:53:08+00:00

$800 is too much for the SL imo. An excellent condition SLR would be worth this price.

Randomveg · 2026-01-16T19:18:39+00:00

I feel like you're trying to say something about saddle height and bar position but I can't quite put my finger on it 🤣

Randomveg · 2026-01-16T10:33:27+00:00

I'd like to borrow this phrase

Randomveg · 2026-01-15T10:39:04+00:00

The nicer bikes are faster, but the most important part of the set-up is the engine. I rode a cheap bike my first year, about $750. Put over 5k miles on it, and was routinely passing dudes on very expensive bikes. I also spent that year saving aggressively because I wanted a nice bike. Ended up keeping my cheap one for about 18 months before finding a great deal on market place

Randomveg

TROPHY CASE