Josh, thanks for this video. I have a question for you and others in your community. I recently got into gravel riding last year and use my bike for about 95% daily commuting (Diamondback Haanjo 3). I recently entered myself into my first gravel race back in the beginning of June and had a blast. Unfortunately I have now been hooked but I saw all the other "pros" being fully kitted out in all the gear. For commuting I wear just normal bike shorts similar to your video and MTB flats but nothing else. I recently purchased bike liners with a pad for my longer weekend rides but that is about it. I am being very much influenced to get all the gear (bibs, jersey, clipless pedals/shoes, etc) but as you very well know its a large investment. Before I drop a ton of money on gear to look like a real rider, do you recommend just sticking to a few things for now? I dont see myself going pro or really carrying about breaking STRAVA records so im not really sure if all the gear is really worth it. Right now on my long rides on the weekend I just wear a workout shirt (loose fitting), bike short liners, bike shorts and MTB flats. My next purchase may be a clipless setup but not really sure that is worth it. Please help!
Hi @cftether, Thanks for the comment. I think it’s very easy to go out and spend tons of money on bike clothing I would personally start from the toes up (obviously not skipping the helmet part) but not too long ago I found myself doing most of my rides in “casual clothes”. While I do see a big separation (especially on the internet) between camp bibs and camp casual I don’t think this really should exist. Why can’t people ride in casual when they want and then throw on bibs and jersey if they want to for a different ride. For me it’s a comfort and distance thing when it comes to casual and or bibs/jersey not saying you can’t do big distance in casual clothes just saying that’s when I reach for bibs and jersey. Back to your point though… I think you’ll find most benefit from a good set of mtb shoes and clipless pedals over bibs and jersey. For example when I ride in casual clothes I still have (most of the time anyway) clipless pedals. Again there will be a huge community online that is either for or against clipless pedals and the “benefits” or lack thereof. Again I say why do we have to pick sides? I like running clipless and also riding flats with sandals or vans. In your search for clothing and gear I would say watch videos, read forums and blogs, but ultimately go with and try what feels right for you. If you are clipless curious I would suggest trying to find a used set of pedals and some used shoes. My friend Steve got used pedals and shoes for I want to say under $40. If you think it’s something you’ll be into then buy the shoes and pedals you want so as to not spend twice. Then after riding clipless go up to bibs with a t-shirt or some sort of tech shirt. Then jersey. One recommendation for bibs is look for ones with cargo pockets if you want to wear them with a shirt. Ornot has great ones that I’ve talked about on the channel you really can’t feel the items in the pockets once they are in there. Hope this helps Cheers ! JRP
@@JoshRomeroYT This helps a lot. Right now I use a bar bag for my longer rides to stuff my snacks and tools in but a bib with pockets would definitely help. My main goal right now is to lose weight and gain fitness and just plain enjoy the ride so I havent been so eager to buy all the kit to help lower my watts on the road for speed. I am looking at getting clipless shoes and pedals though to help with the long rides and just stick to my "casual" kit. I also see that they make dual clipless and flat pedals with each on its respective side of the pedal which to me sounds like a good idea but ill have to try it out to tell. Awesome vids by the way. I also look forward to new videos because I feel like your riding style and commuting/racing lifestyle closely fits my interests.
@@cftether I have all there gear, but slowly built it up by only buying on sale or used (not used bibs though.) Be patient and you'll end up finding some bargains!
Definitely worth a shot. By the looks of the Rapha short this one might seem to be shorter in the inseam but if that’s cool with you then I’d give them a try !
It’s the Ornot UV Trail shirt. It’s a collaboration with Chris McNally www.ornotbike.com/products/uv-trail-shirt-mcnally-sketches?variant=44947074777380
![Gunna - HIM ALL ALONG [Official Visualizer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HiCxoDeo0hc/mqdefault.jpg)
Great shorts, just got mine today!
Socks with sandals. I'm not the only one!
I have three pair of shorts, one pant and a casual shirt. Good stuff. I’m glad they opened the pocket more but sizing is still weird-ish.
Josh, thanks for this video. I have a question for you and others in your community. I recently got into gravel riding last year and use my bike for about 95% daily commuting (Diamondback Haanjo 3). I recently entered myself into my first gravel race back in the beginning of June and had a blast. Unfortunately I have now been hooked but I saw all the other "pros" being fully kitted out in all the gear. For commuting I wear just normal bike shorts similar to your video and MTB flats but nothing else. I recently purchased bike liners with a pad for my longer weekend rides but that is about it. I am being very much influenced to get all the gear (bibs, jersey, clipless pedals/shoes, etc) but as you very well know its a large investment. Before I drop a ton of money on gear to look like a real rider, do you recommend just sticking to a few things for now? I dont see myself going pro or really carrying about breaking STRAVA records so im not really sure if all the gear is really worth it. Right now on my long rides on the weekend I just wear a workout shirt (loose fitting), bike short liners, bike shorts and MTB flats. My next purchase may be a clipless setup but not really sure that is worth it. Please help!
Hi @cftether,
Thanks for the comment. I think it’s very easy to go out and spend tons of money on bike clothing I would personally start from the toes up (obviously not skipping the helmet part) but not too long ago I found myself doing most of my rides in “casual clothes”. While I do see a big separation (especially on the internet) between camp bibs and camp casual I don’t think this really should exist. Why can’t people ride in casual when they want and then throw on bibs and jersey if they want to for a different ride. For me it’s a comfort and distance thing when it comes to casual and or bibs/jersey not saying you can’t do big distance in casual clothes just saying that’s when I reach for bibs and jersey. Back to your point though… I think you’ll find most benefit from a good set of mtb shoes and clipless pedals over bibs and jersey. For example when I ride in casual clothes I still have (most of the time anyway) clipless pedals. Again there will be a huge community online that is either for or against clipless pedals and the “benefits” or lack thereof. Again I say why do we have to pick sides? I like running clipless and also riding flats with sandals or vans. In your search for clothing and gear I would say watch videos, read forums and blogs, but ultimately go with and try what feels right for you. If you are clipless curious I would suggest trying to find a used set of pedals and some used shoes. My friend Steve got used pedals and shoes for I want to say under $40. If you think it’s something you’ll be into then buy the shoes and pedals you want so as to not spend twice. Then after riding clipless go up to bibs with a t-shirt or some sort of tech shirt. Then jersey. One recommendation for bibs is look for ones with cargo pockets if you want to wear them with a shirt. Ornot has great ones that I’ve talked about on the channel you really can’t feel the items in the pockets once they are in there. Hope this helps
Cheers !
JRP
@@JoshRomeroYT This helps a lot. Right now I use a bar bag for my longer rides to stuff my snacks and tools in but a bib with pockets would definitely help. My main goal right now is to lose weight and gain fitness and just plain enjoy the ride so I havent been so eager to buy all the kit to help lower my watts on the road for speed. I am looking at getting clipless shoes and pedals though to help with the long rides and just stick to my "casual" kit. I also see that they make dual clipless and flat pedals with each on its respective side of the pedal which to me sounds like a good idea but ill have to try it out to tell.
Awesome vids by the way. I also look forward to new videos because I feel like your riding style and commuting/racing lifestyle closely fits my interests.
@@cftether I have all there gear, but slowly built it up by only buying on sale or used (not used bibs though.) Be patient and you'll end up finding some bargains!
Great review. Not as much as the Rapha Randonee shorts AND designed AND made in the US? I may try a pair and see how they compare.
Definitely worth a shot. By the looks of the Rapha short this one might seem to be shorter in the inseam but if that’s cool with you then I’d give them a try !
Great review. Can you tell me what white longsleeve jeresey are you wearing at the end?
It’s the Ornot UV Trail shirt. It’s a collaboration with Chris McNally
www.ornotbike.com/products/uv-trail-shirt-mcnally-sketches?variant=44947074777380
What liners do you wear?
126$ for shorts? Yeah...