cheap(ish) winter athletic gear

hey all, I recently bought some tights, base layer tights and long sleeve shirt, and a nice fleece lined wind and waterproof jacket from the prominent retail store Target, all for relatively cheap. This is the most "tech" winter gear I've ever had, and also the warmest I've been when active and outside.

The jacket is great for riding. I've field tested it down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit during the early morning bike commutes, and combined with a vest it is plenty warm. Just this morning, while riding and warm at 4:30, I thought I should share the Target "cycling" cold weather gear knowledge with others who might find it useful. The tights are also nice. All this gear is basically the same as the pricier versions made by cycling and running brands, just less expensive.

Just thought some of you'd like to know.

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Permalink Reply by Smash on November 28, 2009 at 5:17pm
Another vote for TJ Maxx. I got some zip-up merino wool sweaters (good base layers) for 20-30 bucks each, plus winter gloves, wool socks and some misc stuff. I came across those goggles too and they had some of the lighter shades so I bought a pair to try. I remember thinking "wouldn't it be funny if they had goggles too" and lo and behold they did! I've seen some north face base layer stuff too.

Thanks for the tip on Target. I imagine it is nice for filling in some of the gaps, since TJ Maxx only stocks what they get deals on (and may be pretty picked-over by now).
Permalink Reply by chixieonfixie on November 29, 2009 at 2:04pm
How did your hands, feet, and ears fare? I suspect they dont sell neoprene booties at Target but it might be worth investing in some.
Permalink Reply by S on November 29, 2009 at 3:00pm

Another source of stuff is steep and cheap and it's associated cycling sites. They one have one thing on sale at a time but they do have great deals at times and they also have cycling specific stuff as well.

Permalink Reply by BalloonBiker on November 29, 2009 at 4:45pm
I've tried to be pretty frugal in amassing my winter biking wardrobe.

I found some pretty decent base layer pieces at Costco. I got a set of black thermals there for less than $40 and they are great on their own down to about 30 degrees. Also at costco are packs of wool socks that are priced pretty well.

I also got a decent pair of plain old winter boots from the Lands End Inlet for $20. THey were really warm and still work, but I had some issues with the zippers.

Every season REI has their garage sale where you can get some really good prices on things that were returned. Clothing items are easy to come by and you might be able to get a decent jacket there but make sure you read the return label for why it was returned: someone may have washed out the water proofing. I also scored some good prices on basic gloves.

I bought a jacket at the end of last season from REI's clearance rack and am excited to try it this year. It isn't bike specific, but it is waterproof and should be functional for the bike...but it's more than a shell so I can only use it on colder days. I also purchased a technical balaclava from REI and it was an awesome $18 investment....bike winter has some fleece ones to give away, but balaclavas are vital to my commuting sucess.

I went to thrift stores last year and stocked up on cheap fleeces to use as middle layers. Nothing really special, but the prices were great.

Thinsulate ski gloves that can be found at Target, Walmart and Kmart are actually pretty good. I used them a lot and didn't get frostbite. They are bulky, but I was still able to shift. I think I paid less than $10 for a pair that I wore in negative temperatures.
Permalink Reply by jen on November 30, 2009 at 4:18am
Im a big fan of thrift stores. Over the years Ive scored some great vintage and new cycling jerseys. I also stock up on Cashmere sweaters here they make great base and mid layers and are super cozy. It takes a lot of patience to score and I just enjoy the hunt.

I also LOVE ebay! Currrently scored a Hincapie l/s jersey brand new for $30.
Permalink Reply by Wild Bill on December 3, 2009 at 4:17am
Nashbar - I got a new pair of unpadded cycling tights for $15 or so. They have kept me warm so far. Nashbar has a new sale weekly. Sign up for their email blast and you won't miss them.

Marshalls has some good deals on wool socks in the men's section (at the brick-and-mortars).

Campmor is known for having cheap gear for outdoor activities.

Your best bet for buying cycling clothing is to buy out of season i.e. winter clothing in the summer and vice-versa. You can easily save 30% just by doing this. It does require some forethought.
Permalink Reply by Wild Bill on December 3, 2009 at 4:20am
jen said:
Im a big fan of thrift stores. Over the years Ive scored some great vintage and new cycling jerseys. I also stock up on Cashmere sweaters here they make great base and mid layers and are super cozy.

I'll second that. I own a nice cashmere sweater from the thrift store. It works great.
Permalink Reply by Tiberculosis on December 3, 2009 at 12:10pm
Marshalls is pretty great. Cheap thermals (not packaged, but hanging on a rack) and the have cheap(er) columbia stuff. Got some Acorn thermal fleece socks there cheap too. Also have balaclavas and other stuff.

Wild Bill said:
Nashbar - I got a new pair of unpadded cycling tights for $15 or so. They have kept me warm so far. Nashbar has a new sale weekly. Sign up for their email blast and you won't miss them.

Marshalls has some good deals on wool socks in the men's section (at the brick-and-mortars).

Campmor is known for having cheap gear for outdoor activities.

Your best bet for buying cycling clothing is to buy out of season i.e. winter clothing in the summer and vice-versa. You can easily save 30% just by doing this. It does require some forethought.

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