How to Make a Cycling Comeback Pt. III...

Getting back into the cycling game takes patience, perseverance and a will to control your own destiny. I was in the market for some cycling kit, so after a combination of asking around and doing my own research, I decided on Castelli clothing. They were the company that were going to help me re-establish myself as a premier ham-and-egger/poseur deluxe-I mean, inspire me to ride. 

Castelli has an excellent reputation, second only to Assos in terms of quality but less expensive depending on where you make the purchase. The best prices that I've found were at Merlin Cycles in Great Britain. Added to their already low prices was the exclusion of the VAT (value added tax) that we Americans do not have to pay. That 20% savings, plus free shipping over a certain dollar amount purchased, adds up to more clothing and more savings. For anyone looking for a great deal, you can look these cats up on the internet. 

Here is a list of all the stuff I bought during the winter-

1) Castelli Prologo V short-sleeve jersey (6)

2) Castelli Prologo V long-sleeve jersey (3)

3) Castelli Fondo jersey (1)

4) Castelli Puro jersey (1)

5) Castelli Mortirolo 4 jacket (2)

6) Castelli Endurance X2 bib shorts (2)

7) Castelli Free Aero Race bib shorts (2)

8) Castelli Omloop thermal bibshorts (2)

9) Castelli Thermoflex arm/leg/knee warmers (1 of each)

10) LAS helmet (white)

11) Sidi Genius 7 (white)

Castelli arm, leg, knee warmers and gloves-

Castelli bag and LAS helmet-

Castelli base layers-

Castelli bibshorts-

Sidi Genius 7 Cycling Shoes-

If you're going to get back into the game, do it in style and have your kit organized. No jersey from one company and bib shorts from another. Also, don't let the hoi polloi shame you out of purchasing  high quality clothing from another company-that's right, Rapha. Their videos are corny and sometimes a bore to watch, but again catch them when they put stuff on sale and you'll do alright. Though I must say Castelli has the most comprehensive list of cycling apparel, so there really is no reason to go anywhere else. 

The last part of this series will focus on the completed bike. Stay tuned.