TECH Q&A
COST-OF-RIDING CRISIS
I started riding earlier this year and am loving it. I want to keep going through winter, but don’t have much kit yet. Looking at the reviews and in shops, everything seems really expensive. I can’t justify spending hundreds on shoes, jackets, trousers and so on. Can you recommend some cheaper alternatives that still do the job alright?
Jack, via email
Technical MTB gear can be really pricey, making it hard to justify the expense, especially early on in your riding journey. There are alternatives, though, to help you stay warm and dry over winter.
Firstly, we’d look at more value-orientated cycling brands, such as Altura, Dare2b and dhb. Decathlon’s bike kit is well-regarded, too – we tested their £39.99 Rockrider All-Mountain Bottoms and found them to be fantastic riding trousers, with a water-repellent coating to keep spray off.
General outdoor wear is worth considering,
