Functional cycling clothing doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of cheap cycling clothing options out there that will offer you basic comfort and protection for the duration of your rides, whether you’re commuting by road, riding long distances or hitting the trails.
If you’re happy to swap the most sophisticated clothing technology with simple designs and features, you can significantly reduce the cost of kitting up on cycling essentials. This also doesn’t mean you forfeit on practicality, but you can keep costs down on the basics.
Our picks of cheap cycling clothing include shorts, jerseys and jackets to protect you during rides year round.
Discounted cycling shorts
Endura MTR Baggy MTB shorts
Baggy mountain bike shorts are designed to move with the rider and be breathable pieces of kit to keep you comfortable on the trails.
The DWR-treated rear panel on these shorts helps keep the rider dry on wet trails, and the waistband features silicone dots to help keep the shorts in place.
FWE 2.0 Women's Bib Short
With a 20 per cent Lycra panel design, these bib shorts offer a compression quality that's good for tired muscles. There are also silicone leg grippers to help prevent them from riding up.
Altura Tempo Undershorts
If you’re keen to avoid the Lycra-clad cyclist stereotype, Altura’s Tempo undershorts are designed to be worn beneath baggier shorts or trousers.
They also have a memory foam chamois pad to add to their comfort for long or short rides.
Endura 6-panel Cycle Shorts
Silicone leg grips are a feature of the simple but well-priced Endura 6-panel cycle shorts, which help to hold the shorts just above the knee for comfort during rides. There’s also an antibacterial 200 series pad.
Discounted cycling jerseys
dhb Aeron Hot Summer Jersey
dhb uses technology in this jersey that it claims helps maintain your body’s ideal core temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius and the microclimate next to your skin at the ideal relative humidity of 37.5 per cent.
This jersey is designed for wearing in hot weather, and its lightweight should give you good breathability.
Triban RC 500 Jersey
The mesh under the arms and at the sides of this Triban RC 500 Jersey offer plenty of breathability for riding in hot climates. Reach behind and you’ll also find a secure pocket for storing valuables.
Check out our list of the best cycling jerseys for more options.
Boardman Women’s Aqua Jersey
Colours add some cheerfulness to the functional design of this short-sleeve cycling jersey and a rubber gripper along the bottom hem helps to keep it in place. It also features quick-dry fabric that wicks away moisture.
Under Armour HeatGear Armour Short Sleeve Compression Tee
For those looking to aid muscle recovery, Under Armour’s HeatGear jersey doubles as a compression T-shirt that can be worn as a baselayer or on its own.
The moisture wicking fabric is also UPF 30+ to protect your skin from the sun.
Discounted cycling jackets
Trespass Qikpac Waterproof Jacket
If you’re just after a discounted jacket for light shower protection, this packable cycling jacket by Trespass is currently available for just £24.99.
It features a PU coating, stormfront zip and is a unisex fit.
Endura Pakajak II Cycling Jacket
This lightweight jacket by Endura packs away into its own little sack for easy stowing in a pocket and is available in yellow or black.
The cuffs, rear neck, and hems are elasticated for additional wind protection. Both sleeves have reflective trims to help keep you visible and there are underarm mesh vents to boost the jacket's breathability on warm rides.
