Cycling kit prices are outrageous

Warren Rossiter asks why bike clothes and shoes have to be quite so expensive

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We're living in a time of cost-of-living rises, global economic uncertainty and incoming tariffs - and the bike industry isn’t isolated from that. During this period, we've seen big-name brands Giant, Merida, Specialized, Rapha and many others post less than impressive financial results. At the same time, it seems prices for everything related to cycling are on the up. Bikes and components are one thing, but the escalating cost of clothes and shoes has been troubling me.

Back in 2009, I felt a little naughty spending £130 on a pair of limited-edition Rapha three-quarter bibs that matched my bike. Today, I'd be spending twice as much on the same kit. In recent months, we've seen Specialized launch new shoes that cost the best part of £500, and numerous helmets breaking the £300 barrier. Jackets and shorts are hitting new price-point heights too.

How can this be? Cycling shoes are technically clever designs, but most are basically plastic uppers glued to a plastic sole. Can you imagine being asked for nigh-on £500 for a pair of faux-leather dress shoes? Cycling helmets, for their part, are must-wear safety items, but at their core, they're a polystyrene-formed shell with a vacuum-formed plastic cover. So, essentially, you're being asked for £300 for a plastic hat.