Finding the Right Cycling Gear: My Struggle, My Wins, and a New Favorite Brand Ocean&San

Let’s talk cycling gear, folks—the good, the bad, and the downright tight. If you’re new to the sport like me, getting kitted out can feel like navigating a minefield of spandex and questionable size charts. I’m 5’8”, around 210-ish pounds, and I’ve always been more “short and sturdy” than “lean and mean.” By today’s standards , “thick” would be a good word to describe me. So when it came to finding the right cycling clothing, it’s been a bit of a ride in itself.

Like most beginners, I started with the basics and picked up a pair of PEARL iZUMi Men’s Quest Bib Shorts in XL. Honestly, they’ve been solid—comfortable, functional, and great for my rides, I got another set on the way. But here’s the thing: I’ve got nothing to compare them to. I knew there was a whole world of cycling brands out there, but trying to figure out sizing from a random website is like taking a shot in the dark. One brand’s “XL” is another brand’s “did you mean medium?” It’s enough to make anyone throw their hands up and stick with what they know. So for now I’m sticking to those bibs but I need a top, a cool top…I can’t keep wearing the dry-fit gym T-shirts.

I wasn’t looking but I found something cool: Ocean&San. I found them on social media, or should I say…their algorithm found me? Either way, I am happy we crossed paths. Their apparel and vibe had a different approach that spoke to me. They were sick of riding to the local coffee shop in gear that felt more suited for the Tour de France than a casual spin. Their ethos? Cycling is about the joy of the ride, not just the race. That was music to my ears.

Their flagship product, the All Day Shirt, is like a jersey’s laid-back cousin—it’s stylish, comfortable, and designed for the everyday rider – they got limited edition styles too, I am a sucker for limited edition stuff. The brand’s whole vibe just felt right: locally made in Los Angeles, sustainable practices, and gear that’s more about enjoying the lifestyle than shaving seconds off your Strava time. Plus, they had a solid return policy, which is clutch when you’re still figuring out your sizing.

So, I bit the bullet and ordered two of their All Day Shirts. At checkout, I got sucked into their combo deal—two shirts paired with socks and a water bottle. I went with the shirts and socks($326USD shipping included), and I’ve got to say, those socks are now my favorite to ride in. My package arrived fast, safe, and in some pretty eco-friendly packaging, which was a nice touch. The shirts? Top quality, just like advertised. Only hiccup? I went a size too small. But their return and exchange process was smoother than a freshly paved bike lane, and I’m hyped to get the right fit in my hands.

And here’s where it gets even better—after I sent them a quick thank you note for the smooth exchange, one of the Ocean&San team members subscribed to this blog. That was such a cool moment for me. It’s little things like this that make the cycling community so awesome—brands that actually care and riders that connect beyond just the bike. Huge shoutout to Ocean&San for being genuinely great people.

For anyone out there struggling to find cycling gear that fits right and doesn’t scream “race day,” give Ocean&San a look. I’m stoked to support a brand that’s doing things differently, keeping it local, and focusing on the joy of riding. And yeah, I’ll probably be adding more of their gear to my collection soon.

If you’re new to the game, don’t stress about finding the “perfect” kit right out of the gate. It’s a journey, just like the ride itself. Try different brands, experiment with sizing, and find what makes you feel good on two wheels. And hey, if you’re stuck in gear designed for podium finishes but all you want is a decent ride to the café, maybe Ocean&San is the move for you too.

And here’s the best part: if you’re thinking of giving them a shot, you can use my referral link: https://oken.do/a7z3hrsf for a little discount. Support a cool brand, get some stylish gear, and look good doing it. Win-win, right?

Ride fast, live slow. And most importantly, wear what makes you feel like a million bucks on your bike.