Cycling wear shop in Goyang for headbands and base layers: Ostaletti

Why I went back to Ostaletti Haengju after a ride

Ostaletti Haengju is a cycling apparel shop on Haengju-ro in Goyang, and the writer dropped in again on the way home from a Han River and Ara Waterway ride. I rode the Han River and the Ara Waterway the day before yesterday. We were having lunch at Soba-ae (소바애), right next to Ostaletti Haengju, so I ordered first and popped into the shop for a minute.

I only meant to look around. But then I remembered the headband and cycling base layer I bought last time, and before I knew it I was standing at the register again.

Ostaletti is a riding wear brand that makes every product in Korea. It also has an online store, but the plus is being able to see and buy things in person at the shop. The address is 71 Haengju-ro, Deogyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi, 1st floor.

Is Ostaletti Haengju a convenient stop mid-ride?

Ostaletti Haengju is near Haengjusanseong Fortress, a handy spot to stop in the middle of a ride or on the way back. If you often pass by Haengjusanseong, you've probably seen it. That day I came by on my way back along the Han River and the Ara Waterway.

The black exterior with its big logo stands out from far away. It's an easy cycling apparel shop to duck into after a ride.

What riding wear is inside?

Step inside Ostaletti Haengju and the first thing you see is a wall full of jerseys, in a range of colors from white, blue and khaki to beige. Colors that looked similar online felt quite different in person.

On the other side were bib shorts, vests and assorted accessories. I browsed slowly while taking photos, and time flew by more than I expected. If you like riding gear, it's fun to look around.

That's why it's sometimes better to come to a cycling apparel shop in person. You can feel the fabric and check the colors right away.

Does the Ostaletti headband work under a helmet?

The Ostaletti headband is the thin type, so it doesn't bother you much under a helmet and it holds back sweat to a fair degree. This headband was one of the reasons for my visit. I wear it on almost every ride these days.

Truth is, I had just finished riding that day. I'd sweated a lot and my helmet marks were still there. So I assumed I couldn't try it on.

But the staff member said first that I was welcome to try it. I felt a bit embarrassed and said it was fine, but they said it's better to try before deciding, so I put it on again.

Yep, there's a reason I keep using it. It's thin, light and doesn't feel stuffy. I ended up buying one more.

Why I rebought the Ostaletti cycling base layer

The Ostaletti cycling base layer is a thin, light performance fabric that's easy to wear even in summer, so I bought it again along with the headband. I'd planned to buy only the headband, but I picked this up again too. The one I have at home is still going strong.

After a ride I toss it in the washing machine and wear it again on the next one. That's how often I reach for it. The thin, light performance fabric keeps summer wear easy.

Even when I sweat, it doesn't cling to my body too much, so I personally end up wearing it a lot. Seeing it again in the shop, I once more picked up the same thing.

Is Ostaletti pricey?

The Ostaletti headband and cycling base layer are reasonably priced and genuinely good in use, which is why the writer keeps rebuying them. Honestly, I wear other brands for clothing too. Jerseys and bib shorts come down to taste from brand to brand. But for headbands and base layers, I end up coming back to Ostaletti.

The prices are easy on the wallet, and they're quite good when you actually use them. So instead of hunting for something new, I rebuy what I've already tried and liked.

I also browsed the riding wear hanging in the shop, and the fabric and finishing looked good too. And the prices were more reasonable than I expected. It looked comfortable to browse for anyone from beginners to regular riders.

What's good about buying at an offline cycling apparel shop?

At Ostaletti Haengju you can try riding wear on, and there's a full-length mirror in the shop so you can compare size and fit right away. There's an online store too, but being able to try things on is a clear advantage.

Fit differs from brand to brand in riding wear, so this matters. I think that's ultimately why people go to cycling apparel shops: you can see it, touch it, try it on and then decide.

Are there cycling accessories like goggles and socks?

One side of Ostaletti Haengju had goggles, socks and accessories on display. I meant to buy only what I needed and leave, but time flew while I looked at this and that. I'd just stepped in after ordering lunch, and ended up browsing longer than expected.

When I finished shopping I went back to Soba-ae, and the food I'd ordered was just out. I'd only gone in to look around until lunch arrived, but I came out having rebought the headband and the cycling base layer.

I rebought them because I'd already tried them and liked them, and buying in person was indeed easier. If you pass through Haengju after a Han River or Ara Waterway ride, it's a cycling apparel shop worth stopping at once.