Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Bike shorts recommendation

I'm looking to get a couple of pairs of bike shorts to wear under my baggy shorts for my commute and possibly longer rides. I do a 20 mile ride each day-- the first half is through traffic and with the slower pace and occasional stopping I have no problem with comfort. The second half is on a bike path and that's when chafing and pain starts as I go much faster in my hurry to get home. :)

I'm interested in spending the least amount of $ possible for a little bit of protection and padding-- in front specifically. Those of you that do bike shorts-- how many pairs do you own and what kind of 'investment' have you made?

Thanks

Up here in Canada, MEC (http://www.mec.ca/) sells these (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442499525&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692435&bmUID=1122988575464). They're basically a pair of really thin lycra underpants with an oversized maxipad in them for your junk. They're designed to go under your regular pants/shorts/whatever, and they're actually pretty comfy. I'm sure that other people make the same thing; if not, MEC will ship to the states.

m.

I have one pair of Canari shorts from Nashbar which I wash on a very regular basis. The Nashbar shorts are even cheaper and don't look to be any worse quality. Anyone know who actually makes them?

Frankly, I need a few more pairs. It sucks to be constantly washing them and then hoping they're dry by the next time I want to wear them. I don't wear them every day, only on longer rides, when it's raining, or when it's really hot (so I don't sweat up the underwear I'll be wearing the rest of the day). If I did, I'd probably have three pairs or so already.

I have two pairs of Sugoi shorts, which didn't cost a lot compared to some ($40?), but have been very comfortable and durable. I would buy them again, but they may be hard to find. Haven't seen any for sale around here in a year or two.

I usually wear baggies with a liner. I've had good luck with Cannondale but I've finally worn them out. Using Sugoi and a pair made by Fox right now. Both are pretty good. As far as lycra roadie style shorts, I have a pair of Hind that I hate the pad in, all bulky in front. Just bought a pair of Performance Century shorts this weekend (on sale for $28) and they are really comfortable. Recommended.

I'm always looking for the sales, but make sure they are comfortable.

paragon in manhattan has these liner things for about 22. simple white mesh with a serious chamois where it counts, i have been wearing them under shorts and pants for long rides. very comfy, easy to deal with and wash, and cheap. the brand is andiamo! or something.
im sure they are sold elsewhere as well.

i like to commute in Performance Ultra shorts. They're going for $48 right now. If you buy two pairs, you get 20% off coupon and it will break down to $38/pair plus shipping. I also have some Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor shorts. There are a lot of differences between them. The outer-layer of the performance brand shorts have a sort of mesh-like quality to them. I guess with the intention of better ventilation? The chamois is much thinner, more pliant and spongy/foamy than the ultrasensor chamois which is a pretty beefy. I prefer the PI shorts for longer rides because the padding is thicker (which doesn't necessarily mean better) and I usually ride them at the track too. The lycra is also a bit thicker on the PI which makes them warmer I guess. But they definitely have more of a "I'm wearing a diaper" kind of vibe to them, whereas the performance ones are refreshingly less so.

I'm totally with trevor on this one. I like to commute in the bike shorts because if I was wearing underwear, they would be a sopping wet travesty by the time I got to work. When the weather is a little cooler, I wear some cargo shorts over em', but in this heat, it's foolish to do that as the shorts also become a sponge for my sweat. I've got nothing to be ashamed of. I used to have only two pairs of really old PI Ultrasensors that were so well worn that the lycra on the area above the chamois on the back was essentially see-through it was so threadbare. When shorts get that old, they've also gotten stretched out and will start to chafe you at a certain point because they're too loose fitting.

It sucks to have to always be washing them. If you think you're in it for the long haul, and you've found a brand/model of shorts you like, I suggest biting the bullet and buying a bunch because in the long run, it's better. Less having to wash them all the time, more stretching the wear over several pairs so that each lasts longer, more comfort for you.

For all you haters - no, you don't need bike shorts, but once you've worn them, you will realize that they're the most ideal clothing for riding a bike in. They just are. That is what they were designed to do. They're totally overpriced, but so is everything. So, in summary, I would by a couple pairs to start with and test out what works for you.

I did not realize I felt so passionately about this subject.... ;)

i have a pair of REI shorts, I think they are intended for mountain biking. They are a mesh bike-short under a lightweight nylon baggy short. Except for the way-too-tight leg bands, which I have cut to loosen them up, they're pretty swell. Good padding and good breathability. They have a pair of zipper pockets in the...normal place for pockets, so it's easy to remember where i put my keys and my ID and stuff, and I can zip them shut so nothing flies out on the downhills (a problem with spinning down hills!)

They're not perfect, but I thought I'd mention them because this type of shorts seems good for mediumdistance rides where you might want e-z access to your wallet or keys, like if you're going shopping or making several stops.

I want some wool bike shorts like the old days.

To address the underwear issue: I've long searched for a good pair of shorter bike shorts - maybe like shorts to wear underneath regular shorts or just to ride in. I never quite found them. At least with a chamois (that weren't womens).

Now, the ultimate around the city but more than just a commute type ride underwear would be a wicking/synthetic short or boxer brief of some sort, much like cycling shorts but sans chamois. I had thought about Under Armor and brands like that but when I was at Target last week I came across their Merona line of synthetic underwear. It feels sort of silky and they're fitting so they don't bunch up under your shorts (which is sometimes a problem with baggier-type boxers which I hate). They deal well with the sweat and they just feel so good underneath. They're $5.99.

i love the "mens health" threads

Look for thriathlon bike shorts if you want something shorter.

As for Merona stuff, it works though I find that it's a bit heavy for wearing when it's warm out. I've got a Merona long sleeved jersey and I think it's a bit too heavy to breath really well and tends to trap more moisture close to the skin than I like, but I'll wear it as a base layer under a sweater when it's cold out.

if you have the dough, you can't beat Castelli shorts.
they're so sweet.
they fit so well.
i didn't get the price until i got a pair and...mmm... worth every money.

i'd recommmend these...

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20204&subcategory_ID=1120

smokin deal at 50% off (i just got two pair at that price), a nice comfy but not too bulky chammy (much nicer pad than the century shorts at the same price, i bought those last time)...

i don't know what summer means? they look pretty all season to me and will be worn through the winter...

editted to add: i do own a pair of castelli's and while they are a little more comfy than these i don't think i'd pay 4x the price for a pair... but if money is no object those shorts do rule!!!

I have a few older Pearl Izumi shorts with a single-piece tan chamois and I love them. I have a newer pair with blue and gray multi-piece chamois and I hate them. PI has a range of shorts, and the more expensive ones aren't always more comfortable.

I also have two pairs of sugoi. The only thing I can say is that the more you spend the better they will feel. (getting ripped off by a lbs excluded) My first pair was around 50 and the second around 80. They are from the same manufacturer, but the more expensive pair is far more comfortable. The first pair has now be relagated to times when the second isn't dry yet.

Btw, there is nothing wrong with just sporting cycling shorts with nothing over them. They will be more comfortable on the bike, and I cant imagine walking around with cycling shorts under your regular shorts would be pleasant.

Don't buy shorts from (lack of) Performance. They wear out too quickly although their nicest shorts aren't bad.

Our team is on Santini this year and I've never ridden more comfortable shorts in 15 years plus of riding/racing.

I don't really wear shorts much anymore, bibs are the way to go... once you try them you'll understand. At any rate Bicycling Hub (http://www.bicyclinghub.com/sancxshor.html) has the Santini CX shorts, which I wear in bib form, for only $55. I think they fall somewhere between lower priced stuff (Performance, Nashbar) and the bling (Assos, Casteli). Much more comfy than the Fox and Pearl Izumi stuff I was wearing before.

I agree, bibs rock. I just picked up some demarchi's from performance, on sale. They have 3 different pairs, starting under fifty bucks.

I've only had a few rides on mine, but so far they are very nice.

The Santini bibs are definitely the best bike shorts around for under $100. I've put a fair amount of mileage into a pair of the CX bibs and they've held together well. Highly recommended. For my next pair, I'm going the full euro-trash route with the white Giordana Tenax Laser bibs and jersey.

I just bought my first bib shorts. Giordana Tenax Laser A977 baby! What a comfortable fit. I won't go back to non-bib shorts again. My first pair of shorts were Specialized, then I tried a low-end PI, and the difference between those and the Giordanas is noticeable. My point is this... read the reviews, ask the questions, and try some different brands and price-level shorts at your LBS. You usually get what you pay for and I think my next pair will be the Giordanas again. Good luck with whatever you get.

I've found that wearing my cycling shorts under say a pair of levi's wears them out really quickly. It's best to just rock the spandex by itself, how else would chicks check our your legs? I mean... not wear out your shorts as fast.

I agree with the more expensive PI stuff not really being all that worth it. I got the ultrasensor 3d wiz bang edition shorts for a gift and while they are comfortable, i'd say my ass would feel better being padded by 60 bucks I saved to go with a cheaper short.

Bibs are the bomb. I like Assos Prosline (comfortable, last forever) and Castelli.

If you can find them I really like Etxe-Ondo. The chamois
looks and feels like real chamois not some weird synthetic, but they
wash like synthetic and don't need chamois creme to keep your
soft as a baby's butt from chaffing.
Bicycle Hub used to carry them, not sure if he still does.
Last pair I got were on close out 3 for $90.00 can't beat
that for bibs! the shorts were even cheaper.

Giordana is MONEY. I've got the full white Tenax Laser rig for road riding.

If you're on a budget, try Voler (http://www.velowear.com/) - Made in the good ol' US of A.

I found the cheapest mec 6 panel shorts uncomfortable, the chammy a big wet lillypad, and they wore out (the old visible crack in back and hide the kids in front) in about 6 months. but they were around 20 bucks cdn.

I bought Pearl Izumi Attack shorts at year end clearance for $50 and I've very much enjoyed them, and wished I got more than a single pair. the fit is very good for the not-stick-skinny set - I found Sugoi and Louis Garneau are really only for extremely thin people, I couldn't get my thighs into xxl sugois and I wear large MEC shorts and xl PIs; xl LGs are extremely snug on me, but the legs are shorter, and are extremely thin, going well under walking shorts or baggy rain pants.

its already been said,
DON'T SKIMP ON THE SHORTS
buy a nice pair. You'll thank yourself
I don't care what anyone says, there are NO shorts worth buying below the $40 mark
go for 10 panel construction
and make damn sure its a chamois lining.

Oh,,
and get some chamois butter to condition the whole thing up nice
another must.

Stay away from Andiamo padded bike underwear - their stuff sucks.
Baggies never seemed to fit me right. What finally worked for me was Pearl Izumi PRT Liner Shorts worn under Prana Mojo synthetic climbing shorts. Not cheap, but the liner shorts are a little bit cooler than regular shorts and the combo seems to work equally well for mountain biking or long road rides.

Shorts can be tricky. What works well for some, can be torture for others. Fit, size, and a comfortable chamois are key. Too tight and you'll be singing some high notes, too loose, and you'll chafe your junk as it'll flop all over.

I like the Voler 3 fabric chamois from there older model team short (don't know if the new one is the same). I've also had good luck with the chamois in Bianchi shorts&bibs by Nalini (coolmax type chamois).

If you keep an eye on Voler (join the e-mail list) they have frequent specials/sales.

I personaly would avoid any shorts with a gel chamois. I bought one, and used it maybe twice-after riding for a short while it feels like...well like you've poo in your shorts.

--I wear regular shorts over bike shorts over briefs for commuting and for touring. When I wear this set up I use a small bit of chamois buttr' (a cream) to prevent chaffing. The regular shorts are a bit larger than what I would normally wear.

For fitness riding I just use bike shorts comando. For long rides (ie brevets), I usually wear two pair of bike shorts, comando.

modell's.

$21.99

cheaplymade, but will serve the purpose

...and if you really dig into them racks, once in a while you'll find ones marked even lower. :)

i have some cheap trek bike shorts i pretty much only wear them on my pedicab,because i ride that thing for long hours. i had these one for ever, i wear them under shorts to. i only have this one pair i wash them all the time it sucks, i should buy more. the best trick i have found is to powder them with baby powder before you put them on it makes them nice. watch for that medicated powder that sh#t burns. that sucked!

Drawers (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=18988)


20% & dollar shipping (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=1585806#post1585806)

To address the underwear issue: I've long searched for a good pair of shorter bike shorts - maybe like shorts to wear underneath regular shorts or just to ride in. I never quite found them. At least with a chamois (that weren't womens).

Now, the ultimate around the city but more than just a commute type ride underwear would be a wicking/synthetic short or boxer brief of some sort, much like cycling shorts but sans chamois. I had thought about Under Armor and brands like that but when I was at Target last week I came across their Merona line of synthetic underwear. It feels sort of silky and they're fitting so they don't bunch up under your shorts (which is sometimes a problem with baggier-type boxers which I hate). They deal well with the sweat and they just feel so good underneath. They're $5.99.

i went and bought a pair after the recommendation and OMG. they work fantastic. i recommend you get the longer boxer briefs though if you are used to wearing boxers. the shorter ones were great for my commute but my jeans chaifed my inner thigh where a boxer would normally hang. overall these are the sh1t. no joke.

and my lady said they looked sexy. ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.