Tri Shorts < $50 BUT...not see through!

[Plainsman]

I decided to go against the tri-suit as I'm a total newb, my proportions aren't average, and my local LBS had a cool Sugoi tri top that was 50% off. Anyway, as I've been reading a review here or there, I've come across the complaint that less expensive tri shorts tend to have a greater degree of, hmmm, let's call it transparency. I'm buying online because I need to train now local shops have no inventory left.

What are some safe name brands/models I could go with. Right now I'm looking at a pair of Pearl Izumi's (their basic 2006 model), but I'm from a cycling background so I know PI. Not so familiar with Tri Brands - Orca? Quintana who? So what will get the job done, not break the bank, and still leave plenty to the imagination?

[Plainsman]

I found these,

http://www.revelsports.com/Triathlon.asp

all sugoi - do any of these shorts seem like a standout? $40 bucks and free shipping seems like a good deal. Are pockets a good thing to have in a pair of shorts? Anyway, they look cool, but again, I know nothing about their quality.

[tajsss]

I have some Tyr I found at a local swim shop. If I recall correctly they were right at 50 and I have liked them. My wife got some Zoot that she likes and have pockets, while mine do not. I think pockets would be nice to carry a Gu gel or something else in during a race. I don't wear a jersey when I race so I may be trying some different shorts with pockets this year and see how they do.

If you are just using these to swim and train for now, I'd save the money and just buy a pair of jammer swim shorts. Cheaper and you won't wear out your nice new Tri shorts in the pool too quickly. Then buy a pair of tri shorts for occasional workouts and your races.

My .02

[cslone]

Buy tri shorts to race in and Jammers to swim in. Nothing eats shorts like chlorine.

And I use Desoto shorts for racing.

[rknj]

I picked up a couple pairs of (I think) Gore tri shorts on Nashbar for $40 a piece or so last year.

[rplong]

I have a pair of the PI basic tri shorts. They SEEMED to have a slight transparency to them towards the end of the season. I used them in a pool three times and rinsed all times. I can't tell if it is just the shiny material when it is stretched or the light getting through them. Never had anyone mention anything about them being see through to me, my gf would. Just an FYI.

My gf purchased me some Orca kit for this season. They seem like they will be very comfortable. Not the typical chamois in the butt area. The shorts were around 50 I believe.

[biffstephens]

Check http://www.coremultisport.com/store.cfm?page=list.cfm&criteria=43

and

http://www.coremultisport.com/store.cfm?page=list.cfm&criteria=42

I have ordered from them before. The girl that runs it is ultra responsive if you have questions and the deals are pretty good. Both Zoot and Desoto are good....just make sure you don't go to small and you should be good on transparency..

[Psydotek]

+1 for DeSoto. I have their 4 pocket shorts which i got here: http://trisports.com/mensclothing2.html

Also check the clearance area for previous years models at reduced prices.

[Plainsman]

+1 for DeSoto. I have their 4 pocket shorts which i got here: http://trisports.com/mensclothing2.html

Also check the clearance area for previous years models at reduced prices.

Thanks to everyone. I think I've finally resigned myself to waiting until the 2007 line comes out. I've tried dozens of links, but it seems that anytime I find something I like (sort of like, or could even live with although it reminds me of something I wore in the 80s) it turns out to be available in small, xtra-small, or XXX-large :( Looks like I'll be swimming in the baggy beach wear until the new gear hits the stores or the web. I did learn about several brands that are new to me due to these posts. I appreciate all the advice.

[Big R]

Have you looked at velowear? http://velowear.com/category.aspx?cat=CAT-BOTTOMS-MENS-TRI

I've used these for a couple of years with success...and the price is right (discounted previous year's model)

[caloso]

I got a pair of PI Kawaihae (http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&product_id=198774&type_id=1&sport_id=6&category_id=15&color_code=118) shorts for $50 (and no sales tax) at a race expo last year. They are excellent, but I think they retail for $75.

[Plainsman]

Thanks for all the input. I finally found some shorts on closeout. '06 Sugoi Piston with the pockets for less than $50. Don't know how good they are supposed to be, but I'm giving them a shot. Must say though, it was tough to buy a size larger than I'm used to, as I'm supposed to be slimming down.