Training & Nutrition - Good Riding Shorts Search

Not sure if this is the right forum for this question but I'm wanting to buy a good pair of cycling shorts for long distance riding. I've got a couple cheaper pairs that have pretty plain chamois in them but even though I use Butt Butter and ride on a Brooks saddle after about 60+ miles I'm getting kind of sore. I try to move around and get off the saddle as much as possible and that helps some. Is there a better pair of shorts that you all can recommend that won't break my bank yet still be comfortable on rides closer to the century mark? Do I need a short with more padding in the pad or maybe a gel type pad? Also is there a chamois lub substitute that can be bought locally (Walmart) that would work as well yet cheaper than buying the more expensive ones at bike shops? Thanks for any suggestions.

Mark

Gel pads cause more chafing on longer rides because they are bulkier. You want a thinner pad that is soft and smooth. Panels will help it fit better and less like a diaper.

The Performance Ultra bibs are a pretty good deal for ~$50 on sale.

In my experience, Assos chamois cream works better than Butt Butter, and you need to use a lot less.

Az

I love Pearl Izumi microsensors. A bit more expensive, but I think they're worth every penny.

Don't think more padding -- think thinner, denser padding (as AZ said, above). A thick, diaper-like pad looks like it will be more comfortable, but it will just compress and leave you uncomfortable. Think of the kind of pad you'd want between your head and a hammer -- would you go for a thick, soft pad, or a thinner -- but much firmer -- one?

I love Pearl Izumi microsensors. A bit more expensive, but I think they're worth every penny.

Don't think more padding -- think thinner, denser padding (as AZ said, above). A thick, diaper-like pad looks like it will be more comfortable, but it will just compress and leave you uncomfortable. Think of the kind of pad you'd want between your head and a hammer -- would you go for a thick, soft pad, or a thinner -- but much firmer -- one?


I see on Performance that Pearl Izumi's Attack Short is a lot cheaper but has the 3D Race chamois compared to the 3D Pro that the Microsensor offers. Would they be very comparable? I mean is the extra money justified for the Microsensor?

I see on Performance that Pearl Izumi's Attack Short is a lot cheaper but has the 3D Race chamois compared to the 3D Pro that the Microsensor offers. Would they be very comparable? I mean is the extra money justified for the Microsensor?

IMO, yes. I used to wear the attacks, but since I got the micros, it's very hard to go back. The attacks are OK for me for rides <40 miles. I have heard good things about the Performance Ultras, but haven't tried them myself.

One strategy is to go with the cheaper option and try them out. If they don't cut it for you, then move up the food chain to the more pricey ones. You can always wear the cheaper ones on shorter rides. That's basically what I did. The problem, as you know, is once you figure out they aren't good for a long ride it's too late to return them.

IMO, yes. I used to wear the attacks, but since I got the micros, it's very hard to go back. The attacks are OK for me for rides <40 miles. I have heard good things about the Performance Ultras, but haven't tried them myself.

One strategy is to go with the cheaper option and try them out. If they don't cut it for you, then move up the food chain to the more pricey ones. You can always wear the cheaper ones on shorter rides. That's basically what I did. The problem, as you know, is once you figure out they aren't good for a long ride it's too late to return them.


I've been checking out the Performance Ultras and might give them a try. Thanks for all the help.

I have a Brooks as well. I use the Performance Ultra or Elite shorts or bibs. For really, really long rides I do use Bag Balm. Very inexpensive and does the trick for those 5 plus hour rides.

http://pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/88470/200.jpg

I've been happy with the Voler bibs my club gets. I don't know how to tell what kind it is. It's a fairly thin pad, has a logo that says "bioactive", and on the tag it says ION. I've ridden a double century in them, and regularly ride 100+ miles without any discomfort. No chamois cream.