Fifty Plus (50+) - Still searching for the perfect shorts

I thought I had hit a home run on my latest purchase of bike shorts. They had this new high tech foam padding for chamois and were extremely comfortable. I had even ridden them on several long rides and they did pretty well. The took care of some comfort issues I was having in the sit area.

I liked my former shorts but the chamois was pretty basic and my sit area tended to get a little numb and uncomfortable on the really long tough rides.

I used the new shorts Monday and unfortunately I now have a horsehoe shaped "outline" on my rear of where the outer edges of the padding where the stitches connect the foam to the spandex. The label bragged about the flat stitching and it seemed and sounded like a really good idea.

I'll heal up soon and recover and I know it was due to simply being in a seated position while plodding along climbing the last 3 hours. The shorts might just be a tad on the large size as well as I noticed as I was pedaling the shorts didn't slide with me on the saddle-but I was moving a little inside the shorts!!! So, the rubbing definitely left it's mark!!

I've never had to use creams for rides and I really hope to avoid them but I suspect they might have helped a little on Monday. Fortunately I don't have those types of rides but once a year. Live and learn.

I've probably just started a whole nother Bib discussion!!!!

It is really annoying when you buy a pair of shorts, find out they don't work, and are stuck with 'em. I, myself, have been on a search for the perfect shorts, with little to show for it but a closet full of shorts that I don't especially like.

Assos

Have you tried Aerotech (http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/topshelf.htm)?

I bought a pair about a month ago and they're the best I've found so far. They get favorable reviews in other forums here, are reasonably priced ($50). and they are made in the USA! :)

I suspect that BikerJoeP is right jppe. I hear Assos as the solution to buttock and nether woes from everyone, even women! Unfortunately, I understand that once you try them, you'll never want to settle for anything less, and so must be prepared to shell out the big bucks every time you need a new pair.

I don't yet do such long-distance riding, so I can't offer any personal input. And if I could, it'd be with regard to a WSD chamois. Sorry.

Assos
1+, I'll be wearing them in the RAIN (Ride Across INdiana) July 14th. ;)

http://www.voler.com/products.aspx?CID=4&PID=12

Our club team kits are from these guys. I like the ion chamois.

Actually, I really like Voler's Equipe shorts. Mostly because of the Monolith chamois, which is seamless, just the right thickness, and well-shaped. I now own three pairs.

They cost an arm and a leg but nothing beats the Assos F.I. Mille A.310 Bib Shorts.

I have stepped up biking to 50 miles/day most days. I use top of the line Pearl Izumi without a single concern and I do not baby them or my rear-end.

I like Giordana Tenax. Bicycling Magazine rated them #1 for shorts under $100. I also have some Louis Garneau ($145) that I got for $99 through Performance. My theory is that you should spend $1 for every mile you plan to ride, e.g., $50 for 50 milers, $100 for centuries.

While I do wear Bibs there is a big difference in comfort as you go up the line. I recently moved up from my Performance Ultra to some Castelli bibs and they are much more comfortable and I wear them exclusively on my long rides now. Next purchase will probably be Assos. I have a Assos jersey which is very nice and I am coming to the mind that this is one place you probably don't want the low cost option. Its hard for me to shell out $150 but they are probably the only clothes I wear 5 days a week. I used the same logic when I bought my Sidi shoes, they cost more but my feet are happy I paid the extra $.

BTW - I would assume comfort in the crotch is the same issue whether its bibs or shorts. Its all about the pad, stitching and the Lycra used.

I can't put my finger on it but I have found I am partial to the REI house brand shorts (Navaro), but they do where out quickly. The LBS recommended I try some Castelli stuff, might give it a go, they have a nice jersey that will match my new bike.

I bought these Pearl Izumi bibs and really like them -

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23420&subcategory_ID=1120

Then I bought these (because they looked like they might be cooler for summer) and I don't like them as much as the first pair - mainly because of the chamois -

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23421&subcategory_ID=1120

"You pays your money and takes your choice." :o

http://www.voler.com/products.aspx?CID=4&PID=12

Our club team kits are from these guys. I like the ion chamois.

+1
Here's the retail site. The Elite DX shorts are excellent, and on sale, my favorite all day wear. Join their V-club and get an even better discount. Way more comfortable then my PI Ultrasensors.

http://www.velowear.com/products/1110134BLKXSM.aspx

Your shorts do sound like they are too big, the movement isn't helping. Bodyglide (http://www.bodyglide.com/skin/skin.html) is easy to use, you might try rubbing it on the stitching. It lasts for my 4 hour rides.

I can recommend the Boure shorts, the Elite work best for me. Snug fitting, good muscle support, heavy lycra, comfy pad, quick drying. Not too expensive considering the good quality and money back guarantee. Check out www.boure.com. I also use Bag Balm to prevent any chafing.

I suspect that BikerJoeP is right jppe. I hear Assos as the solution to buttock and nether woes from everyone, even women! Unfortunately, I understand that once you try them, you'll never want to settle for anything less, and so must be prepared to shell out the big bucks every time you need a new pair.

After you throw out all the cheaper shorts you've bought and add up how much you spent, you'll find you would have been way ahead just buying Assos to begin with - ask me how I know :)

Giordana never disappoints...
given a choice, all my kit would be from them

on the budget side, Canari Velo-somethingorother-$30 in Sports Authority are quite nice, decent pad area with not tooo much stuff, well cut so they don't bunch in the 'divide', decent fabric, not too short & not too long, not too tight or too loose in the thigh opening, good gripers. No overdone logoing, stitching or other goofball poseur looks (like the rolled-up, exposed legband thang...- much too much for moi). Basic Black, Pretty good stuff for $30

I have found the perfect shorts: Insport Brute shorts. Unfortunately, they ain't going to work for all of you upright riders.

I had something happen to me yesterday on a 17.5 mile ride that has never happened before. Not to be indelicate, but my.....uh, what makes me a woman......went numb. I regularly ride 20 or 22 miles at a pop, so the distance wasn't unusual. My hands have fallen asleep before, but never my......hoo ha Tuesday.

I have bought only one pair of bike shorts. They're Trek, just basic women's shorts. I think I paid around $55 for them from an LBS. I guess they help some, but I really don't notice that much of a difference when I wear them.

I would like to try some others and I'm willing to go for quality. But ordering clothing online seems like a hassle. What if they don't fit properly? I'm going to try to check out some of these brands you all mentioned in here. With a little luck my _________________ (do-it-your-self-fill-in-the-blank) won't feel like it's shot full of novocaine.

Just don't get me started on searching for shorts.

I can recommend the Boure shorts, the Elite work best for me. Snug fitting, good muscle support, heavy lycra, comfy pad, quick drying. Not too expensive considering the good quality and money back guarantee. Check out www.boure.com. I also use Bag Balm to prevent any chafing.

+1 on Bag Balm. On the Boure shorts. Do they run true to the size charts on the web site? With everyone's mid line bibs heading for $150+ the prices seem very reasonable. Another thought, how is the chamois/pad on the Elite?

I had something happen to me yesterday on a 17.5 mile ride that has never happened before. Not to be indelicate, but my.....uh, what makes me a woman......went numb. I regularly ride 20 or 22 miles at a pop, so the distance wasn't unusual. My hands have fallen asleep before, but never my......hoo ha Tuesday.

I have bought only one pair of bike shorts. They're Trek, just basic women's shorts. I think I paid around $55 for them from an LBS. I guess they help some, but I really don't notice that much of a difference when I wear them.

I would like to try some others and I'm willing to go for quality. But ordering clothing online seems like a hassle. What if they don't fit properly? I'm going to try to check out some of these brands you all mentioned in here. With a little luck my _________________ (do-it-your-self-fill-in-the-blank) won't feel like it's shot full of novocaine.

My understanding is that many women use a topical application to make it numb; maybe this is not a bad thing.

Shorts seem to be like saddles for me -- I've bought some higher end stuff lately, but it doesn't work as well as the cheaper stuff. I'm disappointed in some Castelli bib shorts and Cannondale shorts that I bought lately. The Pearl Izumi stuff seems to work well for me, though.

Really!? Is this true, sisters?

You guys know about sierra trading post, right? 35-70% off? Lots of bibs, shorts and other bike wear up there. Pearl Izumi, Liquicell, Biemme, Canari, Cannondale and more.

www.sierratradingpost.com go to the cycling section

My understanding is that many women use a topical application to make it numb; maybe this is not a bad thing.

Sigh. It was only a matter of time.

+1 on Bag Balm. On the Boure shorts. Do they run true to the size charts on the web site? With everyone's mid line bibs heading for $150+ the prices seem very reasonable. Another thought, how is the chamois/pad on the Elite?

I have the Elite shorts, not bibs, in size medium, and my height, weight and waist are right in the middle of the range stated on the size chart, so I would say, yes, they run true to size, but expect a snug fit.
I like the pad, it's on the thin side, not bulky at all, very comfy. They have excellent customer support, too.

++ on Assos, pricey but great customer service on their product.

I returned a worn out pair to factory for them to assess the material failure and they sent a replacement. No questions asked and quite unexpected.

I had something happen to me yesterday on a 17.5 mile ride that has never happened before. Not to be indelicate, but my.....uh, what makes me a woman......went numb. I regularly ride 20 or 22 miles at a pop, so the distance wasn't unusual. My hands have fallen asleep before, but never my......hoo ha Tuesday.

I have bought only one pair of bike shorts. They're Trek, just basic women's shorts. I think I paid around $55 for them from an LBS. I guess they help some, but I really don't notice that much of a difference when I wear them.

I would like to try some others and I'm willing to go for quality. But ordering clothing online seems like a hassle. What if they don't fit properly? I'm going to try to check out some of these brands you all mentioned in here. With a little luck my _________________ (do-it-your-self-fill-in-the-blank) won't feel like it's shot full of novocaine.


Sounds like more of a saddle thing than a shorts thing.

Verge!!!!!!!!

After riding today in a pair of tried and true Giordana's I almost believe my issues are more with the fit of the new shorts I bought. I think they are just a little on the large size so I tend to slide around inside the new shorts-thus creating the abrasions. I noticed when I wore the new shorts on Mitchell they seemed to "stick to the saddle" and I was feeling myself sliding inside of them. Giordana's just seem to be the right fit for me so I think I'll just stick to them for now.

Pearl Izumi 3D microsensor.

JPPE,
First, thanks for not posting pics:D .
Last year, someone from the Roadbike forum assembled a group and purchased shirts and shorts with the Bike Forums logo on them. I bought a set. The shorts are made by Champion Systems. They work great for me, but I think shorts are like saddles, someone else's sucsess is anothers failure. So I'm not sure what to recommend.
As an example, I purchased a used Sella San Marco seat at a yard sale. The guy told me he hated it and just wanted to get rid of it, it's the best seat I've ever owned! A real keeper, go figure!