General Cycling Discussion - Are cycling shorts worth the money?

I usually ride in regular shorts but I am thinking of buying a pair of Lycra cycling shorts, because with the shorts I wear now I have to stop every 5-10 minutes to adjust them so they are comfortable, it's cutting into my cycling enjoyment, I was also wondering what size to get, I have a size 34 waist, do I get a size 34 pair of cycling shorts as well? How much would a good decent pair cost?

I had a cheap pair, about 25$, that barely provided any padding but there were at least cycling shorts. Finally, just 2 weeks ago I bought some pearl izumi microsensor shorts. They were 80$ but you could tell where that extra 55$ went too. The padding is much larger and more comforting, wicks away moisture. The materail also just seems higher quality. All I can say is definetly dont skimp on shorts. Youll just end up replacing them. Its been said here before, you get what you pay for basically.

cycling shorts are most definately worth it.
you won't be stopping every few minutes to "adjust".
The chamois padding makes a world of difference.

Cost varies, anywhere from about $25 up to over $200 for
top of the line Bib shorts.
Like everything else you get what you pay for. I personally
like Etxe-Ondo shorts (and Bibs).
with Bib shorts you don't have a waist band which can be
annoying.
Sizes are Small, Med Large etc.
They may vary significantly over what you normally wear
(I wear a small in most everything, but Large in the Etxe
bibs).
I'd say try them on at LBS before buying, online isn't a good
choice for first time.
oh yeah, before the Underwear Nazi gets in on this
Nothing Underneath them, ok?

Marty

Originally posted by lotek

I'd say try them on at LBS before buying, online isn't a good
choice for first time.


I'll second this. Once you've established a brand and style of shorts you're comfortable with then go ahead and look for bargains online. If it's a new brand you've never tried before, you'll want to buy local so you can check out the fit. Some online shops won't let you return cycling shorts... then again neither will some brick&mortar shops.

After discovering that the Pearl Izumi UltraSensors fit me perfectly, I have no apprehensions about snapping up good online deals. You may also want to try year-end or last-year's closeouts. The UltraSensors I bought new performed and looked pretty much like the bargain-clearance UltraSensors but cost about twice as much.

What he said. The sizes are your body measurements NOT what you want the shorts them to be. Bike shorts that are too large for you can cause some comfort problems due to the extra material. I like the performance gel short. I used to ride mountain bike shorts, (ones that look like regular shorts, but with lycra shorts on the inside), once I made the switch, I never looked back.

You don't need shorts... don't wast money. Rather think what components of your bike need to be replaced or serviced, or maybe some additional equipment you could use... If still can't find anything, save the money for later, that's being wise, but you could aslo give them away to kids, handycaped, ill people , etc.
As we remember, "Money burn the hole in our pockets...."

I agree that you should buy Cycling shorts, and when I first bought them (15 yrs ago) I bought as cheap as possible, then ended up upgrading. I prefer the bib style, and usually use Pearl Isumi or Performance.

One of the main interfaces between you and your bike occurs at the shorts. I would rather spend the money on being more comfortable than having that snazy looking rear derailleur with the carbon-fibre cage. There's nothing wrong with spending money on components but if I need to prioritise, I would put personal comfort first.

Pearl Izumi attack shorts $55 dollars at my local lbs, the suggested is $59.99. They are awesome shorts and very comfortable.

I have a pair of Attack shorts and for me they work great for shorter rides. However, at around the 75 to 80 mile mark, I can certainly tell the difference in comfort level between the Attacks and the UltraSensors. I've found Attacks on clearance for around $30 at my LBS.

Generally the 2 most important things when riding is your BUTT and your Feet, Get a good seat and shorts and a good shoe/pedal combo. I havent used my attack shorts on anything past 50, who makes the ultrasensors? Pearl Izumi? Are they bib?

I use the Sugoi Ricaro Technifine Stretch Short and they are great. Best short I have ever used. I think the cost is about $100.00.

Shorts may be the most important purchase you will make toward comfortable cycling. Don't be cheap on your shorts.

Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin
You don't need shorts... don't wast money. Rather think what components of your bike need........

Mr. Ino......
Bike shorts are just as essential a component of cycling......as important as helmets. I can't imagine myself cycling in wet, sweaty, sticky street shorts and UNDERWEAR! .....especially for someone like myself who sweats buckets. I might wear ordinary street shorts if it's just a short juant on my townie for my favourite cup of java.

Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin
You don't need shorts... don't wast money.

Save your cash for the saddle sore ointment. ;)

you tend to make alot of brash statements without having actual experience in alot of the things you talk about....

believe me, i used to say the same exact thing about cycling shorts before i bought a pair.... i thought they were unnecessary
and ugly and a waste of money. i prided myself on being the "ghetto cyclist". however i started getting discomfort after 40 mile rides.. and i caved and i haven't looked back since

you've never worn a pair of bike shorts... so i don't think you're qualified to say anything for or against them.

you want to do a cross country bike tour - a pair of bike shorts will aid you greatly...



Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin
You don't need shorts... don't wast money. Rather think what components of your bike need to be replaced or serviced, or maybe some additional equipment you could use... If still can't find anything, save the money for later, that's being wise, but you could aslo give them away to kids, handycaped, ill people , etc.
As we remember, "Money burn the hole in our pockets...."

I also used to wear cotton T-shirts exclusively.... so my shirt would be soaking wet by the time i got home.... wearing cycling jerseys... or at the very least... wicking polyester t-shirts - makes a huge difference in comfort.

I know one thing I'd like to see in this thread - and others where people are making recommendations that include specific brands, etc - a comparison to other shorts you have worn.

It just doesn't tell me much when someone says how some shorts are the best they ever had when I don't know what they are comparing it to. In other cases someone might be bragging on the only kind they ever had, but we can't tell.

Of course, what suits one may not suit another, but having a lot of such comparisons can be quite useful for narrowing things down.

Bob

You can also get liner shorts...ultra thin with an underwear style waist band, meant to be worn under regular pants or shorts, yet they usually include the padding and the wicking ability.

I use those when I'm riding to a store or someplace I'm embarassed to walk around in just bike shorts with my 46 yr old butt. I always wear real baggy shorts over them, though, to minimize chafing.

On the overall question, I share the experience of others who scoffed at bike shorts...until I started riding in them. Never looked back.

mark
t

Ok here's the comparison then.

1)2 pair REI shorts, they are fine for short rides
but after a while (say 30 miles) the chamois feels like it
is bunching up.

2) 1 pair Etxe-Ondo shorts, the Chamois feels like
real chamois, it isn't some fancy shape and does not feel
like its gets bunched up. The Lycra in these shorts feels
heavier than any of the other shorts/bibs I have and seems
to support leg musclse better.

3) 1 pair Bulltek Bibs, bought em to see if I liked Bibs
(I do), again they are not the best I have but good for short
to mid length rides.

4)2 pair Castelli bib shorts, not top of the line but they
are well made and comfortable for any lenght ride. They both
have anatomic shaped chamois but I really can't tell if its any
more comfortable than their non anatomic chamois.

5) 1 pair Etxe-Ondo Bibs (Power Express), again same
chamois as the shorts, same heavy lycra. The Etxe are a
size large (I had to return mediums too small), they are cut
very small (lenght was the big culprit) compared to any of the
other brands. they are by far the most comfortable of any of
the bibs/shorts that I have used.

6) 1 pair old wool shorts with real chamois. If it weren't
for the holes in the wool I'd still wear them. Wool is surprizingly
comfortable (I think they are Cool Stop brand?), they are
about 20 years old.

I haven't tried any of the seriously high dollar shorts/bibs
such as Assos F13's I can't imagine that they would be very
much more comfortable than the Etxe, at least not twice the
price more comfortable.

Hope this helps.
Marty

I have two pair of shorts...I like one better because the padding feels better. I used to have a pair that the elastic around the legs turned gummy in....can't remember the brand, but it was YEARS ago.

I carry a pair of nylon running shorts (baggy and light weight) to throw on over bike shorts should I need to enter a store. (I don't want anyone to have to look a my 33 year old butt, either! ;) )

YMMV,
Michelle

Originally posted by djbowen1
I havent used my attack shorts on anything past 50, who makes the ultrasensors? Pearl Izumi? Are they bib?

Yes... UltraSensors are a line of Pearl Izumi shorts. You can get them bib-style too. The upgrade from the Attacks is more panels and better quality material. I think they might have some better stitching and padding too. They do however run about 50% more than the Attacks. Retail for the UltraSensors I think is like $80 but I've been able to find deals on them and have gotten some for around $50 to $60. There's a new line that's one step up from the UltraSensors now but I haven't tried them yet. They're even more expensive.

Thanks, Marty. Now if I can get some reports from others, I can gradually find where the most concensus is, even if it is just a little.

BTW, I'm still knda frustrated with bike shorts myself. I really wonder whether what I have is fitting properly. After all, I'm new to these things and thus have little to compare with.

How tight should these things be? The people I've asked generally say they should be pretty snug, but that brings up the question of how people define "pretty snug".

So many people here can give their descriptions. They might not be scientific, but if we get enough of them, it might give a better idea.

Bob

Originally posted by BikerDawg

I carry a pair of nylon running shorts (baggy and light weight) to throw on over bike shorts should I need to enter a store. (I don't want anyone to have to look a my 33 year old butt, either! ;) )


But what if some people want to look at your butt. ;)

Hey, BikerDawg, don't sell yourself short (pardon the pun). At 33, you're just coming into form.

Re bike shorts: I've got a whole drawer full of REI and Nashbar shorts that I never wear. I thought I couldn't afford expensive shorts so I'd by these cheapies. Penny wise but pound foolish! Now I've got a couple pairs of PI Ultrasensors that I alternate.

If you skimp on shorts, you'll regret it.

Originally posted by caloso
Hey, BikerDawg, don't sell yourself short (pardon the pun). At 33, you're just coming into form.

:rolleyes: Thanks, Caloso, but you haven't seen my butt! ;)

Back to the shorts...I like them to feel snug, supportive, and non-constrictive. I'm SURE that clears things up! *L*

Pretty snug?

well for me it means I can pull the body of the short away
from my leg but it still fits tight to the leg.
This varies also with the type of lycra, the power lycra
(a bit thicker) is designed to hold the muscles so they
should be fairly tight, sounds gimmicky but I believe it
actually works.

Marty

I'm with the lot who say get the best possible quality you can afford, and if you ride more than once a week, get two pairs.

I've been down the tracks with no bike shorts (chafe painful), el-cheapos (the chamois compresses really quickly, and doesn't provide the coverage across the backside or inner thighs), and the expensive.

I'll dwell on the expensive a bit here. Three years ago I bought two pairs of New Zealand-made shorts (Cima, but it's not relevant for anyone outside Australasia). They cost about AUD$65 IIRC. I wore them day-in, day-out because of my work. The material was spandex, and was tough as nails. The chamois finally started to wear out. I liked them so much, I tried to source another couple of pairs 2.5 years later. Of course, you know the answer to that one. No, sorry, don't make 'em anymore.

I dismantled one pair to get a patten to try to make up a few more with a sewing machine. Spandex is really difficult to sew if you don't have access to an overlocker, so I gave up the project with a not-very-well-stitched half-pair. The second original pair I still have as a reserve, but they don't have leg-warmer grippers.

I bought two pairs of cheap Netti (again Australian brand) shorts last August before a long ride from Canberra to Melbourne. They cost $AUD54 each. I was Ok for a while, but the chamois compressed fairly rapidly, and I started to suffer from chafe and saddle sores like never before -- not big bad ones, but irritating little ones from ingrown hairs (that's probably more than you needed to know!).

So with Paris-Brest-Paris coming up and the prospect of 70-80 hours of riding over less than four days and 1200km, I thought I should invest in some good quality shorts to "interface" with the now-broken-in Brooks Team Pro saddle.

You can imagine my delight when I found that Cima has appointed a new Australian distributor, and had a new model of 8-panel lycra knicks, with a really decent, reasonably thick chamois. Cost AUD$95 a pair. I bought three pairs, and have now been in butt heaven for two weeks. Remember, I wear my bike gear all day, every day, so comfort is paramount, even in the office. I am really looking forward to PBP!

It's been a cold winter here and one thing I have discovered is that lycra does not retain heat into a strong, cold headwind, even with leg-warmers on. I wear cheap Target women's tights over the top (including the leg-warmers if need be) when the temperatures drop to around 0 deg C.

So, the moral, if any, is: Yes. Bike shorts do make a difference to comfort. Yes, expensive bike shorts (8 panel instead of 6 and quality chamois) make even more of a difference in comfort *and* longevity. Get two pairs because if you really like the first pair, you can guarantee the manufacturer will discontinue the line :). However, it's always useful to have two pairs in rotation, and particularly to avoid a build up of micro-nasties (hang them out in the sun to dry).

If you are somewhat modest about being seen in lycra shorts, wear a light pair of overshorts (microfibre nylon is great) but avoid ones with a zipper fly. Hiking shorts are good. The overshorts do help preserve the bike shorts from scuffing of the lyca. For females, some of the ladies I ride with use short wrap-around skirts, like those used in field hockey, netball, etc. The skirt is short enough not to get in the way, but is long enough for all modesty issues.

FWIW (and overwritten again!)

R

Reminds me of a Dilbert cartoon I saw. It went something like this:

PROBLEM: Bike seat causes pain in crotch area.
ANALYSIS: There is something wrong with your pants.
SOLUTION: Dorky-looking pants.

That being said, I always ride with bike shorts. I prefer the kind that have the outer shell that look like real shorts.

For me, they were definitely worth it. Considering my large dimension, I needed some extra padding.

Pearl Izumi Microsensor shorts are amazing. I also have a pair of Attacks and they are great. But the Microsensors and better for long rides. Worth every penny!

I saw an enormous woman the other day, stuffed into the largest cycling shorts likely available on the planet. She must've weighed 325-350 lbs! And, as if that didn't sear my corneas enough, she was also wearing a USPS yellow jersey, size 4XL. She was stuffing her face at a local ice cream stand near a popular bike path. Judging from the bikes available outside, she was severly stressing the frame of an off-the-shelf department store hybrid. Lord have mercy on her hub bearings.

Trust me, after seeing her you have nothing to worry about.

Still, a USPS jersey in size 4XL?? Doesn't that pretty much fit the bill for the term poseur?

Originally posted by Brennan
Reminds me of a Dilbert cartoon I saw. [...]

This one, you mean?

Ahh... Microsensors I think are the new ones. Can you tell us what the differences are between the MicroSensors and the UltraSensors? More panels? Finer stitching?

Hate to bring this up, but I use $20.00 Bellwether shorts with a velour pad that I buy from Campmor. I keep them up with suspenders under long sleeve silk tops for protection from the sun. I rotate through six pairs of these so I always have clean. I wash in sink in weak detergent after every use. I also have bibs that I bought for $27. from ProBikeKit.com. Nice chamois, and I use these on longer rides(over 4 hours). I've ridden Castelli's, Pearl Izumi's, Giordana, on and on but these work just fine. Castelli's really were my all time fave, tho.

Bellwether makes GREAT clothing for those of you who haven't tried it.

I have a bunch of Bellwether stuff including a lot of el-cheapo baggies for mountain biking since crashes eat through such shorts quickly. I have a set of non-lycra (not sure exactly what kind of material it is but it feels like cotton... hmmm) riding shorts made by Bellwether and they're okay. I definately don't think they're as comfortable as my PIs (they just don't fit as well) but I will use them on shorter rides and especially if I've run out of my other shorts but have been too lazy to do the laundry. I also have Bellwether raingear which are excellent.

The first cycling shorts I bought were Canari. They were inexpensive and more comfortable than gym shorts, but they lasted less than half a year. I have since worn Pearl Izumi Ultrasensors and Microsensors. The chamois is the same in both, but the Microsensors wick moisture better. The newer microsensors have a different chamois and a higher price. If you need a pair now, buy them from a local store. If you like the pair you buy, take your time and look for good prices on the internet. My Ultrasensors cost about $80 from Pearl's on-line store, but the microsensors, which retail for more, cost the same from either Excel sports or Colorado Cyclist. Off season, you can get good deals on the previous year's merchandise.

Originally posted by George
Mr. Ino......
Bike shorts are just as essential a component of cycling......as important as helmets. I can't imagine myself cycling in wet, sweaty, sticky street shorts and UNDERWEAR! .....especially for someone like myself who sweats buckets. I might wear ordinary street shorts if it's just a short juant on my townie for my favourite cup of java.

The thing is, everyone decides for himself, therefore if you think you need them, that must be so.

So far, I was perfectly satisfyed riding in regular clothes.
:)

Originally posted by deliriou5

you've never worn a pair of bike shorts... so i don't think you're qualified to say anything for or against them.


You are right. I don't have any right to say anything about them and I DON'T know what I am talking about.
http://cms.shoeisha.co.jp/image/concern.gif

Originally posted by khuon
I also have Bellwether raingear which are excellent.

The raingear is their strongest product. I have a full top and bottom Bellwether Goretex cycling rain gear outfit and it is definitely Da Kine.

But amazingly, these $20.00 shorts just go and go. They may be my most comfy short if I'm honest, but then, I like a lycra short w/o a pad so that's probably just me.

Man, I don't know about the other women on this forum but if I don't wear bike shorts (I used only had one when I was a starving grad sudent) my crotch would get so sore, it was not pretty! Just say my husband does not have as much fun if I don't wear them!!! So hell yeah they are wortht the money!!

I tried riding in regular shorts for a while before I bought my first bike shorts, the Pearl Izumi Canyon MTB shorts. These are baggies with the inner liner/chamois and they made a world of difference -- so much so that the next day I went back and bought another pair. After a while I decided to try some 'regular' biking shorts so I bought two pair of Sugoi TechniFine shorts and that's what I wear now on most rides -- very nice shorts and since getting those the butt-seat interface has just not been an issue, even on my first century. Yes, the shorts are worth the money, no doubt about it -- and this is from someone who said when I started riding that "I wouldn't be seen in those Spandex things..." :)

For rides of 15 miles or less I seldom wear biking shorts, for longer rides I do.

Originally posted by khuon
Ahh... Microsensors I think are the new ones. Can you tell us what the differences are between the MicroSensors and the UltraSensors? More panels? Finer stitching?

I believe the Microsensors (the more expensive shorts) use an extremely advanced chamois material and more panels. They also look kinda stylin'. :)

Originally posted by Inoplanetyanin
You are right. I don't have any right to say anything about them and I DON'T know what I am talking about.
http://cms.shoeisha.co.jp/image/concern.gif

I did not say you don't have the RIGHT to say anything about them - this is America... you have your free speech rights.

All I am saying is that you are not QUALIFIED to say anything for or against bike shorts - that your comments are not as meaningful without real life experience.

And I never said you don't know what you're talking about... you are your own judge of that

Bike shorts are like microwave ovens.

Until you get one you think you don't need it, once you have it, you can't imagine life without it. And for those who allways had a microwave:

Running shoes, ya, you can run in loafers, but it will be uncomfortable.

Or ski pants...or speedos...or cleated shoes.....or batting glove.....golf gloves....baseball mit.......water bottles......clipless systems.....etc.

Bike shorts increase the comfort level by a factor of ten, IMO. But it really depends on how much you ride, and how comfortable you want to be. I would suggest that you get a cheap pair first and see you yourself. I would bet a pair of bellweather for 20 bucks is 5X better than cotton non-specific shorts, the expensives ones are only 6X better than street shorts.

regards,

ehenz

Thanks for the replies everyone, when I do decide to finally buy the shorts, I will let everyone know, and I will give a revieew of comfort and fit.

Dave Stohler: I hope I never see that when I'm out riding, how did she even get into a pair of shorts? Maybe she sewed 2 -3 pairs together to make 1 pair big enough. That's nasty stuff. :eek:

Originally posted by ehenz
Bike shorts are like microwave ovens.





I'm glad you had a follow-up to that intro....

I was reluctant at first to go to bicycling shorts, but after I made the plunge I had it confirmed for me that there's a reason that 100 years of development has resulted in the current form of the gear we can wear. What a difference in comfort. I started out with the less expensive REI and Bellwether models ($15-30), and after my rides started exceeding 80 miles I also discovered that for me more $$ equals more comfort. I moved to Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor. I have 5 pairs I rotate through, and the oldest are wearing thin, so I have started wearing Castelli and loving it as well.

I definitely believe that shorts are not the area in which to go cheap.

Originally posted by Crazy Cyclist
Dave Stohler: I hope I never see that when I'm out riding, how did she even get into a pair of shorts? Maybe she sewed 2 -3 pairs together to make 1 pair big enough. That's nasty stuff. :eek:

In defense of the large woman in spandex (which really isn't a pretty picture -- at least it wasn't a bikini!), at least she's out there riding. And, why should she be any less comfortable than the rest of us? I give her credit for having the nuts to do what she wants to do regardless of what we think. (Granted, the ice cream may have been a bad choice, but who knows, maybe she's diabetic and needed sugar??!! Again, trying to look on the positive side.)

Michelle

Thank you, Michelle. I would rather see large people riding than slim and skinny people sitting around not doing anything.