General Cycling Discussion - Question on cycling shorts

With today's technology out there (chamois, gel, etc) what would be a good comfortable pair of shorts/bibs to get? My budget floats around $50.

I have been a fan of thin padding in the shorts. Some stuff for moisture absorbtion, but thick shorts HURT! I like the cheaper Perl Izumis.

These are very good, and on sale. Shortly after I got my 1st pair, I got a 2nd. Only shorts I use now.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=14591

I just received the shorts that late talked about. The problem is they seem to run small. I am no fat a$$ and wear a 34 waist with normal day wear. I ordered the large Performance elite and it is too tight on me. I have to send them back and get an XL. They look pretty good for the money, though. All my other shorts are size large. I am 6 foot 1 inch and weigh 185.

How long do the Performance shorts last for?

I have ridden a pair of medium priced Performance shorts and they have held up rather well. I also recently purchased a couple of their "Elite" shorts (I think I saw them for around $46 on sale) and they are extremely comfortable. They feel as good as my Pearl Izumi's (Ultrasensor) shorts. The bonus is they are about half the cost!

So your not gellin'? :D

Chamois is good then ... I guess $35-45 is a good price for a starter pair. Thanks everyone!

Originally posted by late
These are very good, and on sale. Shortly after I got my 1st pair, I got a 2nd. Only shorts I use now.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=14591

I recently bought a pair of these shorts in blue and they made my legs break out :( I don't know if it's the die (I washed them before wearing them) or the sizing since they seemed to run a bit small. The padding in them is very good though.

I normally rotate through several pairs of the Performance Century shorts. When I buy some more I'm going to get some from voler and give those a try. I have a couple of jerseys from voler and have been very pleased with them.

Zack

My only only bibs are Voler - they are comfortable also. Great padding and the fit is good. Unfortunately they are my one and only (and last) bibs I will buy. Bibs are good for short rides only. IMHO

After wearing my bibs on a week long bike tour having to get totally undressed to utilize the "facilities" each time is too much a pain in the rear. They feel great but the hassle is not worth it.

Chi,

Don't mess around follow this link

LINK (http://www.bicyclinghub.com/etonolshor.html)

and buy these shorts. they are NOT starter shorts.
And the nominee for best synthetic in the role of Chamois is:
ETXE-ONDO.

just one thing, they run small. I wear a medium and had to
go to a large in their bibs. If you do order here, ask Doug
(owner of shop) he is vey helpful.

Marty

I had good luck getting good stuff for cheap at www.longscycles.com . Their shorts use some weird sizinig, so look at the sizing charts before you ordes- I ordered xxxl with a 42 waist, but at around $30 a pair for good bibs, I willorder weird sizes all week.

Hi Chi,
this is my first year with Performance elite shorts. They seem ok, but the only other shorts I have had were Nashbar ones. I had some durablity probs with the Nashbar shorts, and switched to Performance. So far, so good. As others have pointed out, they do run a little snug.

I kinda want a little snugness since I'm thinking of going with shorts rather than bibs. I'm also considering wearing these under my regular shorts ... I'm not too eager to show off my fine lines. ;) j/k

Originally posted by Chi
I'm also considering wearing these under my regular shorts ... I'm not too eager to show off my fine lines. ;) j/k

...then go with padded briefs instead.....

Originally posted by late
I had some durablity probs with the Nashbar shorts, and switched to Performance.

Hmmm... I thought Nashbar and Performance were one and the same. I guess their apparal lines come from different sources? :confused:

Dunno,
all I can tell you is that I like my performance shorts better.

Originally posted by George
...then go with padded briefs instead.....

The ultimate in aerodynamics. :D

Pearl Izumi, Trek and Santini, get some without too much padding

Aite, since my mom is a tailor I asked her to do some research (considering shorts are so expensive and I'm a cheapskate ;) ). She "borrowed" a pair of shorts and measured all the stuff she needed, made a layout and made a pair for me to wear and try out. They use a layer or two of foam for support, and have some sort of elastic fabric for the actual shorts themselves. I know, no spandex here.

They felt great! At first try anyway. I'll be going home and trying them out on an extended ride this weekend. Then we'll see if these freebies are as good as those shorts people pay $50+ for each.

One great thing about having a tailor mom: she makes all the clothes you wouldn't buy. ;)

Oh, and thanks for all your suggestions. Our research is based on all the stuff posted, and it seems that the Performance shorts were the best as far as padding and fit.

I have some great Netti/Giant lycra padded shorts.. and also some Netti padded shorts, that just look like normal shorts to the naked eye :) I'd recommend any Netti product.

Velowear has some on sale for $25 Their stuff if great.

VOLER's famous 8-panel team bike short has earned rave reviews within the racing community. Now the same team tested short is available with a 6 oz. Nylon-Lycra breathable fabric, and the popular Cantara anti-microbial chamois has a baseball cut design with strategically placed seams. Featuring clean hem rolled elastic waist, woven gripper at hem. Available in black only. Based on men's sizing, but this short is popular with both men and women. Product # 111030S


http://www.velowear.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=111030S&variation=&aitem=1&mitem=1