Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Preferred Chamois Shorts Brand?

I have been riding sans cycling shorts since I started to get into biking a few months back. Luckily the recommendations on the Brooks saddle were spot on. With wicking underwear and regular shorts I haven't had any issues. However, my goal is to start getting into shape for longer rides. Since I have only been biking for a few months, I am only up to ~30 miles, but I am progressing along.

Anyhow, as I move to 2+ hours in the saddle I am thinking padding may be nice. However, I don't want a big bulky diaper. So, what is a good value brand for biking shorts that don't have a huge diaper bulge? I do MTB also and I am not much for the spandex look, but will wear board shorts or cargo shorts over.

My preference:

MEC
Ascent

My advice, try a 50-75 mile trip, and check your comfort level.

I generally ride fairly long distances (min 80 miles) at a fairly fast clip (with a brooks saddle as well) and I have yet to have any real discomfort/numbness/or anything else wearing normal gym shorts. The shorts have integrated underwear, almost like swim trunks.

Now, I'm sure I'll get flamed for saying it, but some people might not need them, and if you are already slightly opposed, you might not either. I will say this though, on group rides, I'm in a very very very small minority (generally 1 person, me).

Maybe my bike fit suits me perfectly, maybe I'm just used to riding in regular shorts, and I'm not opposed to them, just haven't felt the need yet.

I'm sure many people will chime in with some recommendations though . . . ride on!

I can make it to about 80 km wearing beach shorts and a bathing suit (Brooks saddle, of course). But I actually really like my cycling shorts and feel very comfortable in them.

I also just started MTB riding. I have gone out much, yet, but I am thinking padding may be more crucial there. So, far on pavement it hasn't been an issue, maybe I have rawhide butt. lol

I like Voler stuff, but I also use PI bibs and shorts. You can also just get the liner padded shorts (http://http://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Product_10053_10052_247854_-1___)to wear under your normal shorts also. I have tried several brands of shorts/bibs, and there are very few that weren't any good (Trek). Each have there advantages, but when I do my back to back 100 mile days this weekend, I will be wearing my Voler bibs, no doubt.
BTW, In my experience, PI is also one of the only brands that has "normal" sizing. They run bigger than most, and more true to your actual "American" size. Voler runs a bit smaller than PI, but not as small as some.

I think maybe it's not so much the padding of bike shorts that comes in handy as rides get longer and longer -- particularly, as has been pointed out, if you have a good saddle that makes your bottom happy. :) IMO, the real advantage of bike shorts over Wal-Mart gym shorts is the lack of seams in potentially annoying places.

I *hate* overly padded/overly complicated chamois, and it seems to be getting tougher and tougher to find shorts that don't have that "loaded diaper" feeling. :eek:

The most recent pair I bought were made by Descente -- I forget the "model" name, but it was marketed as a "triathlon" short. Cycling shorts for triathletes almost always have very minimal pads, and are often designed to be very quick-drying, too, which is cool. A lot of them have very short leg lengths, though, which I don't particularly like.

But, hey, if you keep on being comfy in whatever you're wearing now, I'd say don't worry about it!

I *hate* overly padded/overly complicated chamois, and it seems to be getting tougher and tougher to find shorts that don't have that "loaded diaper" feeling. :eek:

The most recent pair I bought were made by Descente -- I forget the "model" name, but it was marketed as a "triathlon" short. Cycling shorts for triathletes almost always have very minimal pads, and are often designed to be very quick-drying, too, which is cool. A lot of them have very short leg lengths, though, which I don't particularly like.

Ditto. I have quite a few pairs of "triathlon" shorts. I rode most of 2003 PBP in "triathlon" shorts and this summer I rode a 2000+ mile tour from Munich to Barcelona exclusively in triathlon shorts. Yes, most tri-shorts have shorter legs, but it's less common than ~10 years ago and only a few are really short anymore. My current faves are a pair of Sugois - they seem to be as long as regular cycling shorts and have almost no padding.

My riding partner rides in regular underwear and thick cotton cargo shorts, the kind with all the pockets, with no problems, and he goes as long as 400 miles in 2 days. He wears old cotton T-shirts, too. He has no issues, and this is in Houston where it is hot and humid. Me, I tried to emulate him as my old cycling shorts were due to be replaced, but I chafed after 20 miles in the humidity, so went back to lycra.

I'd suggest you keep riding in what you currently wear unless you start experiencing problems. If you never experience problems and are comfortable as is, you'll save a pretty penny.

Blackbottoms Seven Canyon bibs. Almost exactly like real chamois for those of us that prefer a more traditional garment. Looks like they changed their website - I can't find them on the site now but call Tara @ Blackbottoms if this is something that appeals to you.

When I was 25 pounds heavier, I liked PI shorts with the 3D PRO padding. For whatever reason, now that I've lost weight they're not comfortable any more. It could be that I need a size smaller short now, but they seem to rub ackwardly at the edge of the padding; sort of a 'diaper' or 'bunching' effect just at the edge of the saddle.

I've been riding in my old Performance Ultras and a new pair of Craft Winter bibs knickers recently (up to 110 miles in either) and the thinner padding is working much better for me. In part, it could be the fabric of the pad covering; it's less 'cloth-like' so chamois creme and sweat don't seem to absorb into it so rapidly. I haven't encountered any chafe issues with either pair... although the Ultras were considerably less comfortable when I was 25 pounds heavier.

At any weight, I've never been a fan of Castelli shorts. The padding always feels too bulky, and as a bib wearer, the torso isn't cut for really tall dudes. One word: Permawedgie.
(Point of reference for weight: Current - 6'6", 230 pounds)

I don't know about expensive cycling shorts, but I find the "Nashbar Essential" shorts really comfortable. They're also cheap, which is also comfortable. The nominal list price is $34.95, but they always seem to be $20-25 whenever I look.

There are probably expensive shorts that are more comfortable, but they're definitely worlds more comfortable than wearing conventional shorts-and-underwear, and more comfortable than the pair of Performance shorts I have (which cost about the same, but are different). And they stand up to machine washing.

.... and the thinner padding is working much better for me.

+1

Until recently I suffered from numbness and discomfort on rides over 50 miles. It wasn't until I stopped wearing the very padded Sugoi, Castelli, Giordano, etc bibs and switched to something very close to traditional chamois for longer distances (and a much harder saddle) that I stopped getting numb. It's really counter-intuitive but it worked a charm for me, I just finished a century with no problems at all.

If you can find some Etxe Ondo shorts, try them. There chamois are rather simple, but I found them to be really comfortable. Most of the time these days, I ride in Assos bib shorts, which can't be beat for comfort. Though they do cost a bit more!