Road Cycling - new PI shorts, saddle sores, and the logistics of trying to return used shorts...

last week, i ordered a pair of pearl izumi ultrasensor shorts from nashbar. around $80. with expedited shipping so i could have them for the weekend, over $90.

let me state that i own tons of PI stuff, several older shorts, tights, jerseys, jacket, leg/knee/arm warmers, skull cap, booties, gloves, etc. i'm extremely happy with all of the rest of it, so i ordered these shorts with confidence.

when i first put them on (last thursday), they felt very comfortable. perfect fit. greased em up with assos chamois cream and hit the road for a quick 40 miles... very happy customer.

since then, i've logged about 200 miles in em and i'm realizing i'm feeling something i haven't felt in literally the last 12k miles (that's 3 years of riding for me) the beginnings of SADDLE SORES!

they're totally the kind you get from abrasion of shorts or something that shouldn't be moving around. the shorts fit nice and tightly, as they should, but upon inspection of the chamois, there is a raised seam running very close to the middle of the crotch in the part that goes right up between my legs, exactly where i'm feeling it.

so...

a) is there anything i can do to say, break the shorts in? i'm already using chamois cream.

b) is there any hope nashbar would give me any kind of refund if i'm really, truly not happy with this product? as it stands, i feel like i've wasted close to $100 on a "non-returnable" product that i had every reason to think would be great, but has let me down.

I wouldn't really expect anything from Nashbar, they're just a retailer and the used product is not resaleable. I would expect PI to step up and offer a replacement.

That's just my thinking.

I bet Nashbar would take them back...I bought a pair of shoes from them, used for several rides and decided there was something just "not right" with the fit...anyway I think they charged me a small fee since I didn't have the original packaging anymore, but still took them back...

FWIW....

Off their website:


100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

We stand behind everything we sell. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, upon receipt, simply return the item with proof of purchase and we'll replace it or give you a refund or credit your account for the item.

Bike Nashbar will refund actual shipping costs from UPS label or postage on damaged merchandise or mistakes made by us. Merchandise returned with excessive use, may be subject to a restocking fee and credit slip refund. (Labor fees are not refundable, i.e., custom built wheels.) Returns over $250 must have a return authorization number clearly marked on the outside of the package or the item will be refused. Return authorization number can be obtained by writing to mail@bike.nashbar.com or by calling: 1-800-NASHBAR (627-4227).