Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - long distance shorts

It's time for me to get a new pair of long distance shorts.
I've got multiple ones, but only one really seemed to work well for long distance beyond 100 miles.

Any advice from you folks on a brand/model that works well? this is for 200/300/400k events.

Especially good would be certain models to avoid. Reading through some of the Performance bike threads, I've noticed tha their "century gel" seem to be not well suited for long rides, with a lot of the complaints.

Assos FI.Mille bibs. There is no substitute.

Some of my clubmates swear by DeSoto's '400 mile' bibs. I swear by Rapha's standard bib shorts. They fit wonderfully enough that after 22 hours on the bike, I hadn't even thought about it. Unlike a certain other brand that uses models that cannot possibly be cyclists. Really though, whatever fits the best is what works the best. Pearl Izumi is always popular. Think about what you like and dislike about what you currently use.

Does anyone change their shorts on the longer events?

After all, half the reason to wear cycling shorts is to cut down on bacteria. Seems like if you're wearing the same pair for more than 24 hours, that might not be the most effective method....

I love Capo bibs. Ever since I got my first set from them I have bought only cycling clothing from them. But they don't work for everybody as one of my friends is a stocky fellow and does not like the chamois and everything is tight on him. We both ride doubles quite a bit.

Personally, I hate bibs for LD. I've seen people get left in the Porta-potti, struggling with their wet jacket, jersey, bibs, etc.

My favorite shorts, and I think the best I've ever had, are the shorts sold by Hammer Nutrition. Yeah, so it says Hammer down my leg, I don't care. They're really cheap ($66) because of the logo and they're absolutely fabulous. Relatively thin pad, and not a wide pad that goes down your leg, either. Also wear well. I've worn them a lot and they don't show it.

Personally, I hate bibs for LD. I've seen people get left in the Porta-potti, struggling with their wet jacket, jersey, bibs, etc.

meh, use full-zip jerseys and it's not really a problem.

It's time for me to get a new pair of long distance shorts.
I've got multiple ones, but only one really seemed to work well for long distance beyond 100 miles.

Any advice from you folks on a brand/model that works well? this is for 200/300/400k events.

Especially good would be certain models to avoid. Reading through some of the Performance bike threads, I've noticed tha their "century gel" seem to be not well suited for long rides, with a lot of the complaints.

In the end it is so personal that you can only know the answer by trying, and even then it may change over time.

The Voler shorts that I wore comfortably on PBP in 2007 got set aside for awhile, then ridden intermittently, and then on a 400Km in 2009 they felt like brillo pads.

I find the Boure Elite shorts to be very comfortable and very long-wearing and have ridden them on events up to 1000Km without any problems. I just returned the abovementioned Voler shorts and exchanged for a new pair of Voler Elite shorts that felt just fine on a 400Km. I found that the Pearl Izumi, Performance, and Descente shorts just didn't last well for high mileage. If I ever win the lottery then I might try the Rapha or Assos shorts, but meanwhile they are well out of my price range unless they're going to actually start pedaling the bike for me.

Can't stand bib shorts on a brevet, because you have to practically disrobe to get them off. I don't see how a full zip shirt would help a whole lot. First of all, for probably about 70 percent of the time I'm on the bike in any given year, I have on either base layers under the jersey or a vest or jacket on top. And even on a warm, dry summer day, I'm still going to have to be taking one sleeve off to get that side of the bib off my shoulder, then get the sleeve back on and switch to the other side -- all while trying to make sure not to dump the contents of my pockets into the crapper, and meanwhile having to hold things back that were the reason I'm in the outhouse anyway. Regular shorts sure are a lot easier!

Nick

Does anyone change their shorts on the longer events?

If the ride is more than a day, yes. For long events, I always shower before hand and wash the area with hibiclens then apply a very light coating of chamois cream to my skin and bib pad. If it's a 600k or touring and I will be riding multiple days with sleep stops, I usually try to shower before I sleep and will always want to put on fresh shorts.

Not sure what all this bib shorts stuff is all about. I tried them once when I first started cycling because the guy at the bike shop suggested them. They were very uncomfortable and I always felt as if someone was tugging at my shoulders as I was riding. Ended up selling them to a friend. I like the Perl Izumi and Louis Graneau line of shorts. I also have a pair of Bellweather shorts that I like a lot.


Does anyone change their shorts on the longer events?

On back to backs when I stay in a motel, I will wash the shorts and jersey in the shower and hang them up to dry. Before going to bed, I will help them along with a hair dryer on the low heat setting from a distance and they are good to go in the morning. I hate taking a bunch of stuff with me on overnight cycling rides. If it doesn't fit in my cycling bag, it doesn't go.

Assos FI.Mille bibs. There is no substitute.

Another vote for Assos