Fifty Plus (50+) - Cycling shorts advice needed

This is not about brands per se but quality of chamois for 40-60 mi. rides. I have a pair of PI shorts that are about 6 yrs. old and I think finally worn out. I want to replace them with shorts/bibs with a chamois that will be comfortable for longer rides. I don't want the bulky type that make you feel like you're wearing a diaper but something that fits relatively snugly and is up to the job. As I shop I see a lot of advertising type language to describe shorts. Descriptions like "race" or "attack" don't help me. FWIW, I'm 5'9" and 187 lbs and will probably be down to around 180 lbs in a month or so. Any suggestions?

1 I just got PI - Attack bib and Elite bib,
they both said "lifetime warranty". So I
don't know if yours came with the same
guarantee.

2 The Attack feels like it has a thinner
padding than the Elite. I prefer the Elite's
padding, did a century ride a few weeks
ago and it was only towards the last 10-15
miles that my groin/butt started to hurt.
See signature link.

3 I'm 5' 8" and 183 lbs, also trying to get
below 180 before July :)

I (slightly) prefer Descente Aero-X for longer rides. I also like Assos, or as a friend calls it - AssOS.

The more expensive shorts tend to have a thinner chamois. I don't really like thick foam padding, either. And the thick foam on cheaper shorts just compresses down to nothing when sitting on the bike. Just squeeze the foam between your fingers when you are shopping for shorts--it's mostly air, and wouldn't help as padding.

The shorts I used to have didn't quite fit me. There were small wrinkles in the chamois that would irritate on long rides. I would be pulling on the shorts regularly while riding. That's annoying.

I got these Pearl Izumi In-r-cool shorts (http://www.pearlizumi.com/publish/content/pi_2010/us/en/index/products/men/ride/apparel/1.-productCode-11111106.html#021l) last year. They are expensive, but they work well for me. The padding handles sweat very well, and I really like the wide leg gripper band. I'm in the "$50 is a lot to pay for shorts" camp, and these were $90 on sale, but I'll probably buy another pair later this year.

"Squeeze the foam down"/ "won't work for padding". That doesn't make much sense. Sounds like the pure definition of padding to me. I was hesitant to buy shorts with foam at first. One ride and I was hooked. I rarely use my shorts with chamois now. Gel? Now that is another story. That is most vile crap ever made.

I have three pair of the PI Attack shorts and love them. I've done several half centuries and metric centuries this year and haven't had an issue with the chamois or the shorts. I'm 5'7" and weighed around 170 when I started using them. I'm down to 150 and have noticed a big difference in the comfort of the shorts, especially since they don't have elastic around the waistline.

My favorite bibs and shorts are Performance Brand Ultra Shorts. I have several pairs and compared to our team kits the Performance Ultra shorts are the best. One other thing to consider about the Performance brand is that if the shorts wear out they will replace them. I know for a fact that is true!

I have had good luck with PI Elite bibs. I bought my first pair in 2010, and a second pair in 2011. They are holding up well, and I dont think I will need another pair until next year. FTR, I ride about 5000+ miles a year (6000 last year), and wear the bibs about once a week or so. I also have a pair of Performance Ultra bibs.

I got the foam padded 6-panel bibs from Kucharic. I got one of them with chamois, and went back to foam, as they did feel a bit diaperish. I own six because I ride almost every day, and the price is good. I have only gotten up to doing fifty mile rides on a fairly regular basis, and am starting to notice some discomfort. I may buy a pair of higher end chamois as a set of "long range" shorts, to see if there is an improvement.

http://www.kucharikclothing.com/-c-29.html I am also influenced by buying locally, but I like them regardless.

[QUOTE=bruce19;14293606] quality of chamois for 40-60 mi. rides. a chamois that will be comfortable for longer rides. QUOTE]

I think this question might have people placing the popcorn bucket. Nothing so personal, nothing so without a generally applicable recommendation. However!

I bought the mrs a pair of Assos shorts before a Scandinavian tour. Previous tours, saddle contact points had limited the fun. That time - "Shorts? Oh. Don't know. Never thought about it". Week of 80 mile days.

I tried them. (Oh come on, they weren't gender specific. Keep it to yourselves). Horrid, I thought. Mushy, raised the centre of contact to an extent I didn't feel connected to my bike.

My favourites, a pair of Nikes. Just right for me - but not durable. I also get on well with (very cheap) Santinis. I also have a pair of baggy Enduro Humvees for use on tours. They're great

Mine are Giordana. Good quality at not too high a price and bought my first pair about 4 years ago -quickly followed by the second as they are so comfortable.

I'm here looking for the same advice.
My fave shorts are a pair of NOS Cannondales (made in the USA, no less !) that I bought at a swap meet this winter. My old faves were BlackBottoms.

ALL the new shorts I try feel like I imagine a loaded diaper would feel.

Does NO ONE still manufacture a short with minimal synthetic chamois ?

I have Selle San Marco saddles on most of my bikes, a Italia Turbo and Vetta Carrera on the others.
Only one bike has a newer saddle, and that is a Forte' Classic.

What gets me is that these brands all try to release something new from time to time, while us cyclists want to be able to go back and pick up the same comfortable shorts we have been wearing for years.

You find a brand and style that feels and fits right, only to find out the next time you go to purchase them, that model no longer exists and "something new" has come along that you know nothing about.

Levis has the right idea... just keep building 501s. Now if only PI and others would get a clue.

I have one pair of shorts and seven Bibs. They are devided between Canari, Voler, Giant, Pearl Zumi, and Specialized. I gt the Canari and Voler because they have factories close to me. I have just ordered another pair of Voler and picked the trinity chamois because that is one one I like in my other Voler Bibs. The Giant are my least favorite because the chamois seems to bunch up and move too much. The Pearl Zumi are good for rides up to about 35 miles but they may be a bit worn and need to be replaced anyway. I tend to wear the Specialized as much as the Voler because I hardly even notice the chamois. I believe you have the option of ordering a thinner chamis with both Voler and Canari but because I always order the same chamois I am not sure.

I like my 2 pair of Cannondale shorts. One pair has the old style synthetic chamois and the other has the newer "pad" style chamois. The Pad pair is not overly thick in the chamois and doesn't bunch up on me, the old style pair is my all round favorite and has served me well and are also my oldest shorts. They have worn very well . I'd recommend either type and Cannondale shorts in general to those asking me. My wife has a pair of C'Dale's women's shorts with the modern padded style and has enjoyed them. She does prefer a "Baggy" short most times but uses the Lycra for longer rides.

I don't see or hear of many others wearing the C'Dale shorts. No explanation, maybe people just don't associate Cannondale with kit. Seems a shame to me. However my next purchase of shorts will be the bib shorts when Curtis (ccurlew) is able to organize another 50+ kit purchase. Gotta be representin'a know!

Bill

Anyone using LGs?

You find a brand and style that feels and fits right, only to find out the next time you go to purchase them, that model no longer exists and "something new" has come along that you know nothing about.

Ain't that the truth! That's why I recently bought multiples of my favorites when they were on sale. They're stowed in a box waiting (and me hoping that I stay the same size and stay healthy).

Does NO ONE still manufacture a short with minimal synthetic chamois ?


Purchased 2 pairs for $64 of the Falconi Deluxe Cycling Bibshorts from Love2Pedal.
http://www.love2pedal.com/

The synthetic chamois is about medium thickness.....not to thick and not paper thin. I think the Coolmax pad is good for 40 miles rides and under. After a years use, both shorts are holding up great. The Lycra still looks and feels like new.

I should add........taken many longer rides in these shorts too, from 50 - 80 miles multiple times.

Keep in mind, up until a week ago, these were my only pair of cycling shorts. So I can't compare how these feel with other shorts. But I regularly check out shorts at bike shops and think these shorts compare to others costing between $70-90. Now that I think about it, material wise, I think these Falconi's appear nicer then low end Specialized, Castelli and Performance brand shorts, to name a few I've looked at.

Purchased 2 pairs for $64 of the Falconi Deluxe Cycling Bibshorts from Love2Pedal.
http://www.love2pedal.com/

The synthetic chamois is about medium thickness.....not to thick and not paper thin. I think the Coolmax pad is good for 40 miles rides and under.
Thanks for the link, but,
Everything I see on that site has a "Triple" or "Multi-density" PAD.
Those PADS are exactly what I can't stand.

I just wear gym shorts these days. Leave it to a recent bent convert to be a wisenheimer.

I still love my PI bib shorts. $119/pair, but when you average them out into miles/cents, it's like getting them for free.

You can skimp on a lot of things, but bib shorts aren't one of them.

Some people love the Hincapie shorts. I have never owned one, but people who try them usually are hooked.

Too Bad Kucharek quit making the Helenca Knit ones , they did not use Rubber thread
like spandex/Lycra
but the fabric itself had some give.. and so breathed well, and was not going gauzy
when the rubber threads deteriorated..

Ain't that the truth! That's why I recently bought multiples of my favorites when they were on sale. They're stowed in a box waiting (and me hoping that I stay the same size and stay healthy).

Did that several years ago... found some PIs that I really liked. But eventually they too have worn out... and are no longer available. sigh.

I wear Sugoi (pronounced soo-goy) RS shorts. They are expensive but worth it. They boast of a "high-tech" chamois. They are the only shorts I've worn since I started cycling (the LBS which sold me my bike recommended them). All I know is that I've never had any issues with saddle soreness or chafing since I started cycling, and judging from all the posts I seen about these issues in the various sub-forums here on BF, that means these shorts are working well for me.

Thanks for the link, but,
Everything I see on that site has a "Triple" or "Multi-density" PAD.
Those PADS are exactly what I can't stand.
Well, sorry I couldn't be of any help. If you prefer a minimal chamois, just look for the least expensive bibs, most of these have very thin pads.

After reading your comment, I had to check my bibs and tights to compare chamois. I doubt all multi-density pads fit and feel the same.

I have chamois from these companies. Pearl Izumi elites 3D, Performance evolution, Endura 400 pad, and Falconi coolmax.

Here's how these rate, lightest chamois on top.
1) Performance
2) Falconi
3) Pearl Izumi
4) Endura

I plan to use the Endura bibs on a century ride in 9 days. I find these provide the best support amongst the bibs I currently own.

For minimal padding, try triathlon shorts.

(I have not tried this one, but keep meaning to. So I really want someone else to try and let me know how it goes.)

When I rode my DF bikes and now my recumbents, I wear Rugby shorts. They cost around $15 at a local sports store. I admit they work far better on my bents. In fact that is one of many pluses when you ride a bent. High priced jerseys and shorts are not required.

My favorites are acutally Tri shorts from SUGOI. Very minimal chamois. I am getting ready to shop for bibs as well, and appreciate the suggestions.

For minimal padding, try triathlon shorts.

(I have not tried this one, but keep meaning to. So I really want someone else to try and let me know how it goes.)

A couple yrs ago an LBS had some PI trisuits on sale at 80% off. I couldn't resist. Bought the last two pair in my size. Absolutely love wearing the things but can't get beyond 15-20 miles without serious discomfort. I'm basically giving up on them.

Today I did some shopping and found some PI Inrcool Elite shorts that fit really well and seemed to have a medium thickness chamois. Might have to give them a try.

I've had very good success with Aerotechdesigns shorts for about $40. I mostly wear shorts for rides up to 100K, my Giordana bibs for longer rides. If I lived in a hotter, more humid climate I might ride bibs exclusively, but not necessary in Northern California.

I have used PI shorts for years, Elite being the latest, but I recently came across Mavic shorts, which I like very much. They are well padded, are cut lower in front, so don't roll up, have good leg grippers and breathable material.

Pay $60+ for any name brand, Pearl Izumi , Specialized, Etc. they all work well. Someone once said pay a dollar for each mile for the distance you want to ride.

I'm somewhat tempted to buy some Assos at $169 but am not sure it's worth more than the $79 Nashbar wants for PI Elites.

I'm somewhat tempted to buy some Assos at $169 but am not sure it's worth more than the $79 Nashbar wants for PI Elites.

If you pay the $169 you will have to ride 169 miles, go for the PI Elites :thumb:

Anyone using LGs?

N +1

Couple of years ago I bought 1 pair and went back for another. I really like them and they are holding up well.

If you asked me a few years back I would have said Giordana, but now after having two pair just essentially wear out after several years of riding I am not at all happy with the quality. I also found that bike shorts from EMS are more comfortable for longer rides like a century. These ar enow my go to shorts: http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4389894&cp=3677345.3737442

I like my PI attacks. 2 well worn pair and 1 new pair of shorts and 1 bib shorts. Just did a 110 mile ride in the bibs and almost no discomfort. I also have a pair of Rapha bib knickers that I use in colder weather and love.

For minimal padding, try triathlon shorts.

(I have not tried this one, but keep meaning to. So I really want someone else to try and let me know how it goes.)

Took your advice and purchased a pair of Pearl Izumi Select Tri Shorts.
EXACTLY what I was looking for !!! Extremely comfortable !!!!

Took your advice and purchased a pair of Pearl Izumi Select Tri Shorts.
EXACTLY what I was looking for !!! Extremely comfortable !!!!

I liked mine too but couldn't get past 15-20 miles before real discomfort set in. Have you used yours on a longer ride yet? Wondering how they work for you on the longer rides.

Essenetially you get what you pay for with shorts/bibs. The less expensive ones tend to have the bulky chamois while the more expensive have padding that is thin and doesn't compress. If you're looking for a bargain, do a search. I look for the major brands on sale like PI, Sugoi, Assos, etc.

Boure makes shorts with thinner chamois - read this http://www.boure.com/faq1.html and then look for their "elite" short.

Did my first ride with a new pair of PI InRcool Elite shorts. It was about 44 mi. and I was riding with a saddle sore but they were excellent. Think I've found what I need.

I liked mine too but couldn't get past 15-20 miles before real discomfort set in. Have you used yours on a longer ride yet? Wondering how they work for you on the longer rides.
So far I've worn them on rides of 17, 25, and 40 mi and they feel perfect. :)