Which bicycle shorts would you recommend and why?
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Heres my problem...short legs. I tried on some PI's and they were literally around my kneecaps.
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- i started out w/Canari Gel II shorts, but snarfed several Cannondale bibs on sale last year... i wish i had gone with bibs to begin with...
(now i have to wear out the Canaris, but that's going to take *long* time)
:-)
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+1 on the Pearl Izumis. I've got 4 pair of their Attack shorts. Love the chamois. BUT, check the fit every year- same size bought in 2004 and 2006 have vastly different fits (waist). I am 5'7", with 28" inseam, and they work for me. When riding, the leg hits about an inch or two above the knee.
#30
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I dunno about you guys but with my little bit of "age gut" hanging out (couldn't be the beer) Bibs sure help hold the pants up tight into the stuff. Hate it when I catch my pants on the seat.
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I am just getting back into bicycling and will be purchasing a hybrid bike for exploring and excercise rides, mostly on pavement but with some non-mountain bike paths and bike trails thrown in. I am 50 and in good shape from weight lifting workouts.
Which bicycle shorts would folks recommend?
Which bicycle shorts would folks recommend?
It starts with bike fit and translates to saddle fit and shorts. All this will take time to dial in. Don't rush it and don't rush to spend a lot of money.
I am relatively light weight, less than 145 and for short rides 40 miles and less, it didn't matter what kind of shorts I wore. So I bought some triathlete shorts which have very little padding and it works for me.
#34
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My favorites have always been bibs. You won't be dissapointed. I have ridden dozens of brands and some are better than others, but I don't get it when I look in bicycling magazine and see the new Assos shorts for $329. Seriously, who buys those?
#35
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No advice here. I have yet to find some I like. I think last year a couple of places had ones without chamois, but I can't find them this year. I don't need a pad and don't like a pad, but would be willing to try compression type shorts to see if it's better.
One typical cycling gear I don't have. It made better sense to me to buy a good saddle so I didn't have the expense of having a series of padded shorts.
One typical cycling gear I don't have. It made better sense to me to buy a good saddle so I didn't have the expense of having a series of padded shorts.
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It kind of depends on the hybrid and the saddle you buy. I wear Pearl Izumi ultrasensor shorts, which are a bit more expensive, but very good for the riding I do. I like the insert. I ride a Trek 1500 with a men's Terry gel touring saddle. our club rides 50 miles (road) each Saturday. If you are riding less than that, you may be able to wear a less expensive pair with a thinner insert.
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Pearl Izumi Slice Ultrasensor because I didn't like any of the others I have owned.
My least liked - anything with gel.
https://https://www.pearlizumi.com/sho...roducts_id=154
My least liked - anything with gel.
https://https://www.pearlizumi.com/sho...roducts_id=154
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Just bought my first pair of the Giordana Tenax. Double the price of what I have before for "Quality" Bibs- but so far are worth it. I know what my next Bibs are going to be now.
Went to the LBS to buy Assos- but they don't carry them and strongly recommended the Giordana range. Insider information is that the Giordana's Are the same as Assos- but cheaper.
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I would vote for the mountain bike cargo type of shorts for the kind of riding you described. Think about how often you might just stop to walk around if you are on a fun family social ride. Then think about everyone you have ever seen wearing spandex. Some people look good in them and some simply do not. For road bikes it seems as if spandex in almost mandatory but for what you have suggested your plans are you might want to take a page from the Mountain Bike guys. Just my point of view however.
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Having just come back from a vacation where some spur of the moment rides were in whatever I was wearing at the time I can attest to the fact the the chamois in bike shorts (in my case bibs) absorbs sweat and your regular gym shorts don't.
This results in some mildly abrasive rides where the "mildly" is just one term in an equation that also includes temperature and duration. Do not get out too far on the curve. You have been warned.
My advice, start with a set of performance shorts..........bib or other...........it won't break the bank and you can get a feel for the situation.......... Then you can dip farther into your wallet as you see fit............
This results in some mildly abrasive rides where the "mildly" is just one term in an equation that also includes temperature and duration. Do not get out too far on the curve. You have been warned.
My advice, start with a set of performance shorts..........bib or other...........it won't break the bank and you can get a feel for the situation.......... Then you can dip farther into your wallet as you see fit............
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#41
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+1 on PI Ultrasensor. I have 2 pair that I got on sale from Performance plus using their % off coupons. I also just bought a pair of Assos F1 Mille shorts. Ridiculously expensive but very comfortable where it counts, but the elastic on the leg seems to bite into my skin a bit. I also have a couple of pair of Oakly MTB shorts. One pair I think the Hawkeye is fine, but the Ballistics are way too heavy and too much padding for ordinary riding.
#42
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Comfort and fit. PI or Descente. For less expensive shorts, I like Hind.
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#43
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+1 on PI Ultrasensor. I have 2 pair that I got on sale from Performance plus using their % off coupons. I also just bought a pair of Assos F1 Mille shorts. Ridiculously expensive but very comfortable where it counts, but the elastic on the leg seems to bite into my skin a bit. I also have a couple of pair of Oakly MTB shorts. One pair I think the Hawkeye is fine, but the Ballistics are way too heavy and too much padding for ordinary riding.
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I have a pair of Pearl Izumi shorts and a pair of Pearl Izumi bibs. Both have the same Race 3D chamois. I'm going to be heretical here -- I prefer the shorts. Just can't seem to get as comfortable in the bibs. May have something to do with my pear-shaped body.
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Assos F.I. 13 S-2 Bib Shorts. Expensive, but worth it. Highly recommended.
#46
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I would look for bibs on sale at either Performance or Nashbar, and get ones that fit you well. Then buy several more of them.
I like the Nashbar Essential bib, on sale for $29.99. Tough to beat that price, and they are having a July 4th sale with 15% off a $50 order.
I like the Nashbar Essential bib, on sale for $29.99. Tough to beat that price, and they are having a July 4th sale with 15% off a $50 order.
#47
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+ 1 for Pearl Izumi! Also try Cannondale Bibs .Just got a pair and they are really comfy.
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Just bought my first pair of the Giordana Tenax. Double the price of what I have before for "Quality" Bibs- but so far are worth it. I know what my next Bibs are going to be now.
Went to the LBS to buy Assos- but they don't carry them and strongly recommended the Giordana range. Insider information is that the Giordana's Are the same as Assos- but cheaper.
Went to the LBS to buy Assos- but they don't carry them and strongly recommended the Giordana range. Insider information is that the Giordana's Are the same as Assos- but cheaper.
#49
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Riding: Pearl Isumi Ultrasensor bibs
Commuting: Fox Racing Mid Short Baggies / Cannondale Baggies
Winter: Pearl Isumi thermo bib tights / North Face Polar gloves
Commuting: Fox Racing Mid Short Baggies / Cannondale Baggies
Winter: Pearl Isumi thermo bib tights / North Face Polar gloves
#50
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My current favorites are Pearl Izumi. My old favorite was Castelli, but their quality seems to have collapsed in the last couple of years. +1 on bibs.