BIke Shorts and Chafing
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Far, Far Northern California
Posts: 2,873
Bikes: 1997 Specialized M2Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
BIke Shorts and Chafing
I've gotten the saddle situation under control, and the only discomfort I now have is chafing right where the leg meets the body, on the front, just to the side of the boys (don't make me post a picture!).
With the new lower-priced bike shorts I got it looks like the edge/seam of the "chamois" is right at this point. The chamois also barely covers the sit bones. I will probably send them back.
I'm not chafing against the saddle. The problems is less with other shorts that I have, but still there.
Anyone deal successfully with this problem? I'd like to avoid buying bibs at this time.
With the new lower-priced bike shorts I got it looks like the edge/seam of the "chamois" is right at this point. The chamois also barely covers the sit bones. I will probably send them back.
I'm not chafing against the saddle. The problems is less with other shorts that I have, but still there.
Anyone deal successfully with this problem? I'd like to avoid buying bibs at this time.
#2
Senior Member ??
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Englewood,Ohio
Posts: 5,098
Bikes: 2007 Trek Madone 5.0 WSD - 2007 Trek 4300 WSD - 2008 Trek 520 - 2014 Catrike Trail
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well, I don't have quite the same problem but I do see a big difference between my less expensive/more expensive cycling shorts. The padding in the shorts is important. I usually buy Pearl Izumi shorts and love them.
The pictures won't be necessary
The pictures won't be necessary
__________________
=============================================================
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
-- Antonio Smith
=============================================================
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
-- Antonio Smith
#3
Boomer
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 7,214
Bikes: Diamondback Clarity II frame homebuilt.
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16098 Post(s)
Liked 1,457 Times
in
1,064 Posts
Same problem here, but with bibs that are getting old. They used to be fine but the same problem as you have described it exists.
I suspect that this is what you pay for in the expensive stuff. (larger chamois, better longer lasting material?)
I suspect that this is what you pay for in the expensive stuff. (larger chamois, better longer lasting material?)
__________________
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: N. California
Posts: 1,410
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
TromboneAl,
Money doesn't always solve this problem. I have a pair of Specialized "expensivo's" shorts (forget the exact model but they were about $150) and also a pair of Descente in the same price range. The Specialized are fantastic but the Descentes (I generally like their products a lot) get me in the same manner you describe .
I also have some much less expensive Izuma Pearls's (less than half the price) which are among my favorites for all but the longest rides. I notice that a lot of people in my club wear the IP's. The expensive Specialized are the best for me so far.
Money doesn't always solve this problem. I have a pair of Specialized "expensivo's" shorts (forget the exact model but they were about $150) and also a pair of Descente in the same price range. The Specialized are fantastic but the Descentes (I generally like their products a lot) get me in the same manner you describe .
I also have some much less expensive Izuma Pearls's (less than half the price) which are among my favorites for all but the longest rides. I notice that a lot of people in my club wear the IP's. The expensive Specialized are the best for me so far.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Cleveland MS
Posts: 292
Bikes: 04 Trek 2100, Ultegra, Koobi,Syntace
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think bike shorts are as personal a fit issue as the right saddle. I have tried a lot, but my favorites are Giordana. I have shorts and bibs, and prefer the bibs, but the chamois is the same. They're not the cheapest, or the most expensive, but they work for me, and hold up well, too.
#6
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
I think bike shorts are as personal a fit issue as the right saddle. I have tried a lot, but my favorites are Giordana. I have shorts and bibs, and prefer the bibs, but the chamois is the same. They're not the cheapest, or the most expensive, but they work for me, and hold up well, too.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
#7
Lincoln, CA
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Lincoln, CA
Posts: 2,229
Bikes: 94 Giant ATX 760, 2001 Biachi Eros, 2005 Giant OCR2 Composite +
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Stapfam and I are always touting Giordanas. I have three pair. Some sort of butt butter may help, too.
__________________
Truth is stranger than reality.
'96 Giant ATX 760 MTB
'01 Bianchi Eros
'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades
Truth is stranger than reality.
'96 Giant ATX 760 MTB
'01 Bianchi Eros
'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, USA
Posts: 1,737
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Memphis
Posts: 246
Bikes: 2008 Specialized Roubaix Elite Compact, 2004 Giant Cypress, 1981 Specialized Sequoia
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
As Beverly said, it's all about the fit . . . I agree on PI . . . Look for shorts that are made so there is nothing resembling a seam in the crucial areas . . .
And going comando is also essential . . . for the same reasons . . .
And going comando is also essential . . . for the same reasons . . .
#10
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 173 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
You have uncovered a useful piece of data. You now know of a specific model of shorts which does not work for you. Buy something different next time. If you are lucky, you'll find something that works without too many misses.
In the meantime, some sort of lube should help. Things I have used which worked for me include Vaseline, Bag Balm, Chamois Butt'r and Queen Helene's Cocoa Butter Cream.
In the meantime, some sort of lube should help. Things I have used which worked for me include Vaseline, Bag Balm, Chamois Butt'r and Queen Helene's Cocoa Butter Cream.
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
I know that I am going to commit heresy on this site, and probably will be banned by the mods, but I don't wear lycra bicycle shorts.(omg!!!) I wear shorts purchased in the thrift store.
There, I said it. I feel much better.
There, I said it. I feel much better.
#13
Broom Wagon Fodder
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,384
Bikes: Fuji Supreme; Kona Wo; Nashbar road frame custom build; Schwinn Varsity; Nishiki International; Schwinn Premis, Falcon Merckx, American Flyer muscle bike, Motobecane Mulekick
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 52 Post(s)
Liked 64 Times
in
30 Posts
My advice is when you find shorts you like, buy them like they are going out of style. Because they are. If you wait a year to buy another pair they will be subtly different and maybe not in a way you like. My wife has the same problem with running shoes. She finds a pair she likes and 6 months later they "update" it and it doesn't fit her as well. I found an inexpensive saddle I like at Performance. It was on sale and I bought 4 of them. Since then I have picked up a couple of older bikes from Craig's list and the first thing to go on them is a saddle I like.
The lube cream is great. I use it for long rides, but it is not a substitute for a good pair of shorts or the right saddle.
The lube cream is great. I use it for long rides, but it is not a substitute for a good pair of shorts or the right saddle.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 1,960
Bikes: Trek Domane 4.5, Trek 1500
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
If you can affort Pearl Izumi, they are great shorts. The Attack shorts are not bad, but the Ultrasensor shorts have a better chamois.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 562
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
After buying shorts from a variety of companies, I've settled on PI Ultrasensor as the most comfortable, for me. I no longer buy anything else.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 618
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Its may be your underpants?
HI,
I have to be crude but those riding pants do work best without cotton briefs in the way.
My B17 seemed to fix all my chaffing.
DOug
I have to be crude but those riding pants do work best without cotton briefs in the way.
My B17 seemed to fix all my chaffing.
DOug
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SWMO
Posts: 3,185
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1400 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
For what it might be worth I just ordered a set of Pearl Izumi T-fleece tights with chamois from Colorado Cyclist for $119 plus shipping - total was $131. Best price I was able to find by a large margin.
__________________
It's all downhill from here. Except the parts that are uphill.
It's all downhill from here. Except the parts that are uphill.
#18
Lincoln, CA
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Lincoln, CA
Posts: 2,229
Bikes: 94 Giant ATX 760, 2001 Biachi Eros, 2005 Giant OCR2 Composite +
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
My advice is when you find shorts you like, buy them like they are going out of style. Because they are. If you wait a year to buy another pair they will be subtly different and maybe not in a way you like.
The lube cream is great. I use it for long rides, but it is not a substitute for a good pair of shorts or the right saddle.
The lube cream is great. I use it for long rides, but it is not a substitute for a good pair of shorts or the right saddle.
I have almost stopped using Butt Buttr, now only on rides I now will be hot and over 50 miles. It is, first, because of good shorts, second, because of lots of TITS (time in the saddle).
__________________
Truth is stranger than reality.
'96 Giant ATX 760 MTB
'01 Bianchi Eros
'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades
Truth is stranger than reality.
'96 Giant ATX 760 MTB
'01 Bianchi Eros
'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades
#19
www.ocrebels.com
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles area
Posts: 6,186
Bikes: Several bikes, Road, Mountain, Commute, etc.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
2 Posts
I do use "lube" too, mostly Bag Balm but also Chamois Butt'r.
Rick / OCRR