TromboneAl

I have some cheaper shorts with a low quality chamois that may be affecting my comfort. Otherwise the shorts are good. Any reason not to remove the chamois pad and replace it with something better (that is, buy some material)??

Thanks.

Shimagnolo

If you are looking for someone to do it...https://www.kucharikclothing.com/repa...642efc74fef01c

Rowan

There should be chamois available through your LBS. However, be aware that lycra and similar fabrics are quite difficult to sew if you intend to do it yourself on a sewing machine. The cost of having someone else do it probably is equivalent to buying a new pair of shorts with the right sized pad in them for you.

I've been down this track, and retreated after buying several pads and considering making my own shorts. The stretch and slickness of the shorts fabric was too much of a challenge for a rank amateur seamster like me.

Retro Grouch 

I've seen replacement chamois pads for sale so I'm guessing it's do-able.

One important thing to consider. If the chamois pad has worn out, the fabric where the shorts contact the saddle is probably worn out - or nearly worn out too. It happens. If you hear snickering from riders behind you, that's not a good sign.

CB HI

do-able but not likely worth the cost. But a nice pair of new shorts.

TromboneAl

Good info, thanks. I have two pairs of Nashbar Prime tights (these, which I got for $19.99) with the cheaper chamois, which may be contributing to my discomfort.

Maybe I should just wear my better shorts under these, or tear out the chamois and wear my better shorts under them.

buelito

+1 ... non-padded tights are geat to wear over regular bike shorts. If they happen to be bibs (the tights), they are even better!

train safe--

sbrenner

I do not seem to need the padded shorts. Must be a tough old butt! Ha ha ha
I just wear underpants and shorts. Must be lucky.

oldbobcat

I did that once, when shorts were wool and chamois were, well, whatever they're made of. I purchased the chamois at an auto parts store and cut it to match the one that came out.

Never again. Too much work. Invest in some decent shorts, like Pearl Izumi Elites, and save the cheap shorts for short days.

bobkat

Try Depends!

Pars 

I got a pad from these guys:
https://store.aerotechdesigns.com/prrecrpad.html

and am having my aunt (a really good seamstress) replace the pad in a pair of Tommaso shorts that I've had for a long time, but the fabric was fine. I haven't heard from her in awhile, so we'll see how they turn out.

BlazingPedals

I take pads out of my bike shorts and leave them unpadded.

sarals 

I wish I could do that....

:~0

Rowan

Well, it begs the question as to why BlazingPedals doesn't just buy compression shorts, or lycra running shorts like I have, rather than go through the effort of removing the padding.

Shimagnolo

Agreed.
I have a pair of shorts in the closet from my rollerblading days.
They are exactly like bike shorts, but w/o a chamois.

rdtompki

Al,
For your longer rides definitely consider bibs. No matter how well your shorts fit the chamois is going to move around especially in hot, sweaty conditions. The bibs will last a long time if you only use them on longer rides. Do a search and you'll get lots of opinions, but there are good values out there that folks seem to find work really well. I've got both Giordana and Specialized bibs and I prefer the Giordana. The bibs are absolutely critical on a tandem since there is very little opportunity (compared to a single) to change position. BTW, good luck in the Chico Velo. I'm sure you'll do fine.

MinnBobber

I have the opposite issue---chamois in perfect condition but mooning riders behind me... lycra material somehow gets thin/see-thru even though always hand washed.
Why does the fabric get thin like that??

az_cyclist

I have become a fan of bib shorts as well. Trombone Al, definitely check out the cose of the replacement chamois. As was said before, you could do it but it may not be worth the effort.

oilman_15106

I would question buying a new pad for $17 + shipping(I did not check so this may be invalid) in a pair of $19 MSRP shorts? In today's market you don't have to spend $275 on a pair of Assos bibs to get a high quality short or bibs. Unless you are really skilled in sewing and want to save your last dime, buy some mid quality new shorts. Your rear end will thank you.

rydabent

SAVE THE SHEEP ride a bent!!!!!!

Pars 

These weren't $19 shorts; if they were, you would be right

I still have a pair of older Anda shorts as well as a pair of newer Voler bibs. I always liked the Tommasos (think that is what they are, Italian anyway), so figured for $20 give it a shot.

Motorad

I bought one pair of padded cycling shorts, and never felt comfortable in them. My remedy was to wear padded underwear, underneath unpadded shorts. REI sells padded underwear, that works great with unpadded cycling shorts. May be cheaper in the long run, as it's probably cheaper to just replace worn out padded underwear, than it is to replace worn out padded cycling shorts.

You may want to buy padded underwear a size larger, than you would regular underwear. I think that if you usually buy "medium" regular underwear, you may want to buy "large" padded underwear.