LSPR_MTU

Hey all,
I've searched through some other threads, but came up short. I'm looking for some budget bike shorts, I currently have none. My mileage is currently only about 15-30 miles/ride, so I don't need the best shorts around, but I start getting sore after about 15-20, and 30 just about kills me. I've seen threads claiming anything under $90 is junk, but $90 is simply out of the question. I'm probably willing to spend $30 on shorts, but I'll need 2 or 3 pairs (no more than $90).

I've found some shorts on nashbar that fall into this price range, but I'm not sure which ones are the better deal. I also don't have any good opportunities to go and try on shorts, I'd rather buy them online.

Out of these shorts, which ones would you consider a good value under $25?

Are there any other particular models you can recommend as being a good value? Are Canari good shorts? Ascent? Nashbar?

Thanks again.

Olebiker

Try these. They aren't the greatest shorts in the world, but I have had mine for years and find little to complain about. If they were the only shorts available, I would not feel deprived.

LSPR_MTU

Thanks Ole, anyone else?

late

Performance Elite.

PM7771

Oletrees suggestion sounds good - with a great price. Im using a pair of basic 4-panel Bellweather which have taken me 1000+ miles, Sunday my longest of 41 mi on my mtb (riding slicks)

I just got in from Nashbar a pair of baggy shorts that dont look geeky. I will admit Im not as comfortable at the end of my usual 25mi ride, but Ièm still pleased with them. I paid 24.95 less 10% coupon. I didnt see them listed on your hyperlink to Nashbar

Peter

LSPR_MTU

Thanks guys. What scares me about the Performance Classic shorts is that in the picture they look like they're riding up to the guy's bellybutton!

I feel like that would get really uncomfortable after not too long. Plus, it seems like they would look really gross if I was riding with no shirt. Are they as high as they look?

The "splice" version look a little more comfortable (and less gross!). If they're basically the same thing, maybe I'll get those.

Paniolo

Those Performance shorts Olebiker linked were the first ones I tried. They worked OK, but with only 5oz fabric they wore out and tore where the pad was stiched to the fabric. I recomend spending a little more for the 8oz fabric. I've got a pair of the Performance century shorts that have held up to a lot of wear and still work fine ... not my favorite pair now, but still OK.

If you have some time buy a pair now ... you can wash them by hand in the sink and they will be dry the next day. Then watch the sales, ebay, rei outlet, seirra trading post, Longs Cycle.com, performance, nashbar etc and pick up higher quality shorts for about the same price. I got a Pearl Isumil UltraSensor pair at the REI garage sale for $20 and a couple of pair of Biemme bibs at Longcycle.com for $26 each.

LSPR_MTU

Alright, I went with the Performance Century shorts, partly because they seem a bit more durable, and partly because the splice shorts are only available in yellow and neon-green

KeithA

Another vote for Performance here. Compared quality/comfort/utility/price wise with other cycling shorts, it's no match, especially when you can nab them on sale.

linux_author

$13 nashbar liners + $9 Wally World shorts = best-bang-for-buck

(bike shorts are OVERPRICED)

Bikepacker67

Buy yourself a Brooks and it won't matter if you buy cheapo shorts.

linux_author

+1

LSPR_MTU

What is a "Brooks"? A saddle?

linux_author

- not just a saddle... THE saddle!

:-)

LSPR_MTU

Like this?



It doesn't look comfortable. Hmm. It's probably really expensive, right?

BuckyYuen

Only $60-70 at Nashbar for the b17. I love mine, but some folks don't like 'em.

Olebiker

Count me as one of the folks who would not recommend a Brooks saddle to a new rider. Most of us who started riding back in the 70s on leather saddles got rid of them as soon as decent saddles that required no maintenance or babying came along. Some folks like them. To me, they are more trouble than they are worth; kinda like wool jerseys and Silca pumps.

gwhunt23

Get a pair of bibs. If you do, you will never go back. They feel so much better and actually put the padding where it is supposed to be. Bibs will also keep the pad from sliding around; shorts will let the pad move around and cause much discomfort.

At first, the bibs feel funny because of the straps, but just take them out on a decent ride. You'll be hooked.

R900

I've tried many shorts this year:

Hind
Cannondale
Nashbar Epic
Performance Elite
Preformance Ultra
Pearl Izumi Mircosensor
Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor 3D Pad

The PI with the 3D pad are my favorites, and cost the most. I'm acutally thinking of selling the Nashbar and Performance shorts on the bay and buying one more pair of the Ultrasensors 3D pad. The Nashbar and Performance shorts are fine and good quailty for the price, but the PI's fit me great and I like the pad the best. Plus I wash after every ride so don't really need 1/2 dozen+ shorts.

John

LSPR_MTU

Thanks again guys. Like I said, I already bought a pair of the Performance Century shorts, because i only need one at the moment. I usually only have time for about 15 miles every day after work, I can go 15 w/o shorts no problem. I'll use the shorts on the weekend, though, when I go for my longer rides.

If I am able to go for longer rides after work (probably next spring/summer) I'll probably be looking for another couple pairs, so I'll keep your suggestions in mind. Here is a reward for your contributions!