exime

I'm not asking which have the most padding. One can have the most and it will still be flat when you sit on it. I'm asking which brand actually has high quality padding with good density and technology/gel.

I have the Pearl Izumi and the padding is really low quality. It is flat as a pancake when you sit on it and offers no protection. What should I upgrade to?

Castelli Inferno w/Progetto X2

Santini Mago NAT

Yeti Enduro

Anyone with experiences on those?

And no, I can't HTFU.

bianchi10

MAAP baseline bib shorts. Better than Rapha hands down.

Cyril 

The shorts which are most expensive.
j/k

srsly...everyone's butt is different, everyone has a different saddle preference
and everyone likes different densities and amount of padding...which is why manufactures offer such a variety.
Personally, I like a minimal amount of padding so only my sit bones rest on the saddle.
Some people want to sit on a pillow.
That said, the chamois is not really designed to provide padding; it's designed to prevent chaffing and wick away sweat.

exime

Those look pretty nice

OldTryGuy

Sugoi with the RC100 chamois Sugoi Men's Bike Shorts-RPM Pro Short ? SUGOI Performance Apparel

NON stop 112 mile 2014 Ironman ride, 170 mile Cross Florida 2016, 200 mile Halloween day 2015, goal of 300+ miles 2017 February 12/24 Hours of Sebring

141 miles for 66th birthday ride last Saturday

bianchi10

I was a very loyal Rapha customer. I took a chance on the MAAP, even though it was difficult purchasing without being able to try on. Took 1 ride, came home and sold all my Rapha (Like $1500 worth) within 1 week. Invested all that into more MAAP kits. Other than Base layers, MAAP is all I will wear. Bibs, jerseys, socks, warmers, jackets....etc(I still use Rapha base layers. MAAP just released their own base layer but is heavier than I'd prefer for summer riding).

exime

I have sensitive sit-bones so unfortunately I need the extra support. I know a lot of people preach that padding just creates more pain but like you said, everyone is different and a little extra padding helps me out.

exime

Do you just order them from Australia?

exime

Very impressive. Thank you.

Carbonfiberboy 

I don't go for the most expensive thing I can buy. This year, my favorite has been PI Elite. That has a fairly thick, stiff pad, which I like. Those preferring a thinner, more flexible pad might like the higher end Voler stuff. Made in USA and cost comparable with PI Elite. I do a good bit long distance work, now down to only double centuries and long mountain rides.

Silvercivic27

Anything with an elastic interface chamois.

Silvercivic27

Craft makes awesome summer baselayers. The Rapha ones are pretty good too but more $

Cyril 

Fair enough.
If you can, seek out shorts which give you the support you need only on the sit bones.

aubiecat

Which Pearl Izumi shorts do you have? I own a few pairs of their bibs and I really like them.

exime

I have the Pearl Izumi Ride Elite shorts. They are nice as compression shorts. They don't fall apart and they fit fine, but I find the padding to be really lacking for long rides.

bianchi10

Yup, usually takes 7-10 business days to get. Remember 2 things. 1) their prices are in Aus when you go on their website so be sure to change the currency. US is cheaper. 2) Free shipping over $200AUS

Yeah I've heard great things about Craft as well. I was able to buy in on a bundle deal with a buddy to get the cost down to $41 each. He got one and I got 2. So now I have 4, which means I'm good for a little bit.

StanSeven

I wouldn't pay $15 to ride in someone else's dirty sweaty kit. The thought of wearing used bibs isn't appealing

eric1971

https://www.assosfactoryoutlet.com/

shoota 

What the heck is up with Assos' naming scheme. I can't make sense of it at all. Which bib shorts should I be looking at specifically if I like race cut?

rpenmanparker 

Correct. Get your saddle right first: size, shape, fit, amount of padding, padding density. Then buy minimially padded shorts. They will do the anti-chafing job better and last a lot longer. Don't try to use shorts to make up for a deficient saddle.

gsa103

older model -- FI.13 S5 best race fit, avoid the MILLE

newer models -- S7.EQUIPE or S7.CHAMPIONISSMO

Ribble has REALLY good prices on Assos gear.
Assos T Equipe S7 Bib Shorts - Bib Shorts & Shorts - Ribble Cycles

$164-10% for the S7.Equipe

shoota 

Thanks for the info. It looks like the chamois in the S7 comes up higher in the front than most shorts. Is that correct?

bianchi10

That's what detergent is for bro. You think your kits are still stank or have bacteria after you wash your stuff? If so, I'd take a second look into how you're washing your own stuff.

To each their own though.

gsa103

Correct. It basically covers everything.

shoota 

Man I might have to try them. I can't find a pair that doesn't chafe my tip on rides over 20mi. I'm getting desperate.

edit: Just ordered a pair from Ribble. Here's to hoping they don't chafe.