eb314

I've heard to make sure not to get shorts with a seam down the middle of the crotch. Any comments on that? I'm looking for shorts hopefully around $50 that will be comfortable on long rides. Also I'm not sure whether to go with shorts or bibs, so if you have any favorite brands/models I'd appreciate some guidance.

Treefox

Too true. My team's bibshorts have a tragic seam that really doesn't suit my gentlemen's utilities. So I only ever wear them for races, during which they can do some notable damage.

Most prefer bibshorts, though it's something of a personal preference.

michaelmc

The first thing I'd say is don't skimp on shorts, and, sadly, $50 doesn't go very far in buying shorts. That said, there are some deals. A lot of people around here love Voler, sold at Velowear.com. They're reasonably priced and great quality for what you pay; they also frequently have discounts on many items. My team orders its kit through them and I have nothing but good things to say about the quality and comfort. If you search around the forums, the Voler stuff tends to be highly recommended as good product and great value.

If you don't mind wearing a logo, Hammer Nutrition sells Voler's very-top-of-the-line shorts/bibs (with the Ion chamois, normally $110 for bibs/$90 for shorts) on their website for $45 bibs/$40 shorts. That is a deal that CAN'T be beat.

Links:
Hammer Nutrition Shorts (by Voler)
Hammer Nutrition Bibshorts (by Voler)

EDITED TO ADD: Also, definitely go bibs. The poll in this thread should be enough to convince you.

eb314

Wow, that seems like one hell of a deal. Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it. Do those hammer nutrition shorts have a seam down the middle? I can't tell from the picture.

michaelmc

Nope. You can see the pad here: https://www.velowear.com/includes/ima...ad_ion_lrg.jpg

Their next-pad-down, the Cantara, doesn't have one either.

ManBearPig

+1.

The adage "you get what you pay for" definitely applies to cycling shorts. I find there is no single factor more indicative of quality than the price tag, when it comes to shorts. For me, anything under $100 is a noticeable compromise in comfort and quality.

The best example I have is Pearl Izumi shorts. There are two models I own: a $79 pair (Ultra Sensor?) and a $120 pair (MicroSensor?). The latter is very form-fitting and comfortable, on the saddle and off. The former seems well made and durable but has a noticeable "diaper effect" in that it doesn't conform, and it sags uncomfortably, especially off the saddle. I use the cheaper one on shorter training rides.

Don't skimp on short. Up your budget 2x to 3x and buy a very well known brand -- PI or Assos.

michaelmc

PI vs. Assos is like Chevy Nova vs. BMW M3.