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Cycling Shorts?

Old 03-11-14, 09:35 PM
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No matter what shorts you wear, chamois cream will make them better on longer rides. For 40 to 70 mile rides I don't use cream but if a century I slather it on.
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Old 03-11-14, 10:00 PM
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I have to drop by Performance and see how the newest Ultras fit.
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Old 03-12-14, 04:51 AM
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Originally Posted by THSdrummer
I'm curious how the upper level Rapha, Giordana, and Capo all fit and feel. I'm waiting for a big sale on those and I might snatch up a few.
I have a couple pairs of the higher-end Capo bibs that I got on deeeeeeep discount. They are very good if you can find them cheap. I also splurged on a pair of Rapha bibs after reading how great they are. They are without a doubt the best bibs I've tried.

I started with Voler bibs and hated them. They get a lot of love (they seem well made) but the chamois (trilogy pad) just didn't work for me.
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Old 03-12-14, 05:16 AM
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Originally Posted by rpenmanparker
Say you're joking. There is nothing that an athletic supporter does for you that isn't already handled (pun intended) perfectly well by spandex cycling shorts. I have never heard of a cyclist wearing a jock. But then of course I have never inquired.
I thought it was obvious, but once again, I overestimate the intelligence 'round here. I will try to use more smiley faces so y'all can keep up.
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Old 03-12-14, 05:48 AM
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I started with the cheap shorts and have been moving up the ladder over the years, catching the expensive stuff on sale.

The more Descente, Hincapie, Castelli bib shorts are much nicer than the Performance and low end PI shorts.

And it's true, once you go bibs, you won't wear shorts again.
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Old 03-12-14, 05:59 AM
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Like so many other things, bikes, tools, etc. there are "inexpensive" entry level shorts that are decently made and get the job done and there are "cheap" shorts poorly constructed of inferior materials. While I have a pair of $30 shorts that I wear as liners under trekking or jean shorts for casual riding, I find that for me, the price point for what I consider good shorts for extended riding is around $60. I have a couple of pair of Primal and one Aerotech Top Shelf that I will wear on 50-100+ mile rides and stay comfortable with no chaffing or other issues. I'm sure that there are brands of $100+ shorts that might fit and perform even better, but the ones I have have been problem free.
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Old 03-12-14, 06:10 AM
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I've got a set of cheap shorts from performance along with two sets of their higher end bibs.

padding in the bibs is much better than the shorts.

that's about the only difference I've really noticed.

I've got another set of bibs on the way from cannondale, so we'll see how those stack up against the performance bikes stuff
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Old 03-12-14, 06:14 AM
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I have been surprised at some budget shorts that I really liked and held up well but probably not as well as the more expensive. Some mid range $50-100 that did not work for me. Not run across any high range that did not work well.
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Old 03-12-14, 06:25 AM
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I started on $20 shorts, and was ok. Got some Giordana mid-range shorts ($120 msrp) on sale and liked them much more, just fit better and my ass was happier. then got some high range Giordana bibs (Laser) and now only wear shorts on the trainer. I really like the bibs, and the better fabric is wonderful. I got all my Giordana stuff at least 50% off from Competitive Cyclist (paid $90 for the bibs), highly recommend the brand (although ymmv, it's a fit thing) and the site.
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Old 03-12-14, 07:16 AM
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Originally Posted by bbattle
...And it's true, once you go bibs, you won't wear shorts again.
Not true for me. I can and do go either way.
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Old 03-12-14, 07:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Up North
I have tried em all up to $250.00 shorts. The best deal I have found so far is the ME - Mountain Equipment Co op high end shorts $69.00 Canadian. They are on par with any of the $200.00 + shorts out there. ME is Canadian equal to REI but anyone from any country can order.
Thanks for mentioning this. I have 8 pairs of shorts from all of the brands (ranging from $50 to $150) and my favourite pair is my $45 MEC Journey shorts. It doesn't matter what the brand is, if it fits you well and is comfortable then that's the right pair for you.
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Old 03-12-14, 07:33 AM
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I prefer bibs for most things when just out riding, but I like shorts for going under things for commuting and shorts are nice to throw on first thing when riding the rollers early mornings.
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Old 03-12-14, 09:15 AM
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Originally Posted by dkoernert
I have a couple pairs of the higher-end Capo bibs that I got on deeeeeeep discount. They are very good if you can find them cheap. I also splurged on a pair of Rapha bibs after reading how great they are. They are without a doubt the best bibs I've tried.

I started with Voler bibs and hated them. They get a lot of love (they seem well made) but the chamois (trilogy pad) just didn't work for me.
Dang. I was considering picking up a pair of Voler shorts on sale with the trilogy pad. I might do so, we'll see.

Which Capo and Rapha bibs are you wearing? I'd say I'm more likely to purchase a set of Capo over Rapha just because Raphas hardly ever (if ever!) go on sale, let alone deep discounts. I've read nothing but great things about them though, which has my curious.

I don't really need any more bibs, but I'd still pick up a few models if they're on sale. Slowly building up the cycling wardrobe.
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Old 03-12-14, 09:39 AM
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Originally Posted by THSdrummer
Dang. I was considering picking up a pair of Voler shorts on sale with the trilogy pad. I might do so, we'll see.

Which Capo and Rapha bibs are you wearing? I'd say I'm more likely to purchase a set of Capo over Rapha just because Raphas hardly ever (if ever!) go on sale, let alone deep discounts. I've read nothing but great things about them though, which has my curious.

I don't really need any more bibs, but I'd still pick up a few models if they're on sale. Slowly building up the cycling wardrobe.
Grab a pair of volers with the trilogy if you want to try them. Like I said, that pad gets a lot of love but it just didn't work for me.

I can't for the life of me remember which model Capo bibs they are, but I know they were well above the $200 retail mark. I bought them from a friend with more money than sense who decided he wanted to try road cycling and then very quickly changed his mind and sold bike and all his gear. I know, I know used bibs, but at this price and with VERY little use, I couldn't pass them up.

The Raphas I splurged on at full retail, and it was worth it. They are just the classic bibs. The fit is phenomenal and I could ride all day in them. If I could plunk down the cash for several more pairs of Rapha bibs I would absolutely do so.
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Old 03-12-14, 11:34 AM
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Voler bibs with the trilogy pads are getting hard to find.
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Old 03-14-14, 02:04 AM
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Thanks for the replies everyone! I'll take a look at some of the brands/models mentioned!
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Old 03-14-14, 07:33 AM
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Originally Posted by thump55
I thought it was obvious, but once again, I overestimate the intelligence 'round here. I will try to use more smiley faces so y'all can keep up.
No call for that slap. If I were vindictive, I would say the only intelligence you overestimate is your own. Good thing I am not that kind of guy. Oh, wait! Were you making another joke? Colon, close parenthesis, man. Easy, peasey.
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Old 03-14-14, 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by rpenmanparker
No call for that slap. If I were vindictive, I would say the only intelligence you overestimate is your own. Good thing I am not that kind of guy. Oh, wait! Were you making another joke? Colon, close parenthesis, man. Easy, peasey.
Really? A jock strap? C'mon...
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Old 03-14-14, 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by thump55
Really? A jock strap? C'mon...
You act like this topic is never raised by someone completely on the level. If that were true, the joke you made wouldn't even be funny. How many times has someone had to tell a noob not to wear underwear? Or, yes, a jock? I saw it and reacted to it without even thinking, "Oh this could be a spoof," because usually it isn't. My bad! But really, you've got to recognize the range of participants here. If any idiocy is possible, some even contributed by us, letting someone know when you are "only keeding" as BDOP says really takes on value.
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Old 03-14-14, 10:53 AM
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C'mon guys, no need for the hostilities.

I have to agree, Thump, you can't make a deadpan statement like that and expect everybody to get it. We have noobs coming through here constantly, and many would not know you were kidding. And we always have tons of lurkers . . . who knows what the hell they know or are thinking. lol

I realize in some circles it's not "cool" to use the smilies, but then the price to pay sometimes is a misunderstanding, maybe even a feud.
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Old 03-14-14, 10:59 AM
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Originally Posted by BillyD
C'mon guys, no need for the hostilities.
Yep. Besides if you guys keep this up someones getting snapped with the waistband of my jockstrap.
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Old 03-14-14, 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by unionmade
I started on $20 shorts, and was ok. Got some Giordana mid-range shorts ($120 msrp) on sale and liked them much more, just fit better and my ass was happier. then got some high range Giordana bibs (Laser) and now only wear shorts on the trainer. I really like the bibs, and the better fabric is wonderful. I got all my Giordana stuff at least 50% off from Competitive Cyclist (paid $90 for the bibs), highly recommend the brand (although ymmv, it's a fit thing) and the site.
I had some Giordanas that were very nice.
I'm now on PBK Elite bibs and they're pretty good.
Probably try something different, next time, or go back to Gios.
I don't have any brand loyalty, at this point, because I've only
tried those two.
I won't spend more than $100, I know that.


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Old 03-14-14, 01:34 PM
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Originally Posted by travelerman
I have found PI Attack to be a good balance between price and quality. MSRP is $80, but you can find them for $50 or a little less - I have never paid more than that. I have some less expensive shortes, and usually find myself becoming uncomfortable on the saddle before the 20 mile mark. As always, YMMV...
Pearl Izumi Attack Bibs are my favorite. Been able to get them around $70. In my opinion, they have been leagues better than any other product I have worn.
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Old 03-14-14, 11:16 PM
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I have riddeen for years with PI, Castelli, DeMarchi, et. al. Just got a pair of Assos Uno on sale and they fit perfectly. Only had two rides (28 & 17 mi.) with them but they were very comfortable. Fit is really important.
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Old 03-16-14, 07:25 AM
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Cycling Shorts?

I gained 40 watts and 2.6mph average speed when I went from a $20/$39 retail pair of shorts to a $80/120 retail pair of shorts.
The material in better shorts is more aero. And the better chamois has less chafing drag. My cadence went from 80 to 95 with the same watt output.
Also my life partner enjoys the slimming effect of the higher quality short. Hottness meter off the charts.
Its a win, win, oh behave, win aquisition.
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