Okay, so like I said before, I don't normally wear "cycling shorts." I have a few of the latter, but they are (at best) no better than khaki trousers over cotton briefs, and sometimes they are just uncomfortable. It feels like I'm sitting on this big chunk of foam, and I really hate that. I presume the cycling shorts I have are just cheap junk.
So I look on Nashbar and the like, to see what's available, and the wording describing the 'chamois' tells me nothing at all. For example:
Pro Max chamois with CoolMax layer is pre-shaped for an anatomic fit and uses multi-thickness foam with 2-way stretch to maximize comfort.
What's this multi-thickness foam thing? I am pretty sure I don't want that. Or:
G2 chamois offers killer comfort at an unbeatable price.
Killer comfort? Is this supposed to be informative?
So, my question for those of you who insist on real cycling shorts for all riding over ten miles or something, how do you pick what to buy? And how am I supposed to tell, from the description, how much padding there is? 'Cuz I don't want any padding.
I buy what Nashbar has for under $25. No gel; only chamois, or fake chamois. I really don't know if I need the padding, after reading this thread. But I DO like the spandex/lycra/whatever it is, because the wind goes right through it, keeping me dry and refreshed. Like the difference between a polyester jersey and a cotton T shirt. I bought a $20 pair here, a few years ago, with hardly any padding at all, and I like those too. The problem with some of the cheaper ones is the seam placement.