Originally Posted by
cmgarlan
I'm about 6'3" and 230lbs, and just got into biking last year. I live in South Korea, so finding bikes to fit me has been sorta hard, but with my local shop I ordered a Giant and it seems to fit great. Problem is most of my height is in my torso. My inseam is only about 32". I've been wanting to get a pair of bib tights and a jersey, but I can't try anything on in this country. Nothing in my size. I HAVE a pair of shorts, but they're XXL and I think they're too big and just generally not really good. I went on a quick 30km ride without shorts the other day and was fine, but Saturday 30km into my ride WITH shorts a certain friend was numb. Not good. On the last bike regardless of shorts EVERYTHING down there tended to get like that on long rides. I'm guessing having bad fitting shorts is causing this, but I'm at a loss as to where to order them and praying they fit well. Any advice?
I have used Performance shorts for years and they work well, but the less expensive shorts do not hold up as well as the higher prices ones. (I have a pair of Descentes that I have worn for years!)
Fit can be a hit-or-miss proposition,however. But the return process, at least from the States, is painless.
I dunno about shipping to or from Korea.
I have never really identified shorts with numbness. Various chamois materials and construction
methods have all yielded similar comfort results for me historically.
Rather, your fit to the saddle would be more suspect.
Saddle choice, position, and your overall bike fit are ingredients in the mix.
Over the years I have migrated from Selle Italia Turbos to Nashbar racing saddles to the ones I currently use: Selle SMP Extra for my racing bikes,
and Brooks B-17 for my touring bikes.
The SMP saddles have completely eliminated the center section, and feature a distinctive down-turned nose for pressure relief.
That works for me. I have almost never experienced numbness while riding atop one of those.
They have models that are available in a variety of widths to fit your particular physiology.
Two words of caution: they are not cheap, and they take some getting used to.
As the distance between the support areas is a bit wider than other saddles I've used, they contact the body in
unfamiliar places. But, if the fit is right, give them a chance.
The Brooks is a tried and true touring saddle. While riding it for long hours on end, it is practically unnoticeable under me.
I do experience numbness a bit, but changing riding position on the saddle helps quite a bit.
That's my $.02. YMMV