recursive

I found a bizarrely specific article about bike shorts in the Features section of the state journal:

https://www.madison.com/wsj/home/feat...=45183&ntpid=2

I guess more exposure for cycling is a good thing, but I have to ask, do people really pay that much money for shorts? I've never paid over $40, and while I did get some poorly constructed ones, I found some Sugoi shorts on sale for $39 that I love. Who spends over $200 on bibs?!?

filtersweep

I've picked up top of the line Castellis at their outlet sales- they are close to $200 bibs (that I paid maybe $70 for)- and they are beautiful. I find my sweet spot is at about $70-90- if I pay any more than that I worry too much about ruining them. Anything less is uncomfortable after a long day in the saddle. The exception is our team bibs, that cost much $60ish...

TomM

My price point for shorts is $80.

jbonus

Some of the asking prices for bibs (especially winter wear) are outrageous--approaching $300!

Velomancer

I think the short/bib makers put their prices high to make us feel grateful and proud when we pay ONLY $70 (reduced from $200!!!) for a $6.75 piece of lycra and pad.

Bekologist

I pay 95 bucks for Ibex wool shorts and don't regret a penny spent on them.

recursive

I am always looking at prices. I could probably use some more non-baggy jerseys and possibly some shorts. I try to only buy these items when there is a pretty good sale going. I found a nice fitted jersey at nashbar for $30 a while back. I should have gotten more.

womble

Do bike shorts really matter that much? I've never had chafing problems using Patagonia Capiline boxers and nylon shorts from MEC. I've got some padded shorts, but they don't feel any more comfortable over long rides. I weigh about 140lbs- do light people need bike shorts less than heavy people?

Dio Rallen

People throw money away at stupider things, and might as well do it towards something that makes you feel comfortable.

Dewbert

picked up a nice set of pearl izumi bibs on the clearance rack for $50 yesterday

scroz

How are the PI bibs? I am yet to find a better make than Castellis but PI always seem to be able to take it up another notch...

velocipedio

it depends on what you mean by a "long ride." when i do 160 or 180 km, i make damned sure that i'm wearing my best quality cycling shorts.

as for expensive shorts in general, quality costs. assos F1.13 bib shorts sell for $300 canadian, but i know guys who swear by them and won;t wear anything else.

mostly, i wear club and team gear made by verge, though i do have a pair of castellis that i quite like.

Dewbert

Dunno yet. I'm planning to try them out tomorrow. I'll let you know.

halfspeed

Where do you find a Castelli outlet sale?

DieselDan

To stir things up more then I'd like, spending $200 on a supurb pair of bibs is nothing. At least the bibs have a usful purpose. I've seen women spend over $500 on a handbag with a questionalbe useful purpose at that price.

recursive

I think it might depend on the person. I have ridden over 150 miles with $40 shorts on a $15 planet bike saddle with no saddle discomfort. For that matter, I have ridden 80 miles in cotton boxer briefs and basketball shorts on a big padded saddle without any significant discomfort. I do prefer bike shorts for long rides though, because I don't like the feeling of all that fabric flapping around in the wind.

scroz

Great. Hope they are as good as they sound

filtersweep

The US Distributor is HQed in St. PAul...

lotek 

personally I like Exte Ondo
they are reasonably priced at Bicycle Hub
(they have close out items)
usually in the $70 - $90 range.

Marty

bkrownd

Yep.

motomickey

I used to think it didn't matter-until I bought some Assos on sale with a gift certificate-kind of a "oh what the heck moment". Now, I base my shorts on how long the ride is-and the ASSOS are for the longer rides.....there really is a difference, both in the contact area and the way the shorts (bibs in my case) fit. Because I don't seemed to get as sore when I ride with them, I can ride more days in a row (until my old body says take a break-you're not 40 any more) Everyone is different, so they might not work for you-but for my rear end, they definately do.

womble

I've done 120-150km in nylon shorts and poly boxers... and the next day it would have been the same distance in cycle shorts. Couldn't tell any difference. I guess it is highly variable- I'm lucky as no matter how many years I've been cycling, I still don't think I'll ever like the look of tight lycra bike shorts!

I've never tried long distances in cotton though- and don't ever intend to.

2manybikes

It's interesting that the more you know about something the more you understand the true value. The less you know the more the price seems too high. Good shorts are wonderful if you ride enough.

I don't know anything about handbags, but I'm willing to listen.

Guest

Bib prices are insane here.

I've priced out bibs in Italy for about 30- 50 euro. Then you come here, and they're typically 100 bucks or more. It's crazy.

Koffee

countrydirt

Geez, I'm still wearing my Scott Tinley el cheepos that I bought from Nashbar in 1988. They still fit, but the Lycra gets more of a workout than it did back then.