Unusual newspaper article about bike shorts
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Unusual newspaper article about bike shorts
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?!?
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?!?
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Originally Posted by recursive
Who spends over $200 on bibs?!?
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I pay 95 bucks for Ibex wool shorts and don't regret a penny spent on them.
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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.
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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?
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picked up a nice set of pearl izumi bibs on the clearance rack for $50 yesterday
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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...
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Originally Posted by 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?
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.
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Originally Posted by 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...
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Originally Posted by 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...
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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.
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Originally Posted by 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?
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Originally Posted by Dewbert
Dunno yet. I'm planning to try them out tomorrow. I'll let you know.
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personally I like Exte Ondo
they are reasonably priced at Bicycle Hub
(they have close out items)
usually in the $70 - $90 range.
Marty
they are reasonably priced at Bicycle Hub
(they have close out items)
usually in the $70 - $90 range.
Marty
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Originally Posted by 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.
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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.
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Originally Posted by 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.
I've never tried long distances in cotton though- and don't ever intend to.
Last edited by womble; 07-01-05 at 01:50 AM.
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Originally Posted by 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.
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.
#25
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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.