I found this article about buying bike shorts and learned a lot. I always wondered what 6 panel etc. meant. I also thought chamois were for padding. Guess not!

Ranger:

I have read the article and concur with it almost entirely. Especially the part that says:


Panels are the number of pieces of fabric that are used in the construction of the shorts. More panels means better fit. More panels also means more seams, but better quality shorts have seams on the outside, flat-lock stitching, or even fused seams.

The chamois is indeed about moisture management and the prevention of chafing. It also provides a little cush for your tush.

If you haven't tried a pair of padded lycra cycling shorts yet, you're in for a treat. Buy the best shorts you can afford. And never, under any circumstances, for any reason, wear underwear under your bike shorts!

Got it?

Good!

Underwear Nazi
I'm your butt's best friend

Sooner or later, you are going to slide one way or another on your saddle. When that happens, you don't want to leave some body parts sticking to the saddle while other, formerly adjacent body parts slide away. It's better when your whole tushie assembly moves together as a unit. The chamois lets your parts slide around inside your shorts even though your shorts may be stuck to the saddle with perspiration. Chamoises are good!!!

Fabric comes in flat rolls. Thighs and fannies are generally rounded. The more separate panels that are used to form your shorts, the better the fabric will match your natural body contures.

So then i gotta ask the next question......Who buys used cycling shorts on ebay????

Perverts.

I was in a bit of a hurry when I made my last post. I had just learned via U.N. scanner that there was a panty-wearing miscreant on the local bike path. In my haste I failed to mention that a lot of the latest generation of shorts are made with bias cut panels to provide an even better fit.

UN
Kickin' cotton-clad ass and takin' names.

I have a complaint about bike shorts...They should all be the same length...I would buy them all at the exact same length...Just above the knee...Don't like them short...Buy them on the net you do not know what you are getting. They should be required to list their length...For those who want a standard fit.

Who's going to require them to list the length? The Bike Shorts Nazi?

its called inseam and some places do list it

People who have lived an extremey sheltered life or those who would buy undies / lingerie from a thrift store.

NO! Shorts should be all different lengths!! Longer ones are for cooler days, and shorter ones are for a higher tan line so I can wear short skirts to work.

Yesterday I bought a pair of Descente Striped shorts. I think they are the most comfortable shorts I have ever purchased...The chamois clinges to your exterior in a way that support is incredible. Today did 60 plus miles in them...your rear is really floating above all the vibration...
Before had thought my PI Attacks were best. Not now.

i like them short... and the sites i buy them from do list inseam (i prefer less than 6"... 5" to 5.5" is even better!!!!)