Cheap padded shorts on Amazon tested
06-30-16, 08:20 PM
#26
Kit doesn't match
Over time, I have come to pay considerably more for shorts and jerseys than I did when I was starting out. Why? Because the more expensive stuff is nearly always better. It's not so simple as the more you pay the better a piece is, but in my experience there is a positive relationship there.
06-30-16, 09:31 PM
#27
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I've done a lot of consulting in the textile and fashion industry, so I know there is a HUGE mark up when it comes to clothing. Having been an avid bicyclist for years, I know that there is a huge mark up on parts. So what do you get when you combine the two? Absolutely outrageous prices.
Padded shorts shouldn't be that expensive. So I decided to look into some of the cheap ones on Amazon, see if any are worth it. For a comparison, I have a pair of Canari shorts that I've ridden to the point they are completely flat and have no support, so I know what a 'decent' priced pair and quality feels like.
I ordered four brands, two sizes each so I could get a feel for sizing: Ohuhu, 4ucycling, Baleaf, and Xcellent. All were around $10 (except Baleaf at $15) and had a decent amount of reviews already. I also HATE logos all over my clothes, and these were all just plain black so that was a bonus. And with free returns, I wasn't risking anything at all. I will link full reviews later for those interested, but here's the summary.
Ohuhu and 4ucycling are complete garbage. You'd be better off sticking a dish rag in you track shorts. The padding is so spongey that it offers no support at all and to me, feels like I'm not wearing padded shorts at all. It felt like, out of the bag, my Canari shorts did after years of riding and smashing. The material of the shorts is like paper, I can't see it lasting that long.
Xcellent, I was IMMENSELY pleased with. Right out of the bag, I could feel how supportive the padding was. I put 50 miles on them and my buns felt great after. The quality in manufacturing is definitely there. I couldn't believe all that was only $10.
Baleaf, which was a little more expensive, definitely shows why. The ends of the legs have that rubber liner on them to keep them from slipping, and the construction is a little bit higher quality. The padding feels good too, but I haven't put any serious mileage on them yet. This weekend I will and I'll post an update.
If anyone has any questions on the brands, let me know. But I really do recommend the Xcellent brand ones if you're looking for good quality at a very reasonable price.
Padded shorts shouldn't be that expensive. So I decided to look into some of the cheap ones on Amazon, see if any are worth it. For a comparison, I have a pair of Canari shorts that I've ridden to the point they are completely flat and have no support, so I know what a 'decent' priced pair and quality feels like.
I ordered four brands, two sizes each so I could get a feel for sizing: Ohuhu, 4ucycling, Baleaf, and Xcellent. All were around $10 (except Baleaf at $15) and had a decent amount of reviews already. I also HATE logos all over my clothes, and these were all just plain black so that was a bonus. And with free returns, I wasn't risking anything at all. I will link full reviews later for those interested, but here's the summary.
Ohuhu and 4ucycling are complete garbage. You'd be better off sticking a dish rag in you track shorts. The padding is so spongey that it offers no support at all and to me, feels like I'm not wearing padded shorts at all. It felt like, out of the bag, my Canari shorts did after years of riding and smashing. The material of the shorts is like paper, I can't see it lasting that long.
Xcellent, I was IMMENSELY pleased with. Right out of the bag, I could feel how supportive the padding was. I put 50 miles on them and my buns felt great after. The quality in manufacturing is definitely there. I couldn't believe all that was only $10.
Baleaf, which was a little more expensive, definitely shows why. The ends of the legs have that rubber liner on them to keep them from slipping, and the construction is a little bit higher quality. The padding feels good too, but I haven't put any serious mileage on them yet. This weekend I will and I'll post an update.
If anyone has any questions on the brands, let me know. But I really do recommend the Xcellent brand ones if you're looking for good quality at a very reasonable price.
I've tried these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for a year now. Feel great from the get go and continue to. They are like the Bayleaf with rubber liner and great stitching.
Amazon has this demand pricing so I got mine for $15 plus free shipping but now they are more expensive.
06-30-16, 09:47 PM
#28
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Vinnems since you're doing cheap Amazon shorts I'd be interested in your evaluation of the Santic loose fitting MTB shorts. People complain that the padding is too loose and sort of hangs down, and they're right but I found that sewing up some slack inside took about 4 minutes in my amateurish fashion and I thought they were pretty good after that.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CZ20CGS
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CZ20CGS
06-30-16, 10:56 PM
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Thanks for the review. I know what I will be trying now!
Is it the 3D Gel Padded Coolmax Men Cycling Shorts Bicycle Shorts by Xcellent Global?
Looks like the amazon reviews agree.
5,000 miles really needed to test these? I don't think so. 50 miles is more than enough saddle time. Yeah it doesn't speak to longevity but for the price I'd think they sound good enough.
I had a pair of $100+ Casatelli shorts get transparent on the cheeks and split at the seam of the crotch (I could stick a pen through) at 4,500 miles and 9 months. Granted I wore and washed them after every ride (only shorts I used).
Is it the 3D Gel Padded Coolmax Men Cycling Shorts Bicycle Shorts by Xcellent Global?
Looks like the amazon reviews agree.
I had a pair of $100+ Casatelli shorts get transparent on the cheeks and split at the seam of the crotch (I could stick a pen through) at 4,500 miles and 9 months. Granted I wore and washed them after every ride (only shorts I used).
Last edited by Corbin; 06-30-16 at 11:01 PM.
07-01-16, 04:20 AM
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Because the majority of shorts that people are paying $100+ for are made in China like the rest of them. Buying thru Amazon cuts out the middle man who jacks up the price 200% for them.
And yes I've compared the expensive ones that the bike shops sell for $100+ to the ones on Amazon. There is nothing on the ones that the bike shop sells that makes them worth $80 more.
And yes I've compared the expensive ones that the bike shops sell for $100+ to the ones on Amazon. There is nothing on the ones that the bike shop sells that makes them worth $80 more.
07-01-16, 05:47 AM
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Mods need to lock this.
Everyone on this forum knows that when it comes to recreational cycling you can never spend enough money on accessories/gear.
Anyone suggesting otherwise is a fool or a bad person for trying to hinder someone elses enjoyment of the sport in its purest form.
Remember the mantra!
No amount of spending is too much because boating and flying are both more expensive!
Everyone on this forum knows that when it comes to recreational cycling you can never spend enough money on accessories/gear.
Anyone suggesting otherwise is a fool or a bad person for trying to hinder someone elses enjoyment of the sport in its purest form.
Remember the mantra!
No amount of spending is too much because boating and flying are both more expensive!
07-01-16, 07:08 AM
#32
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just because shorts don't feel awful after 3 hrs of riding doesn't really mean much. especially if they fall apart after a half-dozen washings.
comfort and durability...need both for any apparel I'd buy.
07-01-16, 07:49 AM
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Irrelevant, unless you only ride a couple times a week, or just like running the dryer daily. Even with the fastest drying fabrics I can find, I need 3 of everything in my rotation so I can be sure of having something dry in time for the morning commute.
07-01-16, 08:11 AM
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Thanks for the review. I know what I will be trying now!
Is it the 3D Gel Padded Coolmax Men Cycling Shorts Bicycle Shorts by Xcellent Global?
Looks like the amazon reviews agree.
5,000 miles really needed to test these? I don't think so. 50 miles is more than enough saddle time. Yeah it doesn't speak to longevity but for the price I'd think they sound good enough.
I had a pair of $100+ Casatelli shorts get transparent on the cheeks and split at the seam of the crotch (I could stick a pen through) at 4,500 miles and 9 months. Granted I wore and washed them after every ride (only shorts I used).
Is it the 3D Gel Padded Coolmax Men Cycling Shorts Bicycle Shorts by Xcellent Global?
Looks like the amazon reviews agree.
5,000 miles really needed to test these? I don't think so. 50 miles is more than enough saddle time. Yeah it doesn't speak to longevity but for the price I'd think they sound good enough.
I had a pair of $100+ Casatelli shorts get transparent on the cheeks and split at the seam of the crotch (I could stick a pen through) at 4,500 miles and 9 months. Granted I wore and washed them after every ride (only shorts I used).
07-01-16, 08:24 AM
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Regarding 5,000 miles needed to evaluate, I'm satisfied with OP's three or four hours. With 5K or 6K/year miles spread out over 3 or 4 shorts, and the other non-padded shorts, that would be 8 or 9 years of use which isn't reasonable to require before evaluation IMO.
07-01-16, 09:28 AM
#36
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[QUOTE=Corbin;18881589]Thanks for the review. I know what I will be trying now!
Is it the 3D Gel Padded Coolmax Men Cycling Shorts Bicycle Shorts by Xcellent Global?
Looks like the amazon reviews agree.
Here's a link to the exact ones I purchased. Looks like the updated since I bought them, they offer a 'newer style' option now, but I think you can still buy the old style. I might try it out as I plan to buy a few more pairs of these.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Is it the 3D Gel Padded Coolmax Men Cycling Shorts Bicycle Shorts by Xcellent Global?
Looks like the amazon reviews agree.
Here's a link to the exact ones I purchased. Looks like the updated since I bought them, they offer a 'newer style' option now, but I think you can still buy the old style. I might try it out as I plan to buy a few more pairs of these.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Last edited by Vinnems; 07-01-16 at 09:32 AM.
07-01-16, 10:10 AM
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Yes it is but the big source of friction is moisture. Either way, too much padding make the shorts squirm whic increases the friction a lot. I swore off Louis Garneau shorts because there was so much padding in them I felt like i was riding on a folded up blanket and those shorts got very uncomfortable after even a few miles.
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07-01-16, 11:27 AM
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Because the majority of shorts that people are paying $100+ for are made in China like the rest of them. Buying thru Amazon cuts out the middle man who jacks up the price 200% for them.
And yes I've compared the expensive ones that the bike shops sell for $100+ to the ones on Amazon. There is nothing on the ones that the bike shop sells that makes them worth $80 more.
And yes I've compared the expensive ones that the bike shops sell for $100+ to the ones on Amazon. There is nothing on the ones that the bike shop sells that makes them worth $80 more.
07-01-16, 11:36 AM
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This thread caused me to look at the label on my $85 Castelli team bibs: "Made in USA."
Huh. I was expecting "Fatto in Italia." At least that would have explained the long wait in shipping.
Huh. I was expecting "Fatto in Italia." At least that would have explained the long wait in shipping.
07-02-16, 07:49 AM
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Men's Cycling Shorts - Bouré Bicycle Clothing
Much like Trek and Specialized get frames from Tawain and then assemble them in the USA.
Those $110+ Boure shorts probably have about $15 of material and labor in them.
07-02-16, 08:24 AM
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Just ordered another pair thanks to this thread!! Needed more for my rotation
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
07-02-16, 02:39 PM
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The Boure website says "Sewn in the USA since 1988" which more than likely means they purchase the material from China and then sew them in the USA.
Men's Cycling Shorts - Bouré Bicycle Clothing
Much like Trek and Specialized get frames from Tawain and then assemble them in the USA.
Those $110+ Boure shorts probably have about $15 of material and labor in them.
Men's Cycling Shorts - Bouré Bicycle Clothing
Much like Trek and Specialized get frames from Tawain and then assemble them in the USA.
Those $110+ Boure shorts probably have about $15 of material and labor in them.
07-02-16, 11:34 PM
#45
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I wear underwear to minimize the number of washings required to keep shorts clean. I also wash by hand and once a year will let the washer do it's magic on them.
I have an ancient pair of Novara shorts that you can see through. But the chamois is still in good shape, relatively thin and no gel and is really comfy. I use these shorts under winter pants because of the see through. It also doesn't help that I lost 30 pounds and the shorts are now way way baggy instead of just stretched out.
I like the Performance Ultras.... some years. One year they changed the chamois and they were like wearing diapers. Lady luck was with me and I found a pair from the previous year on the sale rack.
I have an ancient pair of Novara shorts that you can see through. But the chamois is still in good shape, relatively thin and no gel and is really comfy. I use these shorts under winter pants because of the see through. It also doesn't help that I lost 30 pounds and the shorts are now way way baggy instead of just stretched out.
I like the Performance Ultras.... some years. One year they changed the chamois and they were like wearing diapers. Lady luck was with me and I found a pair from the previous year on the sale rack.
07-03-16, 03:33 PM
#46
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BTW I have two pairs of the $85 model and one of the $110.
Nothing for $25 is comparable. The only shorts for me that are good quality other than Boures are Pearl Izumi.
07-04-16, 11:03 AM
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Here's a link to the exact ones I purchased. Looks like the updated since I bought them, they offer a 'newer style' option now, but I think you can still buy the old style. I might try it out as I plan to buy a few more pairs of these.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Just ordered another pair thanks to this thread!! Needed more for my rotation
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I've been using these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for a week or two and they rub a little wrong. I got a small being 5'8" 130-140 I think a medium might have been better. Ordered the ones you listed in a large in accordance with sizing chart. I hope these work out or before you know it I will have spent more than if I had just bought something nice. Going through a $100+ Castellis in 9 months doesn't make me want to buy anything nice though.
07-04-16, 01:17 PM
#48
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Still going with my Primal and Aerotech shorts and bibs. They've never let me down and are still comfortable after a few thousand miles and a couple of seasons.
07-04-16, 01:47 PM
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PI Attack shorts ($75) were fairly nice at first, but the pad was a bit thicker than I prefer and then the stitching in the crotch area eventually started causing discomfort. had to stop using them before they were worn out.
AeroTech Pro shorts ($39) are the best bang for buck I've found. very comfy, looks good, made in USA, etc.
07-04-16, 04:05 PM
#50
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disliked the Boure' shorts ($85) I tried...lycra felt overly thin...still use them, but only if nothing else is in the 'clean' stack.
PI Attack shorts ($75) were fairly nice at first, but the pad was a bit thicker than I prefer and then the stitching in the crotch area eventually started causing discomfort. had to stop using them before they were worn out.
AeroTech Pro shorts ($39) are the best bang for buck I've found. very comfy, looks good, made in USA, etc.
PI Attack shorts ($75) were fairly nice at first, but the pad was a bit thicker than I prefer and then the stitching in the crotch area eventually started causing discomfort. had to stop using them before they were worn out.
AeroTech Pro shorts ($39) are the best bang for buck I've found. very comfy, looks good, made in USA, etc.