Tiffanie

VV, my favorite pair right now is the PI Ultrasensor.... very comfy (for me) but the inseam is right at 8.5".

Az B

The best cheap shorts I've found are Performance Elite. They have a Cannondale chamois, although I'm not sure who stitches them up. They are normally around $90, but are on sale frequently for about $50. If you take advantage of thier $20 off a $50 coupon, or 10% Tuesday shop 'n save or something, they're pretty reasonable.

Az

VegaVixen

I've actually been looking at those, Tiffanie, and will probably get a pair. Just keep hoping I can find some really long. Ideally, I'd like a pair that come to within about a hand's width above the bend at the back of my knee. Guys can get that length. Why not us? <shrug> SOL, I guess.

dknight07

So, anyone try the Pearl Izumi Vertex MP3 bibs? Its super cost effective. Only.... 499.99? Does it make you breakfast? They wove an MP3 player into the shorts? I'm...so....confused.

VegaVixen

Do they come with hospital insurance?

Proximo

+1. I bought two pair of PI Attack shorts last year at REI on sale for $50/each and just love them. The materials are top quality and after months of use and washings they still look and fit great. In contrast, I tried some no-name $25 shorts off ebay based on a BF recommendation and the stitching was coming loose after 4 or 5 uses. The Performance Ultra shorts I tried are also just so-so. As someone earlier posted they are undersized so if you buy your size they will feel like you're stuffing 10lbs in a 5lb bag and you'll be constantly tugging them back into place while riding. Plus, the padding is rather thin unlike the Attacks which sometimes feel like you got a Pampers in there while walking around but on the bike are all-day comfy.

FIVE ONE SIX

i'm just curious what you mean by all-day comfy, because the Attacks were a horror show after 30 miles for me, and i won't even get into the saddle sore issues i had with the them...

matthew_deaner

+1
I'm very happy with my volar shorts and bibs.

cccorlew

I'm a bib guy, but I love my Performance bibs. I imagine the shorts would be the same.

xlrogue

+1 on Aerotech. I've also got their pro bib, which I bought after Ebay "bargain" bibs developed seam separation within the first week of use--two pair, as a matter of fact. The Aerotechs are much more comfortable and still like new after 1K miles and multiple washings.

Namenda

Voler=good stuff at reasonable prices. I'll be buried in my Voler bibs.

If you want cheap, yet relatively comfortable, you might want to try the Falconi shorts off ebay. Not high quality in materials or construction, but they have been a pleasant surprise to me. I've worn them for many 25+ mile rides with no comfort issues.

haimtoeg

I think that says it all.

kyledr

Yeah, well I didn't go with that one.

urbanknight

You get what you pay for. My cheap 6 panel shorts are fine for 1-2 hour rides, but after 2 hours I know exactly why my 8 panel Pearl Izumi and Aussie shorts are worth $50+

btw, I love Botto's responses! In every thread, he has a simple, matter-of-fact conclusion that is correct.

foomonkey

I recently bought a pair of Performance Ultra bibs. My first pair by Performance and my first bibs. So far, I like them. They are a bit short in the leg and, like the reviews on the web site say, they fit tight. I have some PI's that are XL and they are sagging in the crotch. So, I bought size L in the Performance Ultras. I might have been able to go with an XL but I think I am getting used to what I have. The fabric in the Ultras is thinner than the PI's and the chamois isn't as thick. Otherwise, I am pretty happy with them. Especially since they were on sale. I would recommend them.

R900

Vega,

My wife has some Nashbar/Performance, PI, and Descente, I think she likes the Performance Ultras and Descente best, followed by the PI's. She also recently bought some women's jerseys at Primal and Voler that fit very well.

For the guys, I think Performance Elites are about the best cheaper shorts, but I now just where PI, Descente's and just bought a pair of Assos to try.

dekindy

I found some Endura cycling shorts for $50 that are a great value. My wife is from Dayton, OH and I got them at a small shop in Tipp City just north of Dayton. The owner is an engineer that has carries brands that he has researched. I could not believe how comfortable they are for the price. They are my favorite pair and I intend to buy more the next time I am there.

https://tippcyclery.com/index.html

waterrockets 

+1 I am very frugal, but $20 isn't enough money for a good pair of shorts. I've been really happy with $40 shorts. I like my $100-$150 shorts and bibs (gratis) even better, but they're only marginally more comfortable than the $40 shorts.

I will not be spending more than $40 on shorts if I ever have to buy them (adjusting for inflation). I won't be spending much less either...

ILUVUK

A pair of Performance Century Liquicell shorts are on their way to me right now. The reviews (from only 4 users) were all positive so I took a chance. The original price was $55 and they're on sale for $40. I'm hoping this is a winner as $40 is about the max for me, so I'll always be buying mine on sale or clearance. If they suck, well, on to some other brand at a decent price.

VegaVixen

I was actually lookin' at the Performance Ultras. I'll see if the local store has them. And I've been looking at Voler jerseys. I'm just worried that at my height and slender build, a small will be too short. I've emailed the customer service for a length measurement before ordering. Thanks, R900!

yogi13

I've got a pair of those; they're OK comfort-wise, but I always feel like I've got diapers on wearing them because they've got so much padding. I like the ultras better.

Kickit

That Bellwether MLP actually looks like a decent chamois:


https://blbikeshop.com/itemdetails.cf...gId=39&id=5199

The Strada seems pretty nice for the price, MSRP $60.

The Performance Elite have a good 4-way stretch chamois and the Perf. Ultras have a top of the line elastic chamois. The Elite fabric is regular 8oz lycra and Ultra fabric is okay but not great though, seems weak. I've seen the Elites as low as $35 and the Ultra as low as $45. The Performance bibs come up too high in the front. The person designing the shorts obviously doesn't wear bibs. I wouldn't get anything below the Performance Elites though. The regular Volers with the cantera pad are good too and the Voler Elites are a fantastic fit and a good value compared to other top end shorts (Assos, etc).

Stallionforce

I guess I have two points. One, it's a personal thing. I find the Louis Garneau top of the line (can't remember what they're called) works best for me. It's a waffle type chamois, with "drainage" lol. Two, I wouldn't skimp on shorts. It's the one thing you don't want to be ******dly about. Gotta preserve the taint, man!

botto 

It looks like the chamois that come with Champion Systems bibs. If it is the same, then be warned: they're so thin, they're almost useless.

We must have a different definition of value.

Hambone

or ruin a long bike ride...