Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

Cycling Shorts?

Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Cycling Shorts?

Old 03-11-14, 11:24 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Inverness, FL
Posts: 373

Bikes: Guru Evolo-R

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 92 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Cycling Shorts?

I have been riding with an inexpensive pair of cycling shorts ($20)... I have been relatively comfortable (new to cycling so I blame that too), and I was wondering if it would be a significant improvement to get a "real" pair.. I've seen prices range from $20 - $200... I can't imagine the $200 pair is 10x better, but would a middle of the road pair (like Pearl Izumi Quest) be "good enough" shorts? Just trying to understand the justification of the different price tiers. Especially since I would assume cycling shorts is something you have multiple of.

I am doing 30 miles rides now, but will be doing 48 next Sat.
JBerman is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 11:26 AM
  #2  
Galveston County Texas
 
10 Wheels's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,220

Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum

Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 1,235 Times in 616 Posts
nope... my best shorts were $15
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"

10 Wheels is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 11:36 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
OldsCOOL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,317

Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712

Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Liked 595 Times in 313 Posts
You can ride a century without the spandex/chamois/padding just fine though biking naked might be uncomfortable for others.

Seriously, wear what you want and in your budget.
OldsCOOL is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 11:39 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,700
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Yeah, the expensive shorts tend to be better.

But if your $20 shorts are working for you, why pay for something you don't need?

When you start riding longer and getting saddle sores, going numb, or getting rubbed raw, then maybe you get more expensive shorts.
achoo is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 11:42 AM
  #5  
Custom User Title
 
RPK79's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: SE MN
Posts: 11,239

Bikes: Fuji Roubaix Pro & Quintana Roo Kilo

Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2863 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 31 Times in 14 Posts
I have a cheaper pair of Performance shorts with a pretty thin chamois that I don't mind for shorter rides, but they tend to chafe after an hour and a half (without some Butt'r). I have some mid-range Bellweathers that are nice and recently made the move to bibs with some less expensive Specialized bibs for about $60 that are super comfortable. Ordered a pair of bibs from PBK (house brand) and I'm hoping those are as nice.

What I'm getting at in my rambling is a pair of shorts with a good chamois that fits you is worth the money and going with bibs over shorts is even better.
RPK79 is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 11:50 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
himespau's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,552
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4195 Post(s)
Liked 2,911 Times in 1,780 Posts
I've had some cheap bibs (expensive ones too) that worked well for me and others (both cheap and expensive) that didn't. Now, I've lost a fair bit of weight and most of them don't fit like they used to. I have less regret about the the cheaper ones no longer fitting than when I look at the expensive ones that no longer fit and think about what I spent on them. Some of the not working was fit and some of it was the chamois. The chamois on some expensive ones can make up for a saddle that doesn't quite work better than cheap bibs, but a saddle that works with all bibs is a better bargain in the end.
__________________
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?), 1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"





himespau is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 12:08 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 4,401

Bikes: Bianchi Infinito (Celeste, of course)

Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 754 Post(s)
Liked 104 Times in 77 Posts
In my experience, the expensive ones are better. My experience with the cheapest shorts ($20) is that they aren't worth wearing. Once you get into the $50+ (on sale, typically $80+ MSRP) you start getting decent shorts.

The big difference is how the chamois fits.
gsa103 is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 12:41 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Boston
Posts: 2,199

Bikes: 2017 Raleigh RX 1.0, 2018 Specialized Allez

Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 471 Post(s)
Liked 631 Times in 336 Posts
I've got these nashbar shorts (colebrook specifically, grey color that I'd never wear outside) I've used all winter and I'm not a fan at all. The chamois doesn't seem to protect my sit bones and they slide down pretty easily on the rear (I've never tried other shorts, but I doubt others leave on susceptible to plumbers crack so easily). Might try garneau brand for my summer shorts, I have thermal tights and I like them
hubcyclist is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 12:58 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
nkfrench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 1,846

Bikes: 2006 Specialized Ruby Pro aka "Rhubarb" / and a backup road bike

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times in 4 Posts
Shorts quality becomes more apparent as the rides get longer and weather more extreme.
If the cheap shorts work fine for the rides you do, good for you.
I am finding that one of my "better" shorts are causing issues on rides > 50 miles and need a different chamois design. Another "better" pair has serious moisture management problems but the fabric is abrasion-resistant.
nkfrench is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 01:31 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
Dudelsack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: South Hutchinson Island
Posts: 6,647

Bikes: Lectric Xpedition.

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 146 Post(s)
Liked 96 Times in 46 Posts
PI is a great brand. I recommend them. I like bib shorts, too, although they run a bit more. Cheap shorts have never fit me well, and make my butt look big.
__________________
Momento mori, amor fati.




Dudelsack is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 01:44 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 636
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Clearance is your friend.

While I do not ride with the extremely costly bibs ($250+)...I do have nice bibs in the $100-200 range that I picked up on clearance. I have a pair of Castelli Free bibs that retail for $199...got them for $91. I also have a set of Castelli endurance bibs that retailed for $149...picked them up for $89. The endurance bib is silly comfortable compared to the cheaper shorts I used to wear, the free bib is insanely comfortable fit wise. I bought these for this summer and haven't worn them yet...I got them for the really warm days.

Either way...I picked up $350 worth of bibs for $170. Like I said, clearance is your friend.
Smokehouse is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 01:55 PM
  #12  
High Plains Luddite
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Colorado
Posts: 681

Bikes: 3x8 & 3x9

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 215 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times in 54 Posts
I ride my MTB/commuter with boxer underwear and baggy cotton shorts. Yes, I put the bike away when it's cold outside.

I understand this is frowned upon as road bike attire, and I have a road bike now.

A serious question from a guy who has never owned any bike-specific clothing beyond a helmet and gloves: What, if anything, does one wear under tight cycling shorts or bibs? Briefs? Athletic supporter? Commando? Something else I haven't thought of? Surely not loose-fitting boxers, I'm guessing.
Squeeze is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 01:57 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
THSdrummer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Missouri
Posts: 662

Bikes: '12 CAAD10 3, '88 Raleigh Talon

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I only buy my shorts on sale, but I'm currently pulling from these:

-Assos Uno FI S5 (x2)
-Castelli Endurance (2013)
-Castelli Body Paint Bib Shorts (2012)
-Castelli Sorpasso Bib Knickers (2012)
-Voler Bib Shorts- Unfortunately, I can't recall the name.

The last three all have the same pad. I was sent the Sorpasso Knickers by accident when I ordered a set of Endurance shorts, but opted to keep them.

My first two pairs of bib shorts (skipped shorts) were the Volers. Purchased for $45 a pair (MSRP of $90). I think it's the Estrada Chamois or something. I don't like them. They have been relegated to trainer/roller duty. I found a pair of Body Paint Bibs on deep discount, and purchased them after I had received the Knickers. I'm really happy with the Body Paints. I like the fit (Large) over the Endurance (medium). I tend to go to the Endurance bib shorts for most average rides. If I know I'm going longer, I'll slide on a pair of Assos bibs (these were actually the cheapest of the whole line-up, besides the Volers).

The real factor for comfort is the saddle IMO. I've ridden on saddles that irritate me after 3 miles, and I've ridden on others that don't irritate that bad. Chamois helps muffle the irritation or the discomfort, but will not mask it. I'm still on the search for the "perfect" saddle, although this Toupe 143 I just bought seems to be the closest.

I'm curious how the upper level Rapha, Giordana, and Capo all fit and feel. I'm waiting for a big sale on those and I might snatch up a few.
THSdrummer is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 02:10 PM
  #14  
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 31
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Squeeze
I ride my MTB/commuter with boxer underwear and baggy cotton shorts. Yes, I put the bike away when it's cold outside.

I understand this is frowned upon as road bike attire, and I have a road bike now.

A serious question from a guy who has never owned any bike-specific clothing beyond a helmet and gloves: What, if anything, does one wear under tight cycling shorts or bibs? Briefs? Athletic supporter? Commando? Something else I haven't thought of? Surely not loose-fitting boxers, I'm guessing.
Commando!
MattMem is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 02:19 PM
  #15  
I got 99 problems....
 
thump55's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Does anyone know where the love of God goes, when the waves turn the minutes to hours?
Posts: 2,087
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by Squeeze
What, if anything, does one wear under tight cycling shorts or bibs? Briefs? Athletic supporter? Commando? Something else I haven't thought of? Surely not loose-fitting boxers, I'm guessing.
I thought this went without saying, but it is the start of a new season. Never, ever ride without one.
thump55 is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 03:14 PM
  #16  
Full Member
 
travelerman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 334
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 36 Post(s)
Liked 44 Times in 23 Posts
I have found PI Attack to be a good balance between price and quality. MSRP is $80, but you can find them for $50 or a little less - I have never paid more than that. I have some less expensive shortes, and usually find myself becoming uncomfortable on the saddle before the 20 mile mark. As always, YMMV...
travelerman is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 03:26 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
rpenmanparker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 28,682

Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build

Mentioned: 109 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6556 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 58 Times in 36 Posts
Originally Posted by thump55
I thought this went without saying, but it is the start of a new season. Never, ever ride without one.
Say you're joking. There is nothing that an athletic supporter does for you that isn't already handled (pun intended) perfectly well by spandex cycling shorts. I have never heard of a cyclist wearing a jock. But then of course I have never inquired.
__________________
Robert

Originally Posted by LAJ
No matter where I go, here I am...
rpenmanparker is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 03:30 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
rpenmanparker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 28,682

Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build

Mentioned: 109 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6556 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 58 Times in 36 Posts
OP, Performance Bike Shop's Ultra line of shorts and bibs provide very good value. High performance for the money. No, they are not the best shorts/bibs on Earth. They are just good quality at a reasonable price, especially during the frequent sales. Fairly high tech chamois considering the price range. Up to 50 mile rides (as far as I ever go these days), they have never caused any discomfort or chafing. I should mention I always use Body Glide, however.
__________________
Robert

Originally Posted by LAJ
No matter where I go, here I am...
rpenmanparker is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 03:31 PM
  #19  
Administrator
 
BillyD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Hudson Valley, NY
Posts: 32,895

Bikes: Merlin Cyrene '04; Bridgestone RB-1 '92

Mentioned: 325 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11889 Post(s)
Liked 6,482 Times in 3,411 Posts
Squeeze, an athletic supporter is NOT necessary under bike shorts.

The shorts, in fact, will hold you firmer than any jock strap possibly could.
__________________
See, this is why we can't have nice things. - - smarkinson
Where else but the internet can a bunch of cyclists go and be the tough guy? - - jdon
BillyD is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 03:37 PM
  #20  
High Plains Luddite
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Colorado
Posts: 681

Bikes: 3x8 & 3x9

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 215 Post(s)
Liked 92 Times in 54 Posts
Originally Posted by rpenmanparker
...But then of course I have never inquired.
I am the inquirer here and hope I haven't spoiled a long unspoken biker's secret or something. I can't remember ever noticing jock straps on the back the legs under bike shorts on a rider. I don't go around checking out guys' backsides, but you know what I mean, I hope. It's like football players with their equally tight britches and similarly bent-over stances at times - you can't help but see the straps in back.

To the original poster: sorry if I hijacked your thread but this is one of those questions I've been meaning to ask someone someday and it just happened to be here. I figured that was easier than stopping a rider on the street to ask.

Thanks guys, for taking the time to answer. It really was a serious question - I didn't know.
Squeeze is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 04:55 PM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
shoota's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Stillwater, OK
Posts: 8,128
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1871 Post(s)
Liked 689 Times in 467 Posts
Originally Posted by Dudelsack
PI is a great brand. I recommend them. I like bib shorts, too, although they run a bit more. Cheap shorts have never fit me well, and make my butt look big.
I couldn't agree with this more. When I got into cycling I could only afford the cheap stuff. Now that I've had time to slowly replace it with good stuff (read: Pearl Izumi PRO) there is no way in hell I will ever go back to cheap stuff again.
__________________
2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
shoota is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 05:14 PM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 75
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Cheap bibs would be nice.
WK95 is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 05:22 PM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
Dave Cutter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: D'uh... I am a Cutter
Posts: 6,159

Bikes: '17 Access Old Turnpike Gravel bike, '14 Trek 1.1, '13 Cannondale CAAD 10, '98 CAD 2, R300

Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1571 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times in 9 Posts
The priceier shorts/tights/bibs have more panels and therefore require less-stretchy fabric. So you should get better compression/comfort. Fit and number of panels are the most important factors of cycling shorts.

The chamois was originally made of real chamois. They could have just as easily used a big hunk of real spongeif padding was what was required. Of course the padding in a chamois is nice... but not really required. What the chamois really does is stick to the sweaty body parts and isolates the movement of the body and the saddle inside the chamois. That prevents friction blisters.

All that said... I am fine with my 4 panel cheap non-shaped foam chamois $14 shorts from Nashbar.
Dave Cutter is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 05:30 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Arcata Ca
Posts: 266

Bikes: Seven Axiom steel, Salsa Vaya,Specialized Sectuer, Santa Cruz 5010

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I've got three pair of Aerotech designs shorts, from $40-$60, all made in America and are holding up well, highly recommended.
Latif is offline  
Old 03-11-14, 05:54 PM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SW ONTARIO
Posts: 525

Bikes: P1 Domane Di2, SLR Emonda Di2, Trek Farley 9 Fatbike

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
I have tried em all up to $250.00 shorts. The best deal I have found so far is the ME - Mountain Equipment Co op high end shorts $69.00 Canadian. They are on par with any of the $200.00 + shorts out there. ME is Canadian equal to REI but anyone from any country can order.
Up North is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.