Which pair of PI shorts?

[indysteel]

Thanks to spinning, my mid- and lower-quads are beefing up. I'm not sure I like that development, but since I'm feeling really strong on my bike, I'll just have to deal with it! I have three pairs of PI Ultrasensor shorts--which run long in the inseam and use the "3D Elite Chamois--that are starting to feel a little tight around "the gripper." I otherwise like the shorts, but they'd be too big in the butt and waist if I just went up a size.

Anyway, I'm debating between the PI Short Cut Short and the PI Quest Short. The former has a 6-inch inseam and uses the "3D Race Chamois." I can't figuare out (even from PI's website) what the inseam is on the latter, but it uses the "3D Tour Chamois," i.e., the same one used in the Sugar Knicker. I find the Sugar Knickers to be comfortable on long rides, even more so than the Ultrasensors. Does anyone know how the 3D Race chamois compares? I'd just go with the Quests, but at only $45, I'm a little afraid that the material will be flimsy and unsupportive.

Of course, I could just order both and see which ones I like but then I wouldn't get to "talk" to all of you! I could also just try another brand but I've had good success with PI products so far and have narrowed my choices down so that I don't get completely overwhelmed by all the other choices out there.

Thanks.

Kate

[xeney]

This is probably too obvious but have you looked at the PI sugar shorts (http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=17192)? They are pretty short (5" inseam), but they have the same chamois as the sugar knickers. They are my current favorites ... I used to love the ultrasensors, but I really prefer the tour chamois.

The sugar shorts have a thinner material than the ultrasensors, which is great when it's hot. They are made from the same material as the sugar knickers so you already know what it's like!

[aicabsolut]

I'm not 100%, but I think I have the Quests. I am NOT a fan of the Tour chamois though. I find it's cushiony but chafing over long periods. I also think that for the correct size, there's too much room in the butt--either the chamois sags or else I'm pulling the back waistband half way up to my armpits. It's got the longest inseam I could find in women's PIs (at least in the store here), but I'm not happy with them. I'd say go with a more minimal chamois like you have been. I think the Race one is a little thinner than pro...closer to a tri pad but I'm not quite sure from reading the descriptions. As for the material, for a cheap short, there's plenty of compression support in the legs, for what is covered at least.

I'm really sold on my cannondale shorts (I have the Domestiques), though, hands down. They're longer in the leg and fit much better than the PIs. (like you I've got a small waist and muscular thighs. My hips/butt aren't small at all, but PIs make me feel like they are!)