Finding the right shorts

[Ana]

I am in the search for new shorts. Right now I have some gel Bellwether shorts (they are TIGHT but the waist really digs in and causes me much discomfort) and 2 pairs of Canari gel Women's. I like the Canari but I think they're getting big as I'm slimming down (which is mostly a good thing). I would also really like to try some non-gel shorts but I went to my LBS and they just feel like little foam inserts...that would wear out very quickly....

So now I'm in the market for new shorts but I have no idea how to find them. Even if I try them on, would the bike store let me sit on a bike....?

Anyway, I have no idea what I'm looking for and I am willing to dish out the $50-$100 ($100 is waaaay out of my budget but I will if they're the right ones) for some good shorts.

My rides haven't been over 25 miles yet but I'm building up my endurance! So I don't need anything super professional (like pro racing saddles...which are too hard for me).

Any advice?

[Starfish]

I wish I had some advice for you. I just got lucky right at the start of my riding life, and found some shorts very quickly that have worked for me.

My first pair was a cheap pair of gel shorts from Performance, and those DID NOT work. The gel just put a lot of pressure on my undercarriage. Then, I got two pairs of Pearl Izumi, and they have been my shorts ever since. Literally. They only have a "foam" chamois (or whatever it is)...but they have just lasted and lasted and lasted. It is just now time for me to buy some more.

The only thing I mind is, like you, the waistband gets to me here and there on long rides, especially if I have put on a few pounds (duh). I am thinking of trying out the Terry Bella type just for the waistband issue.

Good luck!

[indysteel]

Ana, shorts are a lot like saddles. What works for one woman, might not work at all for the next. I started with Pearl Izumi Ultrasensors, but moved onto Sugoi FS shorts after PI redesigned the Ultrasensors. I ended up ordering and returning a number of shorts, before I finally just called TE up, talked to Susan at length (thanks again btw) and ordered the Sugoi's on her recommendation. They're the only short I wear now.

Short of doing it by trial and error, you might call TE and just see what they recommend based on the type of riding you do, your anatomy, your preference for length and fit, etc. When I say anatomy, some women find that they need a little extra padding for their girly fits because of how much soft tissue they have. Others need extra padding for their sit bones. Still others need both.

As a general rule, I think you more or less get what you pay for in shorts. So, while some of them are pretty darn expensive, they can be worth it if you ride a lot.

[Tokie]

Hey Ana- while you are trying out different shorts, order a pair of bib shorts to try. The lack of waistband is spectacularly comfortable! Just try them with your underwear and assume the pedaling position! Ahhhhh - no digging waistband. Also consider the fabric. I am partial to lots of lycra, often referred to as "power" or high compression fabric. It helps my legs fight fatigue on long rides and helps the chamois stay where the chamois starts out (not squirming around). I too think the Bella shorts(Terry) look pretty comfortable, my favorites are Louis Garneau Power shorts (high compression, fabulous chamois, and nice long inseam). I have some L Garneau bib shorts (from TE) that I love too. Have fun! Tokie

[Zen]

I wish I had some advice for you. I just got lucky right at the start of my riding life, and found some shorts very quickly that have worked for me.

My first pair was a cheap pair of gel shorts from Performance, and those DID NOT work.

I've found the shorts for me too and they're from Performance!
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=25243&subcategory_ID=1220&estore_ID=1056
I had one pair last year and just about wore them out.

[roadie gal]

I really like these, and they're cheap:

www.aerotechdesigns.com. I get the Top Shelf Pro version. Mine have lasted for a long time, longer than the Pearl Izumi or Terry.

[Starfish]

Those shorts look good, and I notice they come in lots of sizes. I think I'll try some!