Baggy bike shorts

[Tabby]

I want to get baggy mtb shorts, but have trouble finding a good fit. I don't like the spandex shorts, more self conscious :rolleyes: than anything else, I guess. I know it's not a fashion show, but geesh!

I have a small waist and average hips, but it's that "honking mass" glued on the outter thigh that messes up every fit. :mad: I"ve tried on what the lbs have in stock ... never enough options IMHO. Buying on line is great, but the gamble of the thigh fit and then sending every thing back.

Anyone else w/this problem? Any suggestions?

5'4", 132 lbs

Tabby

[TahoeDirtGirl]

I like Fox shorts for guys. I have a couple of pairs, and I will forewarn you, they are pricey. The ones I just bought for this season are the seargent ones (camo!) and it's like two shorts in one. You get the liner which I really like bc the chamois is very thin (not like the PI diaper I got last year) and you can detach them from the shorts and wear the shorts, which are long and baggy, seperately. And pockets everywhere! They were 80 bucks tho. I think if you start looking now you can find ones going on sale maybe? I didn't get them at my LBS, I actually was in RI and stopped at a Ski Market that sold bikes, and there they were! Adjustable waist too..

I don't like the Fox shorts for women, they are always too short and seem to ride up. Just my 2 cents.

[sundial]

Tabby, do you need bomb proof shorts for your rides? If so I can recommend Sugoi Gusta short (http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=31304) which is generous through the thigh. It's got zip vents in the front of the thigh and the chamois is very comfie. Another short I wear on less technical trails and about the neighborhood is the Terry baggy short (http://www.terrybicycles.com/detail.html?item_no=1857&c=Apparel). This short is made of poly so it has alot of stretch. It also snags easier than the Sugoi short but it has really nice features and I wear this short when I exercise the dogs. I also bought the capri length for the fall. If you order the Terry short, order one size down because it runs a little large. :)

[Tabby]

I hadn't thought of men's shorts only because the legs are usually straight and don't allow for the fullness of my thighs. I also don't like shorts that are short ... usually a 9" inseam is my preference. Thanks, I'll try men's at the lbs and see if that helps some. Yes, hoping for sale price along the way.

PJ

[Becky]

Second the recommedation for the Sugoi Gusta! Dang expensive, but worth it. I bought a pair based on reccomendations here, and I'm so glad that I did. I love the chamois, and the 10" inseam is perfect for me.

I also have these Fox shorts: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=25147&item=10-0552&slitrk=search&slisearch=true The chamois is diaper-y and awful, so I chopped the liner out and wear them over lycra cycling shorts. I love the length and fit of the outer short- 12" inseam- they touch the tops of my knees.

[Tabby]

Becky,

Are you about my size? Did you go with the M or L?

PJ

[Becky]

Becky,

Are you about my size? Did you go with the M or L?

PJ

I'm about your size...5'4", 125 lbs., but very narrow hipped/thighed. So I bought a small in each. My "street" pants size is a 4, and I consistently buy small cycling shorts. As a rule of thumb, I find that I get the best fit in shorts if i size by the hip measurement (not the waist).

Good luck!

Oh, BTW, the Fox shorts tend to be a little lower cut than the Sugois, if that matters....with my thick waist and narrow hips, it actually helps me.

[Tabby]

Thanks Becky.

I wear a Talbot's 6 in jeans, but probably an 8-10 in other brands. The lower waist is not a problem for me. Unless the Fox runs loose, it may be smart to begin with the large ... better too large than too small. But I'd return them if need be anyway. Did you find they run loose?

PJ

[Tabby]

Tabby, do you need bomb proof shorts for your rides? If so I can recommend Sugoi Gusta short (http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=31304) which is generous through the thigh. It's got zip vents in the front of the thigh and the chamois is very comfie. Another short I wear on less technical trails and about the neighborhood is the Terry baggy short (http://www.terrybicycles.com/detail.html?item_no=1857&c=Apparel). This short is made of poly so it has alot of stretch. It also snags easier than the Sugoi short but it has really nice features and I wear this short when I exercise the dogs. I also bought the capri length for the fall. If you order the Terry short, order one size down because it runs a little large. :)

Thanks for your comment. Oh, if the Sugoi Gusta runs generous in the thigh, that may be good.

[Becky]

Thanks Becky.

I wear a Talbot's 6 in jeans, but probably an 8-10 in other brands. The lower waist is not a problem for me. Unless the Fox runs loose, it may be smart to begin with the large ... better too large than too small. But I'd return them if need be anyway. Did you find they run loose?

PJ

The Fox shorts are a little loose on me, but not exceedingly so, about what I would expect from a baggy short.

FWIW, my local Performance has these in-store now. If you have one nearby, you might be able to find them there for trying on.

[ikkin]

i like the oakley shorts...not too baggy but not too slim either. and this is coming from someone who came from a DI college soccer career...which translates into a big butt and thighs.

backcountry.com usually has a few pairs of women's oakley shorts for sale. i have two pair and really like them both!

[crazycanuck]

Tabby, I have an old pair of Ground Effect mtb shorts that i've not worn in gazonks. Would you like me to send them to you? PM me inf interested.

They're similar to these ones but in an older style http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-TOM-WOM.htm

[Tabby]

Queen Teo ... Generous offer, thank you. They look like a comfy fit, is the thigh roomy? The postage to send will cut into my overall budget ... but a kind and generous offer.

Becky, I found out there is a Performance store near me, I'll try on the Fox there. Funny how you think you know all the lbs and then learn there is another close by.

Also, found out there is a bonus on the way at work, may treat myself, try the Sugoi Gusta.

Everyone has been great w/opinions. I just need to work with the thigh fit and go from there. I'll be sure to let you know how this turns out. Thanks all.

Tabby :)

[Sgritn]

I wore kind of baggy denim shorts this Sunday..caught the hem on my bike when dismounting...I clearly understood the need for tangle free clothing that day-spandex gets better looking as the body gets toned!

[Irulan]

There's different kinds of "baggy". A true DH short is not the same as some of the really loose nylon shorts that they also sell as baggies.

nice fox short that will never get caught on your seat.
http://www.thebackcountry.net/cart/files/images/d_7433.jpg

and then you have something like this :eek::eek::eek: which I am quite sure would easliy get caught. Hint, if the baggies have an elastic waistband they might not be suitable

http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/250/10-9943-BLK-FRONT.jpg

[mountainchick]

I have those 2nd pair of black Fox shorts and they don't work well for true downhill (went the first time this weekend). I wear them on easy xc rides but anything else they pretty much suck.

They are comfy though, I'll give them that!

[stephanie1129]

I love my Shebeest Boardrider Capris. Many women I've ridden with have ended up buying these pants because they look so good and are so comfortable. It's flattering because it's a capri, they don't even look like bike pants but they have a nice seamless chamois underneath.

[Miranda]

Another +1 for the Sugoi Gusta shorts. They were/are the most $ I have ever spent for shorts (good roadie ones included). I am SO hooked now:rolleyes:.

I have tried and tried and tried to order myself some cheaper shorts in various other brands as a back up to my Gustas. To date, the 2nd shorts have always ended up being a return. No comparison. They do sell the liner that's in them seperately also here on TE. I have thought about stretching the shorts $ and getting that at least as a clean back chamois when away camping/trail riding (that washing machines are not near).

Those Fox "girl" shorts as they call them are just YUCK! The front yolk/waist is low rise like juniors jeans. They feel like they are going to pole dance shimmy off any minute. A return for sure. Even with trying a couple sizes.

Hmm, one other sorta close second I tried off Terry's web site was a Gore mtb short. Lovely chamois. I'll have to see if they have it come back to post a link if so. It was still no Gusta though. So, for the $, I sent it back. Plus, not so full in the hips like Sugoi. Something about being constricted, and trying to twist your body and bike through trees just doesn't mix.

Those Sugoi's even have velcro in place of a zipper. Which at first I thoguht was weird. Now, I know it's brilliant. If you catch your shorts, the velcro tears away with no damage to the material. Vs an actual zipper would rip out the fabric.

Another fantastic quality the Gustas have is the difference in length between the liner short and outter short. Whatever idiot designed mtb shorts with only a two inch difference between the two shorts parts has never actually ridden a trail grown over with briar bushes and young trees:mad:.

When the net/lycra liner hangs out the edge of your shorts, it will rip right up when caught. So, the outter tougher ripstock is then useless. The Gusta has I think a 4 inch difference. NEVER once have I ever ripped my inner short or get caught on anything.

Those crazy canucks sure are not crazy at all when it comes to making great bike stuff, IMHO:D.

Miranda
Sugoi Mistress :p
(shh, don't tell, I'm secretly in love lol)

[Miranda]

One other fleeting thought... if you are just looking for more modesty as you say... what about a cycle-skort?

I have always wanted one, and finally got a couple at the Terry half off sale recently. TE carries these too. And on sale now.

Terry Flare skort. Omg, what a CUTE skort! Now, it's not hard riding proof as the under is mesh. Not wide mesh. So a gust it would be ok. But, it lays so nice on ladies with curvy hips IMHO. Versus others, it has a waist yolk. This makes it curve/lay around the hip nicely. One skirt slit per thigh.

Terry Pro-Racer skort, or Cargo skort. Both of those skirt materials are not lycra. They are broadcloth and ripstock. They are not as flattering on my curve IMO cuz they are A-line. While still modest, I just think flare out makes me look bigger:rolleyes:. However, still nice skorts.

One nice surprise is that I found they do not get in the way of posting in the saddle. 16" is just enough to cover your assets, plus not get under them sliding back on the saddle. These have one slit in the center and a full bike short underneath. It lies nicely beside each thigh at a slower speed. In a cross wind, or harder riding, it flys behind. So, if serious racing where wind drag is bad, then no skort. But otherwise, they are not a bad compromise to have your lycra and be move covered up too.



FWIW :)