Tell me what kind of shorts you wear! [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

Tri Girl

08-30-2008, 08:30 AM

DebTX

08-30-2008, 08:46 AM

... until I switched from my hybrid with suspension to a road bike. After 40 miles yesterday, I'm ready to shop!

I'm looking forward to hearing these replies. I too switched from a hybrid to a road bike this year. I've got 4 pair of Pearl Izumi "Symphony Ultrasensor" shorts that I just love - but on the road bike I'm having a harder time feeling comfortable - (I'm sitting on an ice pack now after this morning's 20 mile ride because things are a bit swollen).

I've got a 45 miler in October and I'm just hoping things will "toughen up" down there. Wishful thinking?

LBTC

08-30-2008, 09:01 AM

Bib shorts! Yes, they are AWESOME on a road bike! I had trouble finding some that fit, so I'm wearing the first pair I could get. The chamois is actually not bad, though if I had had a choice, I would have gone with a thinner pad. I really don't like to wear shorts with a waistband anymore, but on the road bike the Sugoi RS is the best I have (still not perfect), and the Pearl Izumi are just way to thick for the road bike, but are quite good on the mountain bike.

Try lots, if you're comfortable on the bike you'll ride more! :D

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

TxDoc

08-30-2008, 10:47 AM

Hi,
I have only ridden road bikes all my life - so I'm not sure what you wear on a hybrid... but here is what I use:
-A lot of pro team clothing. I usually buy at the 'end-of-pro-season sale' when they show the next year's colors and you can get the old overstock very cheap. This year I got a lot of items on sale from the Health Net and the Francaise de Jeux teams - and they are all very comfortable and nice. My boyfriend just bought the last CSC kit (he doesn't even wait for the sales) and is very happy with it.
-Assos, both regular short and bibs (their women bibs are sort of a sleeveless skinsuit though). Love Assos clothing, it's totally my favorite, very comfortable and lasts years and years.
-Lately I got a few items from Voler, mostly to support the USA Cycling Foundation, but the clothing is very good and comfortable - and it looks nice too :)
-We often buy cycling stuff online from www.livestrong.org to support them, and we like those Nike shorts very much too.
-Gore bike wear makes nice shorts, I have two pair of the ozon shorts (I got the last one from a TE'er here) and love them.

We usually order Assos through the local bike shops, but I know a lot of people that buy it online on www.glorycycles.com or on www.competitivecyclist.com
Here's some of the websites where we often shop for comfortable clothing:
http://www.procyclegear.com
http://www.tscyclingusa.com
www.voler.com
https://store.bianchiusa.com
And look at ebay - you can find some good deals!
:)

Ana

08-30-2008, 10:51 AM

+ 1 for bibs :) I was only recently introduced to them (detered by the high price) but got some discounted pairs from fellow TE-ers and on eBay :) Now I love them and cannot imagine riding without them. I should probably list the regular shorts here on TE sometime soon since I don't wear them anyway...

One thing to watch for with the bib shorts is whether they are for men or women. The chamois is different so make sure you get the right ones :)

Also, sometimes the straps are oddly placed in regard to your breasts, as you don't want them rubbing uncomfortably. I have one pair that goes in between (which I find most comfortable) and another that goes "around" them (which is less comfortable).

lph

08-30-2008, 11:14 AM

I ride a mtb for commuting (40-90 min, daily) and for training on gravel roads, (60-90 min, maybe weekly) and a road bike for longer rides on paved roads (2-5 hrs, maybe weekly). I prefer bibs on longer rides when I have to eat on bike as my stomach tends to cramp a bit otherwise but for rides up to 2 hrs I'm fine with shorts, road or mtb.

I wear:
- an old pair of Nike spinning (?) shorts with sloppy thin chamois. Fine for short commutes, useless for longer rides.
- a pair of PI Ultrasensor shorts, 2-3 yrs old?. Thick padding which is soft but getting annoyingly sloppy and can chafe on longer rides.
- a pair of Gore shorts, newish. Firm padding, look nice but a couple of shoddy seams started to unravel almost immediately. Leg grippers are a bit tight in the long run.
- a pair of PI Microsensor bibs, newish. Firm, thinnish padding, nicely made but the shoulder straps feel a bit skimpy and too stretchy
- my club bibs, made by Craft. Mens model, a tad large, comfort ok, but not my favourite and I tend not to use it outside club rides cos the design is hideous ;)

Still looking for my absolute favourite, I suspect it's expeeeeensiiive... and will have to wait until one of the above expires for good.

ilima

08-30-2008, 11:41 AM

Zoot CycleFit from last year. Flat waistband that sits kinda low. Chamois that isn't over-stuffed; too big of chamois bunch up and cause chafing. Not a huge fan of the leg grippers. No seam up the middle of the outside of the chamois. For some reason I can feel those seems after a couple hours. Not good.

Now that I see they're on sale on Zoot's website, I'll probably pick up some of Zoot's Ultra Cycle shorts from this year.

I also have a pair of DeSoto Sport tri shorts that I'll wear for shorter (<30 miles) rides.

Blueberry

08-30-2008, 11:42 AM

My current favorites are 2 pair of Shebeest SSS and a pair of Ultra D's. Prefer the SSS for hot rides, because the Ultras are longer. BUT the Ultra D's are more comfy > 50 miles.

I have others I ride, but not that I would buy more of.

CA

Flur

08-30-2008, 12:47 PM

I may be weird, but I wear tri shorts all the time (made for triathlons with very little padding). Have done up to 102 miles in them with no discomfort. I do have to say that it took lots of littler rides to get myself used to them. It probably helped that I didn't wear "regular" (ie: diaper padded) bike shorts from the start. I'm sure I'm alone on this one.:p

You are not alone! :)

I wear Prana yoga shorts when I ride. No padding, no leg elastic, no high waistband, just supersoft wicking material. They only sell them seasonally though, and I'm riding enough to need more than 2 pair (washing the same pairs 2-3 times a week is not a way to keep them looking nice) so I'm in the market for tri shorts, spin shorts and any other good riding shorts with little or no padding. Are there any particular shorts that you prefer?

Bluetree

08-30-2008, 12:54 PM

My favorite is the Giordana Tenax bib shorts that TE sells.

The design is a bit funky, tho. The front dips down so much my belly skin was peeking out from the bottom of my shorter jerseys. I stitched it up about an inch and it was fine. Other than that they are super comfortable. The fabric kinda massages your legs.

sbctwin

08-30-2008, 01:17 PM

Terry Bella's...both the shorts and capris...

Tri Girl

08-30-2008, 01:56 PM

Are there any particular shorts that you prefer?

I've only worn Sugoi, so I know no other brand. It's the kind my club sells, and the only kind I've bought. I have 6 pair, so I must like them OK. I've got nothing to compare them to, tho. ;)

Flur

08-30-2008, 01:58 PM

I've only worn Sugoi, so I know no other brand. It's the kind my club sells, and the only kind I've bought. I have 6 pair, so I must like them OK. I've got nothing to compare them to, tho. ;)

Those were the ones I was looking at. Perfect. Thanks :)

Becky

08-30-2008, 02:07 PM

Terry Bella and Sugoi Evolution. The Bellas are my favorites.

SadieKate

08-30-2008, 04:00 PM

Assos F.1 lady short. Want to try the Giordana Tenax when I need a new pair. The hubby thinks his men's Giordana bibs compare pretty much on par with his Assos. I can't remember the model, but the chamois are very similar.

bluebug32

08-30-2008, 05:22 PM

I really really love Gore for road and mountain biking. I also have a pair of Sheila Moon lycra shorts and she makes a great chamois and the shorts aren't too tight in the legs and have a yoga style waistband to eliminate any muffin topping.

Crankin

08-31-2008, 04:22 AM

Terry Bellas 4 pair, plus one pair of knickers
Shebeest Double Ds (1)
Shebeest SSS (1)

a couple of pair of Shebeest board shorts with separate liners; I wear them as regular shorts or with the liners for short errand rides/mtb
one pair of baggies
I wear unpadded tights (Hind) over my bike shorts in cold weather

Thorn

08-31-2008, 05:02 AM

Boure Elite shorts. 8" inseam and a thin chamois wide enough for my sit bones to get releif.

For me, the chamois in most popular shorts are just a teensy bit narrower than my sit bones and they hurt. Disappointing, because I absolutely loved the Terry T-short's fabric.

kermit

08-31-2008, 12:58 PM

For long rides I like Louis Garneau shorts with the airated chamois(ergozone I think), great for the heat. I have velowear bibs that rock, just sucks when you have to pee. I am also riding Zoot tri shorts, depending on the distance. I started doing sprints and the less padding is nice. It depends on the mood I'm in and the saddle of the week. Right now SI SLR gel flow, very flat and nice. We'll see.

bounceswoosh

08-31-2008, 02:14 PM

I have fallen in love with the best shorts in the entire universe. The Sugoi Lucky.

http://sugoi.com/item/86973/SUG38103F

The number one thing that makes them so great is their waistband, or rather, the lack thereof. I have GI issues, and the band of elastic on most shorts can ruin my day quickly; it causes deep, painful cramps that don't go away after the ride. These shorts are built differently; they are moderately elastic all around, but don't have that tight line of pressure.

Additionally, they have a moderate chamois; not tiny like a tri short, but not fluffy like a PI short. Just right.

They also have a very small mesh pocket on the hip, perfect for lip balm or an unadorned key.

sundial

08-31-2008, 02:18 PM

This year I tried a pair of bib shorts from PI--the Slipstream Chipotle kit. The legs are gripper free and the chamois is just right--not too thick and not too thin (I think it's the Pro 3-D chamois). I like this short better than the other PI shorts.

I also have a pair of Sugoi Gusta shorts for mtb'ing which are really nice.

Zen

08-31-2008, 03:14 PM

Performance Women's Ultra (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=25243&subcategory_ID=1220)

Those Sugoi Gusta shorts look nice.

sundial

08-31-2008, 03:40 PM

Those Sugoi Gusta shorts look nice.

They really are. The chamois feels like super soft flannel and the short has vents on the front of the thigh. Alex, a mtb'er, and Susan O recommended these.

VeloVT

08-31-2008, 04:09 PM

This is the order I wear them in (that is, from the ones I like best to the ones I like least):
1. Castelli Visio short (Y-pro chamois)
2. Assorted Castelli shorts with Kiss chamois
3. Terry Bella
4. Sugoi RS Flex
5. Shebeest SSS and Ultra D (I actually like this chamois better than the Sugoi RS Flex chamois, but the RS Flex is a much nicer short -- better fabric, better cut -- imo).
6. Random assorted PI shorts.

I would like to try those white Giordana Tenax Laser shorts. Assos is pretty but I just can't justify spending that much on bike clothes -- even if I COULD afford it right now, I don't think I could justify it. Just stating my own hang up here, no comment at all on those who rationalize their bike economics differently (I'm sure there are probably other things that I could justify that Assos buyers might have a hard time justifying). Anyhoo :o...

Grammer grinches, don't read that last paragraph too carefully please. I'm too tired to make it more presentable.

aicabsolut

08-31-2008, 04:11 PM

I wear men's bib shorts with my team stuff on them. I can't ever get the right fit in women's --at least in the (cheap) brands we've used. But even some nicer quality stuff like Hincapie that we tried, I still do better with tiny men's sizes than with women's. Sometimes, there are some chamois fitting issues, but overall, I can get them to fit more snugly in the right places, and the chamois isn't as wide in the middle where I'd get rubbed the most.

I can't even express how awesome the switch from shorts to bibs was. It's super fantastic to not have a tight, too high waistband.

TrekTheKaty

08-31-2008, 04:35 PM

Well, you guys are all over the place! I know it's a personal decision, but also an expensive experiment. The women's Assos are $180--my husband didn't pay that much for his (NOT FAIR!)--so I had to start from scratch. I was also hoping for a shorter inseam for next year (too late for this year's tan line).

I'm not really interested in a bib. My dh LOVES his, but dealing with a sports bra is enough, for now.

Here goes nothing--looks like the Terry Bella's are popular AND the least expensive. I'll jump to the SheBeest Ultra D from there. If anybody see's those 08 Assos go on clearance, let me know!

Ditto for the Hind tights over bike shorts for winter--I stumbled onto that last winter when I forgot to wash my capris.

Southside Sally

08-31-2008, 04:59 PM

Gore Lady Ozon for long rides. They feel kinda like ya have a Depends on, but man, does my bootie feel much better with them.

Sally

BleeckerSt_Girl

08-31-2008, 06:59 PM

My favorite shorts for longer rides (over 25 miles) are SheBeest Ultra D.

Madride

08-31-2008, 10:27 PM

My favorite are the giordana bib shorts. They are really comfortable and have a thinner chamois that I really like. They also wear better than my PI shorts. My PI shorts are getting worn out after just one season, but my giordana bibs still seem the same as the first day I wore them. My PI shorts tend to chafe on longer rides as well. I really love bibs over regular shorts though, they are just so much more comfortable! Although they can be a hassle if you have to stop for a bathroom break.

Sandrider

09-01-2008, 08:20 PM

I wear these for mountain biking http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSU_38282F.html .

They keep me cool in the heat and the dirt just brushes right off the shorts. TE recommended them to me because the thicker chamois in some shorts was catching on the front of my seat. The Sugoi Evolution chamois is comfortable: no bunching, no moving around, absorbent.

wackyjacky1

09-02-2008, 11:03 AM

bounceswoosh

09-02-2008, 12:00 PM

I'd love to try those Sugoi Lucky shorts -- they look super comfy. Unfortunately, I am still too plus-sized to fit into most women's shorts -- their XL ain't my XL. :p

Yeah, I really wonder about the sizing on cycling clothing. I can't recall if I got large or XL. I found my first pair at the LBS, so I was able to try them on there. Trying on cycling clothes can be even more demoralizing than regular clothes shopping!

Misandal

09-02-2008, 12:08 PM

Performance Ultra shorts for shorter rides (under 1-1/2 hours)
DeMarchi Race shorts and Sugoi RS (faves!) for long rides

I've always wanted to try bib shorts but that's a lot of fussing to do when you have to pee, isn't it? Sometimes an actual bathroom or even porta-jon is just not in the vicinity...

aicabsolut

09-02-2008, 01:00 PM

It's not that bad. Full zip jerseys help. I find that I need fewer nature breaks when I'm out on a ride in bibs, because I don't have something tight pushing on my abdomen all the time, so it works out.

TrekTheKaty

09-02-2008, 02:54 PM

I'd love to try those Sugoi Lucky shorts -- they look super comfy. Unfortunately, I am still too plus-sized to fit into most women's shorts -- their XL ain't my XL. :p

And from the way you all rave about them, I'd sure like to try some bibs, too. Maybe I could try a men's size? :confused:

I hear ya! I don't have too much trouble with shorts--but have to wear a men's jersey. I'm a Med-Large women's shirt, but won't go out in public in what they call a XL women's cycling jersey. Desperately wanted a sleeveless jersey to get rid of the farmer's tan, but by the time I found a women's jersey that fit, the arm holes were showing everything!

deeaimond

09-02-2008, 09:43 PM

My first pair of shorts were a secondhand pair of sugoi, I'm not sure what model they are. They're quite comfy except the chamois is fabric, and kinda compresses into the skin down there after a long ride. So must use some kind of lubricant.. heh. Their fabric is also thicker, hence slightly warmer than a more lycra fabric.

second pair is a pair of women's 2XU. Light and comfortable, padding not too thick.

recently bought a 2 pairs. A pair of Specialized long tights. Nice and thick (i intended to use it for sunny days. And the one time I used it i was hit by a car.. only one scratch on my legs, the fabric was not damaged so i guess its pretty good stuff :D) much thicker padding than I'm used to though, but after awhile in the saddle u kinda forget it. The second pair is adidas, I've not tried it for long distances, but it did alright for a short ride. The fabric is a little on the thin side esp when contrasted with the rather thick padding. I'm hoping a few more wears will soften the padding.

I definitely want to buy the lucky spin shorts next, seems to be the popular one that others like thats also on my want to try list. But I'll try to get some wear into the ones i have first. when i finally get my bike back I'll be riding like the possessed.

This is a good discussion, I've always wondered which shorts too buy. But they're so expensive, so its not like you can buy a whole lot to try.. :(wish i could. hehe

MauiRockHopper

09-08-2008, 01:24 AM

I just got serious about biking (both road and mtb) and dreaded being seen in padded bike shorts. I thought the chamois made you look like you crapped in your pants or had huge camel toe. So I bought a pair of $70 skorts thinking it would be great if I wanted to pop into a store or cafe. I also bought a cheap ($25) pair of Canari padded biking shorts, with low expectations.

Between the two, I prefer the Canari shorts because the skort can be hot in Hawaii's climate. It kinda bothers me after awhile to have the skirt fabric on my legs as I ride too. Depends where I'm going, but if I have a serious ride I rather not use a skort. For rides less than 10 miles I wear plain jogging shorts because padding doesn't seem an issue until after 20 miles.

I now don't care how I look because you are wearing so much bicycling gear everyone knows you are a cyclist and it's ok to be seen wearing those funny shorts. If you ride in a group it's even more ok.

I read that bibs prevent the "spill over" effect from a traditional waistband cutting. But I wonder what you do about a bra if you wear suspender type bibs, if the straps chafe or cut in. And then having to use the bathroom, it seems humbug just like a one piece bathingsuit.

aicabsolut

09-08-2008, 09:00 AM

I read that bibs prevent the "spill over" effect from a traditional waistband cutting. But I wonder what you do about a bra if you wear suspender type bibs, if the straps chafe or cut in. And then having to use the bathroom, it seems humbug just like a one piece bathingsuit.

Bibs are much better at the waistband in terms of comfort and appearance. There's no squishing flesh. No exposed backsides if your jersey is too short. They are quite comfortable. The straps should not be uncomfortably tight, though they may not be 100% comfy when you stand completely upright. A lot of them stretch over time, so even that shouldn't be much of a worry.

The order of clothing with bibs is: sports bra, base layer (if desired), bibs, jersey. So, if you do have to stop for a bathroom break, you just remove your jersey enough to get the straps down. The material is different than a bathing suit and not as tight (bathing suits have to be tighter to be sure everything stays covered, right?). It's easy enough to get them off and on. Plus, a lot of them are pretty wide suspenders out at the sides. Some women's bibs have a T strap thing. I don't know how hard it is to get in and out of those. Some have suspenders you can unclip (and then you don't have to remove the jersey). I don't have large breasts, but the suspenders have never bothered me. I've heard some people say that they have nipple chafing (even guys), but I haven't encountered bib straps that come in that far. The straps are soft and when you're in the riding position, they shouldn't be taut over your breasts anyway. Plus, you have your sports bra on. I have never had any problems with the straps. I forget they're even there. The best part about bibs is feeling free of an uncomfortable waistband.

As far as looking silly, who cares?

Jallora

09-08-2008, 09:34 AM

I bought mine from Nashbar, and I love them! I always wear sleeveless jersey's, so I just do the bra strap trick and pull the straps out the arm holes. It drives my husband crazy that I can have the straps off me and be ready to hop off the bike and into the bathroom as soon we pull up.

TrekTheKaty

09-08-2008, 09:46 AM

I've never been good at the arm hole/strap thing--and you can do it on a bike?! I bow to the master :-)

shellkay1212

09-09-2008, 06:03 AM

I'm fairly new to biking and loving it (and anxiously awaiting the 15th, the pick-up day for my very first road bike!)!

I am overweight - losing - but still have a significant amount to lose. I'm still in plus size clothing and while I don't want to spend a ton of money I still need something to ride in.

I have two pair of regular bike shorts - one is much more comfy than the other. However, I still wear some other shorts over them.

I ordered a pair of short from TE. I just received them! They are apparently MTB shorts - the kind with the baggy shorts with the lycra padded thing built in.

ALL that being said: Will they provide significant comfort while on long road rides?

Thanks for any insight!