Padded Bottoms - Necessary?

[mariacycle]

I know I'm going to get some answers along the lines of "it's up to your preference" for this kind of question, but are padded bottoms necessary for cycling? What's the worst that could happen, you bruise your butt? What works best for you?

[Cataboo]

I know I'm going to get some answers along the lines of "it's up to your preference" for this kind of question, but are padded bottoms necessary for cycling? What's the worst that could happen, you bruise your butt? What works best for you?


Oh dear me. I'm laughing.

You clearly do not have very much imagination. I suggest you not use padded bottoms and do some long rides and maybe you'll figure out the worst that can happen :)

[mariacycle]

Yeah my longest is still 10 miles. Another question is why is a padded saddle a no-no but everyone wears padded shorts? I also don't find the padded shorts particularly comfortable :/

[indysteel]

I'm a big fan of padded shorts. Let me put it this way: Would all of us willingly make our butts look big or bigger if we didn't derive a benefit from them? You don't want bruised sit bones or genitals that have been rubbed raw. Really, you don't.

The trick is finding shorts that work for you. It's a very individual thing. As Muirenn said, buy the best shorts you can afford in the smallest size you can comfortably wear. TE has lots to choose from.

[indysteel]

Yeah my longest is still 10 miles. Another question is why is a padded saddle a no-no but everyone wears padded shorts? I also don't find the padded shorts particularly comfortable :/

What brand/style shorts have you tried?

[KnottedYet]

I despise "padded bottoms."

After about 10 years of wearing them, I finally realized that they just don't work for me, especially on longer rides (50-60 miles).

I've got a lovely collection of good ones, and cheap ones, tri-chamois, sculpted chamois, etc and so on.

The best thing for me is just plain ol' UnderArmour 7 inch inseam compression shorts. $27. No chamois.

Generally I have either a skirt or capris/shants over them.

Whatever works for you is good. Some folks (and there are a few out there) will freak and go into apoplexy if they discover you don't use chamois shorts, or you wear underwear under your shorts, or you ride on platform pedals, or you prefer steel, or you like downtube shifters, or are happiest with upright bars. That's only their binary thinking and insecurity coming to the fore - if you are different, then maybe THEY are wrong, so you MUST change and do everything just like them so they can feel good about themselves. Don't sweat it. Try everything. Then do what works for you. ;)

ETA: here's a link to the compression shorts: http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/womens/apparel/bottoms/shorts/pid1001226-Women-s-Ultra-7-Team-Compression-Short/1001226-001

[indysteel]

Yes, by all means do what's right for you, but I'd still venture I guess--and I apologize if my alleged insecurity is coming through--that Knotted is in the minority in terms of not preferring padded shorts. I'd at least try out some decent pairs before concluding they don't work for you.

[KnottedYet]

Oh, yeah, I'm definitely in the minority!
(and you're not insecure for pointing that out... if you ripped into me over it, that would be a red flag. I've had someone do the apoplexy thing at me over riding without a chamois. It was funny. Later.)

The take-away message here is don't be afraid of trying riding without a chamois if you just can't seem to love chamois.

At least it will give you another data point!

[Pedal Wench]

I'm a very long-distance rider - 200-miles a week kinda gal. I need to adjust something on my bike and thought I could just hop on and try it on the trainer for a few minutes without bike shorts. Even that was just amazingly uncomfortable. I'm addicted to chamois. :(

[oz rider]

For most people it's more a case of what you'd wear instead, cos sweat + seams = chafing. The chamois doesn't have seams (and the better shorts have flat seams elsewhere for the same reason) and lets the sweat get away so it doesn't rub you raw, as well as providing some padding that doesn't bounce you around like a fat heavy saddle. Yes, it feels like a maternity pad initially but you get used to it. Try both and see what you think. But all chamois are not created equal!

[OakLeaf]

I'd venture to say at least a plurality need (or at least strongly prefer) a seamless, soft chamois to prevent chafing, but do NOT want any padding. For me, padding = chafing. The longer the ride, the more important it is for me to have a very minimal chamois.

[Kiwi Stoker]

Chafing is SOOO bad! I can get chafing when I am in SIngapore when it's hot and sweaty and I walk. Once it was so bad I had abraded the skin right off and it was bleeding, hot and swollen in two patches between my legs.

You find it hard to walk, sit, go to the toilet and it really hurts.

I think the main thing is to wear something that allows dampness to dry or wicks it away. Therefore cotton, demin etc are NOT great things to do exercise it.

Cycling shorts fabric allows the dampness to evaporate and the pad wicks away as well as padding.

Bruised sit bones I can live with, but chafing, it's no fun!

[malkin]

Just ride.
When it feels good you'll probably be thinking about something more interesting (the road, the birds, the trees, dinner, boys, girls, sugar, spice, etc.)
when it feels not good---you will be thinking mainly of getting out of the saddle.


The solution (for me anyway) was that old Harry Truman thing, "Well, we'll try something, and if it doesn't work, we'll try something else."

[mariacycle]

thank you all very much for your advice, I really appreciate it =]


I despise "padded bottoms." The best thing for me is just plain ol' UnderArmour 7 inch inseam compression shorts. $27. No chamois.

Thanks for linking! This is what is most comfortable for me too, but I have also been chewed out/treated like a moron because of it. Glad to hear someone else goes down this route...


What brand/style shorts have you tried?

I have several types (all from Performance) from the Performance brand to Pearl Izumi. I do feel like the padding is both too big and too thick. Also, the actual shorts are not comfortable compared to Underarmor compression shorts or other spandex shorts I have.


I'd venture to say at least a plurality need (or at least strongly prefer) a seamless, soft chamois to prevent chafing, but do NOT want any padding. For me, padding = chafing. The longer the ride, the more important it is for me to have a very minimal chamois.

hey oak! that would be really nice... what do you use?

[indysteel]

I'd venture to say at least a plurality need (or at least strongly prefer) a seamless, soft chamois to prevent chafing, but do NOT want any padding. For me, padding = chafing. The longer the ride, the more important it is for me to have a very minimal chamois.

Perhaps I'm having an issue with semantics. To me, a chamois of any density provides some degree of padding, but perhaps not. My favorite shorts--Sugoi RS--does not have what I would call a minimal chamois, but in answering the OP's question, I had in mind any of the various types of cycling shorts, from those with a minimal chamois to those with a thick one, which is why I suggested it was a matter of finding the right short for her. I still think the vast majority of us wear some type of cycling short, i.e., with a chamois.

[soprano]

I hate padded cycling shorts. The make my soft tissues feel like they are on fire. I have a Brooks saddle with a cut-out, and I add a little BodyGlide if I'm going over 20 miles.


I despise "padded bottoms."
The best thing for me is just plain ol' UnderArmour 7 inch inseam compression shorts. $27. No chamois.


I'm going to have to try these.

[OakLeaf]

My top choice is no longer made. They're an '80s vintage pair of Terry shorts, and the chamois is just a layer of fleece. No one could possibly consider it "padding."

My next favorite chamois is the one in the Etxe Ondo Very (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodEO_60100.html) shorts. They're not my absolute favorite shorts overall, but that chamois puts them near the top of my list.

Almost as good for me as that one - and a much nicer pair of shorts overall - is the one in the LG Neo Power (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodLG_1050369.html) shorts. It looks thick in the picture, but up against my parts it doesn't squish or insulate me from the saddle at all.

I've never found a pair of workout/running shorts with a gusset the right size and shape that the seams don't chafe on the bike. I'd be happy to wear something like Knott does if I could find a pair that works for me.

HTH. It's really an individual choice.

[sundial]

At the start of the cycling season I find myself reaching for bike shorts with the chamois. As my sit bones get acclimated to riding I find myself going longer distances without the chamois. Someday I hope to ride tons of miles perched on top of my saddle sans chamois.

[ultraviolet]

My top choice is no longer made. They're an '80s vintage pair of Terry shorts, and the chamois is just a layer of fleece. No one could possibly consider it "padding."


Have you looked at any tri shorts? All of my tri gear has a chamois that appear to be just a piece of fleece--some Zoot, some Louis Garneau. It might be something worth investigating if you like a minimal chamois.

[OakLeaf]

I've looked at tri shorts, but they all seem to be super-short. Same thing for "spinning" shorts. Then they ride up my legs. That's why the Castelli Provocante shorts - another one with a nice chamois - aren't at the top of my list. Do you know of any tri shorts that have leg hems more like cycling shorts - 8" or longer?

[Artista]

I've looked at tri shorts, but they all seem to be super-short. Same thing for "spinning" shorts. Then they ride up my legs. That's why the Castelli Provocante shorts - another one with a nice chamois - aren't at the top of my list. Do you know of any tri shorts that have leg hems more like cycling shorts - 8" or longer?

I had the same impression that tri shorts were typically pretty short. I just checked TE & it appears that they have a few styles of 8" tri shorts. Maybe these are relatively new. Here's the link http://www.teamestrogen.com/product/triathlon/apparel/bottoms/shorts/fitted/with-chamois/c0-atsport_04-c1-c24-c117-c118-c14.html

[ultraviolet]

Do you know of any tri shorts that have leg hems more like cycling shorts - 8" or longer?

I'm pretty sure TYR makes a short with an 8" inseam (model name might be Splice), and SkirtSports also has "multi-sport" shorts with an 8-inch inseam. And I've seen some Orca shorts in a local store that look longer than most tri-shorts, but I don't know any specifics about those.

Men's tri-shorts also tend to have longer inseams. Depending how you're shaped, those may work for you.

[ultraviolet]

Out of curiosity, I checked what TE had to offer and found some CW-X tri-shorts with a 10-inch inseam and fleece pad.
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCW_135805.html

They also have 8-inch shorts from TYR, SkirtSports and Zoot.

Hope that helps. :)

(ETA: I didn't see Artista's reply above. Oops.)

[mariacycle]

In between my last post and now, a non-TE friend suggested I look at tri shorts instead of regular cycling shorts, I'm definitely gonna give them a try. Went out in just compression shorts today and could see where they would start getting uncomfortable.

I think I am sitting wrong, too...

[OakLeaf]

Cool, thanks! I might have to try a pair of those Zoots. Not that I really need new shorts right at the moment :p

[Catrin]

Cool, thanks! I might have to try a pair of those Zoots. Not that I really need new shorts right at the moment :p

I thought about the Zoots, but TE staff recommended against it due to my shape. Apparently they don't work well if you have curves...if I remember what they said correctly. I don't know what shape you have but it might be worth the phone call.

[OakLeaf]

I thought about the Zoots, but TE staff recommended against it due to my shape. Apparently they don't work well if you have curves...if I remember what they said correctly. I don't know what shape you have but it might be worth the phone call.

Ah, thanks. "Curves" would be a polite way of saying I have a big @ss. :p So they probably wouldn't fit me.

I love my CW-X running bottoms, but I just question the idea of compression on the bike.

[Catrin]

Ah, thanks. "Curves" would be a polite way of saying I have a big @ss. :p So they probably wouldn't fit me.

I love my CW-X running bottoms, but I just question the idea of compression on the bike.

I don't have a big @*** - all of my weight is in my stomach :o So I am "curvy" as well, just in a different way :)

[trista]

Thanks for linking! This is what is most comfortable for me too, but I have also been chewed out/treated like a moron because of it. Glad to hear someone else goes down this route...

I got the same advice from knot last season and I picked some up - i really like them. For me, I can go either way - padding or no. I wear Louis Garneau cycling shorts w/ chamois most of the time. But if I feel like going padless, I wear the underarmour compression shorts and am quite comfortable. I guess I'm bishortsual. I also don't wear cycling shoes and I use platform pedals.

[Tand-Rand]

After years of trying every padded crotch out there I have reached the same conclusion as a few others here. Padded crotches just squish into my girly bits (makes me feel like I'm in 7th grade to say that) and cause chafing, boils and swelling. Angelina Jolie ring a bell? I certainly agree that it is counter-productive to put a padded crotch over a saddle cut-out that is designed to give your soft tissues somewhere to go. When I first realized this, I cut out the center of all my pads. That caused some serious problems and I do not recommend it at all. Fail! Then, a few months later I started spinning. After a month of spinning with plain compression shorts, I wore padded shorts one morning. Immediate problems. I literally split open the skin on my labia and dealt with the accompanying boil for weeks. The lights came on.

Now I ride without a pad at all and have a much more comfortable ride. I have invested in some very expensive seats that serve me well- a Selle Italia Diva and a Terry ti. Generous cut-out without pressure ridges on each and the padded nose on the Diva for time trials. I do wish I could find padding just for my sit-bones. But I'll live with this over the alternatives. I do think that it may take some conditioning to get comfortable like this but no amount of conditioning ever got me comfortable with a padded crotch.

Ultimately, all you can do is ride and find out. Before you invest a lot of money, perhaps you have friends that aren't squeamish about these things that would loan you some to try. I have a stack of padded shorts you could have.:)

[mariacycle]

Haha Tand-rand!! I unfortunately bought about five pairs of padded shorts when I started out so I've already come to the conclusion that they are not for me. I'm going to buy a pair of tri shorts (thinking about these (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCW_135805.html), which were linked earlier) and look into buying a cutout saddle.

I'm really glad to hear I'm not the only one that isn't a big fan of the thick chamois.

[malkin]

...The take-away message here is don't be afraid of trying riding without a chamois if you just can't seem to love chamois.

At least it will give you another data point!


Or two data points!
;)

[Susan]

Interesting discussion - I just asked this myself too. DH has gotten me an Assos Cycling Bib for a present but I just don't seem to like it enough for the price. They feel bulky at the front. He loves his Assos Cycling shorts and thinks they are well worth the money...

From my understanding, if you have a fitting saddle - so you are sitting on your sitbones - the padding in the front doesn't make much sense, does it? The chamois in the front does makes me feel hot and uncomfortable.

Maybe the chamois-design comes from a wrong understanding where women ought to sit on a saddle?

[Crankin]

I wouldn't ride without a chamois, but I cannot wear any chamois that is thick, wide, or feels like a diaper. I bought a pair of cycling tights with a chamois from someone on TE last year. They were either Assos or Exte Ondo, so originally very expensive. The chamois was *horrible.* Wide, thick, with seams and so big in the front that it caught on the nose of my saddle. I truly could not believe any woman wore these, because I was in pain, chafed, and got abraded from them. Into the garbage they went, Thankfully, I only paid 30.00.
It's a personal decision, like anything else, but there is a huge range of chamois in different shorts, just like a huge range of saddles. I have found 2 I like, and I don't plan on changing.

[roadie gal]

I also prefer tri shorts to heavily padded shorts. The Zoot Endurance shorts are stretchier and fit my curves better than the Ultras (which fit like a sausage casing for me). My favorites are the DeSoto shorts, but they are an acquired taste. They're cut pretty low on top.

If you want more padding than just a tri chamois then look at DeSoto's 400 mile shorts. The padding actually has a channel in the middle, like a saddle cut out.

[Catrin]

I think that chamois preference is just as relative as saddle preference. It depends on how we are made, our riding position and length of rides... It is good that we have a choice :D

Thankfully I have finally found a chamois other than PI 3-D chamois that also works for me - and that is Terry (Liberty shorts). The PI elite chamois certainly isn't very comfortable off the bike, but it works well for my on the bike - and it feels better on rides >4 hours than on small hour long rides. I have tried a couple of other brands but they just don't work for me - either they chafe or they don't seem to provide what I need in the right location.

I suspect that my PI Elite bibs will always be my short/chamois of preference for long rides - as much as I like the Terry Liberty shorts - I don't think they would work for my longer rides.

[audreytatou]

I am new to riding and do probally 40k's every other day(more soon) I have just been wearing my ordinary leggins/tights and ..really they have been fine...no padding at all. I was thinking propper padded tights might help me go further?? now i'm confused lol:)

[OakLeaf]

If it's not the shorts you have that keep you from going farther now, why do you think that different shorts would let you go farther? Wear what's comfortable...

[audreytatou]

If it's not the shorts you have that keep you from going farther now, why do you think that different shorts would let you go farther? Wear what's comfortable...

yes of course:) i start to get a little sore after about 40k's so thought that padding might stop that and allow me to go further...although I havnt been further yet...if that makes sense

[OakLeaf]

The best thing for me is just plain ol' UnderArmour 7 inch inseam compression shorts. $27.

Y'know, I'd forgotten that I have a pair of their 5" shorts at the bottom of my gear drawer. When I pulled them out this morning to run in, I remembered why they were at the bottom. :p

Just another illustration about how everyone is shaped differently. Yep, these shorts have a nice big gusset ... which not to put too fine a point on it, is centered on my anus, so you can imagine what equally sensitive parts are directly underneath the front of the gusset where the three seams join, and then directly under the front center seam. :eek: The gusset creeps into my crack - putting the rest of the seams in uncomfortable places, too. And if that weren't enough, the legs ride up and I have to keep pulling them down. I don't even like these shorts for the gym.

I'm glad they work for Knott!! For my big butt (9" bigger around than my waist), these are not the shorts...

[KnottedYet]

Yep, these shorts have a nice big gusset ... [snip] :eek: The gusset creeps into my crack - putting the rest of the seams in uncomfortable places, too. And if that weren't enough, the legs ride up and I have to keep pulling them down. I don't even like these shorts for the gym.

I'm glad they work for Knott!! For my big butt (9" bigger around than my waist), these are not the shorts...

They may not be the same shorts.

Mine have a quite small gusset, which really only serves to avoid the 4-seams-meeting.

I do have the creeping up the crack and crawling up the legs problem when I wear a size too small. (I have 3 sizes of UnderArmour shorts for the 3 stages of healthy-chubby-fat I cycle through.)

For what it's worth, my butt is quite a bit larger than just 9 inches difference from my waist. Always has been, always will be... "the eternal hourglass" no matter if I weigh 145 or 205.

Currently I'm 205 lbs, and wearing my XL UnderArmour. When I get down to 165 I switch to the L, and so on.

[Tand-Rand]

[QUOTE=OakLeaf;564330]Y'know, I'd forgotten that I have a pair of their 5" shorts at the bottom of my gear drawer. When I pulled them out this morning to run in, I remembered why they were at the bottom. :p

Oakleaf, I haven't laughed this hard in days. Thanks for sharing! I don't know why you keep them around. Do you just bring them out as a reminder of what to avoid?

[OakLeaf]

I also can't bear to throw anything away, and don't live in an area where athletic clothing would do anything but languish at a thrift store. Spandex and other technical fabrics aren't even any good as shop rags. So the things I hardly ever wear, never wear out, and sit at the bottom of my drawer forever...

I should inventory all of it and put it up for a TE giveaway. Anyone want those UA shorts now that I've described them so fetchingly? ;)

[audreytatou]

does the fabric that wicks water away from your skin really make a difference??

[audreytatou]

Y'know, I'd forgotten that I have a pair of their 5" shorts at the bottom of my gear drawer. When I pulled them out this morning to run in, I remembered why they were at the bottom. :p

Just another illustration about how everyone is shaped differently. Yep, these shorts have a nice big gusset ... which not to put too fine a point on it, is centered on my anus, so you can imagine what equally sensitive parts are directly underneath the front of the gusset where the three seams join, and then directly under the front center seam. :eek: The gusset creeps into my crack - putting the rest of the seams in uncomfortable places, too. And if that weren't enough, the legs ride up and I have to keep pulling them down. I don't even like these shorts for the gym.

I'm glad they work for Knott!! For my big butt (9" bigger around than my waist), these are not the shorts...

gawd! i'll stick to my no pads cotton lycra tights:eek:...are you sure they are shorts??!!

[Crankin]

I am pretty sure the shorts Oak is describing have no pad...
And yes, wicking fabric really does wick. It doesn't mean you don't feel some sweat; it just doesn't stick to you and your jersey doesn't stick to you, making you cold and clammy, or overheated. Cotton is your enemy in any endurance sport.

[Catrin]

does the fabric that wicks water away from your skin really make a difference??


Oh my yes, far more comfortable than cotton!

[mariacycle]

I just bought 3 pairs of underarmor compression shorts from TJ Maxx for <$15 each!! Also saw several cycling jerseys (though not my style). I love that TJ Maxx/Marshalls are buying cycling apparel :)

[ivorygorgon]

I am a little late to the party here, but wanted to add a few of my observances about trying to find comfort for the "girly bits," on the bike. For reference, my rides are normally 40-60 miles. I have done 1 century.

I did try several saddles and am now on a Brooks, which is my favorite so far. Parenthetically, when I had a professional bike fit, one of the fitters did a freak out when he saw my Brooks and tried to talk me out of it. Uh uh! Whereas my saddle doesn't disappear, it is far from the hell of the other saddles I tried.

One of the saddles I tried did have a cut out and was gel and the gel was too soft and caused me to sink into the cut out - which caused a lot of swelling.

As for shorts, I am considering trying to ride with no chamois (which I mentioned to the fitter as well, and he did another freak out!) although I do like the padding for my sit bones. Just not my labia. I am trying to find capris with a minimalist chamois. Although, I am a bit resistant to buying more shorts. I have three pair already, two of which I don't really use!!

Here is the thing I am experiencing, which I don't think was mentioned here. I am a newbie. I just started road biking last year. I notice that as I am getting stronger on the bike, I use the muscles in my legs and butt differently and I push harder, which keeps my labia lifted off of the saddle more. I also think when I concentrate on my core, this also helps. If I am really pedaling from my butt, keeping my core strong, and focusing on form, I am really comfortable on the saddle. I am also faster :)

[KnottedYet]

The fitter who trained me was very wise. You are not allowed to "freak out" over choices made by your client - unless those choices are causing the client problems.

So, if my client comes in riding centuries on a hard plastic BMX saddle with no complaints that can be traced to that saddle, I am not to throw a fit and demand the client change saddles.

If a client comes in wearing his favorite Utilikilt (in the traditional manner) that he says he wears for all his rides, and has no issues with his hee-hah; I am not to throw a fit and demand he start wearing cycling shorts.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

(take your fitter's freak-outs with a grain of salt)

[Biciclista]

If a client comes in wearing his favorite Utilikilt (in the traditional manner) that he says he wears for all his rides, and has no issues with his hee-hah; I am not to throw a fit and demand he start wearing cycling shorts.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

(take your fitter's freak-outs with a grain of salt)

oh thanks Knott, i really needed THAT visual...

[cervelogirl]

Interesting discussion - I just asked this myself too. DH has gotten me an Assos Cycling Bib for a present but I just don't seem to like it enough for the price. They feel bulky at the front. He loves his Assos Cycling shorts and thinks they are well worth the money...

From my understanding, if you have a fitting saddle - so you are sitting on your sitbones - the padding in the front doesn't make much sense, does it? The chamois in the front does makes me feel hot and uncomfortable.

Maybe the chamois-design comes from a wrong understanding where women ought to sit on a saddle?



I find the in most cycling shorts the padding in the front doesn't come up far enough and there's too much in the back. I've been considering Assos so maybe they will work for me. Thank you for providing your feedback! Not many reviews out there (outside of this site) on women's shorts and Assos in particular.
...I also ride in a rather 'aggressive' set-up, nearly parallel with the road! but is very comfortable for me - everyone is different :cool:

[Susan]

If I can help you with any further information about this cycling short cervelogirl, just ask.

I understand that you may have different needs if you use a very aggressive setup on your bike.
I myself will look for a more minimal cycling short the next time - but I am mountainbiking, so my position on the bike is quite relaxed.

[moderncyclista]

does the fabric that wicks water away from your skin really make a difference??

Yes!

I went on a ride in 100 degree heat last year and went over 30 miles. Let me tell you this, if I wasn't wearing moisture wicking fabric it would have been heck on the "girly bits". Hallelujah for moisture wick!

I digress.

[zoom-zoom]

I find the in most cycling shorts the padding in the front doesn't come up far enough and there's too much in the back.

Have you tried Pearl Izumi? I have this exact issue and they are the only brand that has really worked for me. I had several different brands of shorts where the widest part of the chamois fell behind my sit bones and my sit bones ended up on the seams in front of the butt part of the chamois. The only other brand that fit me OK was Gore, but the padding was not dense/thick enough under my sit bones.

[Catrin]

Have you tried Pearl Izumi? I have this exact issue and they are the only brand that has really worked for me. I had several different brands of shorts where the widest part of the chamois fell behind my sit bones and my sit bones ended up on the seams in front of the butt part of the chamois. The only other brand that fit me OK was Gore, but the padding was not dense/thick enough under my sit bones.


Personally, the PI 3D Elite chamois works well for me, though they are a trifle thick - but do very well for long rides for me. So far I've yet to find another that does. Am currently trying Terry Liberty shorts for short rides, but for some reason it almost feels like I slide around the saddle more than I should with them :confused: I would not use them for a long ride, but outside of the sliding thing they seem fine for short rides.

[zoom-zoom]

Personally, the PI 3D Elite chamois works well for me, though they are a trifle thick - but do very well for long rides for me.

Yep. I tried a pair with the PRO chamois, but didn't really like it...partly because the shorts gave me the worst. sausage legs. ever.

[Jen12]

First, let me say I'm loving this forum! I'm getting all kinds of information, and being new to long distance cycling, it's helpful. It seems like any other hobby. You can spend a small fortune on it, or a large fortune. Just pick.

Today I did my first ride (20 miles) wearing shorts with the chamois (how do you pronounce that, btw?) I bought a pair of Novaro shorts at REI that were $40, which seems like about the least you can pay. Aside from making my backside appear to one again be the two sizes that I've lost over the last year, they seemed okay functionally. I didn't have too strong a feeling one way or the other, but they do have a great deal of padding. I can see how that would be hot on a really warm day.

I also purchased a skort with a chamois. What is the feeling on that? It certainly covers up the odd shape the chamois gives. Coming from a running background, I've always preferred running skirts to shorts, but haven't tried riding with the extra fabric. Anyone care to weigh in on that?

[Catrin]

First, let me say I'm loving this forum! I'm getting all kinds of information, and being new to long distance cycling, it's helpful. It seems like any other hobby. You can spend a small fortune on it, or a large fortune. Just pick.

Today I did my first ride (20 miles) wearing shorts with the chamois (how do you pronounce that, btw?) I bought a pair of Novaro shorts at REI that were $40, which seems like about the least you can pay. Aside from making my backside appear to one again be the two sizes that I've lost over the last year, they seemed okay functionally. I didn't have too strong a feeling one way or the other, but they do have a great deal of padding. I can see how that would be hot on a really warm day.

I also purchased a skort with a chamois. What is the feeling on that? It certainly covers up the odd shape the chamois gives. Coming from a running background, I've always preferred running skirts to shorts, but haven't tried riding with the extra fabric. Anyone care to weigh in on that?


When it comes to bike shorts, it really is best to purchase the most expensive pair that you can afford and they should be tight. It does matter where bike shorts are concerned - if they are loose then they will chafe just where you don't want them to :eek: There are so many different types of chamois out there, some look like a diaper, some are almost non-existent - but what really depends is what our butts think of them.

Personally I will never ride without bike shorts or a liner with a chamois - but that is me. Some chamois are better for short rides, some are best for long endurance rides, and some aren't worth purchasing - but it is for your butt to decide which is which - this is a quite subjective process.

I've never ridden in a skort, but I do know there are some TE women who really like them - there is only one way to see what you think of them and that is to give them a shot :)

[Crankin]

If the chamois feels like diaper while you are on the bike, then the shorts aren't right for you. They shouldn't make your butt look 2 sizes bigger. This is a very individual thing.
I have a couple of cycling skorts, but I generally wear them for rides < 20 miles, errands, lunches, etc. There are a couple of styles; I have found the wrap ones fly up in the front, so the shorts part shows, which is a little weird, because the shorts part look like cycling shorts, but are not as compressive, usually. So, I always feel like my underwear is showing, although it's really shorts showing. I like the ones with the side slits more.

[OakLeaf]

Americans usually say "shammy" IME. I want to say there's a car polishing product that spells it that way.

[Jen12]

It's unfortunate that you have to spend so much money before you can try them out to see if they work. From this thread, it seems as if many people have several pair stuffed away in a "failure" drawer, and wear them when their favorites aren't available. It reminds me a lot of running shoes. I don't know how many fittings I went through and how many problems I had before finally finding a pair that worked for me.

[emily_in_nc]

It depends on your riding style, too. When I used to do a lot of 50+ mile rides (before my accident), the absolute best shorts I could afford were much more important. Now that I typically do shorter rides in the 15-30 mile range, any of my shorts will do, even the ones under cycling skorts that don't have nearly as much padding.

It also helps that my saddle works well for me. A bad saddle will make even the best shorts feel worse. It's difficult to get both of them right at the same time, but when you do -- nirvana! :D

[Catrin]

It depends on your riding style, too. .....

It also helps that my saddle works well for me. A bad saddle will make even the best shorts feel worse. It's difficult to get both of them right at the same time, but when you do -- nirvana! :D

I should have mentioned this - certainly shorter rides are more forgiving - and if we can find the perfect saddle it certainly does help :)

[soprano]

I also purchased a skort with a chamois. What is the feeling on that? It certainly covers up the odd shape the chamois gives. Coming from a running background, I've always preferred running skirts to shorts, but haven't tried riding with the extra fabric. Anyone care to weigh in on that?

Skorts are very nice for blending in with the non-athletic-wear crowd, if you like to ride to the grocery store, library, etc. For some of us, a skort feels more modest in those situations.

There are also some really cute skorts out there - a big step up from tight, plain black shorts!

[zoom-zoom]

Skorts are very nice for blending in with the non-athletic-wear crowd, if you like to ride to the grocery store, library, etc. For some of us, a skort feels more modest in those situations.

There are also some really cute skorts out there - a big step up from tight, plain black shorts!

I thought a skort would be fun until someone pointed out that flapping fabric can be bee magnets. :eek:

[Jen12]

I thought a skort would be fun until someone pointed out that flapping fabric can be bee magnets. :eek:

AHHH!!! So now I have to worry about cars, potholes, other riders, runners, bike issues AND bees? Oy vey....:eek:

[zoom-zoom]

AHHH!!! So now I have to worry about cars, potholes, other riders, runners, bike issues AND bees? Oy vey....:eek:

Ha...but the funny part is that I've not been stung (yet) on the bike. But last Summer I got stung while plodding along on a run. Small bee flew into my cleavage and was unhappy...so I ended up with an itchy welt for my troubles. :p

[GLC1968]

Have you tried Pearl Izumi? I have this exact issue and they are the only brand that has really worked for me. I had several different brands of shorts where the widest part of the chamois fell behind my sit bones and my sit bones ended up on the seams in front of the butt part of the chamois. The only other brand that fit me OK was Gore, but the padding was not dense/thick enough under my sit bones.


This should come as no surprise, but I have the same problem. :rolleyes: The issue I'm having is that the PI shorts I've worn for the past 5+ years are now no longer correct. I have no idea what happened but my sit bones are now in front of the widest part of the chamois on these as well! It may be the new saddles (which work GREAT with tri chamois but I need more padding for longer rides). It may be more aggressive positioning. I don't think it's weight loss as I'm not even down to where I was when I started cycling yet. FRUSTRATING!

Now I need new to find new bike shorts! Ugh!

And here I was going to ask for your recommendations and all you've got for me is PI? :p Crap.

[zoom-zoom]

And here I was going to ask for your recommendations and all you've got for me is PI? :p Crap.

Ha, which short, in particular? I've been wearing the Symphony and Symphony Cut shorts with the orange "Elite 3D" chamois.

[GLC1968]

Ha, which short, in particular? I've been wearing the Symphony and Symphony Cut shorts with the orange "Elite 3D" chamois.

Mine are old. Old Ultrasensors or Microsensors with a grey and green chamois. I think it was labeled the Elite 3D or the PRO 3D or something like that, but it looks totally different than the current versions. Actually, the current versions look even longer!

I just ordered a pair of Gore Oxygen shorts and a pair of Castelli Tyra's. My best (but not perfect) chamois is in a pair of Gore shorts but the shorts are a bit too large on me, so maybe they'll work if I get the right size. I've never tried Castelli, but the picture of the chamois made it look kind of short so I thought it was worth a shot. I just hope neither of them are too cushy. I like my chamois dense...like my men. :p J/K

[mariacycle]

Update: I finally found the perfect cycling shorts: Louis Garneau's Women Zone 3K Shorts (http://www.louisgarneau.com/us-en/product/345208/1050326/ShortsSkirts/WOMEN_ZONE_3K_SHORTS#first). The fabric is very different than other shorts I've seen, it's very soft and stretchy. LG calls it "Alveo 3K" fabric if that means anything to you. The waistband is beyond comfortable and the bottom of the shorts don't ride up. Strongly recommend these shorts and if you wanted to look at them they're sold at Performance. Thanks everyone for your advice!

[Imperfectstorm]

Check out this Dilbert Comic Strip-Great Solutions in Engineering

http://www.dilbert.com/strips/comic/1994-07-18/