Knicker/shorts advise

[Wasp]

Last yr I bought two pair of PI Elite knickers w chamois. I wore them at least 5x a week. Fast forward to this year, and they are not fitting properly. DH bless his soul says its because I've lost weight, I think he is partially correct however I think washing them a zillion times has stretched them out. The chamois is moving all over the place, and I have to keep stopping to yank them back into place. Plus now I'm getting chafing issues, so time for new knickers. I want decent quality material, nothing that is sheer or see through. I have a 200 km ride coming up next month, so I need to find something fairly quickly. I prefer knickers, but I will wear shorts.
Bottom line is comfort. Any suggestions ladies?

[colorisnt]

You may have just lost weight ike your husband suggested. I was getting terrible saddle sores about 2 years ago when I was riding more mileage. I thought it was my saddle but it wasn't. I had lost weight and my shorts now didn't fit. I bought new shorts and didn't have a problem.

I don't know anything about knickers because of weather where I ride. It's pretty much always too warm. If you liked the PI chamois at one point, I would start there. Get a pair and give it a shot but go down a size. They also could have stretched but I would try on one size smaller. My best guess is that you have lost some weight and they don't fit the same.

[Owlie]

If you like the chamois, get the Pearls again, but go a size smaller. If you ride lots, see if you can get more than two pairs.

[Wasp]

If you like the chamois, get the Pearls again, but go a size smaller. If you ride lots, see if you can get more than two pairs.

I took your advise and reordered two pair of the same PI knickers in a smaller size, plus I ordered 2 pair of pedal pusher Capri (shebeest)
Hopefully shebeest Capri's are made of fairly thick fabric, as I've noticed quite a lot of cycling shorts fabric to be on the sheer side, and I like the thicker no see thru fabrics.
Anyone wearing the shebeest pedal pusher capri's? How's the fabric?

[Crankin]

Terry Bellas. Thicker, compressive, and thinner chamois.

[Boudicca]

I have some Castelli knickers that I like, but the material is pretty heavy -- good for spring/fall rather than for summer.

Has anyone tried these (http://www.terrybicycles.com/Apparel/Cycling-Bottoms/Echelon-Knicker?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EM20130509&utm_source=cpmaster&_bta_c=ggnale08ho03mvhjndxfyxzt3nx65&_bta_tid=3.SGw.CDYHtA.CqiT.ASCiIw..AoqzMQ.b..l.A9sm.a.UYvkIA.UYwXfA.XTzIew)? It's supposed to be from a black fabric that is cooler than normal shorts/knickers.

[zoom-zoom]

I really like my Gore knickers, the Power 2.0 model. I have 2 pair and they are my go-to bottoms when it's not yet warm enough for shorts (and I hate knee warmers). I also have a pair of the Oxygen (which is higher end and has my favorite chamois--I love the Oxygen short) knickers...these have windblocker fronts and fit oddly. I really only wear these if throwing a pair of heavy running tights over shorts will be too warm.

[OakLeaf]

Has anyone tried these (http://www.terrybicycles.com/Apparel/Cycling-Bottoms/Echelon-Knicker?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EM20130509&utm_source=cpmaster&_bta_c=ggnale08ho03mvhjndxfyxzt3nx65&_bta_tid=3.SGw.CDYHtA.CqiT.ASCiIw..AoqzMQ.b..l.A9sm.a.UYvkIA.UYwXfA.XTzIew)? It's supposed to be from a black fabric that is cooler than normal shorts/knickers.

I just got a pair of PI running shorts made from the same Coldblack fabric. They're awaiting a wash, a run or two, and a review...

[colorisnt]

Some fabrics appear sheer (I have some PI's that do look sheer in places) but they aren't once I get them on me. So, that's something to consider.

For more full-coverage, I love my LG shorts. They are a different type of fabric from most of the shorts on the market and really comfortable. It's a thicker fabric but it feels okay when it's warmer. The Chamois on the one's I have (I think about $80-$90.00 range) is not super thick but they are the ones I prefer for very long rides.

[Boudicca]

I just got a pair of PI running shorts made from the same Coldblack fabric. They're awaiting a wash, a run or two, and a review...

Report back please.

I mean they would be the priciest knickers I own, but if they work....

[OakLeaf]

Haven't worn them yet, but I figured an objective test is the best. While they were on the clothesline this morning in full sun I stuck a probe thermometer inside the shorts, up against the fabric, on these and several other pairs of shorts.

It's hype. :p

What was interesting was that the fabrics with a matte finish were a few degrees cooler than the shiny black ones. Which wouldn't necessarily translate into *feeling* cooler, since they might not vent/wick sweat as well. But the Coldblack shorts were comparable to the two other pairs of shiny black shorts I had on the line ... three degrees cooler than one, three degrees warmer than the other.

Don't waste your money. I got the shorts from an overstock site, and they still weren't cheap, but not out of line for some of the other features I was looking for, but I wouldn't pay extra for the Coldblack.

[Wasp]

I had originally bought Gore power lady bibs, but I returned them as they were incredibly sheer. I have no desire to have my rear end glowing like a full moon while on my bike.....snort... what a thought!

[carolp]

I think shorts/knickers are an incredibly personal decision. Sounds funny, but really. I swear by Sugoi after having tried PI, Castelli, and a few other brands. If the PI knickers originally worked, I say go for them again. I do multiple day rides, so I have seven pairs, so they don't wear out quickly.

[Wasp]

I bought 2 pair PI elite knickers and 2 pair shebeest pedal pusher Capri. I have not ridden in them yet, but after trying them on I discovered a few things. The Shebeest Capri visually is (IMO) more flattering, and I prefer the fabric over the PI fabric. The PI fabric has a shine to it which I don't personally care for, however the PI knickers feel like they have better compression and I already know I like the PI chamois so the shine issue is not a big deal. But, I have noticed that the chamois and stitching around the chamois on the PI knickers is quite visible (looking from the front) whereas the shebeest knickers chamois/stitching blends in and is quite unnoticeable. Not a big deal on the bike, but I don't think I would want to walk around a coffee shop wearing the PI knowing the crotch area chamois/stitching is quite visible. It's just my personal preference, I'm sure it's a non issue for many other cyclists.
I'll let you all know how the shebeest chamois works out for me.
And yes, the hubby was correct I have lost weight!!! I now have my sights set on fitting into a medium :)