the best shorts

[mimitabby]

Would people please tell me what they think are the best shorts? I keep hearing that they are worth the price, but as i look through the catalog, they are all very different.
Which ones do YOU like?

thanks
Mimi

[alpinerabbit]

My favorite are the CSC team shorts of 2005 by Giordana, because of the "OF" insert. And they were bunches cheaper than the no-sponosr versions. I think it is found in the Tenax shorts.

[stella]

I've been very happy with the Sugoi technifine shorts. I have been using them for years. The padding is excellant--not too much and not too little.

[jobob]

Depends on who you ask.

If you click on the word "search" near the top of the page, then type in the word shorts, you'll find lots of threads where poeple talk about which shorts work best for them. It's a very individual matter. Some people like large, thick chamois pads, some people like thinner pads.

[Nanci]

I have found that the larger, foamier, softer chamois pads with no stitching or sectioning tend to bunch up and wrinkle, which makes me VERY sore in about an hour.

I find that shorts with more panels (8-10) fit better and are more supportive.

I like longer shorts because they are more flattering on me, and they protect more of my legs from the sun, and they feel more supportive to my muscles.

I think shorts that are cut lower in front don't roll over as easily, and don't bother my belly button ring.

[RoadRaven]

Call me a rebel, a dissenter, an insurgent...

All my bike shorts are bought in sales online - mostly from probikekit.

I have no womens specific shorts - they're all men's to my knowledge - and they have three different types of chamois in them.

Mind you, the longest I stay in the saddle is 2 1/2 hours - maybe I would pay more attention if I was doing enduro rides?

[Nanci]

You know why men's chamois go way up in front, don't you...You don't need that!

[mimitabby]

I have found that the larger, foamier, softer chamois pads with no stitching or sectioning tend to bunch up and wrinkle, which makes me VERY sore in about an hour.

I find that shorts with more panels (8-10) fit better and are more supportive.

I like longer shorts because they are more flattering on me, and they protect more of my legs from the sun, and they feel more supportive to my muscles.

I think shorts that are cut lower in front don't roll over as easily, and don't bother my belly button ring.

great advice, thanks!

[mimitabby]

Call me a rebel, a dissenter, an insurgent...

All my bike shorts are bought in sales online - mostly from probikekit.

I have no womens specific shorts - they're all men's to my knowledge - and they have three different types of chamois in them.

Mind you, the longest I stay in the saddle is 2 1/2 hours - maybe I would pay more attention if I was doing enduro rides?


I am a bargain hunter too, but I'm not wearing men's shorts. We're built way different and I am having different problems than they do.. (I live with 3 men)

[ladyfish]

I was planning to post this thread topic. It's been awhile since folks have commented on their favorites, and when you are spending a good amount of money, then it's nice to know where to start.

I have some performance tights that I like, and some performance shorts (women's century gels) that I don't like (I don't like the chamois--it has indentations, which seemed to rub me wrong). I have a pair of PI attacks--I like the chamois and it was comfortable on my 35 mile ride, but the fabric isn't very supportive. Before the ride I thought I'd be in trouble because the fabric was bunching up at the two seams which ran across my butt cheeks. Wasn't a problem on the bike, but the fabric isn't supportive. I did like the way the front of the shorts are cut low so they don't roll.

I just bought Sheebest SSS shorts. They feel good on, but I haven't road tested them. The material is supportive and the chamois feels like it will be comfortable.

So take it for what it's worth, but I think if I see a number of ladies that like the same short, then it's a good bet. Since the manufacturers seem to change the designs often, this thread is important!!!

[RoadRaven]

You know why men's chamois go way up in front, don't you...You don't need that!

LOL... yeah, I know, but... I have my seat as high as I can get it and my handlebars quite low on my trainin/road bike... and on my TT bike even lower (in full aero position so back is almost straight - well, getting there, it'll take another 6-8 months to get as low as I want) and that extra padding is useful over the nose of the seat (well, psychologically at least)... plus it also soaks up sweat off my belly before it gets low.

I have never worn women specific shorts, and I know they are female specific for a reason, but the mens ones suit me ok at the moment, so I'll keep on being a rebellious bargain hunter :p

[FreshNewbie]

I recently bought two pairs : Sugoi Lucky short and PI quest short. So far I have not ridden in them longer than 35-40 miles but they are good for that distance so far.

[Brina]

I really like the Shebeest triple S shorts. They are a bit shorter and lower cut than pairs I had in the past and I find them very comfortable. I was disappointed in the Sugoi shorts that I got. I had heard such raves about them. oh well.

[liksani]

Hmm, I like the Sugoi Evolution shorts I have. The longest distance I've ridden them for is 76 miles tho. I like that the material isn't as sheer and it feels fairly comfortable.

[Trekhawk]

Tried a few different brands but keep going back to my Sugoi RS Flex shorts.
:)

[Mags...]

Here in Australia we're heading into winter and I recently bought the Shebeest Tech Tight with chamois. I've never seen the Shebeest brand here in Australia, nor seen it advertised in Australian magazines etc. I don't know why because they are fantastic, so comfortable. I'm going to buy the Shebeest SSS short for summer because it has the same very comfortable chamois.

[RoadRaven]

Well... having discussed this thread with the males in my house... we are all curious as to how women's specific shorts will vary THAT much in the cut and shape of them - and on research here, the women I have asked either wear mens shorts or dont know if they have womens specific shorts at all...

So, I have asked for a womens' specific pair of shorts to go in the shopping cart next time a sale comes on, 'cause I am really curious as to how women specific can be such a huge difference in comfort... particularly when I have read the many threads about uncomfortable shorts posted here at TE, and all the ones I have had (which are 'mens' ) have been fine... :confused:

[crazycanuck]

I borrowed an old pair of ian's ground effect shorts last week and loved them...mine are nice too but they were comfy. I thought it was quite funny to have discovered them after years of having them...and really i couldn't tell the diff.

I'm with roadraven, why not be a rebellious shopper & if they fit, they fit..plus not going with the main brands???

c

[salsabike]

On Denise Goldberg's recommendation, I tried Boure and that's all I wear now. Their Pro chamois is smooth, not bunchy, and is by far the most comfortable and trouble-free one I have found. I find a lot of the other chamois, including Shebeest, to be too thick and bunchy.

[RoadRaven]

I'm with roadraven, why not be a rebellious shopper & if they fit, they fit..plus not going with the main brands???
c


Phew... anopther rebel... wanna come hide in a fox-hole with me til the next sales are on :p

[arnaew]

I was using the Terry T Short with the longer leg and was quite happy with them - no chafing or bunching on long rides (100km). So I ordered another pair pus some winter tights as we're going into winter here. THEY ARE APPALLING! Sorry, I know I shouldn't shout, but they changed the chamois to something called Flex, and it's the most abrasive thing I've ever put next to my skin. Why do companies do this? :confused: You finally find something that suits, and they decide to fix something that isn't broken! Sigh. Time to go on the hunt again (I've given the tights to DH - he's happy enough with them). Beyond the chamois, the big thing for me is the longer leg shorts, which cover my award winning cellulite - any ideas?

[Nanci]

I think Terry has the longer shorts on clearance on their website- like $40- you could ask if those are the 2005's and stock up!!

[pgsmart]

I was having problems finding a good pair of shorts, too. I ended up ordering three pairs - Louis Garneau, Shebeest, and Sugoi. The LGs Airstream were the most expensive and I liked them the least. The fabric seemed kind of scratchy to me. The Sugoi RS Flex shorts were the second pair that I tried. I kept them because the fabric felt good and the chamois was very nice. My favorite, though, is the Shebeest. The fabric is good, the chamois is so comfortable. The thing that I really liked was how cool they were. They are cut down at the waist in the front which I wasn't sure if I was going to like. But, it really is comfortable and I seemed to stay cooler. Also, there is a vent panel that runs along my lower back which makes them seem cooler than some of the others that I have tried. I would highly recommend them. I believe the ones that I got were the Elite Distance 2. I highly recommend them.

[Mags...]

but they changed the chamois to something called Flex, and it's the most abrasive thing I've ever put next to my skin. Why do companies do this?

It looks like the 'Flex' chamois in the Terry is *exactly* the same as the 'SHElastic Chamois' in the Shebeest shorts. (same description, different colour). The 'Century Stretch' chamois in the Shebeest Elite Distance 2 shorts is again really similar, same technology, probly same material - and completely different from the 2005 Terry chamois, which as Nanci said appears to on closeout sale at the moment for $50.

Isn't it funny how we're all so different, I find the chamois on the Shebeest/Terry short to be the best I've come across, and it'll be the benchmark for comparisons in future. I find the chamois the most important factor in buying shorts, before I knew better I just bought any pair. IMO, you really can't tell how good a pair of shorts are until you've ridden with them on longer distances.

M.

[hirakukibou]

I guess my taste is a bit different. I like my shorts, short and the pad ample. My favorite shorts now are pearl izumi attack shorts. although the castelli's i have are fun as they are in red.

[CatGirl]

I'm searching for good shorts that keep me drier um, down there to prevent problems. I do look for moisture wicking in the chamois and fabric. Shebeest SSS is best I tried but I think the Shelastic chamois is a bit too big. Thinking I'd go for a smaller chamois led me to the Shebeest Hourglass Chamois. Wow - not good. When I washed it, it took FOREVER to dry - like 3 dryer cycles. I did 35 miles this morning and found that it holds moisture like a sponge. :eek:

If anyone has suggestions, please advise!

[Nanci]

Can you describe the chamois of the Sugois and the Shebeests in more detail? Would you say the foam is dense (firm) or soft? How about the size, in general, of the chamois? (I HATE the dinner plate-sized ones). Is the fabric of the Sugois weird, or nice? Which seems like it would hold up better? What are the leg grippers in each like? They are both 10 panel- is the construction similar?

Thanks a lot!!

Nanci

[pyxichick]

I just started riding, and at first I was using my boyfriend's hand-me-down kits and the shorts were really not that comfortable.

I have since purchased the Craft women's pro race bib and it has made a world of difference. I love it so much I have a second one on order for when one pair is in the wash. I think they're so comfy because they have gel in the pad. The pad has five sections and basically is shaped like a bike saddle.

Warning, however, they are not cheap.

[matagi]

Seems to be a bit of a common theme running here - Find pair of shorts with chamois that works, ride shorts to death, go buy new shorts and find chamois has been changed and shorts no longer comfortable.

So I think the rule here is that when you find a pair of shorts you like, buy as many pairs as you can afford 'coz next time you go to buy a pair they will have "improved" the chamois. :)

I'm still looking for a pair of shorts that really work for me the ones I have aren't too bad but I'm sure I can do better, I agree that a lot of women's shorts have a chamois that is too thick.

[ridebikeme]

I think the thing to remember here is that we are all have different needs and actual fits.... every female rider that I know wears mens shorts including myself. However, that isn't to say that that is for everyone! I wear Louis Garneau shorts (Ergotex), and have for several years... and as someone also mentioned Giordana makes great shorts. The key thing to remember is what short fits and is the most comfortable and then buy several pairs before they change them.

Interesting to read this thread!!

[CatGirl]

I agree, matagi, that many companies make chamois that are too thick.

Does anyone know of a thinner chamois that wicks well? Has anyone tried tri shorts?

Thanks!

[Nanci]

You know what I hate even more than too thick- too huge!! Or too shifty. Those one-piece big foamy things get all bunched up, and that hurts after a while.

Nanci

[Mags...]

Can you describe the chamois of the Sugois and the Shebeests in more detail?

Nanci,
what I like about the Shebeest 'Shelastic' chamois is that the foam is soft, it doesn't start too high up the front or go too high up the back. (Looks discreet - not like a hugh pad). It's in sections of differing thickness, depending on where it impacts with the body. It's not so firm that it stays rigid across the width - I've had one that doesn't 'bend' across the width making it feel like you have your legs wider apart than feels natural... so I guess it's supple across the width. It doesn't fold or bunch, it keeps it's shape. Just a nice amount of padding going down the the sides/tops of the legs, not too deep, which I guess gives a bit of protection against saddle rub on the inner thighs. It's some totally synthetic foamy fabric. I always feel dry after a ride.

What I don't like is ones that are too stiff. I tried one on that went up too high in the back and was so stiff it looked like a ducks beak sticking out the back. I think it was a mens pair.

[KnottedYet]

I just realized I own (and wear) more biking shorts than regular shorts. And that's not counting my Ibex bike capris or the Zoic bike capris that are on the way.

Is this a sign of addiction?

[Nanci]

I think another thing that makes shorts give you diaper butt or duck beak butt is the fabric of the shorts is too thin and stretchy.

Nanci

[Dianyla]

I just realized I own (and wear) more biking shorts than regular shorts. And that's not counting my Ibex bike capris or the Zoic bike capris that are on the way.

Is this a sign of addiction?
Heh. It's also a sign of living in the Northwest. I wear (non-bike) shorts out and about maybe 10x a year? And I've only got 2 pairs of civilian shorts, anyway. :)

[pooks]

On Denise Goldberg's recommendation, I tried Boure and that's all I wear now. Their Pro chamois is smooth, not bunchy, and is by far the most comfortable and trouble-free one I have found.


After wandering confused from website to website, I finally went with this recommendation. Thank you, and Denise!

I've been wearing a pair of baggy bike shorts with padded liners. This will be my first pair of the tight kind. Gulp.

[alpinerabbit]

Correction to my original article. I now prefer the pair of Nalini Pro bib shorts with stretch gel pad. It stays in place better than the giordanas, and the spandex is very heavy duty and tight - > better support.

[DeniseGoldberg]

On Denise Goldberg's recommendation, I tried Boure and that's all I wear now. Their Pro chamois is smooth, not bunchy, and is by far the most comfortable and trouble-free one I have found.

After wandering confused from website to website, I finally went with this recommendation. Thank you, and Denise!

Funny - I didn't notice this post until Pooks responded to salsabike today. I've never tried Boure shorts, must have been someone else's recommendation! But in any case I'm glad to hear you're both happy with them!

My favorite shorts are the Sugoi RS Flex.

--- Denise

[pooks]

Ah, okay! I'm not happy with them yet -- just ordered them. But I'm hopeful!