Input on Gore shorts sizing and chamois?

I'm starting to get annoyed with PI's apparently arbitrary sizing. I fit in medium in some shorts, large in others, and small in last year's Symphony Cut shorts...so I ordered 2 pair of this year's version, only to find that they are over an inch shorter and WAY smaller.

I'm eyeballing a pair of Gore Oxygen and Ozon shorts. They look similar to the PI Symphony Cut shorts that I love, only longer.

I normally wear a size 8/medium bottom, but Gore's sizing chart has me in a large. I'm also wondering how the chamois is placed. I have a dickens of a time finding a chamois that doesn't sit back to far and leave my sit bones on the front seam of the butt region of the chamois. So far PI and Craft have been the only brands I've tried that cover my sit bones properly.

Any experience...?

Well...I do own a pair of the Ozon shorts. I think they're just okay. Haven't really worn them on a "long" ride (which for me is generally less than 40 miles) so I can't attest as to how they perform on a long haul. I like the non-waistband in the front of the shorts. I'm not too fond of the gripper on them...it feels really rubbery to me and I usually end up getting a minor rash after wearing them. I also wish they were a tad bit longer in length, but then I've always preferred a longer short, so you may actually like the length. As for the chamois...this is where I have a difficult time determining what really works for me. I have yet to find a chamois that I'm truly happy with, and the Ozon is no exception. For some reason, I really notice that it's there. Not sure if it's the thickness of the pad, or just the overall size...but it definitely doesn't feel like it "disappears" underneath me. I wish I could say that I "love it", but for now I just relegate this pair to shorter rides. However, I should add that it might also be my saddle (a Ruby 155) that is the culprit...I've been contemplating a saddle change.

Oh, and I also took a Large in the Gore shorts (normally wear medium in PI).

Linda

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Originally Posted by nscrbug

However, I should add that it might also be my saddle (a Ruby 155) that is the culprit...I've been contemplating a saddle change.

Oh, and I also took a Large in the Gore shorts (normally wear medium in PI).

Linda

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Ooh, good to know!

Yeah, I'm contemplating a saddle change, as well. But I'm considering the Ruby, as I suspect my Jett may be just a hair too soft.

BTW, I got your Craft shorts shipped, today. I have a feeling you will like them. They are less bulky up-front than the PI 3D chamois in their Elite level shorts.

I share Linda's opinion of the Ozon--almost word for word. I can wear them on short rides, but they generally just keep them in my drawer. Quality issues aside, I still prefer my Sugoi RS short.

Hmmm...I'd love to try Sugoi, again, but their chamois just wasn't a good fit (or the placement of it, rather--I actually liked the chamois, itself) and they do those awful drawcord waistbands. I had a pair of Evolutions (actually, 2...old chamois and new) and ended up selling them here.

You might give TE a call and ask for their recommendation. They might know just the short for you.

Out of curiosity, how many miles does your current saddle have on it? Sadly, they don't last nearly as long as one would like. I have to replace my Terry saddle every 4k miles or so. That used to be a bigger problem when I rode over 5k a year. Now, not so much. :(

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Originally Posted by indysteel

You might give TE a call and ask for their recommendation. They might know just the short for you.

Out of curiosity, how many miles does your current saddle have on it? Sadly, they don't last nearly as long as one would like. I have to replace my Terry saddle every 4k miles or so. That used to be a bigger problem when I rode over 5k a year. Now, not so much. :(

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Hmmm...my saddle has about 5k miles on it. Probably not a bad idea to replace it.

And I don't even know quite why I'm researching shorts. I have 2 pair of PI Symphony shorts that I really like...but I don't LOVE. I'm wondering if there's something better out there, I guess.

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

Have you tried Louis Garneau Neo Power shorts?

The padding is minimal, and yet I can ride for hours on a Ruby saddle with no problem (so far). I've 3 pair and just started using them this year. Nice and long. High waist that doesn't bunch. No icky grippers. A lot of people go up a size because they are definitely not very curvy. More straight-hipped. Check out the reviews on TE. Very popular.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodLG_1050369.html

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Oh, gosh, way too long! My legs from crotch to ankle are only about 28" long, so those would literally come down to my knees. :o 8" is about as long as I want to go. 7-7.5" is ideal.

I'll also pretty much second everything Linda said.

I'm not sure which pair of the Gore shorts I have, but they seem awfully snug in the legs and have (oddly for me) a little too much room in the butt. I can pull them up ridiculously high in the back. (I understand that's to prevent plumbers crack, but if the front pulled up as high as the back I could wear them at my bra, and I have a long torso). And the chamois seems...large. And it's sort of difficult to arrange the shorts so that the chamois is snug.

I bought a medium, but wear a 2-4 in normal pants.

I have a Gore jacket and a Gore shorty, sized up in the jacket and probably could have done in the shorty (right on the edge). I'd definitely go for the Large.

Since we share the same body, I thought I ought to pipe in here... ;)

I have the Gore Xenon bibs and the Oxygen short. I love Gore's craftsmanship and the materials they use. Beautiful stuff. My two complaints are that the shorts are generally too long for my tastes (6.5" is perfect for me, 8" is borderline too long) and more importantly the chamois tends to be entirely too large. They make a nice, dense chamois that is well formed in all the right places (particularly on my Xenon shorts) and that is covered with a wonderful fabric that is super comfy even in the heat. The chamois is just overall too big and it does bunch into places it shouldn't and shifts slightly on longer rides/time in the saddle.

I wear a solid medium in Gore shorts though my Oxygen's are larges and are really too big. I did try a small to get a closer fitting chamois and they were just too tight and uncomfortable (I'm generally ok with tighter clothing, so these were WAY too tight). In contrast, my best fitting PI shorts are actually smalls but I can get away with a medium without too much shifting of material.

I really wanted to fall in love with the Gore shorts but it just wasn't meant to be for me. I do love these though (if you are open to other suggestions):

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCA_2068.html

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Originally Posted by GLC1968

I really wanted to fall in love with the Gore shorts but it just wasn't meant to be for me. I do love these though (if you are open to other suggestions):

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCA_2068.html

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I've been considering that one. The ONLY thing that gives me pause is the white trim. The sport sunblock I use turns anything white YELLOW...looks like it's been pee'd on. Not sure I want to wear cycling shorts that make everyone think I wet myself--I'm not hardcore enough for that! ;)

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Originally Posted by zoom-zoom

I've been considering that one. The ONLY thing that gives me pause is the white trim. The sport sunblock I use turns anything white YELLOW...looks like it's been pee'd on. Not sure I want to wear cycling shorts that make everyone think I wet myself--I'm not hardcore enough for that! ;)

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Hmmm, can't help with that as I haven't needed sunblock while riding since owning these shorts. :eek: I did ask Susan if they made them in all black and they didn't this year. Hopefully they will soon!

I will also mention that the design of the band on the leg is SUPER flattering, too.

http://i631.photobucket.com/albums/u...tion-hoods.jpg
(please excuse the look - I was asking my DH a question as he took this photo!)

The length on those is perfect!