New to forum, looking for help with bike shorts

Hi all -

I searched the forums for the answer to this question, but wasn't coming up with anything. Thought I'd throw it out here. I need help with finding the right pair of bike shorts. I like the baggy kind with the liners, but the pair I have just aren't working for me as well as I'd hoped.

I carry extra weight between my natural waist and my hips - and it's not solid weight, it's a muffin top that squishes over the top of my bike shorts. (TMI?) I can't go a size larger because then the chamois moves and I get chafing. I've been losing weight, but I'm still uncomfortable. New bike, new saddle, and longer rides mean I now have to wear them, but I really don't like the shorts I have. (Pearl Izumi, not sure of the style)

So, do you have any recommendations for liners/shorts that actually go up to a natural waist? I know that bibs might help, but I'd rather not go there if I don't have to. I prefer the baggy shorts rather than the body-hugging too much information.

Anyone else experience this and have some advice for me? Any and all help would be appreciated.

There are so many out there, it's hard to point to a specific brand. You might want to look at some that do not come with liners. I find the liners never fit in a way that matches the shorts.
here is a discussion on shorts on another board
http://forums.mtbr.com/womens-lounge...ps-896730.html

What if you tried undershorts then your favorite pants over. At least you would be able to adjust as you like?http://www.mec.ca/product/5017-584/m...02+50020+50093
Had a pair like that until I felt confident enough to get Lycra shorts. I always had the options to wear normal shorts.

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Originally Posted by Helene2013

What if you tried undershorts then your favorite pants over. At least you would be able to adjust as you like?http://www.mec.ca/product/5017-584/m...02+50020+50093
Had a pair like that until I felt confident enough to get Lycra shorts. I always had the options to wear normal shorts.

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Thanks, I checked out your link. I'd like to try something like that, I do have some shorts I can wear over something like that. Unfortunately, those also sit really low, a couple inches under the waist. I'm hoping for recommendations for brands that don't sit so low.

You could also look into skorts or skirts over regular bike shorts. TE sells both (along with padded liners and baggy cycling shorts). You could try calling them to see if they can recommend something that has a higher waist.

Some brands sell their baggy bike shorts and liners separately. Gore and Endura come to mind. I tend to wear my own lycra shorts under baggy cycling shorts, hiking shorts, etc.

What don't you like about bibs? There are some really nice ones out there now with zippers that make "natural breaks" a cinch and don't require you to be a contortionist to re-fasten them. Gore and Endura both offer something like this, and there are probably others too.

Louis Garneau is a great choice for higher waisted stuff. Their cycling skirts are great. My fave option for more casual rides is a zoic skirt with a detachable liner. I'm wearing the liners under a dress right now at work because I do this often on my commutes. It's great when we do what are basically day trips.

You can do a search online for mountain bike shorts. I got mine from REI and Performance. I'm not skinny by any means, but I prefer fitted for road riding and the baggies for mountain biking or my commuter.