bike shorts with best chamois?

Hello Ladies,

I am Susan Otcenas, the President of Team Estrogen. After reading some of your posts regarding Shebeest shorts, I contacted Shebeest with your concerns.

Shebeest replied:

"Susan,
Let me know what we can do for your customers. We had a run of shorts that seem to have a problem w/the chamois. We've addressed the issue w/our supplier in Italy and can replace any shorts you get back or have questions on. Thanks for the feed back."

So, if you've purchased your shorts (Shebeest Elite Distance or SSS Short - these are the two shorts with the SheSensitive Chamois) from us (Team Estrogen) in the past 6 months and have experienced a problem with the chamois, please let us know. We will be happy to replace the short with a new pair, and send the damaged shorts back to Shebeest. If you purchased your shorts from another retailer, you'll need to contact that retailer directly.

You can contact us toll-free at 877-310-4592, or send us an e-mail at custserv@teamestrogen.com.

Sincerely,

Susan Otcenas

Thanks Susan! I didn't buy my knickers from TE - but I will definately contact SheBeest to see if they will replace them for me.

The cool thing is - I bought mine here and they have offered me a store credit. I'm pretty stoked about that. I just need to get off my duff and send them back. :)

Just a note about comfortable chamois, what we're all looking for! I tried on a pair of Castelli shorts with the new "paola pezzo" (women=specific) chamois, it felt very very comfortable...

I rode the Death Valley century in a pair of Castelli shorts. Really comfortable.

since it's that time of year and even if it's sunny and gorgeous out, I've found that the suggestion of wearing tights or leg warmers when it's under 70 degrees to be good advice...I've got some Terry tights w/chamois that're great...saves you from having to wear shorts or chamois panties under...what has everyone else found?

Sorry to be boring but I actually bought some Women's Castelli tights (the shorts I only tried, the tights I actually bought 2 of) this winter, I think the Paolo Pezzo chamois is in them, they are absolutely superb, light, warm, they breathe, not too hot when it's not actually too cold, but really warm when it is quite cold,they are wonderful (but a little expensive). Beware I also tried on some Castelli knickers which had a large red chamois in them, this was much bulkier and I think would have been much less comfortable, no way way I going to buy those. The chamois in the shorts I liked is the same as the one in my tights, sort of "Y" shaped and when you wear it, does not have lots of extra cloth flapping around, just perfect, personally although expensive I think that Castelli chamois is worth the money whatever garment you find it in...

I tried a pair of tights without a chamois over my shorts and found it just too bulky feeling. I have since switched to leg warmers with my shorts. That seems to work pretty well and gives me the flexibility to remove them if it warms up. They fit into jersey pockets so I can put them on for long downhills too. I hate to be cold.

For arm warmers I cut the toes out of a pair of wool hiking socks. They worked great as well and were cheap. :)

Veronica

i have a pair of exte ondo women's shorts and a pair of men's bib knickers. i love the men's knickers better because the chamois gives more coverage, especially in the "important area."

hey Veronica, i am interested in buying some leg warmers. where did you get yours?

Veronica, about the wool socks for arm warmers.... I may try that this winter:p

Wish I could take credit for the idea of turning them into arm warmers. I read about it at Rivendell bikes website. My sister got me one of their wool jerseys for Christmas. I get to open it when it gets here :) since we're going to go home (Maine) for the holiday. I'll let you know how it works out.


Leg warmers I got at REI. They had both Pearl Izumi and Sugoi brands. I went with the Sugoi because they felt a bit lighter. It doesn't get that cold here in the Bay Area. Wore them today on our attempt at riding Diablo (we had chain issues, major bummer -but it's a long weekend!) It was great because as I warmed up I could just push the arm and leg warmers down without having to stop pedaling.

Veronica

Hi,

I'm a fairly new "serious" cyclist, having just received a nice new Terry bike for my birthday in November from my husband. I, too, have had the rubbed raw problem, I think partly because I perspire so heavily. I have the Terry T-shorts, and they are wonderfully comfy, (the chamois is seamless and very soft), but have found on rides of 30 miles or so that I build up a great deal of wetness in the chamois and get some chafing. I haven't tried chamois butter yet, and that may solve the problem.

I am trying out the Shebeest elite distance short and so far the chamois seems to wick the perspiration away really well with no chafing. The chamois in this short is seamless. That was on a 20 mile ride, so I really need to try them on a longer ride to really tell.

I tried out the Pearl Izumi 3D microsensor short and found the chamois somewhat thick and had some moisture buildup but no chafing. However, after only 2 launderings on a gentle cycle (air dry), the chamois started to delaminate. Not good. I had to return them to the bike shop and am afraid to try new ones. I live in the South, so the 3D pad would probably get too hot.

Hope this helps. Any suggestions from you experienced ladies would be much welcomed!

Daisey

Hi, i posted a reply about my chamois experiences, but somehow it got bumped into a different biking tights category here.

Daisey

Thanks, Susan, for the Sheebeest info. I must have gotten my Sheebeest shorts before or after they had a problem with the chamois, because I love them! I was dubious at first, 'cause the chamois was thicker than in any other shorts I'd tried. But I now save those shorts for my long rides. I rode 100 on them just this past Saturday. First 100 for the year, on a new bike, and I am not saddle sore. The shorts had to have had something to do with that.

I find the top-of-the line Pearl Izumi and Castelli (with the "Y" shaped chamois) to be the most comfortable and Terry shorts to be the worst. I ride off-road and the Terry chamois bunches terribly after a few miles.

I won't skimp when it comes to riding shorts - chafing ruins the best ride and can be painful for several days.

Another suggestion is to take a look at your saddle. There are saddles designed with cutouts and/or gel inserts that take much of the pressure off sensitive parts. I ride Terry's Fly (men's) saddles and like them very much. Terry's web site lists all their saddles.

Good luck,
Charley