bike shorts with best chamois?

My Castelli bike shorts have a chamois that is sewn on with nylon thread. The shorts were fine for 10-15 mile rides, but I'm starting to go further. After a 35 mile bike ride this weekend my rear end & crotch were raw & sore from rubbing on the seams. I do not ride with underware and use "Butt-R" creme which is supposed to prevent this sort of thing. I am desperate to find bike shorts that do not rub in this area. I will soon be going on a 2-week, 30-60 miles a day bike tour & need to find something comfortable or I won't make it. Does anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions or recomendations? Thanks!

I've had the same problem with Shebeest shorts, though I'm not sure it's the fiber as much as the fact that that seam is awfully abrasive. Anyway, same thing happens--10 miles or so down the road and I'm ready to ride home shorts-less.

Shebeests seem pretty popular, so maybe it's something about the shape of me. Anyhow, I've found an alternative that doesn't rub me raw--Terry T-Shorts. I just got my first pair about a month ago and I've worn them in my early training for a week-long bike tour this summer. Not the longest rides in the world, but in the 20-30 mile range, and the Terry shorts haven't let me down yet. Same goes for their new 2002 knickers.

I've heard some women say Terry shorts don't exactly wear like iron, so I don't know how long they'll last. But they fit beautifully and they feel great, so I'm treating them right. Not cheap, but what bike shorts are?
--J

I guess I've been pretty lucky in this category. I have an awesome pair of shorts from Trisport. They have a gel chamois. They feel pretty good. Also, I highly recommend you picking up a padded liner from your local bike shop. Since it's still a little nippy here in Jersey I can't always wear shorts.I bought a padded liner (made by TREK) and I can virtually wear anything I want over it. Your saddle also can make a big difference. So, good luck, happy trails, keep your hiney padded, and pedal on my friend.

Take a look at this article before buying gel shorts.
http://www.bicyclenow.com/article1011.html

This rider wasn't nearly as lucky as you've been, Sammy! ;)

The best I've found are Pearlizumi's - but not the tan liner - they make one with a black liner. A little pricey, but they wear like iron and the shorts feel terrific.

My favorite shorts (even after a wekk-long tour averaging 62 miles per day!) are Cannondales! Got them on sale last year-end for 35$!

I vote for the Terry T-shorts. I have a pair that's over 2 years old, that I wore last year on a 100+ mile ride. They're still going strong. I really like the Dryline material. It breathes better than the shiny lycra stuff in some of my other shorts. They aren't cheap at $65, but they've outlasted my more expensive PI shorts.

I have knickers and shorts and I love them. My thighs are a little chubby (not for long warm weather is coming!!) so I love the knickers. I've bought all of them here at teamestrogen.com the price is a little high, but the quality is great. I've never had any problems no matter how many times they're washed.:)

I make my own shorts. I can whip up a really nice pair in less than an hour - any of you have a sewing machine? I make a chaomois out of two layers of Polartec fleece and a layer of ultrasuede that's really nice.

I just can't see forking out $60-90 buck for a pair of shorts that takes $10 worht of lycra. Kwik Sew has a great pattern.

penny

Pennys - I'd like more info on making your own shorts...What's the pattern number? How about details on making the chamois? Is that part of the pattern or something you came up with yourself? Is Lycra easy to find?

I beg to differ with how well the Terry Knickers fare on long rides. I have tried them out on one 60 mile ride a while back and had some difficulties with chaffing. They are great for shorter 20-30 mile rides, but I wouldn't trust them for anything much longer. I love my Pearl Izumi's (with the Pressure Relief Chamois-PRT) and my Briko's (found them on sale for about 1/2 off -otherwise they are quite pricey! They are my favorite though!!) Both of those brands have treated me well on many longer rides.

I think this topic is just like much in cycling--it depends on the individual as to tastes and preferences. You find what you like by trial and error (which I know can be expensive, so asking for advice is a good start.)

I have never tried the Chamois But'tr (or whatever it's called ;) ) and am wondering what people have to say about that. From the name, it sounds like it'd be greasy or something. I am doing a 6 day 500 mile ride and think that by the end no matter what shorts I wear I will be hurting a bit. Am wondering if this might be something worth trying to cut down on at least some of the discomfort. Any thoughts?

I use Chamois Butt'r, and it's great stuff. It is a little gooey when you first put it on (and I smear it all over me and the chamois), but it warms up and then everything gets comfy! It seems to make a big difference on long rides.

My favorite shorts? PI Ultrasensors. I tried Terry, but I thought the chamois was too thick, and cheap shorts just don't hold up.

Quote:

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Originally posted by ayermail2
Pennys - I'd like more info on making your own shorts...What's the pattern number? How about details on making the chamois? Is that part of the pattern or something you came up with yourself? Is Lycra easy to find?

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Stertch and Sew #312. You can get heavy lycra mail order from Quest Oufitters or Outdoors Wilderness FAbircs, both of them are listed on my make gear pages, www.specialtyoutdoors.com/tips.htm under fabrics.

there is a pattern for the chamois, I"m pretty sure they tell you to use the ultrasuede and the polartec.

penny s

Pennys -
thanks so much! that'll be a great cool weather project!
:D

Love the chamois butt'r - definitely helps on longer rides...
have you tried readjusting your saddle? Sometimes just the tiniest little tilt forward can make a world of difference!! (as opposed to absolutely level - but not so much that it's really obviously not level, or you'll be falling off the seat)

ElizabethS -
Try other things, but keep using the butt'r!! My first bike tour was this past October, and I found that the chamois butt'r was really COLD first thing in the morning....I was so sore the end of the day I hadn't used it that I kept the bottle in my sleeping bag! Depending on when your tour is, you may also want to consider that!
Good luck finding some shorts that are a better fit for you!

Hi There!

Any one have a website where I can get the stuff? I'm a bit shy, and would turn soSO RED , if I had to ask the guy at the store for the stuff! Besides our store is so small, that I don't think they would carry it. (They had to order in a pair of padded shorts for me, they had 1 pair there - size small):rolleyes:

Thanks a lot!

Trixiee

I just purchased a pair of Nike dri fit shorts that I really like. I have only been on one over 20 mile ride with them but so far so good. They were actually about 10 bucks cheaper than the Terry ones I tried on as well.

What are Brikos? I've never heard of them. Why do you like them? Where do you get them? I'm always looking for good shorts. I've done my share of suffering, so I'll pay $$$ for comfort. After all, I'm not out there to suffer - I have a job!

Kim

I found my Brikos at World Cycling Productions, their website is at www.worldcycling.com. I enjoy the soft material they are made out of, as well as the comfortable pad which is not too bulky. The brand I own is called- Katana shorts with the viper pad. They also have a slightly cheaper pair, but I have never tried them out. I also enjoy that they have a little bit of style to them (i get tired of the plain black that looks like every other pair of cycling shorts ;) These have some stitching that makes them a little more interesting, without being crazy. I've never seen this brand carried anywhere else here in the states...I think the line comes from Italy. Good luck...

www.terrybicycles.com

www.rei.com (will ship to Canada)

www.bravesoldier.com

it's about 12$ (US) a tube....


Don't know of any Canadian sites (couldn't find it a Velotique.com)


I've also heard some say that they like Bag Balm, which is in a square green metal can, and is found in a lot of drugstores like CVS etc...

Will vaseline work just as well? Is the whole idea just to prevent chafing? Or does it help reduce butt soreness?

Trixiee:confused: :confused:

When I went on my 9 day, 550 mile ride across AZ, I used Desitin (sp? the stuff for baby diaper rash). It numbed the area a bit - which was nice during the last three days! - and helped prevent infections from the heat, moisture, etc. Even if you use something else, you might consider a topical antiseptic (especially one with a bit of numbing properties - did I mention that?) so that any potential infections can be headed off.

Another important thing - the minute I got into camp, hotel, where ever, I took the shorts off, washed well, put on a little more desitin & put on some loose pants. ahhh, heaven!

Sorry about this really late posting, but I just discovered this site today :) Anyway, I never see any mention of Voler shorts, maybe not that many women know about them since Voler is most well known for race team logo clothing. But these are by far the most comfortable shorts my husband and I have found (we used to be die-hard Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor fans). And guess what..Voler shorts are only $44.95! They are totally amazing. Check them out at www.velowear.com. And for the fashion queens, they come in 8 colors! ;)

I am very disappointed in a recently purchased pair of Castelli shorts. The Vario Thick chamois lacks support and bunches up in front which gets painful after a long time in the saddle. Oh, if only the chamois could live up to that luxurious silky lycra Castelli uses!!

I commute to work by bike (100-200 miles a week). I need a well made short. Far and away the best chamois for me is the PRT by Pearl Izumi. I have 2 shorts that have this chamois - the Ultrasensor and Microsensor. They now include this chamois in their Attack shorts which are less expensive then the Micro or Ultra Sensor. It has lots of support, it can really cushion an urban commute. It has held up to over a year of washings (2x a week) and I can't see any wear and tear. I use it for mountain biking as well. It's shaped perfectly, narrower up front but large enough to protect the sit bones. The short itself fits well with no saggy diaper feeling...obviously someone at Pearl consulted WOMEN before actually constructing a woman's short!

As for Micro vs. Ultra Sensor - the micro is silkier and lighter and a bit cooler. But the ultra wicks just as well and gives your muscles a little more support.

My next choices far down the list would be the Multi L Elite by Performance. (But to be honest, although the chamois is good, the short itself is not that good) and the REI Pro Air.

Ladies,

I have to say I've read your stories with horror!

Since I bought two pairs of "Jitterbugs" Ladies nicks over a year ago, I haven't had a problem. I never hop on bike without them. No chaffing, just comfort. And they're almost as good as new!

I bought them from a New Zealand company called Ground Effect. Their stuff is great quality and with the exchange rate - excellent value. check out their website, it's really good. www.groundeffect.co.nz

Thank you to everyone that replied. Armed with everyone's suggestions, I spent a few hours at my local bike stores trying the recommended shorts on. On many of the shorts the chamois felt nice and soft, but often the shorts didn't fit properly. As someone mentioned on this board, a lot depends on your shape & size. I'm almost 6 feet tall with a small waist but larger rear and muscular legs. I found that many of the women's shorts weren't really cut for a taller woman. The Pearl Izumi Microsensors in XL seemed to fit best, which, unfortunately, were the most expensive of all the ones I tried on.

After my first 5 hour ride up some monster Italian passes I knew the Pearls were the right choice even if they were expensive. The shorts, combined with rubbing the Butt'r on before each ride, did the trick. I spent more time on my bike during my few weeks in Italy than I have in the last 6 months and had no problems other than slightly sore muscles because I wasn't in good enough shape! The chamois & stitching stayed soft, even in the heat and humidity. Thanks again for all your help. By the way, I highly recommend a bike trip to northern Italy. It was amazing!

I like the women's pearl izumi shorts. Just did a 44 mile ride with no irritation at all. The seams are soft and the fit is great for me

I too am in search of great fitting shorts. I have a couple pair of Sugois, a pair of In Sport and a pair of She Beest ( that I just bought). We typically do 70 - 100 mile rides. The In Sports are the best for really long rides. I wore the SheBeests today and I'm really thinking hard about just throwing them in the garbage. Ten miles into the ride I was ready to be riding in the nude. Well not really - but they were hugely uncomfortable.
I'm not sure they would last through an hour of Spin or a 45 minute video - that's how unbearable they were.

I have to agree - stay away from Shebeest. I did a metric century yesterday -- today I am nursing some nasty and painful sores on my hind-end! You can see where the edge of the so called "she sensitive" chamois cut into me!

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