Shebeest Short Problems 2006/2007

I have loved the Shebeest SSS shorts. I wore them through many miles last year. I own 2 mediums that were used over and over again. I have had a lot of saddle problems in many areas but one area that I can't seem to solve are the sides.

I wonder if the chamois is the problem. I love the density of the chamois, not too thick. I can't stand PI shorts (diaper short) and I love Shebeest due to the thicker material holding in the tummy, more compression, and you can't see through them. The GIRDLE effect was the MAIN reason for keeping them before I had even tested them on the road. The fabric is awesome and lasts forever! But I am concerned.... (I have lost over 100lbs and kept off for many years but the side effect of that loss and haven been large for so long is stretched out skin. A lot of skin that makes me look "fat" even though it's not fat. )

Has anyone had a problem with the chamois? The outermost layer is a bit rough. It doesn't mold into the rest of the chamois. It seems as though it might be cutting the crease of my leg. If you feel it is pretty sharp compared to other chamois out there. Also the new 2007 chamois has this new crease line cut in the front soft tissue. Why would they add that line? I have had other chamois like that and it only ends up pinching the area you DON'T want pinched. To top it off I can't imagine what the visual on the outside of the short would be. If you get my drift.

I get a lot of chafing and pain in the crease of my leg even with use of wonderful Assos chamois cream. I have used bag balm and chamois butter but have found Assos to be the best.

Now onto the new Elite replacement, the SB Ultra D Short. I noticed the material is not the Dryline and the Dryline material is what give the girdle effect, but it appears as though the Ultra D Short might have thicker than most shorts out there. Has anyone noticed this?

How does the Ultra D Short compare to the SSS? Does it still have that sharp edge (the outermost most edge)? Is it a lot thicker than the SSS chamois? How is the material different? I know they are longer and I particularly like the shorter.

One final problem. I really wanted to get 2 more 2006 models of SSS and had a really hard time finding them. They sold fast but I eventually found some. I have NOT gained weight, actually I have lost weight since my first purchases of the SSS. I got these new 2 shorts and they both are horribly small. The leg opening is really embarrassing with the wonderful sausage effect. Why would these 2 new shorts fit so differently than the 2 shorts I bought last year? I would have NEVER purchased shorts that looked like this last year. I rather dislike my thighs in the first place so making them look worse just won't cut it. Knowing last year they fit perfectly and this year I am smaller, why are they so small?

Has anyone also had this problem? Having sizing discrepancies within the same model and size?

Sorry for such a long post but I really am needing some help here. I am training for a very big even and I do like to do long distance riding. I don't want to be uncomfortable on the bike physically and mentally.

Thanks
Tiff

Did I not post in the correct place? Just wondered. This was my second attempt at a post here. Just let me know please. Thanks

You did post int he correct place! :)

I think a lot of folks are out riding for the weekend. I actually can't take the time for a long response right now as I have to run out with my daughter to do some errands. But I am a SB shorts fan - my favs are the elite distance ones, and I have just gotten the Ultra Ds. Wore them on my 300k yesterday and tthey were great. Will post more later.

Thanks Sarah! :)

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Originally Posted by maillotpois

You did post int he correct place! :)

I think a lot of folks are out riding for the weekend. I actually can't take the time for a long response right now as I have to run out with my daughter to do some errands. But I am a SB shorts fan - my favs are the elite distance ones, and I have just gotten the Ultra Ds. Wore them on my 300k yesterday and tthey were great. Will post more later.

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Yes I have other Shebeest capris and also just got the Ultra D's, but I've never had the SSS so I can't comment. I like the Shebeest "Shelastic" chamois and I also like the Ultra D's "Century Stretch" chamois, if that's any help.

Thanks Lisa for also responding.

Could you compare the two chamois for me please? The shelastic and the century stretch.

Also, do you know what I mean about the final edge of the chamois being a bit rough compared to other shorts, or is it just me that feels it? :)

Have you ever had any chafing in the crease area of your leg possibly due to that chamois?

Thanks again.

Tiff

Hmmm...well I have the 2006 version of the Shelastic chamois in a capri, and the 2007 version of the Century Stretch chamois inthe UltraD shorts. They both seem smooth and stretchy, are both one piece with pressed sealed lines and varied thickness. The Century seems a bit denser and thicker, and indeed it is made for longer rides. I find them both EXTREMELY comfortable.
When you say the final edge of the chamois...do you mean the edge that is stitched to the shorts? If so, then both the chamois seem to be stitched down to the shorts all around the very edge with a double and very flat smooth seam of black thread. It does not seem rough or lumpy at all to me.

I think some women here have experienced chafing or little skin cysts, ingrown hairs, or rashes in that crease between thigh and private parts, but perhaps it has more to do with heat, dampness or friction or the crease being not open to the air? Personally, I just put on some unscented hypoallergenic hand cream down there before riding so my various parts can shift around if they need to and don't get mashed and stuck into one position for the whole ride. Lots of women love using Chamois Butter to prevent chafing. Powder is another possibility to prevent chafing, but I would worry about the white powder working its way to the outside of the shorts and look strange! :eek:

I am having a hard time finding any rough areas of those two chamois that might cause any kind of chafing- not really sure what you mean. Maybe it's like a heat rash or the crease doesn't get any air? You might also try a simple hydrocortisone creme in the crease area before riding, and wash well after riding and maybe put non-perfumed powder afterwards too.

Sorry I can't help more with the chamois question. You really should call up TE store and ask them- they know EVERYTHING about their various chamois models.

Once again, thank you Lisa for your description.

What I mean about the final edge is the last edge/layer of the chamois density, not the stitched edge.

The 3 or 4 layers that make up the chamois. that lowest layer. All the other layers are smooth, soft, foam whatever, the bottom layer has an edge. At least to me. I can feel where it stops. That is where I think I am being "cut" by the chamois.

I think I will call TE tomorrow about this. Don't get me wrong, I have loved these shorts and was considering buying the Ultras, I just wondered if anyone else has had this same problem. Also the sizing differences that I experienced.

Gosh I feel like I am not making any sense at all. Oh well.

Thanks for listening. :)

Tiff,
About the size/legband issue... I talked a bit about that in the thread "Comparing 3 TE Distance Shorts". I found the shorts all were way smaller than all the capris I normally wear, and I had to get 2 sizes larger when ordering shorts in the same brands as my capris. Leg band "issues". Maybe reading that thread will help you decide what sizes you'll need as well.

LOL Thanks.

I had two pair last year and loved them. When I bought two more pair, without gaining weight, actually losing, they are skin tight on me. Same size, same year model. Just thought it was also odd. :)

Guess I am just having great luck right now. :(

Tiff
I have the new SSS shorts and I must say I liked the chamois better on the old ones. It always seems you find something that works and then they change it. The new ones were also bothering me in the leg crease. I also have the new Ultra D shorts. These are nice and the chamois in much thicker. Not uncomfortable but thicker so I just have to get use to that. Don't know if this helps.

I never had the SSS shorts so I can't compare the Ultra D to them. However, I do still like the Elites the best. I can't find those anymore either. :rolleyes:

I hate to say this, but if they are having a 'girdling' effect, I wonder if they're too tight. You want snug, but not too tight.

Surly, I am glad you understood what I meant about the edge of the chamois. Now I don't feel so crazy. :) I guessed that chamois would be trouble. Not a good place for a crease!

Sarah, Maybe search the net and find them out there somewhere. That's what I had to do to get 2006 model.

Pedal, Could be but they have fit just fine everywhere. The chamois doesn't move around when I ride. I have had shorts too big and they are horrible. The "girdle effect" I am speaking of is my tummy. But anyway....

Thanks all.
:)

Tiff - out of curiosity, what event are you training for?

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Originally Posted by Tiff

Did I not post in the correct place? Just wondered. This was my second attempt at a post here. Just let me know please. Thanks

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Yep, right place. I've never liked Shebeest, so didn't comment. :)

But I'm also, what event you're training for.

V.

Triple Bypass.

I know it's not in the "ultra" category you guys ride V and Sarah. :P

But it's sure going to kick my butt!

Oh that'll be a butt-kicker! It will be good to have good shorts on your butt before it's kicked! :p

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Originally Posted by Tiff

Triple Bypass.

I know it's not in the "ultra" category you guys ride V and Sarah. :P

But it's sure going to kick my butt!

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So not true! I keep thinking I'd like to do that, but it never fits my schedule. You'll have to write a report now. :)

V.

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Originally Posted by Veronica

So not true! I keep thinking I'd like to do that, but it never fits my schedule. You'll have to write a report now. :)

V.

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Butt-Kicker-
UH HUH! Don't know how I was tricked into doing this ride. :confused:

Report, no prob. Will do.

Now just dress me! LOL :) (said in the most proper way!)

I had one very bad Shebeest experience and won't buy anymore of their product. It was a production error.

I thought I had the perfect shorts last year, but by August, they weren't so perfect. I'm beginning to wish for the perfect butt instead. :eek:

V.

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Originally Posted by Veronica

I had one very bad Shebeest experience and won't buy anymore of their product. It was a production error.

I thought I had the perfect shorts last year, but by August, they weren't so perfect. I'm beginning to wish for the perfect butt instead. :eek:

V.

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Have you ever tried the Nike Pro Race shorts? They made a great chamois in 2005 but last year they messed it all up. Chamois change, material change etc.....

Now Nike has passed the chamois and design to Trek. I just bought some of these shorts.

They are the Trek Circuit. Hmmm I am new here so I wonder if I am to not mention other brands.... but anyway.....


The problem for me about these shorts are I just have too big of a gut! Too much tissue left after a huge weight loss. The shorts are awesome. I have never had a chamois problem with these what so ever nor have I had any other problems. I just wanted something to hold my gut in better. These shorts feel like butter and so does the chamois.

OTOH, I still want to give Shebeest a try. Maybe I will attempt the Ultra's.

Curious V, what were the shorts last year and the problem? Can you say?

I have a friend I coached to do the Death Ride last year who'd also lost a significant amount of weight. I will ask her what shorts she likes.

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Originally Posted by maillotpois

I have a friend I coached to do the Death Ride last year who'd also lost a significant amount of weight. I will ask her what shorts she likes.

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OH thank you so much. I "look" pregnant and large, and really I am not under the shell that's been left behind. :(

Tiff

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Originally Posted by Tiff

Curious V, what were the shorts last year and the problem? Can you say?

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Louis Garneau Airstreams. I wore them on my first double, with no creams of any sort, it rained and I had no problems. I wore them on my DMD attempt, 14 hours on the bike, my Davis Double and Little Red Riding Hood.

But sometime in August they started causing chafing in one spot on my butt.

I had lost a few pounds so I tried a smaller size, but I still had the chafing issues.

I did wear the smaller ones today and had no problems. Thom did just re-tension my saddle, so maybe it was something weird about the saddle and the shorts.

So right now I don't have any chamoises that I love for long distances. I wore my Assos knickers for 112 miles with Jo and they were okay, but the chamois kind of creeps on me. I don't think a size smaller in those would fit.

I have a ton of shorts though, so I'm going to keep wearing what I have and hope I fall back in love with a pair or two.

V.

Hey guys,

Is shopping for shorts really a shot in the dark? I mean I went to the store and tried on the Specialized BG Pro that Bluetree said she liked. They fit.. but other than that is there any way to tell how they will be down the road?

Just spend the $$ and hope?

V, thanks for the report on the airstreams...

Hmm.. maybe Ultra D's or Specialized...?

MP.. you like the Elite's better than the Ultra D's? Why? I think I saw some in Chain Reaction in Los Altos last night. NOt sure tho...

rogue I think the elite chamois was a teeny bit smaller.

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Originally Posted by roguedog

Is shopping for shorts really a shot in the dark? I mean I went to the store and tried on the Specialized BG Pro that Bluetree said she liked. They fit.. but other than that is there any way to tell how they will be down the road?

Just spend the $$ and hope?

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If you can squeeze in there, if it fits nice and tight, if the chammy is not looking like it's going to shift around, if it hugs your curves and flats, you can be pretty sure the shorts will be good for rides up to 2 hours or so. Beyond that point, it's hard to guess.

Everyone has their preferences. You have to start with a pair or two and as you go you learn what works for you, develop your preferences... and then the manufacturer changes the design you liked best!! Oops.

So it's not a total shot in the dark, but there is some getting-to-know-thy-bum involved.

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Originally Posted by Grog

If you can squeeze in there, if it fits nice and tight, if the chammy is not looking like it's going to shift around, if it hugs your curves and flats, you can be pretty sure the shorts will be good for rides up to 2 hours or so. Beyond that point, it's hard to guess.

Everyone has their preferences. You have to start with a pair or two and as you go you learn what works for you, develop your preferences... and then the manufacturer changes the design you liked best!! Oops.

So it's not a total shot in the dark, but there is some getting-to-know-thy-bum involved.

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Isn't that the truth! So annoying when they change things the next year.
_______
Tiff

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Originally Posted by Veronica

So right now I don't have any chamoises that I love for long distances. I wore my Assos knickers for 112 miles with Jo and they were okay, but the chamois kind of creeps on me. I don't think a size smaller in those would fit.

V.

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Its so funny that you say that V because when I was riding in my new Assos shorts the other day and I was thinking these are great but if they were only a little smaller they would be perfect. The problem is I dont think I would fit into the size down from the ones I have. I think Im between sizes. Aaahhh what a pain.