Knickers, Anyone?

Hello! I'm fairly new to cycling and I could use some pointers or suggestions for the proper riding attire. I am particularly interested in KNICKERS but I don't know where to start. I know nothing of the different brands, types of chamois, etc.

Because they are so expensive (at least, as far as my budget is concerned, they are expensive!), I want to be really cautious about what I purchase.

Here are links to a few knickers I have my eye on:

Castelli Zen Knicker
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=11582

Shebeest Shindigger
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=25899

Pearl Izumi Sugar Knicker
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=29743

Shebeest Pedal Pusher
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=25847

The more time I spend shopping online, and the more previous threads I read regarding the different types of knickers & chamois styles, the more confused I become. I don't know where to begin so I'm hoping someone will have pity on me and give me some direction. :o

I have 2 pairs of cycling shorts already and I HATE them both. One pair is really short (Cannondale, I think) and they ride up & squeeze too tight around my thighs (NOT so flattering!):eek:. The other pair stops right above my knee and, again, squeezes far too tightly, making for an uncomfortable ride. SO.. I'm thinking the knicker will be more comfortable to wear... less chafing, and fewer issues with too-tight elastic, I'm hoping.

HOWEVER, seeing as how the weather is changing, I'm concerned about become too hot wearing them. Does anyone wear knickers in the summertime? Are there any types of fabric that are more 'breathable' than others to prevent me from overheating?

I've also even considered these ZOIC All Night Long Shorts: http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=33886 because they are SOOOOO cute but I think these might be more intended for mountain biking? Has anyone ever tried something like this on a road bike?

I'm 100% open to any suggestions, hints, tips, etc.!

Thanks! :)

I ride my road bikes in capris/knickers/long shorts and skorts.

Not overly fond of heavy padding, and right now my favorite is to wear UnderArmor (no pad) or Ibex Roaster Boxer (no pad) shorts under PI capris with the liner removed or Harlot shorts. Harlot: www.harlotwear.com Pearl Izumi: http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=29722

Love the *old* style Terry Commuter skorts with minimal chamois. Can't get 'em any more.

Edit to add: if the ZOIC long shorts appeal to you, get them! Feel the bike-clothes love! They look very cool. (unfortunately, I know that ZOIC just doesn't fit my tall long-torso/high-waisted bod, or I'd be drooling too)

My proper riding attire is whatever I'm wearing. It depends on what and how you are riding.
Welcome to TE. Sorry I don't know much about knickers. I think they're cool.

I wear only knickers — well, I do wear something on top, but you know what I mean. I never wear shorts because of the sausage effect on my thighs. I absolutely LOVE knickers because they're so darn comfortable, and I wear them all throughout the summer and winter, too. If I need more warmth in cooler temps, I simply wear a lightweight synthetic biking pant over the knickers. I've tried a few different brands of knickers, but so far I like Pearl Izumi and Boure. Some day, after I've dropped about 60 pounds, I'll try a pair of Assos. :D

I have an older model of the Shebeest Shindiggers and I don't care for them and seldom wear them. The rise is too short, and it feels like my butt is hanging out (even though it's not.) I should wear an XL by the size chart, I 've got a size L, and they feel too loose.

I love the idea of knickers, but I haven't bought any others yet.

Just goes to show we're all different! I love the Shebeest Shindigger and the Pedal Pusher. Both fit me really well, and are comfy. I also have the PI sugar knicker and also like those.

Good luck finding something that works for you!

CA

I have 2 pairs of Terry knickers and use them indoors (for spin) and out, until temps go above 70 degrees. My knees like the warmth.

I find knickers to be very useful. Great for temps in the 50's, I layer them under thin tights for really cold morning commutes when I know it'll be warmer for the ride home.
As for shorts within shorts, such as those ZOICs, I don't see why you couldn't wear them for casual road rides. Wear what is comfortable.
That said, I'm eyeing these from STP, but I'm not familiar with the brand. As you can see, different brands will fit different folks, well, differently. Some will love a cut, others will not. It's best to try them on, I think...especially a new brand with which you are not familiar.

I received the Pearl Izumi Sugar Knickers for Christmas, first knickers. I get cold under 70 degrees (I do better with heat) and these are perfect for the days when there is just a bit of a coolness in the air. Love the knee covering, not a fan of these knickers. The grippers around the calves are tight, the don't bother me when I am riding but after I take them off I have a weird burning sensation for about an hour. Like the tightness irritated my skin. I think it is the elastic PI uses, my skin is happier with silicon grippers.

The chamois is huge, feels like a big old diaper. I have other PI shorts and I know the chamois is usually a bit bigger but this one feels even bigger than those. My biggest beef is the chamois seams are not finished well. Most of my chamois are smooth but these are not. The have irritated my skin (on my tushie) on a few rides. I still wear them but I wouldn't buy another pair. I would however buy more knickers if we weren't heading into our 90+ degree weather right now.

I have the Shebeest Pedal Pusher and the PI Sugar Knickers. I like them both. The Pedal Pushers cover a bit more of my leg and are a bit warmer. I wear the Sugars when it's just a tad too cool for shorts. I tend to where shorts when it's in the 70s or above.

Whether you're talking shorts or capris, there's a bit of trial and error in finding ones that work. I tend to like longer shorts with material that is substantial enough to offer what I call "lock and load." I prefer a chamois where the extra-dense parts are strategically placed, rather than being just diaper like. I ordered a number of pairs of shorts last summer from TE and returned the ones that just didn't seem right. I also tend to think that you get what you pay for when it comes to cycling bottoms. The cheaper ones, e.g., Performance brand, just don't work for me. But I spend a lot of time on my bike and do long rides on a regular basis.

I really like the Sheebeest Pedal Pusher. I bought them here at TE on sale. Since the shorts have the same chamois I tried them and they are my favorite shorts. I have work great for me on long rides including centuries. I bought a second pair of both for this year.

PI micro sensor are good for shorter rides maybe up to 20 or 40 miles. That chamois does not work as well for me.

~ JoAnn

I have two pairs of Knickers, one is the ibex wool and the other is a terry pair.
I wear the ibex almost all year round.

I have shorts too and will pull them out when it warms up (If it warms up :confused: ) but the $$ i spent on my knickers was totally worth it. They are VERY comfortable, and as kjay put it, they are flattering too.

I have been wearing shorts exclusively since I started biking, but this spring, I've decided to try knickers. I've gained some weight, so my shorts look extra sausage-y and unflattering, so I figure I'll try knickers. I don't do well with heat, so I'm not sure how much I'll wear them over the summer, but I used to see plenty of women wearing them year round in North Carolina (where I lived last summer).

I just ordered the Sugar Knicker from TE and I'm picking them up at lunch today, so I'll let you know what I think when I have more info. :) I picked these because the chamois looks to be a good shape and thickness for me and they were relatively inexpensive. I don't want to spend a lot of money in case I end up not liking knickers.

Came back to add:
Got the knickers - they are similar or same fabric as my PI shorts, so that part is good. They will probably be cool enough in summer (at least in the PNW, anyway). The chamois is the right shape and it's a good thickness...but man, it's HUGE in size! I'm not sure how I feel about it...it might be too diaper-y for me. I'll wear them for a ride this weekend (if I can sneak one in amongst the rain) and report back.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KnottedYet

Love the *old* style Terry Commuter skorts with minimal chamois. Can't get 'em any more.

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Yeah, me too! I pulled on an old blue Hawaiin flowerdy skort the other day and rode my mtb in it. Ahhhhhh. I recently splurged on the Terry scooter capri (when they offered free shipping ;) ) and I like the give of the fabric and all the features as well. I wish they made it with a thin chamois though.

I like my knickers between about 40 and 60 degrees. Personally I would find them too hot in the heat of the summer, but we are all different.

I have both of those Shebeest knicks, and like both a lot. The differences are:
--Pedal pusher has more substantial chamois (but still very flexible -- I really like all of the Shebeest chamoii?!). The hourglass chamois in the Shindigger is good for rides up to maybe 20-25 miles for me, longer than that I want a little more. I can ride the Shelastic chamois for any distance.
--Pedal pusher has more contoured construction and I believe the fabric has a bit more spandex in it. The Shindigger is a more relaxed, four panel cut with no calf gripper. Both are comfortable. Pedal Pushers are a bit more supportive.

I also have the Sugar knicker. It's fine, I like it but don't love it. The waist is super, super low rise in front and the chamois is comfortable, but big/thick.

I don't have the Castelli knickers mentioned, but I have multiple pairs of Castelli shorts with that chamois and it's quite comfortable, almost as thin as the Shebeest hourglass chamois but I can ride it for longer distances.

I also have a pair of older Sugoi knickers, not sure what the model is called, they're 2005 or 2006 model that I found at 50% off at LBS. They are the best cut, best panel design I've tried (Sugoi is good at that!), and the chamois is remarkably comfortable, even though I wouldn't have thought it -- it's a thin, old school looking bit of pieced ultrasuede. The fabric is also superb for the cooler end of the knicker spectrum, quite windproof and fleecy inside.

Although cuts are different, sizes are about the same for all of these (I wear the same size in all of them).

Those of you who wish for the old Terry skort -- you should look at the Shebeest cycloskort (which has the thin hourglass chamois, and is SUPER CUTE on) and PI's select cycling skort, which has a fleece pad kind of like a tri-chamois, and is pretty cute too (not quite as cute as the Shebeest one though. Oh well).

I finally tried a pair of knickers this year. I have the Terry Bella knickers and like them a lot. They worked very well in 50-60 degree weather. Today it was well into the mid-seventies and I did think they were a little too warm.

I have a pair of Sheebest knickers as well. I had to get a larger size because I am so long in the legs, but I've enjoyed wearing them.

I've looked at other brands of knickers but haven't liked the design of the chamois as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sundial

Yeah, me too! I pulled on an old blue Hawaiin flowerdy skort the other day and rode my mtb in it. Ahhhhhh.

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sounds like we have the same skort. (blue and flowerdy and has little surfboards on it?)

the old skorts had a full double-flap kilt style front. I like that, too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KnottedYet

sounds like we have the same skort. (blue and flowerdy and has little surfboards on it?)

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Yep! And when I got the LL Bean blue/white long sleeve jersey, the light blue matched perfectly with the light blue in the skort. :) I still have the skort from the first year Terry offered it. It's bright yellow--my favorite. :cool:

This was my first experience with posting something on any kind of forum and, I have to say, BIKER CHICKS ROCK! You ladies answered all of my questions & then some.

I have soooo much new information that I am going to have to consider each and every person's response & make a decision about my knickers tonight. I'm leaning toward Shebeest - that seems to be the most popular brand, as far as comfort & chamois is concerned (except in a few cases). If I had $140to drop, I'd get something really snazzy but, as I am a beginner, I really don't need anything like that quite yet.

I will keep you updated on my final decision.
Thanks, again, for all of the great, detailed responses!!! :)

Corey

Okay, so I tried knickers first time this spring now too. Shebeest Shindiggers -- length, love it, even though it kinda bunches behind my knees as I'm riding. It's not like there's much fabric there (they hit just below the knee) and it's not a tight bunching, since they have that cute little vented hem. Longer knickers will likely hit at or just below the widest part of my calf, I'm not sure how that will stay put. I liked this length for that reason.

The padding was good for our 18+ mile ride yesterday. I look forward to seeing how they do on longer rides.

Temperature was good for the extra length.

Total vanity thing: Smoothed out my "baggy" inner thighs! Been losing weight, and there's still too much excess on the thighs, but there's this interesting hollow-thing going on just above my knees on the inside, with extra something AT the knees. The coverage of the shindiggers was PERFECT to make this interesting conformation look much more presentable! (I'm wondering how this area will continue to evolve as my fitness level increases!)

If I find that the padding's not sufficient for longer rides, I'll try some longer knickers, but maybe as the summer progresses, I'll be happier in shorter shorts, and the vanity issue will disappear again?

Karen in Boise

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GLC1968

I have been wearing shorts exclusively since I started biking, but this spring, I've decided to try knickers. I've gained some weight, so my shorts look extra sausage-y and unflattering, so I figure I'll try knickers. I don't do well with heat, so I'm not sure how much I'll wear them over the summer, but I used to see plenty of women wearing them year round in North Carolina (where I lived last summer).

I just ordered the Sugar Knicker from TE and I'm picking them up at lunch today, so I'll let you know what I think when I have more info. :) I picked these because the chamois looks to be a good shape and thickness for me and they were relatively inexpensive. I don't want to spend a lot of money in case I end up not liking knickers.

Came back to add:
Got the knickers - they are similar or same fabric as my PI shorts, so that part is good. They will probably be cool enough in summer (at least in the PNW, anyway). The chamois is the right shape and it's a good thickness...but man, it's HUGE in size! I'm not sure how I feel about it...it might be too diaper-y for me. I'll wear them for a ride this weekend (if I can sneak one in amongst the rain) and report back.

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Looking forward to hearing how they ride! :) Keep me posted!
I just saw the Shebeest Shindiggers recently were placed on sale for $64.95- down from $84.95, I think.. so that is yet another motivating factor in my decision!! :)

Oops! Nevermind about that price thing! I was mistaken. I have looked at so many knickers I can't keep them straight.
I ordered the Shindiggers anyway... I'll post what I think about them when I get them! :)
Thanks again for all of the advice!

I've only ridden with shorts (and tights when it's colder) in my 25 years of cycling, but just yesterday I bought some PI Versa Capris from TE. They are for an upcoming trip to Europe, and I wanted something that would be a bit more modest/urban for my biking. I'll still wear my regular cycling shorts (I like PI so that's the only brand I even consider) on longer rides, but there will be shorter rides exploring Paris, and the Versa capris ought to be fine for that.

One thing, though, I really don't like buying clothes online because I can't try them on. Sizes seem to be so all over the map (depending on the item, I'll wear a 4, a 6, or sometimes an 8--and my body stays the same!). Hopefully these capris will fit just fine, as I waited until the last minute and will not have time to exchange them!

Oh, and don't feel like you have to go with skin tight lycra if you are not comfortable in it. Baggy bike shorts (sometimes called mountain bike shorts) are perfectly acceptable on a road bike!