shorts crowding 'up there'

[polly4711]

Hello all!

I have a problem. I only own ONE pair of cycling shorts, and while preparing for the MS 150, I need another pair of shorts. I have a pair of pearl izumis and they kinda bunch up and then cause unnecessary pressure and chafing. I don't think it's my seat because when I wear normal spandex (I dont ride in normal spandex, I just sat on my seat to see the problem) there is no crowding.

What else should I look for in a pair of shorts? I know that the number of pannelling means something..... but I'm not sure what else


HELP!!!

[Kalidurga]

Make sure you buy the right size. For a long time, I bought a certain size because I hated the idea of feeling constricted, but I had the same problem as you. After reading posts here, I finally went out and bought a pair one size down and I was amazed at what a difference it made. No more chamois shifting around and bunching in my groins. And the smaller size wasn't anywhere near as constricting as I expected it to be.

[OakLeaf]

You're not specific where your shorts are "bunching up." Are they riding up your legs? Smaller shorts, longer shorts, or different leg grippers might help. Are they twisting around your legs? More panels, maybe.

If it's the chamois itself, my thoughts are that it should more or less match your saddle. I prefer a more T-shaped saddle with a cut-out, and similarly I don't do well with shorts that have a whole lot of padding in front. PI chamois definitely have a wide front part and they're made of material that tends to fold rather than compress. And you want to also make sure that the chamois is wide enough in back to protect your sit bones.

More panels basically means the shorts are going to "stay put" better, because the more panels, the fewer different directions each panel has to stretch as your legs move. But if the shorts fit you well, they shouldn't "bunch up" regardless of the number of panels. Just more panels will move around less. Be prepared to pay $12-15 per panel.

[Zen]

I think they're bunching up in the crotchal area.
I also think Kalidurga has the answer to the problem.

[GLC1968]

I had the same problem when I first started riding. I'm not a small girl on the bottom - and because of this, I was buying my bike shorts in Mediums and Larges (depending on the brand). I kept getting the chamois all bunched up and in places that it didn't belong.

When I was trying to fine tune my saddle as my rides got longer, I finally measured my sit bones. Lo and behold, I had discovered my problem! My sit bones are quite narrow for a woman. And they do NOT match the width of my rear or my legs (which are both large). My anatomy and my body shape don't align very well and I never knew it until I started cyclilng.

Now I buy most of my shorts in smalls so that the chamois fits me and therefore doesn't move. What a world of difference! You need to buy your shorts to fit your hips and crotch, not your rear, your stomach or your legs.

My guess is that your shorts are too big.

[malkin]

The crotchal area can be quite crotchety, can it not?

[bluebug32]

I have a pair of PIs and they tend to bunch up more than my other shorts. I think more padding isn't always better as some of my favorite shorts have minimal padding. It's just really a matter of experimenting and seeing what works best for you.

[roadie gal]

2+ on what Kalidurga said. If the shorts are too large they'll crawl around.