Just need to vent a minute.

**DDH** · 08-08-2006, 06:42 AM

I have been to my LBS twice trying to find a good pair of shorts. I bought 1 pair brought them home, tried them on and the were a bit small, but mostly they had that low rise waist and I can't stand that. My pants, shorts whatever need to be on my waist or I am tugging at them trying to pull them up. Makes me feel like my pants are falling down. Okay, showing my age here I know. LOL
Anyway, yesterday I took them back and the only other thing he had that wasn't the low rise waist was some of the mountain bike shorts, that have the camios (sp?) and lined shorts on the inside but are lose on the outside.
Went to get ready to ride this morning and put them on. They are toooo tight. I'm so mad!!! I was hoping to have a new good pair of shorts to ride with this weekend on the organized ride I am going on. My shorts I have now are the ones that we bought back when we first started riding like 9 or 10 years ago. They have been sitting in my drawers all these years and it's not like they weren't used a lot back then. They fit, but they are so worn that they ride up on my legs and the padding is not nearly as good as the newer shorts now have.
Oh, well, guess I will be riding in old worn out shorts this weekend. Being fat and trying to find something that fits really sucks!! I can wear an XL in anything I buy from the store, but not in bike shorts I guess.

**Kano** · 08-08-2006, 06:56 AM

Even mediocre shorts would help, right?

I've found a couple of pair at REI -- one is their house brand, and the other is Canari. The chamois is nothing special, mostly a layer or two of fleece, I think, but they get me through a ride! Fabric is heavy enough so they're not see through, and if you're lucky, you'll find 'em on their summer clearance rack! I got mine for $20/pair.

We're starting to ride a bit longer now -- 30+ miles on weekends, and on the last one, I found myself thinking that maybe these shorts aren't designed for rides that long, so I might be hunting for something nicer for "long hauls" one of these days.

I know what you mean, though, about the waist too low -- Dad calls it "dunlaps disease" when the waist done laps over the belt. My frustration is that when the waistband is in the wrong place, the front rolls down, and all the padding in the world doesn't help with THAT issue!

Karen in Boise

**Lise** · 08-08-2006, 07:02 AM

My first pair of bike shorts was an XL Canari from Sport Mart. That store is now called something else...Sports Authority. Anyhoo, it's a "big box" sports equipment store. Eventually I got too small for the XLs, went back, and bought an L in the same shorts. I still wear them. Four years later. I have fancier shorts, and more expensive shorts, but these are still perfectly good.

Maybe you can find some like that in a bigger store. Good luck, and have fun on your rides!

**mimitabby** · 08-08-2006, 07:06 AM

I sure understand your frustration, there is such a considerable difference in sizes and styles.
I bought a pair of shorts (Cannondale brand?!) they felt like rubber. who wants to wear rubber on a bike all day?
I'm sending them back!

**Cassandra_Cain** · 08-08-2006, 07:08 AM

The never-ending saga for well-fitting bike shorts, is, well, never-ending! And for good reason really.

Whether tis because manufacturers like to make our lives difficult by changing sizing EVERY darn year OR because the LBS only carries, say, XS - it goes on and on.

I try to support the LBS as much as possible (3 bikes in 2 months is plenty I think) - but sometimes you have to go online, like here at TE, to get what you need. I find most shops have every imaginable size in men's gear, but mostly hand-me downs and random sizes in women's.

Hang in there, i'm sure you'll get some good shorts soon enough

**DDH** · 08-08-2006, 07:29 AM

Mimi, you cracked me up with the rubber shorts comment. LMAO

I have an image now of riding around in rubber shorts. Hey might be a way to hold all the fat in, unless it is soft rubber. LOL

Anyway, thanks for the laugh, I needed that.

**tulip** · 08-08-2006, 08:47 AM

I agree with Cassandra. TE specializes in women's stuff, and they have expertise in larger sizes. It may seem expensive to get a good pair, but they will fit you and you will get lots of riding out of them. If you treat them right, they will last a long time.

**mary9761** · 08-08-2006, 08:48 AM

I'm glad I make my own.

**Nanci** · 08-08-2006, 09:27 AM

I used to hate low-cut shorts till I got my belly button pierced- now I love them! They have to be just right, though, to still keep my belly contained. I HATE that on jeans, too, and I've ALWAYS had a problem with the waist being too high since I am 5"2". I'm starting to hate it the way bike shorts go way up the back, too, when I used to like that.

But even if you don't have sizing issues, it's still nearly impossible to find the right pair, and when you do they are either wicked expensive or the manufacturer promptly changes them, or both.

I have three pairs of old Primals, with the old quilty-style chamois (if you look at my review on the Sugoi RS Flex shorts, my current beloved, you can see a photo of the Primal chamois) which are about 6 years old, but they are still my first choice as backups. I can't believe how long they've lasted, either, without the elastic or fabric going bad like it does with old swimsuits.

Well, good luck with the hunt.

Nanci

**SadieKate** · 08-08-2006, 09:32 AM

DDH, why aren't you trying on the shorts in the store? I've never been able to buy any clothing without trying it on. Every brand is different and every model within the brand is different. Our bodies are all different.

Call TE and describe what you are looking for. They'll help.

Otherwise, go back to your LBS and try on the shorts. There may even be some men's shorts that will work.

**Bikingmomof3** · 08-08-2006, 09:53 AM

DDH-
I call up TE and they patiently listen to me babble about measurents, ask me questions and then send out the perfect fitting shorts. I have only tried Shebeest, but I adore that brand. The TE staff is so patient, especially since I do not have anywhere around here to even look at clycling clothing for women.

**cherinyc** · 08-08-2006, 10:20 AM

Mary - you make your own? How is that possible? you must be magic or something, b/c I can't even imagine making something like bike shorts.

The bike short dilemma is never-ending. I went in to my LBS on Thursday to get some seat adjustments for an event on Staurday. My (1) pair of shorts was dirty, so I just wore comfortable shorts. The guy said I wouldn't be able to tell unless I was weraing bike shorts - (or maybe he just wanted to make me buy something). Either way - they were all expensive. I ended up getting one of the cheaper pairs ($79.99 - can you believe it? I NEVER spend that much on regular clothing).
Then I found out - when checking out the care label - that they were from Spring 2002. $80 for 4 year old shorts. Although I could've sworn that I had tried on that style (PI Ultrasensor) before and hadn't liked them. But these I liked.
More proof that they change the style, fit, sizing - every year. WHY???? Can't they just make up a new name - and let the old name/style/fit stay the same?

**SadieKate** · 08-08-2006, 10:33 AM

Those PI Ultrasensors with the PRT chamois are highly prized by some folks. The chamois is very good for century rides. I don't blame the shop for not marking them down.

I know two people who grumbled this weekend about not being able to get the PRT chamois any longer.

**mimitabby** · 08-08-2006, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by cherinyc

The bike short dilemma is never-ending. I went in to my LBS on Thursday to get some seat adjustments for an event on Staurday. My (1) pair of shorts was dirty, so I just wore comfortable shorts. The guy said I wouldn't be able to tell unless I was weraing bike shorts - (or maybe he just wanted to make me buy something). Either way - they were all expensive. I ended up getting one of the cheaper pairs ($79.99 - can you believe it? I NEVER spend that much on regular clothing).
Then I found out - when checking out the care label - that they were from Spring 2002. $80 for 4 year old shorts. Although I could've sworn that I had tried on that style (PI Ultrasensor) before and hadn't liked them. But these I liked.
More proof that they change the style, fit, sizing - every year. WHY???? Can't they just make up a new name - and let the old name/style/fit stay the same?

Wow, is that the "good" LBS or the "bad" one that sold you 4 year old shorts for list price??!! that's terrible.

I agree with others here; call TE.. I have already ordered (the rubber shorts) from them and then called them this morning(to find a replacement pair) and both times had excellent conversations from very helpful staff.

**cherinyc** · 08-08-2006, 10:43 AM

sadiekate - thanks for your reply. I don't know what a PRT chamois is - is that what's in my new....uh...new for me....shorts?
I am thinking that with rsing costs - these may have been equivelant to a $100 pair of shorts today.

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