Help Choosing Short . . .

[anasofia]

Hi, I've been riding for years either in regular clothes or with the one pair of padded short I own. Now i'm going on a 5 days 300 miles ride and I want to buy a couple things (maybe one or two shorts and shirts.) it's going to be hot and I want to be somewhat confortable. I started looking but I am COMPLETELY overwhelmed by the selection. the types of padding, etc, etc . . . I tend to go toward cheaper and/or style, but I thought I'd ask for advice in choosing (it's hard online when you don't get to try things on. I live in NYC maybe I should go try some stuff at a store.) What else would you ladies recommend I buy (I have a helmet of course. Should I get gloves? camelback?
ok that's all . . . thanks a milion

[SouthernBelle]

I would definitely go try on shorts since you should have lots of shops available. Get the gloves, good comfy sports bras, jerseys. You may also want to try chamois butt'r on a ride that long. If it will be hot, something to keep the sweat out of your eyes. Good sunglasses. Saddlebag with flat changing stuff.

[VeloVT]

Tell us more about your tour -- that sounds great!

You absolutely must try on shorts. There's really no other way to know if they will work for you. It seems like shorts are a lot like saddles -- everyone has a different preference. Unfortunately, spending more generally does get a better short. I found a great deal on Castelli Visio shorts recently and I really like them -- it's worth checking Nashbar/Performance for good deals on PI shorts (which most people either love or hate -- personally I'm sort indifferent about them). I find Shebeest SSS shorts very comfortable too.

Miscellaneous things that may be useful:
--arm warmers, for when the wind kicks up or it's chilly in the morning but warms up by noon

--a very lightweight and packable jacket and/or vest, like this:
https://shop.sunrisecyclery.com/item/14736/
http://www.rei.com/product/759783?pr...:referralID=NA

--definitely gloves

--seat bag and flat-changing stuff, if you don't already have them...

good luck!

[OakLeaf]

+1 to trying on shorts. There's just no other way to know what fits, and unfortunately you do get what you pay for, for the most part. Do you like the one pair you have? Can you find the same or similar shorts?

Gloves are a must for safety as much as comfort. It doesn't take much road rash on your hands to put you totally out of commission.

As far as a hydration pack, that depends. If you've been riding for years, you know how much you need to drink to avoid getting dehydrated - will you be able to stop and refill your bottles often enough? Is it a supported tour?

+1 on arm and knee warmers, depending on what kind of weather you expect on your tour.

Cycling jerseys are nice, but not a complete necessity (as long as you have another way to carry your ID, phone, key, credit cards, etc. if you don't have pockets). A good technical fabric will wick sweat, help keep you cool in hot weather and warm in cool weather, hug your body for comfort and aerodynamics in riding position, and give you some (not much) protection in a fall by sliding rather than catching on the ground. But plenty of people ride in T-shirts or running tops.

[redrhodie]

I wasn't riding when I lived in NYC, but I used to get dance and yoga clothes at Paragon on B'way, and I remember them having a good cycling section. I just looked at their website, and they seem to carry a lot of brands, so that may be a good place to try stuff on. I bought my BF some Sugoi tights there 10 years ago, and I wore them myself this winter, and they were still perfect.

Better not to skimp with shorts, the cheapo ones don't last, so you end up spending more in the long run. You'll probably need 2 pairs. If it's going to be hot, I'd opt for 1 short sleeve and 1 sleeveless jersey, either a bolero or armwarmers, and a long sleeve base layer just in case it gets chilly.

Where are you heading? I'm feeling jealous already.

[Grog]

Oh, YES! Try them on!!

And, a reminder: bike shorts should be tight. Not loose. I know some are shy to appear immodest, but please make sure you get the smallest shorts you can squeeze yourself into. If they are loose, then the chammy starts moving around and pinching you in places you really don't want to be pinched!

Enjoy the tour (and tell us about it!)

[SouthernBelle]

I really would suggest jerseys for a tour because of the pockets. They have rear pockets for food, etc.

[OakLeaf]

please make sure you get the smallest shorts you can squeeze yourself into

well, not exactly. Shorts should be snug, but the chamois shouldn't be stretched taut against the area it's supposed to protect. I have a pair of shorts that's too small (must've been dehydrated or something when I tried them on ) and they're VERY uncomfortable.