Knickers, Anyone?

[corey]

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.

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!). 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!

[KnottedYet]

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)

[sundial]

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

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.

[VeloVT]

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).

[SandyLS]

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.

[Bike Goddess]

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.

[KnottedYet]

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

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.

[sundial]

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

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.

[corey]

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

[Melalvai]

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.

[kjay]

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.

[divingbiker]

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.

[Blueberry]

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

[latelatebloomer]

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.