shorts problems

[cylegoddess]

I have several pairs of shorts but really hate them all.
I have NZO tarmac and netti.
Im a small person but what IS WITH the waistbands and leg openings?
Tight, tight tight!! ( they are mens, so obviously not made as much for fat on thighs.)
I hear bibs are good but two things;
Do they really hurt your chest( Ive heard nipple chafing)even with sports bras? Mines not large but ...
How do you handle peeing, when you have all those layers over top?
No matter what shorts I get, the chamois is too big( like a saddle in some!).
Obviously moulded ones are best for non chafing.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
I am clueless about what brands are good, except perhaps they cost more?

[Crankin]

Ah, don't get men's shorts?

[Grog]

Women's shorts that are the right size for you (they should definitely fit tightly but not hurt you) should not have those problems I think.

[subengine]

I have pretty big thighs so I definitely need women's shorts. I

have pair of pearl izumi quest shorts which are designed for comfort with lots of panels and they are great.

But it's actually a pair of plain castelli shorts (kiss) that are my favourite because they slide on perfectly, don't show too much thigh bulge and they have a cute scorpion on ze butt. What's not to love? They are fairly basic shorts but I find they fit the best.

[VeloVT]

I, too, quite like having a scorpion on my hindquarters. It makes me feel fast and dangerous even when said hindquarters are carrying a few spare pounds.



I like Castelii's chamois too.

[crazycanuck]

Hey cyclegoddess, have you tried Ground Effect nicks? THey don't have the grippy leg things at the bottom like most.

[tctrek]

I like Castelii's chamois too.

+1 for the Castelli chamois. It looks weird, but ultra comfortable on long rides. I also love that there's no elastic in the waist or legs, yet they magically stay put! The butt scorpion is a big plus.

[Kiwi Stoker]

Personally I have found that you get what you pay for in shorts. I now only buy top of the line shorts. Cheap shorts will always have problems- less panels so they don't fit very well, too soft a chamois, too tight/scratchy elastic grippers etc

I find Pearl Izumi high end shorts are good (not too tigh around the legs) and Louis Garneau has some shorts with no grippers on the legs which DH loves (he have huge muscle legs).

Regarding bib shorts. I have a pair of Pearl Izumi bibs. I don't wear them for long rides. To go to the toilet you have to take your shirt off (I leave mine around my neck) so yes its a pain. I understand if you have a sleeveless top some ladies can wriggle the straps down their arms. The PI bibs are cut for women so the straps sit on the outside of your bust and a clip in the middle holds them together so there's no worry about nipple rub.

[AnnieBikes]

I am such a fan of Terry T-shorts. This year I bought two new ones and the chamois is great. They are not too thick, good for long rides and not too tight in the legs, which always seemed to be a problem with other shorts. I have tried several kinds, REI, Canari, PI, and Blackbottoms. I will always go for the Terry, even though they are expensive. I wait for free shipping, at least!!

[cylegoddess]

Hmm castelli sound good. So do PI. I like GEffects stuff alot and the shipping from NZ isnt terrible, so things can be exchanged. Thanks ladies! I will look into other unfamilar brands.
I think I have seen the PI bibs. they seem good but I have a super bony sternum( even bra that dont snap in front hurt me). Is the buckle irritating? I suppose sports bra will keep that from rubbing.

The no elastic in legs sounds amazingly good. I hate that bulge it makes, and the irritating welt for the the next two hours I get. Once you get non elastic waists one never wants to go back.
My Ground effect tarmacs are good in the high end non elastic waist ones( abt 155 aus on sale)but I lost some waist centimeters riding commutes( time to break out the cookies!) and they tend to slide a bit, off, also a bit worn.