They look good ... but ouch!

[azfiddle]

We got a really great looking kit as part of the training for El Tour de Tucson with University Medical Center/Carmichael Training.

I tried the kit out today on a 35 mile ride and was so disappointed with the shorts. Owie! This is the first time I've experienced chaffing from the stitching on the edge of the chamois. Zig-zag and not smooth. No problem with the actual chamois, just the edges. I've worn 5 different brands of shorts, and never had this problem before. Last year the kits were not nearly as sharp, but were made by Hincapie. This year, we paid a higher fee for the training (a very reasonable $80 for 8 weeks, plus the kit), but I've never heard of the brand - Adrenaline Promotions.

It was disappointing....

[Biciclista]

ouch is right. can you take them back? complain to those who sold them to you at least?

[azfiddle]

Not really an option for "return"- I can just opt not to wear them on the rides. The kit was provided for free with the $80 registration for the training. It's just the design.

[Dogmama]

Wondering if you can replace the pad? Somebody gave me a link to a place that sells pads - I can dig it out if you want it.

[Desert Tortoise]

What if you like the pad but it's the stitching that the problem? Can the stitching be repaired or something?

I have 2 pairs of Gore shorts I bought on sale, used once or twice w/o problems but then stopped riding regularly for a long time. Now that I'm back, I tried them for a 10 mile ride and oh boy, big sore where the chamois and fabric stitching meet. Took a couple of days to get better, which meant no riding even with my good shorts.

Any ideas to fix this?
Thanks!

[azfiddle]

Just a little update on this topic-

I decided to provided some feedback on these shorts, via the manufacturer's website. I ended up having 3 or 4 emails back and forth to someone in the company (possibly the president of the company- I'm not sure). I emailed him photos of the chamois stitching and edge, as well as comparison shot with a another pair of shorts (Giordana).

He said that chamois butter and some time to break them in might help. I pointed out that none of my other shorts needed this.

His comments suggested they are trying to keep the shorts affordable. He asked if I would be willing to share how much I had paid for the other shorts that didn't have a problem. So I sent him the full list: Performance, Shebeest, Giordana, etc, with the list prices and approx purchase prices. Basically, I have tried to keep the price under $80 but have gotten some good discounts here and there.

Anyway- he thanked me several times for the feedback.
BTW- although several people have also found these shorts unwearable, my DH wore them for 92 miles last weekend and did not have any problem whatsoever. But he has an iron b*tt I think, and maybe the men's is different than the women's for some reason.

[azfiddle]

The pics:

[redrhodie]

Since the chamois is good, I wonder if you could take it to a seamstress and have it re-sewn with a flatter stitch? It might be worth it if they're otherwise good.

[azfiddle]

I'd say the chamois is passable, but not fabulous. I will look into seeing if they could be fixed...