Confused about shorts....

[Denise223]

I'm a beginner rider, but I see the importance of getting some bikewear, because the clothes I wear (shorts/shirt) are loose & I'm constantly re-arranging myself - shorts riding up - shirt flapping in the breeze....
When I'm enjoying my ride -- that can get pretty annoying!!

I've read the threads re: shorts, but I am wicked confused.... And, when I look on websites (sugoi, sheebest, novara, REI, llbean etc...), I'm even more confused as to what size I would take.

I'm 5' 2", weigh 185, wear a size 16-18 petite, 40D bra. I went to REI the other night and I know for sure I'm bigger than a size "XL", which is the highest they seem to go.
And the chamois padding -- I'm not on my bike long enough (yet ) to need the "big puffy stuff".

I've got some other questions about shifting & hills, etc.....but, my "bikewear question", (for right now), is the most pressing.

Thank you all for your time in reading my post.

Denise

[Nanci]

TE has size charts for all the clothing they carry. The sizing varies greatly from one manufacturer to the next. TE also has a whole Plus Size shop, with lots of stuff, including a wide selection of Terry clothing, one manufacturer who has cute cycling clothes for _all_ sizes.

Most chamois aren't all that big and puffy- no one would like them. Some sort of chamois is critical to being able to sit on your bike comfortably, no matter how long you are on there. They make "liner" shorts to wear under regular shorts if you are not comfortable wearing "real" lycra shorts- but "real" shorts are more comfortable in the long run, and who's looking, anyway.

Nanci

[bcipam]

Sort of depends on how you are shaped. I'm larger on top smaller on bottom - I generally weawr a man's medium or a woman's large. I'm 5'8" and 200 lbs. Remember the lycra does stretch. I would recommend you start with a women's XL and go from there

[KSH]

If you are able to, it really is best to buy your shorts from a store. Well, for the first time at least.

By going into a store you can try them on, feel the fabric, feel the padding (to see how thick it is), etc... etc... Once you find a pair you like and that work for you... then you can go online and purchase them there.

That's just how it works for me though. I can try on 10 pairs of cycling shorts and look horrible in 9 of them. I am real picky so buying some without trying them on, would be an issue for me.

[pattaloo]

I bought "comfort cycling shorts" from LLBean and like them. I'm brand new to cycling, too (this week!) but can't imagine trying to ride without the chamois!

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/sto...d=pp&feat=dp27

I wear an XL in other similar styles of pants, and this XL fit me fine, if that helps.

[Denise223]

Thank you Nanci, bcipam, KSH & pattaloo!!

I appreciate the time you all took to answer my post.

I'll check out a couple of the bike shops near me (Landry's, Harris Cyclery, Spoke & Wheel) & see what they have.
The shorts & tops I wear out riding now are cotton -- so, you can imagine with sweating just how drenched, heavy & gross feeling they are!! (ick). I'm sure that riding will be a lot more fun than it is now, if the sweat is wicked away.

Thanks again!! This cycling forum is really awesome. I'm happy that I found it!!

Denise

[Brandi]

I would never ride without a chamois now either! And it doesn't matter how long the ride it is just more compfy period! i am afraid I can't help out with size. I wear a med in everything. But I don't like how some of the mtb (mountain bike shorts) fit. I have sporty thighs (I like that, instead of big) the the legs in the mtb shorts bind. I like the fredom of the lycra. But I have three pairs of mtb shorts now that don't get used! The bike shirts are good cause they tend to be longer inthe back, that way you don't get sun burnt. also a big floppy shirt is not good in a wind. Welcome by the way to the world of biking! And to this site. This is the best one out there (not very many for women) you can pretty much get advice on anything. Just check open topic. Hope we are of some help!

[Denise223]

Hi Brandi!

Thanks for your response!!

When I'm at the bike shop, I'll check out the tops too. (that longer area in the back will really help). With what I'm wearing now, I have to keep picking at my shirt to keep it down.
I have very fair skin, so I've got to use a good sunscreen with a high SPF. I'm thinking of trying the new coppertone spray, 'for sports/activity'.

And, thank you for the welcome to the "world of biking". I know it's exercise, BUT....it's wonderful to actually LIKE IT, instead of dreading it. WHAT A TREAT!!

If the weather here in the Northeast ever clears up,(rain, rain, rain....), I'll be able to get out there again and enjoy a ride.

Your Avatar is adorable, by the way !!

Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
> Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life!

****Love your signature!! So true !! ****

Take good Care!

Denise

[DeniseGoldberg]

I'll check out a couple of the bike shops near me (Landry's, Harris Cyclery, Spoke & Wheel) & see what they have.

Denise -
Another shop in the area worth trying is Belmont Wheelworks.

It is good to be able to try things on - but if you don't find what you need in the shops locally, don't hesitate to call the folks at TE. I usually order over the web, but when I was switching to a different brand of shorts this spring and called with questions about size, it was good to be able to talk with someone who was happy to hold the shorts up together and describe the size differences to me. And as Nanci mentioned, they do have a selection of plus size clothing (look under specialty shops).

--- another Denise in the Boston area

[JoyfulGirl]

I'm not very helpful with much in the way of biking so I can't help with clothing info.. But had to comment on the coppertone spray stuff. That's one of my new favourite things. I hosed myself off with it, took all of ~30 seconds versus the ten minutes I use to spend carefully covering every inch of me. The only area that got burnt was my shoulders because I changed to a sleeveless shirt after application. Shoulders broiled to a cheery red that's gone on to peeling. The rest of me stayed my normal pasty white. Not impressed with my natural skin tone but absolute love the spray on sun screen- rapid, effective, didn't rub off. two thumbs up. Wish I hadn't accidently done my controlled study of protected versus unprotected skin though.

[KSH]

Denise -
Another shop in the area worth trying is Belmont Wheelworks.

It is good to be able to try things on - but if you don't find what you need in the shops locally, don't hesitate to call the folks at TE. I usually order over the web, but when I was switching to a different brand of shorts this spring and called with questions about size, it was good to be able to talk with someone who was happy to hold the shorts up together and describe the size differences to me. And as Nanci mentioned, they do have a selection of plus size clothing (look under specialty shops).

--- another Denise in the Boston area

I would like to add that TE does as great job on returns as well. And, keep in mind that you can try something on in the store, but buy it from TE. They have fast shipping too.

I have been nothing but pleased with my purchases and returns with TE!

[Nanci]

Or you can do what I do- order three different somethings, (gloves was the latest) and pick the one you like best, and send the others back. Or, if unsure about the size, order two sizes and send the one that doesn't fit back.

I love shopping for everything on line. Most shops just don't have a big enough variety, or the right sizes.

Nanci

[pooks]

Nanci, that's what I did when I was looking for a laptop bag/shoulderbag. I think I ended up with four, maybe five here at the same time and am so glad I did, because the one I chose was one I never would have believed in advance, and ordered on a whim.

It's worth a little postage to be able to try things and compare.

[Denise223]

Good Morning Everyone!

Thanks for your responses.

Denise -- I remembered Belmont Wheelworks, but forgot to write it down.
I've never been there, but have driven by. They seem to have
quite a well stocked store!!

Joyful -- I'm going to purchase the coppertone sport spray today. There's
no promise of sun today out here...but, we're promised sunshine on
Saturday through Monday!!

KSH -- Thanks for info about TE. I've only heard good things about them!!

Nanci -- I like your idea!! I may have to think about gloves at some point,
too. I've had over 20 bilateral hand,wrist,thumb operations, and
I'm having trouble with my left thumb CMC joint (joint that connects
thumb to wrist). I think I'm probably gripping too hard. Both of my
wrists are "fused straight" (no up&down motion). I'll make an appt.
with my hand surgeon--think my CMC joint is too hyperextended.
Probably could use a custom splint.

pooks -- You're right..postage is a small price to pay to be able to try &
compare in comfort of own home.

Have a happy & peaceful day!!

Denise

[Denise223]

Hi!

I finally purchased a pair of shorts Thursday & wore them out last night.

I tried on 5 pairs & ended up buying the women's PI 3D Pro Short, in a size XL.

They fit really well, very comfortable. The leg stays right above my knees.
Perfect!

I really didn't want to spend that much, but I did, and....they really made my ride last night much, much more enjoyable. (except for the minor accident I had when taking my eyes of the road!!)

I purchased a couple of Champion C9 tops at Target yesterday ($14.99 each), and they worked great as far as wicking away the sweat. They are longer in the back, too!

What a difference wearing the right clothes makes!!

Just wanted to let you all know that I finally got my first pair of shorts.

Thank you all again for your help & advice.

Have a great day!!

Denise