Comparing 3 TE distance shorts/fit

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I have been going through my own biking shorts mini-saga. Up to now, I have worn capris with chamois in the warm weather. But I wanted to get some long distance shorts with really good longdistance designed chamois to wear for longer rides this year (60+miles multiday rides). First time I've ever bought actual biking SHORTS.

I wanted to try 3 different brands from TE. I got the LouisGarneau Airstream, the SheBeest Ultra D, and the ExteOndo Sann short. (Someone had recommended the EO chamois for distance riding last year)
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=18035
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=26104
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=25749
Because I take size medium in both Shebeest and LG capri/knickers, I ordered the 3 shorts in medium. However, wanting to be safe and knowing I'd be returning some anyway, I also ordered all three in Large as well. Good thing.

They arrived, and I started trying on the Larges. RATS. All three fit ok in waist and butt and thighs, maybe a tad snug....except the legbands. All three had tight legbands that not only looked awful on me, but felt too tight as well, like tournequets. I looked like a tied up sausage. Gross! Ok look, NOBODY would consider me overwieght. But I no longer have willow-slender thighs like a 20 year old girl. I have a bit of padding, and a bit of "normal" cellulite. Oh, the IRONY!!!- I'm thinking most 20 year olds probably couldn't afford to buy such expensive shorts anyway!!

So here I was, wearing size medium knickers in these same brands, and having to order size XL shorts! What's up with that? Anyway, there was no other way....I ordered the 3 shorts all over again but in XL. I've never had to order XL of anything in my life, and I haven't gained any weight. sigh...They came this morning.

I liked all three shorts well enough. They all fit me just fine, the sausage effect was markedly less- and I could live with the minor indents that there were.

The LG Airstream had a high-tec impressive looking chamois. The legs were long enough, which I like. But the multiple ridges and holes in the gel-like chamois presented some odd looking subtle ridges when seen from the back if you hit just the wrong lighting angle (Hey what are those weird little lumps on that lady's butt??). Of course, anyone looking THAT close gets what they deserve, and you couldn't notice it except under close scrutiny...but my vanity triumphed this time. They also had the snuggest of the 3 legbands. So, into the "nope" pile.

The ExteOndo Sann were nice shorts (I got the black with blue panels). They were the softest and stretchiest and comfiest material overall, like bathing suit material- very easy to slide into, and VERY comfortable. But the chamois didn't seem quite as major built as the the other two, and that was my goal here. I also worried about possibly snagging the material too easily. The length was a bit shorter too when I was wearing them, which didn't excite me. Into the "nope" pile.

The Shebeest Ultra D won out. They were the least tight in the legband, only indenting my inner thigh just a little, yet they felt very strong and supportive everywhere else. The material was good, the lines and seams were graceful, and the chamois seemed really super quality... no chamois bumps or ridges on the outside, and likely to be great for long distance. The legs were a bit longer too, which was comfortable (and perhaps contributed to why the legbands were less tight).

Sorry I can't review all three from actually riding in them (unless they give me free samples, hint hint!)- but I will update the Ultra D shorts review later when I do some long rides in them. Gotta wait for warm weather now.

I think if you are young and/or have firm slim thighs, you probably don't need to worry about the legband issue as much as I had to deal with it. I'm not sure why they make the legbands so snug and grippy and heavy duty- sheesh, I'd rather have the legs ride up a half inch once in a while, than have tied sausage legs! My pear shape is sometimes a disadvantage when buying clothes.