Sugoi RS Flex Review

[Nanci]

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=17585

I took my new shorts on their first ride today. I loved them!! I didn't think I was ever going to find shorts with a chamois as comfortable as that of the Trashy Cat Satin Shorts, which are, unfortunately, no longer available anywhere in any size except XS.

These shorts were recommended to me by Susan Otcenas of TE, because she thought I would like the chamois. I am very particular about the chamois, having been riding with one I really, really liked for close to a year, in distances up to 375 miles. It's kind of important to love it at that point!

The styling of the shorts, 10 panels with 8" inseam, is wonderful. I love how the panels are cut, to really fit my leg muscles, and not make my butt look huge! Very comfortable. The inseam seems longer than 8", too- I'm 5'2", and the shorts end only two or three inches above my knees. The waist/back cut seemed perfect- not too low cut, but not going _way_ up the back like some do. I never noticed the waist band- a good thing- it didn't cause any discomfort or rolling.

The fabric is weird, but nice. "Ultra-Aero: An aerodynamic fabric with a dimpled or golf ball-like surface to create less friction, with a high-tenacity fit to keep muscles energized. Fabric is a dimensionally constructed knit with a dimpled or golf ball-like surface to create less friction and superior aerodynamics when moving through the air." It kind of reminds me of the Speedo Fastskin fabric, which is supposed to make you less resistant in the water. Anyway, it's light in weight, but supportive, and doesn't seem to be too fragile. It didn't feel hot today on me.

The chamois is perfect- not too long, not too wide, not too poofy, didn't give diaper butt- nice and dense and compartmentalized over the sit bones, thinner but still padded and going to stay put under the soft parts, and thin and velvet-like everywhere else.

Leg grippers are the clear smooth kind- nice.

Chamois comparison picture:

From left to right-

White very old Primal Wear quilty kind of big chamois. Comfortable, and I have three pairs, but I wanted a more modern, structured, dense, supportive chamois.

Black and gray and light blue Sugoi chamois. Perfect. See all those shiny seams? You can't feel them, but they keep the foam where it is supposed to be and keep it from bunching.

Giant blue Loius Garneau knickers. Pretty much typical of chamois in all knickers. Exemplifies what I don't like, except it is actually smaller than others. See how featureless the whole thing is? Fine for a couple hours, but then it all bunches together. It's just big and poofy.

Solid black. The perfect Trashy Cat Satin Short chamois. Dense foam in several compartments. Maintains density, doesn't shift or bunch. The first time I sat on it, I thought it was going to be too firm, but I love it now.

Pale blue Trashy Cat Sunflower Short chamois. Nice structure, but thin, and wouldn't be enough for long rides.