re: seats and shorts

[emily_in_nc]

The other thing I'd recommend for "smooshed girlie bits" is a saddle with a cutout. I like the thickly padded shorts myself, but I can't ride without a saddle cutout - it's a godsend for me!

Emily

[fultzie]

RE: Shorts
I wear PI 3-D and looove the padding, however, i've noticed that i've almost worn holes thru where my legs rub against the saddle. i've only ridden about 300 mi in them (guesstimate)... could it be that they're too small (and therefore the fabric gets stretched too thin?) or should i call the company because this shouldn't happen?? a size up in shorts and the chammy tends to bunch (my team shorts are a size up and are totally uncomfortable--oowww!!!)
i'm kinda peeved- they're my fav. shorts!
advice?

[bounceswoosh]

I actually found that the PIs run a bit large compared to some other brands (like Primal, for example). Friends of mine have also noticed this.

It does seem like the material of my PI attacks is thinner than the material on some of my other shorts ... but 300 miles could be less than a month for some people! That just doesn't seem right.

[letty]

Fultizie:
It is interesting that you mention that your PI 3d shorts seem to thin out by the are where the shorts meet the saddle. I wear the same shorts and I have noticed the same. I love the shorts too, but the fabric seems to wear out easily. However, the shorts are not cheap, they should last longer than they wear out.
Letty

[JDom226]

Haven't gotten small enough to try the PI shorts yet, but I would like to recommend trying the InSport RTP (Relieve the Pressure) shorts. I rode in mine for the first time this week and they were very comfortable. I have a couple of other style of InSport shorts and they also fit well. I'm a plus size rider and they seem to have a little more hip and seat room for me. I also like that they have a slightly shorter leg, but not so short that everything falling out of them. Just thought I'd add my two cents to the discussion.

[adkoch]

ChainsOfLove, thanks for the tip about the Body Glide - I never knew what else I'd use it for, besides for the wetsuit! Also, is it just me or why do my shorts always want to bunch up at the crease in my thighs to where I am constantly standing up and yanking the legs down??!!! Does this mean my shorts are too big? I have the PI Attacks, which I can't say are that much better than my cheap Lemonds...

[gretchen]

JDom...tell me more about the "relieve the pressure" shorts!
That is my one and only problem with distance rides. Totally smooshed girl parts. I have the cut out in my saddle too.
Ugh, the pain. Please,.....tell me more.
gretchen

[JDom226]

gretchen
I found the shorts listed on Teamestrogen. I already had another pair of InSport shorts that fit great, so I thought I'd try them. They have a gel filled chamois. It seems to give just that little bit extra cushioning so you're more comfortable. I have a new Terry saddle that I still have to try. Just haven't had time to put it on the bike yet. I think the combination will be a winner for me. The shorts are pretty reasonably priced too. The other pair of Insport that i have have been in the wash every week since purchasing and they're holding up great.

[administrator]

Fultzie, Bounceswoosh, Letty,

Are any of you riding saddles with kevlar covers or kevlar edges? We've heard reports that kevlar covered saddles can wear out shorts in just 2 or 3 rides!

[bounceswoosh]

Nope, no Kevlar here ... although, I haven't noticed any wear thus far. It just seems that the material is a hair thinner than my other shorts -- doesn't mean they're less durable, necessarily

[ChainsOflove]

ADKoch

You are welcome!
Yes I believe it means shorts are on the too big side if they are drifting up and cramming into your thighs and other folds. This is what what happening to me. I have heavy legs so I always thought the tight elastic was bad, but it has a purpose I guess.

Good luck@

[Shellnz]

Thanks for all of the hints!

I'm a larger rider. I get chaffing on my seat bones - think it's the seam of the chammy. Does anyone know if this means my bike pants are probably too small?

[Dogmama]

It could be the design of the shorts. How long do you ride before you start getting chaffing? Have you tried a different brand of shorts?

[gretchen]

Ok, i'm strickly a "camando" girl now...after a ride the other day i had the worst battle with a seam in my underwear! OUCH!
Each ride is different for me...yesterday (22miles) i was feeling totally smooshed after just 7 miles, today (32 miless) i could have gone further with not too much pain. Hmmm, wierd. I'm thinking i need to try and tip my seat up a bit though. I find i am always re-adjusting myself on the seat...skooching back to the "right" spot, then it's somewhat comfy for a bit and back i go.
any ideas? Other then the smooshing of parts...my bike is totally comfy, drops and all.
gretchen

[Dogmama]

Try tipping the nose up a bit. Also, are you over reaching on the handlebars? Do you need to move the seat forward? You'll need to make sure that you don't compromise your knees if you move you seat. When your leg is at the 9:00 or 3:00 position (depending on which way you're reading your clock!) and you drop a plumb-bob from your kneecap, it should end up at the ball of your foot. If you move your seat up and find that the angle is too steep - in other words - the plumb-bob falls towards the front of your foot, you'll need to make the adjustment at the handlebars with a shorter stem. You never want to compromise your knees.

OTOH, the shape of your seat might not be correct for you (that would be the bicycle seat..har har har!). If it slopes down sharply from the back, it might be difficult to stay on the wide part.