Just need to vent a minute.

**DDH** · 08-08-2006, 07:29 AM

Mimi, you cracked me up with the rubber shorts comment. LMAO

I have an image now of riding around in rubber shorts. Hey might be a way to hold all the fat in, unless it is soft rubber. LOL

Anyway, thanks for the laugh, I needed that.

**tulip** · 08-08-2006, 08:47 AM

I agree with Cassandra. TE specializes in women's stuff, and they have expertise in larger sizes. It may seem expensive to get a good pair, but they will fit you and you will get lots of riding out of them. If you treat them right, they will last a long time.

**mary9761** · 08-08-2006, 08:48 AM

I'm glad I make my own.

**Nanci** · 08-08-2006, 09:27 AM

I used to hate low-cut shorts till I got my belly button pierced- now I love them! They have to be just right, though, to still keep my belly contained. I HATE that on jeans, too, and I've ALWAYS had a problem with the waist being too high since I am 5"2". I'm starting to hate it the way bike shorts go way up the back, too, when I used to like that.

But even if you don't have sizing issues, it's still nearly impossible to find the right pair, and when you do they are either wicked expensive or the manufacturer promptly changes them, or both.

I have three pairs of old Primals, with the old quilty-style chamois (if you look at my review on the Sugoi RS Flex shorts, my current beloved, you can see a photo of the Primal chamois) which are about 6 years old, but they are still my first choice as backups. I can't believe how long they've lasted, either, without the elastic or fabric going bad like it does with old swimsuits.

Well, good luck with the hunt.

Nanci

**SadieKate** · 08-08-2006, 09:32 AM

DDH, why aren't you trying on the shorts in the store? I've never been able to buy any clothing without trying it on. Every brand is different and every model within the brand is different. Our bodies are all different.

Call TE and describe what you are looking for. They'll help.

Otherwise, go back to your LBS and try on the shorts. There may even be some men's shorts that will work.

**Bikingmomof3** · 08-08-2006, 09:53 AM

DDH-
I call up TE and they patiently listen to me babble about measurents, ask me questions and then send out the perfect fitting shorts. I have only tried Shebeest, but I adore that brand. The TE staff is so patient, especially since I do not have anywhere around here to even look at clycling clothing for women.

**cherinyc** · 08-08-2006, 10:20 AM

Mary - you make your own? How is that possible? you must be magic or something, b/c I can't even imagine making something like bike shorts.

The bike short dilemma is never-ending. I went in to my LBS on Thursday to get some seat adjustments for an event on Staurday. My (1) pair of shorts was dirty, so I just wore comfortable shorts. The guy said I wouldn't be able to tell unless I was weraing bike shorts - (or maybe he just wanted to make me buy something). Either way - they were all expensive. I ended up getting one of the cheaper pairs ($79.99 - can you believe it? I NEVER spend that much on regular clothing).
Then I found out - when checking out the care label - that they were from Spring 2002. $80 for 4 year old shorts. Although I could've sworn that I had tried on that style (PI Ultrasensor) before and hadn't liked them. But these I liked.
More proof that they change the style, fit, sizing - every year. WHY???? Can't they just make up a new name - and let the old name/style/fit stay the same?

**SadieKate** · 08-08-2006, 10:33 AM

Those PI Ultrasensors with the PRT chamois are highly prized by some folks. The chamois is very good for century rides. I don't blame the shop for not marking them down.

I know two people who grumbled this weekend about not being able to get the PRT chamois any longer.

**cherinyc** · 08-08-2006, 10:43 AM

sadiekate - thanks for your reply. I don't know what a PRT chamois is - is that what's in my new....uh...new for me....shorts?
I am thinking that with rsing costs - these may have been equivelant to a $100 pair of shorts today.

**mimitabby** · 08-08-2006, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by cherinyc

The bike short dilemma is never-ending. I went in to my LBS on Thursday to get some seat adjustments for an event on Staurday. My (1) pair of shorts was dirty, so I just wore comfortable shorts. The guy said I wouldn't be able to tell unless I was weraing bike shorts - (or maybe he just wanted to make me buy something). Either way - they were all expensive. I ended up getting one of the cheaper pairs ($79.99 - can you believe it? I NEVER spend that much on regular clothing).
Then I found out - when checking out the care label - that they were from Spring 2002. $80 for 4 year old shorts. Although I could've sworn that I had tried on that style (PI Ultrasensor) before and hadn't liked them. But these I liked.
More proof that they change the style, fit, sizing - every year. WHY???? Can't they just make up a new name - and let the old name/style/fit stay the same?

Wow, is that the "good" LBS or the "bad" one that sold you 4 year old shorts for list price??!! that's terrible.

I agree with others here; call TE.. I have already ordered (the rubber shorts) from them and then called them this morning(to find a replacement pair) and both times had excellent conversations from very helpful staff.

**cherinyc** · 08-08-2006, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by mimitabby

Wow, is that the "good" LBS or the "bad" one that sold you 4 year old shorts for list price??!! that's terrible.

actually it's the "good LBS" with the "old inventory method" I think. I don't think it was on purpose, I just wouldn't even know how to bring it up.

**mary9761** · 08-08-2006, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by cherinyc

Mary - you make your own? How is that possible? you must be magic or something, b/c I can't even imagine making something like bike shorts.

The bike short dilemma is never-ending. I went in to my LBS on Thursday to get some seat adjustments for an event on Staurday. My (1) pair of shorts was dirty, so I just wore comfortable shorts. The guy said I wouldn't be able to tell unless I was weraing bike shorts - (or maybe he just wanted to make me buy something). Either way - they were all expensive. I ended up getting one of the cheaper pairs ($79.99 - can you believe it? I NEVER spend that much on regular clothing).
Then I found out - when checking out the care label - that they were from Spring 2002. $80 for 4 year old shorts. Although I could've sworn that I had tried on that style (PI Ultrasensor) before and hadn't liked them. But these I liked.
More proof that they change the style, fit, sizing - every year. WHY???? Can't they just make up a new name - and let the old name/style/fit stay the same?

When you're my size, you don't have many options for shorts/jerseys etc. Also, I'm on a fixed income so I don't have $80 for a pair of NEW shorts much less 4 years old..

YIKES sounds like you got ripped off on those...

I sew, so I got a pattern

and some material and make my own. My pink and black jersey is really starting to show signs of wear AND sun fade of course I wear it nearly all the time and I'm constantly washing it to keep it clean. I'm just lucky I sew or I wouldn't have any bike clothes. Now I can definitely tell a difference when I wear street clothes (ie jean shorts and skivvies) and remember every time I do it why I shouldn't OWIE!! The photo in my Avatar was from about a year ago and I made the full set.

**Bikingmomof3** · 08-08-2006, 12:57 PM

Hi Mary and nice to "meet" you!
Wow, your outfit is wonderful and you made it? My sewing machine and I do not get on well under the best of circumstances. Your cycling clothes are awesome. You do beautiful work.

**SandyLS** · 08-08-2006, 01:12 PM

I also purchased the Sugoi RX Flex shorts from TE after reading rave reviews on the TE forum. They are pricey, but so comfortable even after hours on the bike. There is no pulling, rubbing feeling in the crease where my leg meets my body as in some of my other shorts. The shorts have an extra little bump of padding right where my sit bones need it. The leg grippers keep the legs in place without any saussage look effect and the shorts do not shift at all as I am wearing them. The only two things I don't like are the contrasting grey stitching and the price tag, but anything that works to keep on the bike longer is worth the cost. If I could only own one pair of thke shorts it would be these.

**Cassandra_Cain** · 08-08-2006, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by mary9761

The photo in my Avatar was from about a year ago and I made the full set.

Wow! That's a really cool outfit, I like it.

You alluded to the high cost of shorts, and that's true. Another thing though, is that we have far, far fewer choices in terms of color, style, graphics, etc in women's bike clothing than guys do. Making your own seems to take care of both of those problems in one shot~

Thread: Just need to vent a minute.

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