Hi ladies, I'm training for a mini-tri and my first century in late April. You were all so helpful with my tri questions that I would like some recommendations for this first century.
1. Shorts. I wear and am happy with my Pearl Izumi Attack shorts on longer rides, but I need another pair. Any reason to spend the extra on P.I. Ultrasensor or microsensor shorts at $80 and $119 respectively? Does anyone have shorts that they wear on long rides that they absolutely love! I believe that "buy the best I can afford" is probably true and I have a drawer full of cheap, unwearable shorts to prove it. Please ladies, your favorites?
2. Butt-butter. Does it really help? Will I need it for a century and another 60 miles the next day? Do I really want to "butter" my butt?
3. Aerobars! I really want some for speed and also for for comfort. I'm hoping it may help with some shoulder pain that I can't seem to shake. I also like the idea of more hand positions and of course... more speed. Any recommendations for aerobars for entry level tri's and centuries. Entry level please, I'm only a year into all this gear.
4. Food. The century will be well-staffed along the way with food and water/sports drinks. I'm finding on longer rides (50 miles+) I seem to do o.k. with bananas and watered down gatorade. I've used gells a few times but I would just rather eat real food (bananas) then squeeze goo into my mouth. Any favorites out there? Suggestions, Opinions?
5. This is the most important for me...I should have made it #1. Eye Protection. I wear Rx glasses and REALLY need them. They turn dark with the amount of sun they are exposed to but I'm thinking of getting a pair of cycling sun-glasses and have the lenses made to my Rx. It will probably cost a bundle. Does anyone out there cycle with Rx cycle-or sports specific sunglasses? What kind? Are they worthwhile?

That's all for now. Thanks again ladies, I don't know what I would do without the timely advice and humor that I find here! Kimberly