Another newbie

[SadieKate]

More panels allows 2 things - strategic placement of the seams as well as a more exact fit. The more panels can mean the shorts don't move around on you as much on the ride or that the shorts stretch in the right places (no binding). You'll find that more panels cost more but you'll also find nicer items like better chamois and flat-stitched seams (do I have the right terminology, Irulan?). All this means comfort and no chafing, or at least less chafing.

SK

[LBTC]

Hi, photos! with shorts....if you can afford it, buy the best chamois....everything else will be good too. I love the Louis Garneau shorts I have - the chamois is amazing with several different thicknesses in all the right places. Absolutely, without a doubt, buy shorts with a chamois made for a woman!! If there's a seem in the middle you will be sad!!

as for pedals, I highly recommend the candy SL. I use these on both my road bike and my mountain bike. I can swap them myself as they attach with a regular allan key. I've never had a problem with mud or getting out when I need to. And they are LIGHT! (the ti ones are lighter...)

As for learning to use them: I recommend using them on a trainer. Practice spinning, but more importantly, practice getting in and out of them. Once you go SPD, either on the road or on the trails, you'll never want to go back! You have such better power and control it's fantastic!

As for your jersey - make sure it fits well...try a bunch on, definitely buy a ladies cut so it fits you right. I've never thought much about the elastic....yeah, I think the one without that I use sometimes is a bit more comfy, but it doesn't seem to have a big impact for me.

I hope your recovery from surgery is going well. are you making progress every day? That's got to be the best part of it, isn't it?

Welcome to the crazy world of wheels! Enjoy!!

Namaste,
~T~

[Irulan]

More panels allows 2 things - strategic placement of the seams as well as a more exact fit. The more panels can mean the shorts don't move around on you as much on the ride or that the shorts stretch in the right places (no binding). You'll find that more panels cost more but you'll also find nicer items like better chamois and flat-stitched seams (do I have the right terminology, Irulan?). All this means comfort and no chafing, or at least less chafing.

SK

yes, dear.
More panels = a better anatomical fit. The shorts can be built "shaped" for cycling. 6 or 8 is most common for a anatomical fit.

Irulan

[Pedal Wench]

Congrats to both ladies on their successful weightloss - always a struggle, ain't it???

I have more of a problem with men's jerseys than women's. I have hips, and a slightly thinner waist, so the jersey just creeps up and bunches up around my waist. Then, the whole thing starts flapping around. So - women's jerseys are cut for, well, women. Team Estrogen has some plus size jerseys, and Terry has a product line too.

[photosRphun]

i still can't wait to go to the LBS and try on some of the women's jerseys and shorts. i am so green and clueless about all of this. i do so appreciate all the helpful info you have offered to me personally and thru the message boards.

i did not have a waist until recently and am thin thru the hips as well. i have been eyeing the pearl izumi attack shorts based on some of your recommendations. i don't think my LBS carries this brand so i will have to order online. i have broad shoulders so this may pose a problem with the ladies jerseys but i will have a better feel for that once i am able to go to the LBS and actually try some of these on.

thanks once again for all your support/help/suggestionsencouragement that i've already received and i can't wait until i can FINALLY get on my bike and put this info to good use and have some stories of my own to share.

[SadieKate]

If you're broad in the shoulders and narrow in the hips, you'll probably be OK with the jerseys that have eleastic at the bottom. It's annoying when it rides up. I've also got broad shoulders and find that staying with set-in sleeves (rather than raglan) is my best bet. A word of caution on men's jerseys - they can be vary long. I had several that I finally gave away because I started biking before they made much women's stuff. The jersey catches on the saddle nose when I'm mounting. On a mtbike this can be dangerous.

[Melody]

I have more of a problem with men's jerseys than women's. I have hips, and a slightly thinner waist, so the jersey just creeps up and bunches up around my waist.

I have very very slight hips. Friends and I talk about the "Asian-no-*ss" thing. heh. I definately have that.

What's annoying, of course, is manufacturers assume that if you're big, so is your butt. Makes clothes shopping difficult at times. *sigh*

Mel

[SadieKate]

Call Susan or any the folks at TE. I've described my fit issues to her and they've been a pro at guessing what will work between all the different brands. I love our sponsors because they (most of them) are girls, ride and use the stuff they sell. If the one you're talking to doesn't know, she'll just turn to someone else in the room and ask them. It's gosh darn wonderful -- as opposed to one of the guys at my LBS who just figured out last week what a shelf bra is.

[photosRphun]

LOL, making me laugh!

great suggestion to call TE also! thanks!

[SadieKate]

yes, dear.
More panels = a better anatomical fit. The shorts can be built "shaped" for cycling. 6 or 8 is most common for a anatomical fit.

Irulan

Thank you, ma'am. I haven't sewn clothing in soooo long and I hate sewing on stretch fabric. That's why I use the pros for alterations.