Originally Posted by
Mags...
koala, I'm agreeing with all you say. You are probably right about the manufacturers developing their shorts based on popular saddle choices by the majority of women. In fact I own a couple of pairs of Shebeest shorts as well and when I'm riding only 30km I usually wear them. I've now got good reason to look around for some new shorts - I was thinking along these lines anyway, and it happens that I was looking at the Etxe Ondo and the Descente's. I'm anti-PI these days because i've bought some of their gear and each time it's been a disappointment for one reason or another and I reckon they are just overpriced. The brands you've mentioned, would it be fair to say they are all a smaller fit? I wear size S both in Shebeest and Sugoi. I'd have to buy online as my LBS is a no-go for clothing, and I dislike having to do returns via post. Would you have any advice about sizing?
As well as frequently changing my sitting position, I'll add in the occasional stand and pedal for relief - one of my favorite riding buddies does this also. It seems a sensible thing to do. We don't do a lot of hills, 'cos we live in a very flat region, almost all of my riding is done in the saddle, even on hills, so standing-up will have to be the go.
... I don't think there's only one sweet spot - this would have become apparent on my recent 80km ride, and I don't recall focussing on that issue, so I'd have to say it didn't seem too critical on how and where I positioned myself. I think that one of the main differences for me, is how my fleshy parts fit comfortably with the very wide channel down the centre. As well as needing sufficient padding up the back, I'd say it's a good idea to look at the amount of padding around the ridges that travel from the nose to the back. With your fleshy bits sitting comfy in the channel, you'd want to make sure there was sufficient padding on those ridges because a fair bit of your weight is sitting on them lower pelvic bones between your legs.
You're right about the Glider being a little wider. The Evolution is just that bit leaner than the Stratos both in width and padding. Hubby rides it and I really can't see that I'd be happy on it myself, even with a thicker chamois. But I've talked with one woman who's riding it and she said it's perfect. So... if you found a shop that would agree to a swap after a trial, you could try the Stratos and if you're not happy, swap to the Evolution.
Thanks so much for your comments...
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