shorts and sleeveless jerseys

[Skierchickie]

Wow - shorts heaven! After reading here, and finding something like 53 reviews on Sierra Trading post of the Shebeest Triple S shorts, I took the plunge and ordered a pair from TE. I got them last Saturday, and I've worn them for every ride but one since then. That one day - not as good.

My old PIs, well, never wonderful. Those were my first "good" bike shorts (after years of cheapo ones that just weren't right). To diapery, and in my recent saddle search I kept finding the seams in the back. Not terrible, but not great

I got a pair of Descente Aero X last summer - I wanted a really good pair for once. It ain't those! Love the shorter length, love the fit, the chamois feels like wimpy cardboard. Wimpy for cardboard - stiff and unforgiving for shorts. Once in a while I try them again, thinking it's just me.

Then, later last summer, I thought maybe I had a winner. Nike Team. But the chamois that was about right in the actual chamois area was way to thick along the outside (the sort of "wings" that they have that on the SSSs is just a layer of elastic-ey fabric is as thick as the chamois itself on the Nikes. The whole thing is about the same thickness. Not terrible, but not right - and too long.

My DH got some Craft Master bibs last summer, and never wears anything else now (okay, you know what I mean). They are light, stretchy, and the chamois is really stretchy - that was what I was looking for.

My only (and I mean only) reservation about the SSSs is how low they are in front. Fine for biking, not as good for walking around, at least when you are 42 and have a long torso - nobody needs to see my navel, let alone the 2 or 3 inches below it. Maybe more of a jersey issue, I suppose.

Anyway, I love, love, love these shorts. I'm not 100% discomfort-free from my saddle, but far better than ever before. The day I wore the Nikes last week I had more front discomfort, as well as sit bone discomfort. I really think the stretchy chamois is the ticket.

[jennrod12]

Another vote for the Shebeast Ultra-D from me. (I have not tried the SSS, but I prefer a longer short.) I like the mesh back, and I love that no matter how much I sweat, I never feel like I have a wet, sweaty bum. I don't know how they do it, because the shorts actually do get very wet and when I wash them and hang them out on the line to dry, they take FOREVER to dry. I guess they just pass the moisture away from the body.

Jenn

[sundial]

I lucked into a pair of PI bibs with the 3 D Pro chamois and gripper free legs. It's the most comfie thing in my closet.

[arielmoon]

First post!! Woo hoo!

I am so thrilled I found this forum and this thread. I need new shorts (not too long) and jerseys (I love tank style tops with built in shelf bras).

I have 2 pairs of PI (short short & attack) and they seem to be fine (I need a new saddle but that is another story)... but I am new to all this and they are the only ones I have. I am riding 5 days a week now and it would be great to be able to go a few days without having to do a load of laundry!! The Shebeest Ultra D looks awesome if a little long for what I think I like but they may be something to get for the century rides I am working up to in Sept and Oct. Based on the comments here I think I may try the Decente Bliss and the triple S in the meantime. I wear a S in PI but it looks like I would be a M in the Shebeest.

Thanks!

[indysteel]

Looking at your specifications, I wonder if Giordana Forma's might work for you. http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=25981

TE indicates to order a size smaller than you normally wear.

I wear the Sugoi RS (which I also think runs big) and Gore Ozon. If you think the RS was to long, you'll probably think the Ozon is, too. For better or worse, most of the high end shorts (although not all) come with a longer inseam.

As for jerseys, I'm partial to Terry and Shebeest for fit and quality. Castelli, while good looking, generally has what is often described as racer or athletic fit. I generally prefer a more relaxed cut, although I love Terry's Euro halter. That's my top of choice for summer.