Tell me what kind of shorts you wear!

[Sandrider]

I wear these for mountain biking http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSU_38282F.html .

They keep me cool in the heat and the dirt just brushes right off the shorts. TE recommended them to me because the thicker chamois in some shorts was catching on the front of my seat. The Sugoi Evolution chamois is comfortable: no bunching, no moving around, absorbent.

[wackyjacky1]

I'd love to try those Sugoi Lucky shorts -- they look super comfy. Unfortunately, I am still too plus-sized to fit into most women's shorts -- their XL ain't my XL.

And from the way you all rave about them, I'd sure like to try some bibs, too. Maybe I could try a men's size?

[bounceswoosh]

I'd love to try those Sugoi Lucky shorts -- they look super comfy. Unfortunately, I am still too plus-sized to fit into most women's shorts -- their XL ain't my XL.

Yeah, I really wonder about the sizing on cycling clothing. I can't recall if I got large or XL. I found my first pair at the LBS, so I was able to try them on there. Trying on cycling clothes can be even more demoralizing than regular clothes shopping!

[Misandal]

Performance Ultra shorts for shorter rides (under 1-1/2 hours)
DeMarchi Race shorts and Sugoi RS (faves!) for long rides

I've always wanted to try bib shorts but that's a lot of fussing to do when you have to pee, isn't it? Sometimes an actual bathroom or even porta-jon is just not in the vicinity...

[aicabsolut]

It's not that bad. Full zip jerseys help. I find that I need fewer nature breaks when I'm out on a ride in bibs, because I don't have something tight pushing on my abdomen all the time, so it works out.

[TrekTheKaty]

I'd love to try those Sugoi Lucky shorts -- they look super comfy. Unfortunately, I am still too plus-sized to fit into most women's shorts -- their XL ain't my XL.

And from the way you all rave about them, I'd sure like to try some bibs, too. Maybe I could try a men's size?

I hear ya! I don't have too much trouble with shorts--but have to wear a men's jersey. I'm a Med-Large women's shirt, but won't go out in public in what they call a XL women's cycling jersey. Desperately wanted a sleeveless jersey to get rid of the farmer's tan, but by the time I found a women's jersey that fit, the arm holes were showing everything!

[deeaimond]

My first pair of shorts were a secondhand pair of sugoi, I'm not sure what model they are. They're quite comfy except the chamois is fabric, and kinda compresses into the skin down there after a long ride. So must use some kind of lubricant.. heh. Their fabric is also thicker, hence slightly warmer than a more lycra fabric.

second pair is a pair of women's 2XU. Light and comfortable, padding not too thick.

recently bought a 2 pairs. A pair of Specialized long tights. Nice and thick (i intended to use it for sunny days. And the one time I used it i was hit by a car.. only one scratch on my legs, the fabric was not damaged so i guess its pretty good stuff ) much thicker padding than I'm used to though, but after awhile in the saddle u kinda forget it. The second pair is adidas, I've not tried it for long distances, but it did alright for a short ride. The fabric is a little on the thin side esp when contrasted with the rather thick padding. I'm hoping a few more wears will soften the padding.

I definitely want to buy the lucky spin shorts next, seems to be the popular one that others like thats also on my want to try list. But I'll try to get some wear into the ones i have first. when i finally get my bike back I'll be riding like the possessed.

This is a good discussion, I've always wondered which shorts too buy. But they're so expensive, so its not like you can buy a whole lot to try.. wish i could. hehe

[MauiRockHopper]

I just got serious about biking (both road and mtb) and dreaded being seen in padded bike shorts. I thought the chamois made you look like you crapped in your pants or had huge camel toe. So I bought a pair of $70 skorts thinking it would be great if I wanted to pop into a store or cafe. I also bought a cheap ($25) pair of Canari padded biking shorts, with low expectations.

Between the two, I prefer the Canari shorts because the skort can be hot in Hawaii's climate. It kinda bothers me after awhile to have the skirt fabric on my legs as I ride too. Depends where I'm going, but if I have a serious ride I rather not use a skort. For rides less than 10 miles I wear plain jogging shorts because padding doesn't seem an issue until after 20 miles.

I now don't care how I look because you are wearing so much bicycling gear everyone knows you are a cyclist and it's ok to be seen wearing those funny shorts. If you ride in a group it's even more ok.

I read that bibs prevent the "spill over" effect from a traditional waistband cutting. But I wonder what you do about a bra if you wear suspender type bibs, if the straps chafe or cut in. And then having to use the bathroom, it seems humbug just like a one piece bathingsuit.

[aicabsolut]

I read that bibs prevent the "spill over" effect from a traditional waistband cutting. But I wonder what you do about a bra if you wear suspender type bibs, if the straps chafe or cut in. And then having to use the bathroom, it seems humbug just like a one piece bathingsuit.

Bibs are much better at the waistband in terms of comfort and appearance. There's no squishing flesh. No exposed backsides if your jersey is too short. They are quite comfortable. The straps should not be uncomfortably tight, though they may not be 100% comfy when you stand completely upright. A lot of them stretch over time, so even that shouldn't be much of a worry.

The order of clothing with bibs is: sports bra, base layer (if desired), bibs, jersey. So, if you do have to stop for a bathroom break, you just remove your jersey enough to get the straps down. The material is different than a bathing suit and not as tight (bathing suits have to be tighter to be sure everything stays covered, right?). It's easy enough to get them off and on. Plus, a lot of them are pretty wide suspenders out at the sides. Some women's bibs have a T strap thing. I don't know how hard it is to get in and out of those. Some have suspenders you can unclip (and then you don't have to remove the jersey). I don't have large breasts, but the suspenders have never bothered me. I've heard some people say that they have nipple chafing (even guys), but I haven't encountered bib straps that come in that far. The straps are soft and when you're in the riding position, they shouldn't be taut over your breasts anyway. Plus, you have your sports bra on. I have never had any problems with the straps. I forget they're even there. The best part about bibs is feeling free of an uncomfortable waistband.

As far as looking silly, who cares?

[Jallora]

I bought mine from Nashbar, and I love them! I always wear sleeveless jersey's, so I just do the bra strap trick and pull the straps out the arm holes. It drives my husband crazy that I can have the straps off me and be ready to hop off the bike and into the bathroom as soon we pull up.

[TrekTheKaty]

I've never been good at the arm hole/strap thing--and you can do it on a bike?! I bow to the master :-)

[shellkay1212]

I'm fairly new to biking and loving it (and anxiously awaiting the 15th, the pick-up day for my very first road bike!)!

I am overweight - losing - but still have a significant amount to lose. I'm still in plus size clothing and while I don't want to spend a ton of money I still need something to ride in.

I have two pair of regular bike shorts - one is much more comfy than the other. However, I still wear some other shorts over them.

I ordered a pair of short from TE. I just received them! They are apparently MTB shorts - the kind with the baggy shorts with the lycra padded thing built in.

ALL that being said: Will they provide significant comfort while on long road rides?

Thanks for any insight!

[Fujichants]

I love my De Marchi bib shorts, they are super comfy. Other shorts in my line-up that I also like to wear are these super short pair of Adidas ones.