Cycling Shorts

[SadieKate]

I just sent back some PI microsensors. I ordered them because there was a lot of endorsement of them...but they had baseball-like stitching in strategic parts of the chamois and it was stiff and uncomfortable.

What? PI chamois are typically one piece now days. Did you get an older model? What color and texture was the chamois?

[bikerbarb]

I bought them here, at TE. I sent them back today, so I don't have them to report on color, etc.

[Cari]

What? PI chamois are typically one piece now days. Did you get an older model? What color and texture was the chamois?

I have one those Microsensors (http://www.rei.com/product/47864388.htm) ($120), which I bought this summer from REI. Most of the chamois looks like synthetic leather with gel inside, then around that there's a lime-colored terry type of cloth.

The Microsensors have been really comfortable for me, especially on long rides I do on weekends. But I was taught to soften the chamois (especially the synthetic leather part) before every ride, be it with chamois creme, chamois butt'r or even vaseline. The stuff kinda builds up on it over time, and if you don't put the shorts in the dryer, they stay pretty soft.

I still think PI Ultrasensors (http://www.rei.com/product/47698602.htm) ($80) are slightly more comfy, but I'll have to see how they hold up vs. the Microsensors after a few months of riding.

By the way... PI Short Attack Road Shorts (http://www.rei.com/product/47864391.htm?) have the same PRT chamois as the Ultrasensors are on sale for $50 (down from $65). And if you subscribe to the REI e-mail list, they send you a code for a 10% discount.

Ok, no more advertising... but I hope that helped.

[kaian]

Anyone try Cannondale Domestique shorts? I have a pair of 10 panel velocity shorts that I like a lot, but was wondering if these 8 panels were good.

[Cari]

Anyone try Cannondale Domestique shorts? I have a pair of 10 panel velocity shorts that I like a lot, but was wondering if these 8 panels were good.

I found some of those Cannondale Domestique shorts on sale a few days ago ($40) and ordered a pair. I'll give you an update as soon as I try them out. Also let me know if you want the link for where I bought them... or if you found a better price, let me know where you saw them.

I just realized that I have quite a few pairs of shorts and one set of bibs, but most of them aren't that comfortable so I keep washing and wearing the same two pairs of PI's. I really need to find a less expensive short that I actually want to wear.

Has anyone tried Canari shorts? I ordered some Canari gel shorts ($32, down from like $70) from the same place. I always see heavily discounted Canari stuff and it makes me wonder whether the original price was inflated or whether the clothes just aren't that great. Any thoughts?

[CorsairMac]

I just got 2 pair of the Performance Century Gel Short Shorts yesterday and wore my first pair today for my morning commute!!

The padding is very cushy and the chamois is deliciously soft but it's not so bulky you feel like you're wearing a diaper. The most wonderful thing I noticed was no stitching in the chamois and the side stitching was flatlocked. The ride was awesome, I rode in the drops all 6 miles and never shifted in the saddle to relieve any uncomfortable points. I'm planning on doing a 50 mile ride tomorrow which includes a 35 mile hill climb so I'll Really put them to the test. MHO right now: I'm holding myself back from ordering any more until after the long test ride tomorrow but I am all set to order 2 more! (Performance on sale for $34.95) oh and the 6" inseam: for 5'2" me the leg grippers hit right where my longer shorts left their rolled up tan lines so the length seemed to be just perfect.