What to look for in bike shorts

[beccaB]

I need to figure out if I can do a century without purchasing a new pair of bike shorts. I just got a new pair , and the padding is fairly minimal, but ok. Also, the fabric of the shorts is not very tight against my skin. It feels good on me, like a layer of silk actually, but there's no compression. Should there be? Will I need that kind of support? I can finish a century, but I will be sore and tired, and probably come in dead last! Are there recommendations for bike shorts?

[tantrumbean]

Try the ones you've got on a longer ride - if they are comfortable, then there is no reason why you can't do a century on them.

[indysteel]

I don't recommend doing a century in shorts that aren't already road tested, meaning shorts that you haven't already used for some long rides with success. If you use shorts that haven't been tested and they end up not working for you, you'll be lucky if you're just sore. You could get saddle sores that could easily keep you off your bike for a week or two.

As for the shorts themselves, everyone's different. Some people prefer minimal padding; some people need a lot. I need a bit less in the front and a bit more in the rear. It sort of depends on your anatomy. I will say that I have not had good luck with shorts that don't fit fairly snugly (not tight, just snug). The chamois moves around too much. For that reason, I prefer shorts that offers some compression.

The only short I'll wear at this point is the Sugoi RS. Between the material and the chamois, they just work for me. TE just recently started selling a new style by Louis Garneau shorts that I'm curious about. A few years ago, I was on the quest for some new shorts. I bought several from TE, including the Sugoi's on Susan's suggestion. Some definitely worked for me better than others.

[katluvr]

Not everyone will agree. And you can find some good shorts "on sale"...but my motto (I have probaby said this someone here before) is:
$20 shorts = 20 miles
$50 shorts = 50 miles to meteric century
So if you are doing 100 miles, you probably want some higher end shorts which will most likely cost you a bit more (regular price that is)

I agee, you should have worn them once or twice (or even more) with training.

I also find time in the saddle (training) = more comfortalbe ride for long distances. I do think shorts help, but you just have to get you sits bones, etc used to being on the saddle.

Good luck and have fun!

[TrekTheKaty]

Ditto--don't use ANYTHING you haven't road-tested before your century--sports bra, socks, shoes, water bottles, sunblock, food--NOTHING. (I need to take a marathon training book and turn it into a century book. That is rule number one.)

I also agree compression and padding is personal. However, my sister learned the "tightness" on her own. I bought her two pair of shorts. She thought she preferred the "looser" pair because she doesn't like anything tight around her abdomen--but she concluded on her own that "loose" allows the chamois to move around and create MORE rubbing. My DH was too vain to wear "tight" shorts in the beginning, but quickly came around. You can wear shorts over your bike shorts, if the look makes you uncomfortable.

You only "injure" yourself down there once--I learned that lesson the hard way. My regular shorts were good until about 40 miles on my training rides--then I had to upgrade.

[indysteel]

No matter what shorts you use, consider also using some chamois cream. I use Chamois Butt'r. They make individual sized packets that you can bring on rides, which is handy. Otherwise, just put some extra in travel size bottle and reapply as needed.

[KatieJean]

I've found that having my shorts snug--with good compression--really helps my leg muscles work for a longer time. My first shorts were just "yoga" clothes. Moved up to cheap-ish shorts from Nashbar, which were a world better. Then I got some Cannondales, and I will never go back to the ones that offer less compression. I don't do anywhere near a century (yet!), but even on my shorter rides, I can tell the difference. I'm guessing every little bit will help on your century, and snug shorts would probably be a plus (though of course everyone's different).
Good luck!

[HillSlugger]

The key for me for comfort on my metric century was ample use of chamois lube. I now use Buljum Budder. I rub it into the entire pad before I ride and add extra to my folds and rubbing points at every rest stop.

[Jiffer]

I read that too small is better than too big when it comes to cycling shorts. They should be relatively snug. When you stand upright, the padding should pooch out just a little, but when you bend over like you are in riding position, the padding should not stick out. Too big can cause more movement of the shorts, which could cause more chafing.

I agree you might want to consider spending a bit more for quality shorts to get you through a century, especially if you anticipate it taking a long time to finish. My two main pairs of shorts are the high end Specialized and Pearl Izumi. I make sure I wear those on my longer rides. Haven't come up with a preference for one over the other and the Pearl Izumi is a little less expensive, so you might look at those. Of all the things you buy to wear on a bike, the shorts are the most important.

[beccaB]

Not everyone will agree. And you can find some good shorts "on sale"...but my motto (I have probaby said this someone here before) is:
$20 shorts = 20 miles
$50 shorts = 50 miles to meteric century
So if you are doing 100 miles, you probably want some higher end shorts which will most likely cost you a bit more (regular price that is)

I agee, you should have worn them once or twice (or even more) with training.

I also find time in the saddle (training) = more comfortalbe ride for long distances. I do think shorts help, but you just have to get you sits bones, etc used to being on the saddle.

Good luck and have fun!

That's interesting-the bike store guy said $1 per mile-and he said he was making that up-but maybe it's more true-er than he knows!