Descente Strata shorts...Sizing? Fit?

[OakLeaf]

I just returned a Small and Medium pairs of these.

Size wise, the Medium definitely fit me. So that ought to give you a good idea since I've got/am getting your old SSS shorts. (Although it seems like the other SSS shorts I have don't fit exactly the same - there may have been some size variation in those over the years.)

Anyway, there was a lot I liked about the construction of the Descent Strada shorts - a whole lot. But the chamois was just... huge.

When I stood up, the edge of the chamois, where it transitions from the butt to the crotch, cut into my thighs/butt - literally created a hard edge that pressed uncomfortably into my flesh.

I figured that wouldn't be an issue on the bike, so I sat on the saddle - I don't have a trainer, but I propped myself up with an arm on a desk and pedaled backwards just to give the shorts a chance in riding position. There, the chamois seemed like it was in the right place on my butt, but now its hugeness in front was apparent. As my legs moved, the front of the chamois rocked back and forth. It was too hard and thick to flex with my movement and conform to my body. It was obvious that if I actually rode in those shorts, it was going to chafe my forward parts really badly.

So back they went. I was really disappointed. I thought the leg openings fit fine, although I do have thunder thighs. It was definitely a difference from shorts with grippers, and of course not having actually ridden in them, I can't say for sure they wouldn't ride up.

[KathiCville]

Thank you, LOL! JUST the kind of first-hand (-butt?) feedback I was looking for! You've just saved me the trouble of ordering and returning them! Too bad that the chamois is such a problem on shorts that otherwise seem to be well designed....Maybe one of the other brands/models I'm looking at will be the ticket.

[beccaB]

I like the Chamois on the descente bliss shorts I have, but my husband says he can see anatomy from the back. :0 !!!

[VeloVT]

I have an older pair of Bliss shorts and I find that chamois pretty comfortable, like Becca.

Also, FWIW, I wear size small shorts from PI, Terry, Castelli, Sugoi, Shebeest but my Descente shorts are medium.

[7rider]

My Strada bib shorts fit great. Nice compression (hmmm...is that "snug"?), very comfy. I didn't have to size up or anything.
The chamois, on the other hand, I hated for the first 3 rides. I gave it a "3 strikes and your out" chance to redeem itself. By the 3rd ride, I could tolerate the chamois, so the bibs stay in use-rotation.
BTW: Strada shorts on sale at STP.
Also...I don't care for the rise on my Bliss capris. I feel like they are constantly too low and I have to hitch them up constantly....

[KathiCville]

Great feedback, thanks! ... My Sugoi and LG shorts from TE will probably arrive today, yayyyy, just in time for the weekend.

[mudmucker]

Great feedback, thanks! ... My Sugoi and LG shorts from TE will probably arrive today, yayyyy, just in time for the weekend.

I am a big fan of the Sugoi RS. I think their FX chamois has changed from last year - in my opinion, for the better. Because of the change in chamois they are now my top favorite short over the Shebeest's I had. I found LG fit me funny.

Post your "findings" when you've tried both out...

[Selkie]

Anyway, there was a lot I liked about the construction of the Descent Strada shorts - a whole lot. But the chamois was just... huge.

I figured that wouldn't be an issue on the bike, so I sat on the saddle - I don't have a trainer, but I propped myself up with an arm on a desk and pedaled backwards just to give the shorts a chance in riding position. There, the chamois seemed like it was in the right place on my butt, but now its hugeness in front was apparent. As my legs moved, the front of the chamois rocked back and forth. It was too hard and thick to flex with my movement and conform to my body. It was obvious that if I actually rode in those shorts, it was going to chafe my forward parts really badly.

I had the exact problem with the bib shorts. I felt like I had a "package" up front, if you get my drift. After trying to wear them on the trainer, I got rid of them.