Confused About Cycling Shorts-Tights-Knickers.

[nscrbug]

You mention that you are "full figured". Not sure what that means to you, but I'm pretty heavy for a cyclist. Size 18 in street clothing. I've been road biking for 13 years, at an average of 2,500 miles per year, so I've been through a LOT of shorts. You're going to find they are as personal a decision as is a good saddle. There's a different short for every bottom! But the advice to always buy 8-panel construction is spot-on.

My favorite is the Pearl Izumi Short-Cut Short, size XL. They are VERY hard to find, so I've got a good supply on hand. I like my chamois substantial, and the leg length at no more than 7". Too short & my chubby thighs rub my saddle bag, too long & I look like a stuffed pork sausage. I, too, roll back the gripper on the bottom edge of the leg. Mostly I don't want a tanning line that is lower than my street shorts & skorts, so 7" crotch length is my limit.

I used to wear Sugoi's, but found the chamois wore out in just 2 years or so. I wash bike shorts in warm water/cold rinse and ALWAYS line dry them. Other brands have lasted much longer. I found Shebeest to be the thinnest, least serious shorts, made mostly for fashionable Spinning classes.

I always tell women who are reluctant to spend $$ on good shorts "honey, I don't know what your "specials" are worth, but I think mine are worth protecting!".

Just an FYI...you can find your favorite shorts here:

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/item/PEAWAS5R

[nscrbug]

On cooler rides, I wear cycling shorts (usually PI) with a pair of Under Armour Cold Gear tights on top. This combo keeps me warm...sometimes almost too warm. I also have a few pairs of New Balance running tights that I use as a top layer over shorts. I've been searching for a decent pair of padded long cycling tights, as I would like to try a cooler ride with just 1 layer (I get warm easily)...but I haven't been able to find a pair that I'm happy with. I've tried the PI Thermafleece padded tight...but I felt it didn't sit high enough on my hips. I really prefer my cycling bottoms to come up a tad bit higher in the back, as I tend to have problems with the waistband sliding down in the back...drives me nutty! I also tried a pair of Performance Bike Radiator padded long tights, and they were awful. I wore them for one ride, and they've been collecting dust ever since....anyone want them? I'd be happy to give them away, because I know I'll never wear 'em again.

[malkin]

In the cold cold, I wear wool unders with two layers of tights. The outsidest ones are biggerish, because I bought them when I first started riding.

[LilBolt]

I have a pair of shorts & a pair of knickers that I like other than the grippers. I found that if I use Body Glide where the grippers hit me, they are just fine...as long as the Body Glide doesn't wear off before the end of my ride.

For days in the 50's to lower 60's, I like to wear knickers. When it gets into the 40's, knickers w/ wool ski socks (I like the extra fabric up front, and thiner fabric on my calves) or cycling tights w/ chamois. Below that, it is winter tights (no chamois) over either shorts or knickers with the ski socks...this has left my lower half pretty comfortable into the upper 20's.