Long shorts or short shorts?

[Cari]

I'm a chubby 5'4" and prefer long shorts.

* 2005 PI Ultrasensors (8.5") are currently my shorts of choice for long rides, but they need to be replaced soon. When my knee is flexed they leave about 5 inches of skin exposed above my kneecap, but at least it my thighs look ok.

* I like a pair of Cannondale Domestique shorts that I got on sale from REI last year. For some reason they make my legs look great. They're about the same length as the Ultransensors (maybe longer) but the leg opening is pretty roomy and the leg gripper is fabric, not silicone or bare elastic. But I don't think the chamois is appropriate for very long rides.

Come to think of it, one of my main problems with shorts is with the leg opening being too tight. I found some LG Ergo Sensors on sale here with a chamois that was surprisingly similar to the one on my PI's. But I'll have to return them because even though I bought a size larger than I normally wear, they're a bit short and the elastic at the leg is way too tight. *sigh*

I prefer knickers because those 5 or so inches of exposed skin above my knee feel like sizzling bacon when I'm out riding for 4 hours in the hot sun. My dad had some small skin lesions on his forehead from years of playing tennis and going to the beach, so I don't want to take any chances with the sun. And of course, knickers make my legs look way better than any short can. It's obviously pretty hot most of the time here in Puerto Rico, but as long as most of my lower leg is exposed, I'm ok. Unfortunately, I still haven't found knickers that will feel comfortable after several hours on the saddle.

* Shebeest's Pedal Pushers were great, but I had issues with the chamois.

* Shebeest Shindiggers have a great design, but the chamois isn't for long rides. They've already survived a couple of falls, so I know the fabric is durable.

* I ordered PI's new Sugar Knicker from TE, but the rise is so short (4" from the front edge of the chamois to the edge of the waistband) that I feel like I need a bikini wax just so I can wear them in public! The chamois looked like it could do the job, though, but since I'm not sure I want to keep them, I haven't taken them for a ride.

* Got a deal on some Castelli Zen 2 knickers and they fit well, but the chamois was a lot thinner than I expected, and the fabric looks a bit delicate.

So if any of you gals have some suggestions for nicely padded knickers, bibs, or long-ish shorts with ample leg openings (and with enough of a rise to cover my navel), please let me know.

Oh, and sorry for the long post. I take my shorts seriously.

~ Cari