My Saddle Is Wearing Out My New Shorts

[Alex]

Here's the good news. I have found the perfect combination of saddle and shorts in terms of comfort. I ride on a Specialized Jett and I wear the Shebeest Ultra D shorts. However, I have only ridden in the shorts for a total of 66 miles (2 rides) and the lycra is getting rubbed and is thinning -- apparently from where the shorts contact the edges of my saddle. What can I do? Should I put duct tape or something over the saddle? What about on the shorts? Am I destined to spend $120 on shorts that won't last very long?

I'm hoping for a cheaper solution than that. I've been riding on PIs with this saddle and this never happened. Then again, I was never this comfortable.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Alex

[Triskeliongirl]

That kept happening to me with my terry butterfly saddle. It was wearing out both my shorts and me (terrible chafing). So, I switched to a brooks finesse saddle with no problems. Another thing to check is that your saddle isn't set too high, so you aren't sawing the shorts across the top with each pedal stroke. Does your body hurt too, or just the shorts?

[Alex]

I am riding without discomfort. This combination of saddle and shorts is heavenly. The saddle height seems right, too. I just checked my LG bibs and they don't have worn spots. It must be something about the Shebeest material.

I've tried other saddles in the past, and nothing has worked as well for me as the Jett.

Alex

[Eden]

It definitely sounds like the shorts and not the saddle - especially since you haven't been prematurely wearing out other brands of shorts with the same saddle. (I have a Jett and I've never noticed my shorts wearing faster with it).

[Alex]

Eden,

Have you worn the Sheebest shorts with your Jett? When I was examining the shorts tonight and comparing them to my other shorts, I noticed that the material is quite a bit thinner on the SBs. What do you think about the idea of putting duct tape over the Jett's seams?

If I didn't like the SB shorts so much, I wouldn't consider it, but I'm so happy to be riding pain-free that I'm thinking about defiling my saddle in that way.

Alex

[mimitabby]

i think Duct Tape will get GOOEY and put gross marks on your shorts. But it won't permanently ruin the saddle, you'll be able to get it off eventually.
Remember, Duct tape doesn't stay stuck if it's wet or hot..

[bikerHen]

I've been having the same problem this winter with my Terry Thermofleece tights and the Terry sadddle on my MTB. The saddle is the cheaper version of the Butterfly I have on my road bike. I'm riding my road bike more, finally, and haven't noticed any additional wearing. I think the material of the cheaper saddle is the cause. When it gets wet or damp it seems to feel sticky and that happens alot here in the winter. bikerHen