Descente Cycling Shorts

[Paula]

I can't find a review anywhere online so I guess I'll ask here...

Anyone have the Descente "Bliss" cycling shorts?

Care to share a product review...the good, bad, etc. I'm also curious as to how they fit. True to size? A bit skimpy? Loose in the waist, tight in the hips or visa/versa? I'm at the top end of an XS waist measurement (26) and the middle of the XS hip measurement (35). I wear a size 4 in street clothing (pants, jeans, shorts) and not sure which way to go with the cycling shorts. Order an XS and hope the waist cut is generous enough that I can still breathe or order a S so I can breathe and just deal with a looser fit in the hips...

What to do?

Thanks in advance...

[Duck on Wheels]

I wonder if they've recently changed the chamois on these. I inherited 2 pair from my daughter, who found the front too loose for her taste. I was fine with them, though. They quickly became my favorites, so I bought 2 more pair. But ouch! The seam on the chamois on the new pair is soooo hard! It gouges into the insides of my thighs. When I showered after a 2-hour ride, even just plain warm water running down me burned there, I was so chafed. I compared the chamois, and sure enough ... very similar, but not quite the same right around the inner thigh area. So now the new shorts are demoted to single-hour spin class shorts, and I'm two pair of shorts short for the ALC ride coming up.

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

The Bliss shorts used to be my very favorite before I found the Triple S shorts by Shebeest. I liked that the bliss shorts were shorter and the fabric was really comfy. Loved the no-pinch, no-roll waistband.

I don't remember having chafe issues with the chamois... But I will say that ultimately there ARE better chamois out there.

Why not just try a pair? That deal theyre having right now on them is sweet!

[Skierchickie]

I don't have the Bliss model, but a couple of years ago I decided I wanted a "good" pair of shorts. Got the Descente Aero-X. I love the way they fit, but the chamois is very stiff and moves with the shorts, not with my body. Imagine cardboard. And they never softened up. I don't wear them. I don't know if the chamois is similar, but I'd watch out.

I, too, discovered the Triple S shorts, and they are by far the best I've tried.

[Paula]

I wonder if they've recently changed the chamois on these. I inherited 2 pair from my daughter, who found the front too loose for her taste. I was fine with them, though. They quickly became my favorites, so I bought 2 more pair. But ouch! The seam on the chamois on the new pair is soooo hard! It gouges into the insides of my thighs. When I showered after a 2-hour ride, even just plain warm water running down me burned there, I was so chafed. I compared the chamois, and sure enough ... very similar, but not quite the same right around the inner thigh area. So now the new shorts are demoted to single-hour spin class shorts, and I'm two pair of shorts short for the ALC ride coming up.

Interesting point about the "changing" chamois. I've shopped all over the internet and here on TE they say they come with the "Stealth" chamois but I found them at REI and other places with the "Phantom" chamois. Different product years? I can't even find a picture of the "Phantom" so maybe that's last year (or even older)? What gives?

[kenyonchris]

I have these...and for some reason I find the binding on the legs to be tight. I am 5'4, 110lbs, a size 2-4....I have the smalls, I prefer NOT to have the sausage feel, and they do ok everywhere for me except the thighs. I don't have abnormally large thighs (none of my other shorts do this).

I don't have a problem with the chamois, but the years of riding multiple horses and bikes have pretty much left me with leather for buttskin (attractive, huh?)

[Paula]

Product Review (I know...this should be in the "Apparel" forum which I found after I originally posted but it's here now. So, unless someone has the power to move it I guess it will stay here )

I am so not impressed with these shorts for the following reasons...

They are about 1.5" longer than I would like...which isn't really the fault of the shorts, just another reason they're going back to the place I ordered them from.

Based on their size charts I ordered a Small but wonder if I wouldn't have been better off with an XSmall? They just feel loose. Too loose (not sure an XS would make enough difference. The waist is so loose that I feel like I have to keep pulling it up. I can't imagine what would happen if I actually rode in them....got sweaty and wet while pumping my legs up and down on a bike saddle for hours...female butt crack waiting to happen !

I guess the leg openings were OK...definitely not too tight. Maybe they could/should have been a bit tighter since I fear they might have ridden up?

The edge of the chamois...which was advertised as the "Phantom" but had hang tags saying it was the "Stealth" felt almost sharp to the touch. I can only imagine how it might feel against the skin. Adding insult to injury, the chamois felt sort of stiff, especially at the edges.

I guess I prefer a bit heavier and tighter knit fabric that will actually hold a (more moldable) chamois next to my skin. Guess I'm go shopping (again)!

[arielmoon]

The Bliss shorts used to be my very favorite before I found the Triple S shorts by Shebeest. I liked that the bliss shorts were shorter and the fabric was really comfy. Loved the no-pinch, no-roll waistband.

I don't remember having chafe issues with the chamois... But I will say that ultimately there ARE better chamois out there.

Why not just try a pair? That deal theyre having right now on them is sweet!

I second this about the Triple S. They even survived my crash without so much as a mark.

[TrekTheKaty]

The girls on here convinced me to buy the SheBeest Triple S for my century last fall. They are my "go to" shorts for important rides. I've been "tender" lately, but just completed at 45 mile-ride, no problem.

Ariel, hope you're fully recovered! Mine also survived a lay down--close one.

[Brandy]

I have these...and for some reason I find the binding on the legs to be tight. I am 5'4, 110lbs, a size 2-4....I have the smalls, I prefer NOT to have the sausage feel, and they do ok everywhere for me except the thighs. I don't have abnormally large thighs (none of my other shorts do this).

I don't have a problem with the chamois, but the years of riding multiple horses and bikes have pretty much left me with leather for buttskin (attractive, huh?)

I'm glad you said this. I have a pair of Descente bibs and the cuff is really tight. The chamois is fine, but I look and feel like a sausage!

Off to check out these Triple S shorts you all love.

[ladyicon]

I own 2 pairs of Descente Strada bib shorts, and I love them. Chamois and the fit is great on me. I would definately recommend them to a friend.

[smurfalicious]

I own 2 pairs of Descente Strada bib shorts, and I love them. Chamois and the fit is great on me. I would definately recommend them to a friend.

The Strata's have a different chamois though I do believe. Those are their top-of-the-line shorts I do believe. I have tights with the "Stealth" chamois in them and I was SO happy when my order got messed up (not from TE mind you) and I got one instead of two pair. The chamois itself isn't that bad for short distances, but the edge of it is really rough and they way it's sewn in does not help! I never use chamois cream and I had to with these. My poor butt, I was commuting 35 miles round trip and it had a little scab on it. *sniffle*

I have a coworker who has several items, shorts and knickers with this chamois and she loves them. So to each her own huh? They are a great price point for new riders, spin classes, and shorter rides. And, for what it's worth tights fit so weird anyway that it could have been due to that.

Otherwise I love my Descente gear! My arm warmers, ooooh they are so snuggly! And Wombat gloves? Brilliant? Shelter Jacket could be warn to cycle in Antarctica it's so warm, and sexy, and has great features.