Cycling shorts

[ridin a giant]

Forgive me for posting a topic that has been discussed already in this forum. I'm hoping that I can get some updated information.

I'm looking to purchase new cycling shorts and have been reading and reading about the different types of chamois, etc. I have Sugoi's now and they are ok. I think I would like to get a more fitted chamois. After riding for a bit, I find the chamois feels like a punch of material crumpled !

I would appreciate any feedback on people's favorite shorts, etc. and any tips that I should pay attention too.

Cindy

[Veronica]

I found that when I got a different saddle it really didn't matter so much what shorts I wore for shorter rides (sub 3 hours) on the bike. For anything longer I really like Castellis. A lot of shorts have too much padding for me. My suggestion would be to find a store with a return policy. That way you can experiment and find what you like. REI has a no questions asked return policy, so does Performance. Some local bike shops do as well.

Good luck with your search.

Veronica

[MightyMitre]

I recently purchased some new shorts and also had a huge dilema about which type to get.

In the end I went for Pearl Izumi pair - the fit is very good and the chamoix is good quality but without being too bulky. (I hate that feeling as if you're walking around wearing a nappy!)

They also have quite a short leg -which is ideal for those hot summer rides so any sun tan mark is quite high up the leg.

I suggest trying as many pairs on as you can, as a lot of it's down to personal preference. Sometimes I've tried on top of the range, expensive makes only to prefer the feel and fit of much cheaper ones.

Good luck

[KTeach]

My favorites are Terry T Shorts, they come in 3 different lengths. I also like Sheebest, they have a variety of chamois, the one on their shindigger (capri length) is not bulky but on longer rides I go with my Terry Tshorts. I found the chamois on my Performance capri tights bunches up - but they are probably too long waisted for me. I also found "short shorts" ride up on my chunky thighs!SO it's definitely a matter of personal preference, individual fit and trial and error!

[Kathi]

I really like the chamois on the Shebeest SSS short and the Elite Distance short.

The chamois looks bulky but its not. For long, hot, sweaty rides its great, it asorbs the moisture and I don't feel wet. Also, the fabric is great. I have two pairs of the SSS short that I bought a couple of years ago and I can't tell the difference them and the pair I just bought.

The SSS is a shorter length and is not so long on me.

Don't get the Shebeest sprint short if you ride long distances. I have a pair and they're more for short rides or spinning.

Also, the Shebeest chamois are cut to fit the short. I got a pair of REI shorts for Christmas. The chamois seems to big, like they cut the chamois the same for all their sizes.

Never tried Sugoi and I have a pair of LG's that I like. But I wear my Shebeest shorts the most.

Kathi

[ridin a giant]

I think that I'm leaning towards the more "non" lyra shorts and something with a contoured chamois.

I appreciate the comments to my posts. I find it very helpful in determining what I should pay attention too. I don't think there is any way I could have been armed with this much knowledge otherwise (I don't have the time nor the resource to search each brand). Internet is a great thing !!!

Cindy

[Kathi]

Cindy,

You got me curious as to the differences between the Shebeest chamois and the REI chamois. Actually, the design and fabrics look very similiar. However, when I measured them the REI chamois was 1/4" to 1'1/2" larger.

The internet has helped me a lot too. The shops around here mostly carry PI, Bellweather, or Cannondale, all brands that don't fit me well or they don't carry my size. So I order almost all of my cycling clothes from the net.

Kathi