Cycling shorts
06-10-21, 11:48 AM
#101
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I used Wosawe over the last 6 months. I am more impressed with them at $18 that I paid (gel pad) than I am with the $60 Pearl Izumi shorts I ordered from their site.
The chamois is much better, leg grips much better, fit is much better, thighs are more supportive, fabric thicker, have more reflective strips ( I ride often at night), and overall more comfortable. I'm a heavy rider so I would think lighter riders would find them even more comfy. They feel good on the first ride, maybe a little stiff down the very center but after a few rides, much more comfortable. But true to size on the chart-0-gram.
I paid $18 6 months ago but just received another 2 pair for $20 each. 2 dollar increase, OUCH!
China Speed Pack shipping was rather quick. Maybe 2 weeks vs the 2 month shipping horror stories I read about.
The shorts are shown inside out to show the chamois.
The chamois is much better, leg grips much better, fit is much better, thighs are more supportive, fabric thicker, have more reflective strips ( I ride often at night), and overall more comfortable. I'm a heavy rider so I would think lighter riders would find them even more comfy. They feel good on the first ride, maybe a little stiff down the very center but after a few rides, much more comfortable. But true to size on the chart-0-gram.
I paid $18 6 months ago but just received another 2 pair for $20 each. 2 dollar increase, OUCH!
China Speed Pack shipping was rather quick. Maybe 2 weeks vs the 2 month shipping horror stories I read about.The shorts are shown inside out to show the chamois.
And what's the difference between MTB shorts and road?
Last edited by gilpi; 06-10-21 at 11:51 AM.
06-10-21, 03:04 PM
#103
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06-10-21, 03:29 PM
#104
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also don't forget the Streisand/Diamond duet "You don't Bring me Showers (Golden) Anymore"
Nobody knew it was a song dedicated to healthy prostate function. I learned that in the green room bathroom at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion at the 1981 Grammys. One of the guys in Supertramp told me. I think it was the drummer. I was pretty high.
I wear cycling shorts.
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06-10-21, 04:05 PM
#105
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I don't understand how a brand can get a rep for fitting well or poorly. If it's not custom made, the manufacturer has to design for a model. To the extent you're like the model they chose, the clothes will fit well. To the extent you're unlike the model, they won't fit well. Of course, with the materials that are used in cycling clothes, it's easier to find a good fit than if the clothes were made with, say, pure cotton, but logic seems to say:
the fact that brand N fits or doesn't fit one poster says very little, if anything, about how the brand will fit another rider.
the fact that brand N fits or doesn't fit one poster says very little, if anything, about how the brand will fit another rider.
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06-10-21, 04:16 PM
#106
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I don't understand how a brand can get a rep for fitting well or poorly. If it's not custom made, the manufacturer has to design for a model. To the extent you're like the model they chose, the clothes will fit well. To the extent you're unlike the model, they won't fit well. Of course, with the materials that are used in cycling clothes, it's easier to find a good fit than if the clothes were made with, say, pure cotton, but logic seems to say:
the fact that brand N fits or doesn't fit one poster says very little, if anything, about how the brand will fit another rider.
the fact that brand N fits or doesn't fit one poster says very little, if anything, about how the brand will fit another rider.
So IMO it's sensible to ask if ordering from China.
Quite a few Chinese product descriptions I've seen explicitly state "Order one size larger for Canda and USA".
This situation isn't helped by the fact that clothing companies have changed sizing for the N. American market over the years to make us feel better about our expanding waistlines and butts.
It started with women's clothing ("I still wear a size 8!") and progressed to mens sizing. I used to wear a L in most shirts and jackets, now it's M for practically everything...and, no, I'm not getting slimmer.
06-10-21, 04:33 PM
#107
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I understand that. I also know there's variation within sizes, variations in the same size from one company to another, from one line to another within the same brand, etc., etc., etc. I know L in the low end Pearl Izumi line fits me pretty well, but the LL Bean L is too loose fro my comfort.
But I wouldn't say, 'PI jerseys fit well', or 'LL Bean jerseys fit poorly.' All I would say is that PI's L is a good bet for me and LL Bean's L isn't..
But I wouldn't say, 'PI jerseys fit well', or 'LL Bean jerseys fit poorly.' All I would say is that PI's L is a good bet for me and LL Bean's L isn't..
06-10-21, 05:08 PM
#108
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I mentioned true to size on my post, but they seem to be spot on with what I expected. They provide a size chart as well, as mentioned, their chart-o-gram.
I think their may be a language barrier in the description. They say and other say for MTB, hybrid, and Road. I think they worded it wrong as these are road bike shorts. I think they mean they can be used on any of the above but they are not MTB short, just like the pic shows, road bike style. Like me, maybe they use them on their mtb's as well so they call it that, though they're not, you know what I mean.
As far as sizing, I got the 3XL and they feel great. The 3XL PI are loose and baggy around the knees. These fit very well. I have used 2XL in PI and they are a bit snug so I went 3XL. PI suck and these Wosawe fit very well. So compared to a PI 2XL, I'd say they are spot on with the Wosawe 2XL. The 3 XL are just a little more comfy for my size but fit very well. The waist measurements listed in their size charts seem to be spot on!
I think their may be a language barrier in the description. They say and other say for MTB, hybrid, and Road. I think they worded it wrong as these are road bike shorts. I think they mean they can be used on any of the above but they are not MTB short, just like the pic shows, road bike style. Like me, maybe they use them on their mtb's as well so they call it that, though they're not, you know what I mean.
As far as sizing, I got the 3XL and they feel great. The 3XL PI are loose and baggy around the knees. These fit very well. I have used 2XL in PI and they are a bit snug so I went 3XL. PI suck and these Wosawe fit very well. So compared to a PI 2XL, I'd say they are spot on with the Wosawe 2XL. The 3 XL are just a little more comfy for my size but fit very well. The waist measurements listed in their size charts seem to be spot on!
I'm also a bit on the larger size. BUT I have some older Pearl Izumi shorts (about four pair) and while the large fits me with a bit of a stomach roll, the XL and XXL that I have don't seem to fit in the butt. I guess there's too much fabric or looseness and I get chaffing which I don't get with the tighter Large size. Presumably my butt is not as large as my gut! But I recently ordered some PI Large shorts from REI and they did not fit. I also went to the REI store but stock was low and I tried on 3 different brands and none were what I wanted but settled for an REI branded short.
I have been riding more and wanted a few extra pair to get me through if I don't launder as frequently.
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06-10-21, 05:20 PM
#109
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I understand that. I also know there's variation within sizes, variations in the same size from one company to another, from one line to another within the same brand, etc., etc., etc. I know L in the low end Pearl Izumi line fits me pretty well, but the LL Bean L is too loose fro my comfort.
But I wouldn't say, 'PI jerseys fit well', or 'LL Bean jerseys fit poorly.' All I would say is that PI's L is a good bet for me and LL Bean's L isn't..
But I wouldn't say, 'PI jerseys fit well', or 'LL Bean jerseys fit poorly.' All I would say is that PI's L is a good bet for me and LL Bean's L isn't..
06-11-21, 04:24 AM
#110
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I don't understand how a brand can get a rep for fitting well or poorly. If it's not custom made, the manufacturer has to design for a model. To the extent you're like the model they chose, the clothes will fit well. To the extent you're unlike the model, they won't fit well. Of course, with the materials that are used in cycling clothes, it's easier to find a good fit than if the clothes were made with, say, pure cotton, but logic seems to say:
the fact that brand N fits or doesn't fit one poster says very little, if anything, about how the brand will fit another rider.
the fact that brand N fits or doesn't fit one poster says very little, if anything, about how the brand will fit another rider.
Obviously they have to be designed around a range of different sized human models, so if you are well outside that range you may need to look elsewhere. Some brands use different models for their different ranges eg race fit and comfort fit etc.
Some brands also have more consistent sizing than others across their range. So if I’m a medium in one item, I would expect to be a medium in another item of the same brand.
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06-12-21, 02:05 PM
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Inspired by this thread I treated myself to a new pair of mtb shorts and liners from 7-mesh. Expensive, but very nice quality, fit and comfort. I did a 3 hour trail ride in them today and although it was hot and humid, they stayed remarkably dry. Also no catching on the saddle, which is my number 1 issue with mtb shorts. The liners are the best I've yet come across, no running up the legs, not too much padding and cut nicely around my manhood. The shell is super-lightweight too and cut perfectly for riding with deep pockets in all the right places. I would still say quality road bib-shorts are the most comfortable to ride in, but these are far more casual and easily wearable off the bike.
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06-12-21, 02:17 PM
#112
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I wear MTB shorts with liners.
I own traditional stretch bike shorts, "mountain bike" shorts as well as bibs. At 63 I'm not the svelte young buck I used to be so until I get down to my "fighting weight", I'd rather not look like a stuffed sausage riding down the road in stretch shorts so I wear mountain bike shorts with liners inside my Endura mountain bike shorts. Are they a little hotter? Yes, but not too bad. Plus, I can use them for mowing the lawn and doing errands on the weekend.
I own traditional stretch bike shorts, "mountain bike" shorts as well as bibs. At 63 I'm not the svelte young buck I used to be so until I get down to my "fighting weight", I'd rather not look like a stuffed sausage riding down the road in stretch shorts so I wear mountain bike shorts with liners inside my Endura mountain bike shorts. Are they a little hotter? Yes, but not too bad. Plus, I can use them for mowing the lawn and doing errands on the weekend.
06-12-21, 02:41 PM
#113
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Took me a long time to graduate to cycling shorts. Thirty years later, I can't go back, even on the short rides the comfort level is way up there.
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06-13-21, 07:52 AM
#114
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Cycling Shorts
I bought a few pairs of cheeper cycling shorts on amazon (about £10 each) as I've just started to commute by bike and noticed a bit of a sore bum after my commute. Unfortunately after using them for a few days they don't seem to have any real effect for me. I commuted today without them and haven't noticed much of a difference.
Next plan of action is trying something a bit better quality and see if that has any effect.
Next plan of action is trying something a bit better quality and see if that has any effect.
06-13-21, 09:30 AM
#115
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I bought a few pairs of cheeper cycling shorts on amazon (about £10 each) as I've just started to commute by bike and noticed a bit of a sore bum after my commute. Unfortunately after using them for a few days they don't seem to have any real effect for me. I commuted today without them and haven't noticed much of a difference.
Next plan of action is trying something a bit better quality and see if that has any effect.
Next plan of action is trying something a bit better quality and see if that has any effect.
And, I find that better quality shorts help for me for longer rides.In my RedWhite and Hincapie shorts the padding seems to conform better and the fabric keeps 'things' from moving around without feeling too constricting. It's easy to get 'spoiled' once you find shorts that work well.
Avoiding a sore butt is worth quite a lot of expense to me, but I'll be happy if I find something cheap that does the job. Perhaps with more miles of riding, I'll toughen up?
06-13-21, 09:51 AM
#116
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Comfort is has more to do with saddle type, proper bike fit and conditioning which comes form spending time in the saddle.. You shouldn't have to use butt cream and fancy expensive bibs for a short duration ride...
06-13-21, 10:19 AM
#117
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My experience with cheap bike shorts is that they work out so rarely that in the end they don't save me any money, and waste a lot of my time
I cannot count how many times I have succumbed to the recommendation of people on this or other bike sites about some awesome $25 bike short, only to either immediately return it after trying them on, or go ahead and give them a try, and regret doing so (I am not about to return used bike shorts).
Some aspects of road/gravel cycling I am willing to go super cheap (glasses, shirts), others aspects it just needs to be half-decent and functional (pretty much the entire bike), but a few I want the good stuff and I am willing to pay for it (tires, shorts).
I cannot count how many times I have succumbed to the recommendation of people on this or other bike sites about some awesome $25 bike short, only to either immediately return it after trying them on, or go ahead and give them a try, and regret doing so (I am not about to return used bike shorts).
Some aspects of road/gravel cycling I am willing to go super cheap (glasses, shirts), others aspects it just needs to be half-decent and functional (pretty much the entire bike), but a few I want the good stuff and I am willing to pay for it (tires, shorts).
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06-13-21, 11:37 AM
#118
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The problem is that for many of us, we can't put in those miles unless we take a lot of care not to get injured - muscle and joint problems with over-training for example.
Those 'injuries' can also include chafing and general 'butt' problems which may sound trivial but aren't!
So bike fit, saddle choice, clothing, creams - all can have their place...for me. YMMV, etc etc..
06-13-21, 09:11 PM
#119
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My experience with cheap bike shorts is that they work out so rarely that in the end they don't save me any money, and waste a lot of my time
I cannot count how many times I have succumbed to the recommendation of people on this or other bike sites about some awesome $25 bike short, only to either immediately return it after trying them on, or go ahead and give them a try, and regret doing so (I am not about to return used bike shorts).
Some aspects of road/gravel cycling I am willing to go super cheap (glasses, shirts), others aspects it just needs to be half-decent and functional (pretty much the entire bike), but a few I want the good stuff and I am willing to pay for it (tires, shorts).
I cannot count how many times I have succumbed to the recommendation of people on this or other bike sites about some awesome $25 bike short, only to either immediately return it after trying them on, or go ahead and give them a try, and regret doing so (I am not about to return used bike shorts).
Some aspects of road/gravel cycling I am willing to go super cheap (glasses, shirts), others aspects it just needs to be half-decent and functional (pretty much the entire bike), but a few I want the good stuff and I am willing to pay for it (tires, shorts).
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06-13-21, 10:25 PM
#120
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06-14-21, 02:27 AM
#121
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After reading the rave reviews for more expensive kit, I purchased ASOS shorts to feel the superior comfort and fit. I was very disappointed that these expensive shorts were not nearly as comfortable as my Sponeeds from Amazon for one third of the price. Yes a sample of one does is not representative of the high end brands, but after this experience, I am skeptical there is a panacea, but rather what feels good to you.
I have 1 pair of ASSOS shorts. Quality is great, but I find the fit slightly odd. For that reason they are not my favourite shorts, but certainly not my worst experience.
06-14-21, 12:32 PM
#122
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Just for grins, last night I ordered a pair of “ black bib” shorts
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06-14-21, 01:31 PM
#123
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I haven't reidden "mountatin bike" type shorts in 15 or 20 years, so maybe things have changed. When I first got cycing shorts,....that's what I got. When i switched, I found road bike shorts to be way more comfortable. But maybe they're better now. I've bought a lot of shorts from an online place, I've bought some from aerotech design that are pretty good, and cheaper than Pearl Izumi...I've never bought their shorts, but I've bought tights from places like Nashbar and Performance bike, and they tend to end up having problems (like defective zippers at the ankles).
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06-14-21, 01:38 PM
#124
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I used to have the same conversation with cyclists online and in person because I've never worn cycling kit:
"You need it to prevent chafing."
Me: I don't chafe when I ride.
"Try riding in street clothes for 50 miles and see how that goes."
Me: I rode 150 miles a couple days ago.
Occasionally, someone would then accuse me of not riding the 150 miles "hard", which I thought was especially funny.
I have no idea if you could ride in street clothes without chafing, but I'm pretty sure you know. Telling other people what they should or shouldn't wear to be comfortable is pretty silly. What you do works for you.
I only worry that some people get discouraged from trying to ride because some salesperson has convinced them they shouldn't ride a few miles without wearing $500 in kit.
"You need it to prevent chafing."
Me: I don't chafe when I ride.
"Try riding in street clothes for 50 miles and see how that goes."
Me: I rode 150 miles a couple days ago.
Occasionally, someone would then accuse me of not riding the 150 miles "hard", which I thought was especially funny.
I have no idea if you could ride in street clothes without chafing, but I'm pretty sure you know. Telling other people what they should or shouldn't wear to be comfortable is pretty silly. What you do works for you.
I only worry that some people get discouraged from trying to ride because some salesperson has convinced them they shouldn't ride a few miles without wearing $500 in kit.
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06-14-21, 01:42 PM
#125
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I consider what I wear on my regular long rides to be "street clothes.". I wear a tight tee shirt and regular (not bike branded) cargo shorts. I also use platform pedals and wear sneakers. I've done multiple 150 mile rides in that outfit, and I don't suffer any ill effects. It also makes it a lot easier to hop off the bike and walk around whatever town I happen to be riding through.
I suspect a lot of people think they will suffer without the kit only because other people tell them they will.
I suspect a lot of people think they will suffer without the kit only because other people tell them they will.