cvictorh

I am looking for some new gear both shorts and pants and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for quality brands on the cheaper side. I want quality stuff but I was wondering if there were some brands that were more modestly priced just because they lack the name recognition of the bigger brands.

sdmc530

don't know about your budget but my go to brands for bibs are either PI or Specialized brand. I really like them both. I couldn't wear the nashbar brand at all, I thought it was terrible.

rumrunn6

Zoic MTB shorts or Novara Headwind pants over thin lined Zoot 9" Trishorts. both in XXL for my 38" waist

the good stuff is worth the $$

fietsbob

Chamois is a sub species of Alpine Goat.. now there are fast drying synthetics which resemble the sheepskin leather, used decades ago.

mercator

In the past I have purchased shorts from Probikekit and Merlin that were very good quality for a decent price. From the looks of it, they were contracting Nalini to sew up some standard designs using decent quality materials (including Elastic Interface pads).

I don't see much on their sites right now, however, but it is worth it to subscribe to their email list as they often have some good deals.

rumrunn6

anyone ever own an EMS or LL Bean Chamois Flannel Shirt from the '70s? they were great!

John_V 

Even quality brand names have cheap stuff. Cycling shorts/bibs are not the area you want to worry about cost. Whatever is comfortable and fits you properly that isn't bargain basement stuff is what you will need.

caloso

Voler

Sy Reene

I'd typically just advise to browse thru the Steep n cheap website for what's available. Never pay full price.
a starting point https://www.steepandcheap.com/mens-r...=1&pagesize=80

canklecat

Any particular problem with the chamois and saddle you've been using? Sometimes a minor adjustment in fit can relieve minor comfort problems: small tweaks to the positions of cleats, saddle fore/aft/height/angle, etc.

If your fit is dialed in for now, chamois comfort depends on whether the shorts you've tried are too thin or too thick. Personally I prefer faux-chamois more like old school leather chamois, thin with just enough padding to minimize pressure discomfort, without soaking up a bunch of sweat.

So far on rides up to 40 miles or so I prefer the thin microfiber padding of Aerotech Pro shorts with the tan and black chamois. No gel or foam, very little loft, basically just the same type of soft microfiber cloth you can buy to clean lenses and polish fine car finishes.

When I was getting accustomed to a new, firmer and narrower saddle I occasionally switched to Pearl Izumi and Baleef shorts with that newer style thick, sculpted gel or progressive foam padding. But on warm days that stuff soaks up sweat and feels like a diaper.

It also depends on whether you use chamois cream. I don't. Just lucky. Never needed it with my old merino wool and leather chamois shorts in the 1970s. I haven't experienced the problems some folks have that necessitate creams with real leather or faux chamois.

Check the Aerotech site. They have every imaginable type of chamois pad and complete description for each. If in doubt, email or call 'em and ask more questions. They're an accessible company with good affordable stuff and higher end stuff.

FlMTNdude

Bought some Baleaf shorts on Amazon at the beginning of the year for $20 each. Love them so far, I ride 50 miles on a weekend day. Only drawback is lack of drawstring, so if I lose the whole 5 kg I need to lose that may be an issue.

bruce19

I think what you're looking for good "bang for the buck" kit. I've cycled for a lot of years, about 40 I think. During that time I've tried a lot of brands. Nothing ever worked to my satisfaction until I said "What the hell" and bought some Assos bibs on sale.I think they were $129. They were perfect. Over time I discovered that I loved most kit Assos. That doesn't mean you will have to buy Assos or any other "higher" quality brand. You might get lucky and find some $50 shorts that will work for you. That's the key. Find out what works for you. Good luck.

rydabent

Chamois, chamois bent riders dont need no steenkin chamois.

rumrunn6

saw some tops, how is their sizing for overweight over-50s? I take anywhere from an XL from American manufacturers to XXXL being too small from other countries & not even being able to get my arms into the sleeves. their stuff is cheap enough but I don't want to wind up buying & returning everything

FlMTNdude

I found the sizing pretty spot on. I am 52, and on the edge sizing wise so I always buy cycling clothes on the larger size for error and come out ok. I don’t wear things loose, but don’t want too much squeeze either.

rumrunn6

k, thanks. I'll give something of theirs a try then

Drew Eckhardt 

Voler sells shorts and bibs with Elastic Interface Technology (like Rapha and Assos) pads (Comp HP and Orion) starting at $100. They're built with 120 kg/m^3 foam under the sit bones so you don't sink squishing your soft tissues, and are reasonably shaped so there isn't excess that can cause chafing. Order a pair and return them if they don't work for you.

I'm not aware of any less expensive shorts that have acceptable chamois construction - apart from Aerotech they're all too big and squishy like bad bike saddles , and not an improvement over flat synthetic leather on longer rides. Aerotech pads aren't too thick, but don't work as well as stiffer pads that are shaped better.

Boure shorts/bibs with flat synthetic leather chamois work fine, although they also run $100 for shorts.

Voler EIT Comp HP pad:

WNCGoater

I had good luck with Performance Bike's "Ultra" shorts. Currently $59.

bogydave

Competitive cyclist has a good sale going
Link:
CCSalestuff
I got bib tights, Giordana G-Shield
$135 (list $200)
Rode them yesterday 40 miles,44°, like them
& the chamois rode nice.

Good customer service
Free returns
Free shipping in lower 48
(Cost $12 in AK )

philbob57

Don't the Performance Ultras use E.I.T. pads?

The thing about pads now is that they come in an overwhelming variety of thickness, density, width, shape, with and without gel, etc.. And like seats, what works for and fits one person may not work for another of essentially the same size.

I think the best way to find pads that work for you is to buy one pair of shorts or bibs, decide what you like and don't like, and buy the next pair that fit the requirements you were looking for.

But for budget friendly stuff, it's Performance, Nashbar, Aerotech, and special sales.

Patriot1

I like the quaility and price of www.aerotechdesigns.com/mensbikeshorts1.html
Also made here in the USA.

KraneXL

There's just no way around this. Although a good pair of shorts can fit a wide gamut of shapes. Anyway, +1 on the Performance Ultras and Elite.

Dave P

I think @canklecat summed things up nicely, so I'll just add a tiny bit.

When I started riding again, ~7 years ago, I thought the higher end (price) shorts would help me avoid discomfort. They might have, but I soon discovered that I could get the same, if not better quality and comfort through Aero Tech Designs. My favorite Aero Tech short is the men's Pro Short (already mentioned). They typically run ~$40.

Good luck in your search, cvictorh.

jp911

Yes! The Voler bibs and chamois are very comfortable. Personally, I find them more comfortable that some of the higher end bibs from Pearl Izumi and Pactimo.

cvictorh

Thanks for the advice everyone. Ill have to take a look at some these suggestions and probably order a few different ones to see what does and doesnt work for me.