Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

Cycling shorts.

Search
Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Cycling shorts.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-08-19, 03:08 PM
  #1  
Weakbikr
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 249
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 87 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 28 Times in 9 Posts
Cycling shorts.

I have a pair of canari gel shorts and 2 pair of sponeed shorts. The canaries are pretty decent. What do you folks like? Something good that wont break the bank.
Weakbikr is offline  
Old 07-08-19, 03:24 PM
  #2  
terrymorse 
climber has-been
 
terrymorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Posts: 7,098

Bikes: Scott Addict R1, Felt Z1

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3422 Post(s)
Liked 3,559 Times in 1,789 Posts
I've been using Voler bibs for many years now. Very comfortable fit, good chamois pads, made in USA.

Voler men's bottoms
__________________
Ride, Rest, Repeat. ROUVY: terrymorse


terrymorse is offline  
Old 07-08-19, 05:58 PM
  #3  
JohnDThompson 
Old fart
 
JohnDThompson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,782

Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.

Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3587 Post(s)
Liked 3,398 Times in 1,932 Posts
I'm not a fan of gel shorts. I prefer a thin chamois, just enough to wick away sweat and prevent chaffing.
JohnDThompson is offline  
Old 07-08-19, 06:03 PM
  #4  
79pmooney
Senior Member
 
79pmooney's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,902

Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder

Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4802 Post(s)
Liked 3,922 Times in 2,551 Posts
Another fan of very little padding. But far more important, the shorts, as a whole, have to work for you. No one here can do more than suggest names you could try on. What works for them might be far, far from what works for you.

Edit: a snug fit counts for a lot. Hence bibs being so popular. Another way to get the comfort (and keep the convenience of shorts) is to buy shorts and use clip-on suspenders. Yes you will be the only only one an a ride of any size. But your crotch will be just as happy and using the port-a-potty is far easier.

Ben

Last edited by 79pmooney; 07-08-19 at 06:07 PM.
79pmooney is offline  
Old 07-08-19, 06:17 PM
  #5  
Weakbikr
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 249
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 87 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 28 Times in 9 Posts
I've obviously never worn bibs. Maybe I should try some. Might change the whole feel of the ride. The volers look nice. I have noticed sometimes scooting back on the seat sometimes the front of the seat will catch and pull the shorts. That's frustrating.
Weakbikr is offline  
Old 07-08-19, 06:33 PM
  #6  
79pmooney
Senior Member
 
79pmooney's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,902

Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder

Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4802 Post(s)
Liked 3,922 Times in 2,551 Posts
Originally Posted by Weakbikr
I've obviously never worn bibs. Maybe I should try some. Might change the whole feel of the ride. The volers look nice. I have noticed sometimes scooting back on the seat sometimes the front of the seat will catch and pull the shorts. That's frustrating.
Both suspenders and bibs should stop that. Not if the straps are not tight enough - another reason I like suspenders. They are so simple to adjust. (Also deal with our varying torso lengths to waist sizes.)
79pmooney is offline  
Old 07-08-19, 07:26 PM
  #7  
CyclingFool95 
Full Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Northern NJ
Posts: 419

Bikes: 1987 Pinarello Montello, 1996 Litespeed Classic, 1996 Colnago Master Light, 1997 Litespeed Ultimate, 2006 Opera Leonardo FP, 2006 Pinarello Paris FP, 1984 Pinarello Record, 89-ish Cornelo Profilo

Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 148 Post(s)
Liked 119 Times in 73 Posts
I use Pearl Izumi Quest shorts. I prefer them to the more expensive Pearl 8 panel ones.
CyclingFool95 is offline  
Old 07-08-19, 07:47 PM
  #8  
GlennR
On Your Left
 
GlennR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Long Island, New York, USA
Posts: 8,373

Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303

Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3004 Post(s)
Liked 2,433 Times in 1,187 Posts
Not cheap but I really like them.

Sugoi RS Pro bibs

https://us-store.sugoi.com/products/...-pro-bib-short
GlennR is offline  
Old 07-08-19, 08:18 PM
  #9  
jon c. 
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Posts: 4,811
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1591 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,018 Times in 571 Posts
I have a few different brands, but I realize that I usually wear the aero-techs.

https://www.aerotechdesigns.com/mens...ike-short.html
jon c. is offline  
Old 07-08-19, 08:45 PM
  #10  
canklecat
Me duelen las nalgas
 
canklecat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 13,513

Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel

Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4559 Post(s)
Liked 2,802 Times in 1,800 Posts
Przewalski shorts and bibs on Amazon. Best buy you'll find anywhere, at $15-$25. Be sure to get the type with their 3D padding. Most comfortable pads I've tried, including Pearl Izumi, Black Bibs, Aero Tech and others. Wicks sweat without feeling soggy. Dense, resilient, doesn't lose loft, and washes easily.

I used to prefer minimal padding but after losing weight I need a little more around the sit bones.
canklecat is offline  
Likes For canklecat:
Old 07-09-19, 06:04 AM
  #11  
Weakbikr
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 249
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 87 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 28 Times in 9 Posts
Thanks for the help guys. I guess I'll try my luck and see what works. Being new to cycling it's hard to know where to find good brands clothing. I'm thinking about a pair of bibs, seems interesting.
Weakbikr is offline  
Old 07-09-19, 06:45 AM
  #12  
firebird854
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 581

Bikes: 2016 Specialized Tarmac Expert

Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 258 Post(s)
Liked 114 Times in 62 Posts
Originally Posted by canklecat
Przewalski shorts and bibs on Amazon. Best buy you'll find anywhere, at $15-$25. Be sure to get the type with their 3D padding. Most comfortable pads I've tried, including Pearl Izumi, Black Bibs, Aero Tech and others. Wicks sweat without feeling soggy. Dense, resilient, doesn't lose loft, and washes easily.

I used to prefer minimal padding but after losing weight I need a little more around the sit bones.
I'm sorry but I disagree, I own these and have actually thrown them away due to discomfort. Frankly, shell out some cash for one or two decent $$$ pairs of bib shorts and you will be extremely happy. Far too many people neglect actually buying quality kit and it really does make an extreme difference.
firebird854 is offline  
Old 07-09-19, 06:58 AM
  #13  
jadocs
Senior Member
 
jadocs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: USA
Posts: 2,190

Bikes: Ti, Mn Cr Ni Mo Nb, Al, C

Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 942 Post(s)
Liked 526 Times in 349 Posts
The Rapha Core Bib shorts are the best value in my opinion. $115

You get the compression in all the right areas, it's cut to fit perfectly in a riding position (one thing I can't stand is loose or overly elastic suspenders) and the stitching and chammy are superb.
jadocs is offline  
Old 07-10-19, 02:29 PM
  #14  
noimagination
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 728
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 365 Post(s)
Liked 419 Times in 248 Posts
Originally Posted by JohnDThompson
I'm not a fan of gel shorts. I prefer a thin chamois, just enough to wick away sweat and prevent chaffing.
Good God.

The word is "chafing" (abrade by rubbing). ONE 'f'. Pronounced with a long "a" sound, like "aid".
Chaffing (teasing, mocking) is a completely different word. Pronounced with a short "a" sound, like "apple".

While I'm at it (not JDT, just a pet peeve): "faze" (disturb) NOT, repeat, NOT, "phase" (states or cycles of a system; or, aspect of moon or planet).
Being "phased" is something that happens when Captain Kirk shoots at you (though, being phased could certainly faze you, for a brief instant).

Last edited by noimagination; 07-10-19 at 02:46 PM.
noimagination is offline  
Likes For noimagination:
Old 07-10-19, 03:15 PM
  #15  
Doge
Senior Member
 
Doge's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Southern California, USA
Posts: 10,474

Bikes: 1979 Raleigh Team 753

Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3374 Post(s)
Liked 371 Times in 253 Posts
Something I didn't see mentioned is the fit does vary a bit by size (duh). Some brands cut and sew in different countries. They actually may use different stitch types, fabric and panel based on location. Typically location is determined by size, but it is not always the same.


Pearl may be gone soon. Of course, they might get a new owner.
Might mean good deals, but might make repeat buys difficult.
Doge is offline  
Old 07-10-19, 03:26 PM
  #16  
JohnDThompson 
Old fart
 
JohnDThompson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 24,782

Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.

Mentioned: 153 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3587 Post(s)
Liked 3,398 Times in 1,932 Posts
Originally Posted by noimagination
The word is "chafing" (abrade by rubbing). ONE 'f'. Pronounced with a long "a" sound, like "aid".
Thank you for your pedantry. Consider me properly chastised.
JohnDThompson is offline  
Likes For JohnDThompson:
Old 07-10-19, 07:32 PM
  #17  
CAT7RDR
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Hacienda Hgts
Posts: 2,105

Bikes: 1999 Schwinn Peloton Ultegra 10, Kestrel RT-1000 Ultegra, Trek Marlin 6 Deore 29'er

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 822 Post(s)
Liked 1,960 Times in 943 Posts
Chafffing is when you are rubbbed raw. Thats whenn I use my Shammmy Buttter.
CAT7RDR is offline  
Likes For CAT7RDR:
Old 07-10-19, 08:07 PM
  #18  
ridingfool
Full Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 243
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 86 Post(s)
Liked 19 Times in 17 Posts
try Merlin cycles from the UK . I like there altura shorts there med range pairs run about 50 bucks have a few pairs for about 4 years now and still holding up really good. Better than some of my pearl Izumi shorts that cost over a hundred bucks shipping takes about a week tho .
ridingfool is offline  
Old 07-11-19, 10:58 AM
  #19  
guachi
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 520
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 229 Post(s)
Liked 327 Times in 179 Posts
My first cycling shorts were Canir shorts, not bibs. Did their job in eliminating chafing, though my rides weren't long enough to need any padding.

I got a second pair (this time Garneau) from Dick's sporting goods. The problem with the shorts is that the waistband folds over while I'm cycling.

So then I got some of the basic bib shorts and shirts from GCN as I like the channel and the design/colors of the apparel. I quite like them. So far after two months of use they are comfortable, they fit well, the sizing was accurate, and the straps means they stay on.

I have one pair of Assos bib shorts/jersey. The material quality is better but I'm not sure if the difference is meaningful. Maybe they will last longer and that would offset the fact they cost 80% more.
guachi is offline  
Old 07-11-19, 02:43 PM
  #20  
LawSchweiin
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 16
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 1 Post
I find bib shorts are one of the most important factors in riding and that's why I'm not shy to spend money there. I've really had good experiences with Assos (not surprising) and Eliel.
LawSchweiin is offline  
Old 07-11-19, 03:12 PM
  #21  
Drew Eckhardt 
Senior Member
 
Drew Eckhardt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mountain View, CA USA and Golden, CO USA
Posts: 6,341

Bikes: 97 Litespeed, 50-39-30x13-26 10 cogs, Campagnolo Ultrashift, retroreflective rims on SON28/PowerTap hubs

Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 550 Post(s)
Liked 325 Times in 226 Posts
Originally Posted by Weakbikr
I have a pair of canari gel shorts and 2 pair of sponeed shorts. The canaries are pretty decent. What do you folks like? Something good that wont break the bank.
Voler. They use Elastic Inteface Technology pads with 120 kg/m^3 foam beneath the sit bones and are very affordable at $120-$140 depending on your preference for bibs or shorts.

Assos and Rapha also use EIT pads.

Drew Eckhardt is offline  
Old 07-11-19, 03:16 PM
  #22  
OldTryGuy
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SW Fl.
Posts: 5,617

Bikes: Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser

Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1068 Post(s)
Liked 780 Times in 502 Posts
Originally Posted by canklecat
Przewalski shorts and bibs on Amazon. Best buy you'll find anywhere, at $15-$25. Be sure to get the type with their 3D padding. Most comfortable pads I've tried, including Pearl Izumi, Black Bibs, Aero Tech and others. Wicks sweat without feeling soggy. Dense, resilient, doesn't lose loft, and washes easily.

I used to prefer minimal padding but after losing weight I need a little more around the sit bones.
Originally Posted by firebird854
I'm sorry but I disagree, I own these and have actually thrown them away due to discomfort. Frankly, shell out some cash for one or two decent $$$ pairs of bib shorts and you will be extremely happy. Far too many people neglect actually buying quality kit and it really does make an extreme difference.
JUST got a pair of Przewalski 3D shorts in and wore them on my 69 Birthday Ride yesterday. First 105 miles of the 141 miles were in those shorts and even after being sopping wet for hours from torrential rains they were great. At $19.99 gonna get me more. Thanks c-cat.
OldTryGuy is offline  
Old 07-11-19, 04:27 PM
  #23  
caloso
Senior Member
 
caloso's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur

Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times in 1,417 Posts
Everybody's different and different shorts work for different folks' butts. However, I have never regretted spending to get quality shorts. In my case, Castelli.
caloso is offline  
Likes For caloso:
Old 07-11-19, 06:04 PM
  #24  
Weakbikr
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 249
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 87 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 28 Times in 9 Posts
Seems were so fortunate to have so many good options.
Weakbikr is offline  
Old 07-11-19, 10:11 PM
  #25  
noodle soup
Senior Member
 
noodle soup's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 8,922
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4717 Post(s)
Liked 1,882 Times in 998 Posts
Originally Posted by Doge

Pearl may be gone soon. Of course, they might get a new owner.
Might mean good deals, but might make repeat buys difficult.
Did Shimano dump PI?
noodle soup is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.