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Pockets (and padded shorts)

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Pockets (and padded shorts)

Old 07-21-20, 09:14 PM
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mattscq
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Pockets (and padded shorts)

It's a million degrees where I live now to the point where I don't even bother wearing my jersey. I just toss on my training shorts (a less expensive Pearl Izumi starter pair) and a lightweight tee when I go out. I've lately had to stuff my phone and keys into a fanny pack but since I'm in the road cycling forum and not the mountain biking forum, I know that's not an acceptable solution.

I've found a few cycling shorts (not bibs) with pockets but they're either brands I've never heard of from Amazon where the product photos don't match the user photos or they're $130 from Rapha or they're baggy cargo short type shorts with a pad. Does anybody have a suggestion for a pair of decent training shorts with pockets for men on the side or back, just enough for a phone, a couple keys, and maybe a credit card/headphones?
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Old 07-21-20, 10:39 PM
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Specialized makes a roubaix bib shorts with swat storage. It has two mesh side pockets, two hip pockets and two pockets on back of bib. Very comfortable and made for long distance gravel riding.
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Old 07-21-20, 10:54 PM
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Originally Posted by velopig
Specialized makes a roubaix bib shorts with swat storage. It has two mesh side pockets, two hip pockets and two pockets on back of bib. Very comfortable and made for long distance gravel riding.
At $100, a little pricey. I'm hoping to keep things around $50-60. Ironically, the women's Pearl Izumis have pockets!
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Old 07-22-20, 02:18 AM
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Won't a tight cycling shirt wick sweat better than a tee?
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Old 07-22-20, 05:00 AM
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If you are willing to (gasp) forego a jersey for a T shirt, why not fall totally into depravity and add a small saddle bag to carry stuff?

I've been doing the padded shorts/wicking T/saddle bag heresy for years...
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Old 07-22-20, 05:23 AM
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Check out Voler. They have a bib with pockets. I just got a pair of shorts from them and like the fit and comfort.

https://www.voler.com/browse/product/li/1110840
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Old 07-22-20, 05:31 AM
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Originally Posted by velopig
Specialized makes a roubaix bib shorts with swat storage. It has two mesh side pockets, two hip pockets and two pockets on back of bib. Very comfortable and made for long distance gravel riding.
Wait, I have to get a specific jersey to go gravel riding? Why didn't anyone tell me this? I've been using roadie kit!
Mrs Z just lost some more closet space.
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Old 07-22-20, 07:28 AM
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Originally Posted by znomit
Wait, I have to get a specific jersey to go gravel riding? Why didn't anyone tell me this? I've been using roadie kit!
Mrs Z just lost some more closet space.
You missed the point. The beauty of this is you don’t need a jersey and ride with whatever top you choose to wear, from none at all to a flannel wool long sleeve.
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Old 07-22-20, 08:21 AM
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Thing is, there are any good shorts out there for $50-$60, much less ones with pockets. You get what you pay for. A good pair of Volers or Pearl Izumi Elite, etc, will last you for years and be comfortable. I've never had a pair of cheap shorts which worked out for me and/or wasn't all stretched out with a destroyed pad inside a year
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Old 07-22-20, 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by jpescatore
If you are willing to (gasp) forego a jersey for a T shirt, why not fall totally into depravity and add a small saddle bag to carry stuff?

I've been doing the padded shorts/wicking T/saddle bag heresy for years...
Gotta maintain some standards
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Old 07-24-20, 01:19 PM
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Aerotech Design shorts have mesh side pockets. Decent shorts for a reasonable price.
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Old 07-24-20, 02:41 PM
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Some people wear socks with sandals. There’s no accounting for taste.
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Old 07-26-20, 09:03 AM
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Originally Posted by mattscq
It's a million degrees where I live now to the point where I don't even bother wearing my jersey. I just toss on my training shorts (a less expensive Pearl Izumi starter pair) and a lightweight tee when I go out.
Snug summer cycling jerseys do a better job wicking sweat and keeping you comfortable than T-shirts and conveniently have pockets too.

I like Louis Garneau's diamond fabric which is very breathable.
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Old 07-26-20, 09:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Carbonfiberboy
Thing is, there are any good shorts out there for $50-$60, much less ones with pockets. You get what you pay for. A good pair of Volers or Pearl Izumi Elite, etc, will last you for years and be comfortable. I've never had a pair of cheap shorts which worked out for me and/or wasn't all stretched out with a destroyed pad inside a year
Cheap shorts are false economy.

A pair of $120-$140 Volers which last 100-200 wearings + washings cost less than $50-$60 shorts that survive 50, and start with more comfortable chamois.
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Old 07-26-20, 10:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Drew Eckhardt
Snug summer cycling jerseys do a better job wicking sweat and keeping you comfortable than T-shirts and conveniently have pockets too.

I like Louis Garneau's diamond fabric which is very breathable.
Yes. People in their life experience find that loose garments are more comfortable in the heat. However that knowledge comes from relatively stationary activities. Even running is relatively stationary compared to cycling. Wind is a completely different environment. What works in wind does not work while stationary and vice versa. I can't hike in a tight jersey. Horrible, but it's the most comfortable thing in the world on the bike.

Is that Garneau fabric relatively sun-proof or as good as most? I know some jerseys now have mesh backs which aren't good for long periods of sun.
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Old 07-26-20, 11:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Carbonfiberboy
Yes. People in their life experience find that loose garments are more comfortable in the heat. However that knowledge comes from relatively stationary activities. Even running is relatively stationary compared to cycling. Wind is a completely different environment. What works in wind does not work while stationary and vice versa. I can't hike in a tight jersey. Horrible, but it's the most comfortable thing in the world on the bike.

Is that Garneau fabric relatively sun-proof or as good as most? I know some jerseys now have mesh backs which aren't good for long periods of sun.

While not UPF rated, I haven't noticed even the slightest hint of pink on rides starting before sunrise and ending after sunset although my skin covered by jerseys/shorts/socks is snow white and I only use sunscreen on exposed areas.

LG Diamond fabric is a loose light weave with reinforcing strands to maintain structural integrity that doesn't look like mesh at arm's length. The dark black is a flat seam.





Last edited by Drew Eckhardt; 07-26-20 at 11:35 AM.
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Old 07-28-20, 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by AdkMtnMonster
Some people wear socks with sandals. There’s no accounting for taste.
Welcome to Pacific Northwest
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