Randallissimo

Got some Pearl Izumi Attack shorts this summer. At first they were OK, but after about the 4th or 5th time wearing them, they started to put nasty sores on the back top most part of my upper thigh. It looks like I have been branded with an iron. So I laid off them and only wore my Performance bibs for a while. Friday I rode 60 miles in them with no problem. Yesterday I tried the Izumis again and after a 20 miler I'm all tore up again. They have always been clean when I put them on, and I always shower first. Just doesn't seem right. How could chamois do so much damage? It's right at the edge of the seam, do they use fiberglass thread in there or what?

CastIron

I only wear my PI shorts in Crits now for that reason. I really hope Shimano's new ownership changes the brand back to what it was supposed to be.

OCshark

They're attacking your ass, it seems.

Snow_canuck

Spend the extra $20 for the Slice.

JaRow

I've never had a problem with them.

robncircus

I have 3 pairs of Attacks and have never had this problem. I also have some PI bibs (one model up from Attacks) and so far I think the shorts are more comfy. Personally I think PI makes good product at a fair price but I understand I'm in the minority

Rob

Beaker

I thougth something similar

elyjam

First off, ouch.

Secondly, I immediately thought of this. **Warning Very Naughty Language**

ehidle

The "ergo" pads in the PI shorts are anything butt.

AndyK 

Agree 100%! The pad in my Attack shorts attacks my junk!

Nothing feels better than my 12 year old Nashbar synthetic suede chamois shorts, unfortunately.

condiment

1. Purchase thong underpants from designer menswear shop
2. go to LBS, bring your bike
3. try on shorts
4. put your bike on a trainer, pedal
5. repeat until you find a short that isnt chafing

AndyK 

Fixed it.

asmallsol

What seat are you using? Sometimes if there is some type of stitching or something similar on the saddle, that will cause the short to stick to that, and when you pedal, the short will not move in relation to your leg.

The other issue may be your going in dry. Lube her up I use bag balm. Cheap and effective.

kergin

I've had a similar experience to the OP with MECs house brand, but only when the shorts get wet from bad weather rides... Its not fun... Perhaps some women-specific shorts have a wider chamois? It sounds stupid, but we're all built differently, so...

Cain

Actually, I've had the same problems with the Attack shorts. I've got three other PI shorts that I don't have the problem with - one of them is the lower priced Quest short. I just save the Attack shorts for shorter rides and I don't plan on buying anymore of them.

mollusk

+1

I had this problem with a Selle San Marco saddle and EVERY pair of shorts I tried. No problems with my Arionne or SLR saddles.

flaco

I had the same problem with the Attack shorts. The upper seam of the chamois was chafing badly. I won't buy them again, but rather than throw out what I have, I just put a little chamois cream on that seam, and that fixes it.

asmallsol

yep, I had the same problem with the old generation Specialized avatar

Beaker

What saddle did you switch to?

SpaceNerd

I really like my PI attack's... Maybe try some chamois cream. I suppose we're all built differently so more than one cycling apparel company can stay in business at a time haha.

RLHawk

+1 for the shammy butter

Had the same issue earlier this year with all my shorts that did not have flat stitched seams. Started using shammy butter – applied directly to the effected area before each ride – and the issue cleared up.

I also overreacted and went out and bought some very nice shorts, but it was worth it. Althought, I think the shammy butter alone would have done the trick.

aham23

the minute some shorts attack my junk its see you later mr junk attacking shorts. why bother. later.