NomarsGirl

Went to my LBS to buy a new pair of shorts because mine are too big. (Not really a Clyde problem). They had no selection of women’s shorts. There was only one type and all were the same size.

any suggestions on some comfy padded shorts? Not looking to spend a ton. My season is nearly over. No tolerance for cold or dark.

Eric F 

"Not looking to spend a ton" is vague, and can vary wildly. I consider $100 a completely reasonable amount to spend on a pair of decent-quality bibs that help me stay comfortable and performing well on 4 hour rides. Some people consider "completely reasonable" to be twice that. Or half that.

What is your realistic budget?

BJack312

You might want to try some of the offerings on Amazon. They have shorts that are really reasonably priced, and their return policy is very good. I have some from Cerotipolar which were about $50, they are really very good quality shorts and quite comfortable.

cyclist2000

After years of riding many brands of shorts and bibs, I use two different brands Assos and Sugoi. I have decided that shorts is one area the money is well spent. My typical day is spending a couple hours on a bike. I feel the same about gloves, shoes and my helmet.
These brands of shorts are on a more expensive side but keep an eye out for them on sale especially beginning this time of year.

BTinNYC 

My wife likes the Baleaf brand, cheap at AMZ. Side pocket for the phone and a wide waistband of stretchy material.

philbob57

I have a hi-viz Baleaf windbreaker with zip-off sleeves and it's lasted a full season and looks new, except for a stain I put on it. Their shorts may be good. You just missed sales at Pearl Izumi, REI, Aerotech Design, Backcountry, and Competitive Cyclist (although you might have a few hours left on 9/7/22). I like Voler and Boure shorts, and they're very good companies to deal with. Spesh and Bontrager make shorts that fit my measurements (I'm just under Clyde weight - but I'm 5'7".) and perhaps they make shorts that fit yours.

msalvetti

I wear shorts from The Black Bibs. Pretty well regarded around here. They have women's shorts for $40: https://theblackbibs.com/collections/womens-bibs

At some point I might splurge on their Ultimate bibs and see if they are worth it, but right now I don't see a need.

Mark

GAtkins

https://www.aerotechdesigns.com/

No affiliation.

Glenn

NomarsGirl

ordered. They have already shipped. Very fast service.

Eric F 

I tried their $40 bibs just to see if they live up to the hype. They did not for me. The elastic at the bottom of the legs gave up pretty quickly, and the pad is not dense enough (for my preference). They have been relegated to trainer duty.

More recently, I tried $60 bibs from Neopro. Good pad, very nice fabrics, and (IMO) hit well above their price point, I prefer them over my $100 Voler bibs.

msalvetti

Good to know. These are the only shorts I have ever owned. Haven't had a problem with the elastic, but wondered if there were better pads.

Mark

Eric F 

If they are holding up for you, that's good. I've tried enough that I have definitely formed preferences about certain details. Le Col has a Stava challenge that nets a $60 discount. Yesterday, I ordered some of their "Pro" bibs for $100 after discounts. We shall see if they meet the hype that I hear from a couple of friends.

NomarsGirl

So, the order came in. I should probably try them on.

skidder

I'll second this. They might still have their fall sale going on. I bought two pair last Friday and they should be here tomorrow.
FWIW: Their sizes seem to run small, I usually wear an XL in men's short pants or swim trunks, I had to get the XXL size bike shorts to get a proper fit.

GAtkins

Yes on the size.

NomarsGirl

small may be good. I’m looking to replace mine because they are too big.

Chicken_fat

I’ve been using The Black Bibs and Aerotech Designs the last few years. Happy with both.

cyclist2000

Well, how did it go? Do you like them?

NomarsGirl

they are a good fit. not riding much these days. too cold and dark much too early.