Compression padded shorts?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Rolesville NC
Posts: 816
Bikes: Had an old Columbia in the 80's, here a used Schwinn hybrid, now a Cannondale Quick 3 and a Topstone 105..
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 249 Post(s)
Liked 306 Times
in
139 Posts
Compression padded shorts?
Would like to hear about anybody that has found compression padded shorts that work but aren't priced on the moon? I am asking a lot but I am reasonable as to the price but I have a padded bib that rides up and hurts worse than when I ride without them. Just want something that works but doesn't want to spend more money on something that doesn't work. Feel free to ask more questions as I do not know what I do not know.
Thanks, Frank.
Thanks, Frank.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 3,082
Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1397 Post(s)
Liked 1,877 Times
in
1,080 Posts
back in the day I found most bike shorts and similar too 'flimsy' for me - material was too thin ; not enough support and padding too thin
eventually I did find some 8 panel (?) shorts sold by Nashbar and Performance that were a step up (compared to 4 and 6 panel shorts) ... material thicker and much better pad
this was a long time ago
more recently - wear padded MTB cargo shorts ... found them on eBay (at significantly reduced price) ... I believe one pair is REI - the other Endura (Endura Humvee ?)
.
eventually I did find some 8 panel (?) shorts sold by Nashbar and Performance that were a step up (compared to 4 and 6 panel shorts) ... material thicker and much better pad
this was a long time ago
more recently - wear padded MTB cargo shorts ... found them on eBay (at significantly reduced price) ... I believe one pair is REI - the other Endura (Endura Humvee ?)
.
Likes For t2p:
#3
Senior Member
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
When you say "compression shorts" do you mean shorts that are specifically meant to provide compression, or just you know, regular bike shorts? Also, what do mean by "not priced to the moon"? Do you have a dollar range in mind?
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Rolesville NC
Posts: 816
Bikes: Had an old Columbia in the 80's, here a used Schwinn hybrid, now a Cannondale Quick 3 and a Topstone 105..
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 249 Post(s)
Liked 306 Times
in
139 Posts
I don't mind [aying $50.00 or so if they are worth it. The bibs I have are not good and certainly not worth the money.
Hope this helps and if you need more information just ask.
Thanks, Frank.
Likes For Helderberg:
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,238
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18414 Post(s)
Liked 15,539 Times
in
7,329 Posts
If your bibs are not keeping your man parts in place it sounds like they are ill-fitting. Pony up for a quality pair, such as Pearl Izumi. And adding another layer of fabric by wearing something under shorts/bibs could be asking for chafing trouble.
Likes For indyfabz:
#6
...
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Whitestone and Rensselaerville, New York
Posts: 1,510
Bikes: Bicycles? Yup.
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 481 Post(s)
Liked 1,582 Times
in
734 Posts
I'm thin (and frugal), here's my experience with less expensive padded stuff.
Hikenture brand cycling shorts fit my skinny legs and feel great on the saddle. On my second pair.
Przewalski bibs also have excellent padding but are cut for a bigger person. Gave them away to a linebacker sized cycling buddy. He's a Pearl Izumi guy and he likes 'em.
Hikenture brand cycling shorts fit my skinny legs and feel great on the saddle. On my second pair.
Przewalski bibs also have excellent padding but are cut for a bigger person. Gave them away to a linebacker sized cycling buddy. He's a Pearl Izumi guy and he likes 'em.
Likes For BTinNYC:
#7
Mother Nature's Son
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Sussex County, Delaware
Posts: 3,118
Bikes: 2014 Orbea Avant MD30, 2004 Airborne Zeppelin TI, 2003 Lemond Poprad, 2001 Lemond Tourmalet, 2014? Soma Smoothie
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 853 Post(s)
Liked 1,436 Times
in
818 Posts
I have a few padded liner shorts that work pretty well. One from Endura and Funkier. The Funkier stay in place really well. I also have a couple from the old Performance Bike website. The problem that I have found with the liners is not lack of support, rather the leg material riding up into the crotch. Not a good thing. Cycling pants are kind of like saddles, very individual fittings, takes some trial and error to get a product that is comfortable. Cannot overstate the importance of proper fit. I definitely moved to a higher cost of bibs, well worth it, for me.
I only use the liners in place of cycling shorts when out for casual and errand type rides.
I only use the liners in place of cycling shorts when out for casual and errand type rides.
Likes For delbiker1:
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Rolesville NC
Posts: 816
Bikes: Had an old Columbia in the 80's, here a used Schwinn hybrid, now a Cannondale Quick 3 and a Topstone 105..
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 249 Post(s)
Liked 306 Times
in
139 Posts
Thank you for your post and I guess I will continue to search.
Frank.
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Rolesville NC
Posts: 816
Bikes: Had an old Columbia in the 80's, here a used Schwinn hybrid, now a Cannondale Quick 3 and a Topstone 105..
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 249 Post(s)
Liked 306 Times
in
139 Posts
Thank you all for your input. I think I am doomed to trial and error to find something that works.
Thanks all again, Frank.
Thanks all again, Frank.
#10
Let's do a Century
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 8,316
Bikes: Cervelo R3 Disc, Pinarello Prince/Campy SR; Cervelo R3/Sram Red; Trek 5900/Duraace, Lynskey GR260 Ultegra
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 651 Post(s)
Liked 879 Times
in
408 Posts
I do better with regular padded shorts versus bibs. I’ve experienced similar issues as you have with bibs. The key to bibs is getting the correct size and model for the tension on the straps which can be trial and error.
I’ve had a lot of luck with Pearl Izumi, Giordana and Hincapie shorts. You might try the cheaper Pearl Izumi shorts (non bib)???
I’ve had a lot of luck with Pearl Izumi, Giordana and Hincapie shorts. You might try the cheaper Pearl Izumi shorts (non bib)???
__________________
Ride your Ride!!
Ride your Ride!!
Likes For jppe:
#11
Senior Member
Voler and Boure do well for me, but I'm short and overweight. Since there are so many variations of bodies, why would you think you would not have to do a trial and error search?
Likes For philbob57:
#12
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,986
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6193 Post(s)
Liked 4,809 Times
in
3,317 Posts
Compression and bike shorts or bibs is not really two terms that go together, IMO.
I don't want my muscles compressed by my shorts. I just want the fabric to be just snug enough to move with my legs so that the fabric doesn't rub my skin.
I don't want my muscles compressed by my shorts. I just want the fabric to be just snug enough to move with my legs so that the fabric doesn't rub my skin.
Likes For Iride01:
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,479
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 966 Post(s)
Liked 1,629 Times
in
1,045 Posts
I have found the compression more important than the padding...
For Example: Compression socks are a pain to put on... But once on... Dam...
For Example: Compression socks are a pain to put on... But once on... Dam...
__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
Likes For zandoval:
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 4,083
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2333 Post(s)
Liked 2,097 Times
in
1,314 Posts
My Mille GTO C2 bibs with the ossidia fabric is compressive by design.
The KuKu penthouse isn't as luxurious for the big bird as the predecessor Assos bibs but they are also $25 cheaper.
Likes For GhostRider62:
#15
climber has-been
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Posts: 7,108
Bikes: Scott Addict R1, Felt Z1
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3430 Post(s)
Liked 3,566 Times
in
1,792 Posts
Likes For terrymorse:
#17
Senior Member
It's hit and miss. I have worn shorts from multiple makers from economy level to stupidly expensive. Thicker padding often as not is less comfortable than thin padding, and you need to try a few different brands and designs to find what works best for you. If and when you find the "magic" shorts, buy as many as they have, because you can bet your bottom dollar that the'll be replaced with a newer and less comfortable version before they wear out. The most comfortable shorts I ever wore were Assos Sportsline with genuine chamois padding. These cost less than half as much as the Prosline, but were twice as comfortable.
Likes For 50PlusCycling:
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Silicon Valley
Posts: 54
Bikes: Stevens Super Prestige CX, 2005 Bianchi Cross Concept, 2000 Breezer Venturi, Bianchi's: Project 7 (&5 &3), 2005 & 2002 Volpe, 2007 San Jose, 1990 Boardwalk semi-mixte, 2005 Eros; 1996 Cannondale M300 A-frame, Schwinn 2010 Tourist
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Amen! To that! I *love* Sugoi RS bibs before the 2020 season - with the new ultra wide(tall) "anti-slip" leg bands. I've used Suogi RS bibs for over 10 years and thought I'd always be able to buy new bibs when needed. Nope - as you say the manufacture will eventually F'up the design and you'll be SOL buying another pair that love.
#19
Full Member
I found the "Souke Sports Men's Cycling Underwear Shorts 4D Padded" work just as well as Pearl Izumi shorts that cost more than three times as much. Souke shorts are $25. Caveat is that I'm a 30" waist, which is unusual in Americans 50+, but maybe not among cyclists. Their size chart indicates 28" - 32" for size Medium. I have the PI also, and no preference between them.
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Rolesville NC
Posts: 816
Bikes: Had an old Columbia in the 80's, here a used Schwinn hybrid, now a Cannondale Quick 3 and a Topstone 105..
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 249 Post(s)
Liked 306 Times
in
139 Posts
Frank.
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Rolesville NC
Posts: 816
Bikes: Had an old Columbia in the 80's, here a used Schwinn hybrid, now a Cannondale Quick 3 and a Topstone 105..
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 249 Post(s)
Liked 306 Times
in
139 Posts
Frank.
#22
Full Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: KCMO
Posts: 200
Bikes: 2022 Ribble Endurance Disc Sport 2018 Trek Emonda Al4, 2012 Motobecane Heat Ti,
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Liked 222 Times
in
67 Posts
I have been using inexpensive Canari gel Bike shorts. I have 4 pairs. Dicks has them for about $50. But they can be had for less on sale. They are light and feel great. I also have a pair of their gel tights for cooler weather.
Link: https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p...ProductSuggest
Link: https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p...ProductSuggest
Likes For Frank72:
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Great White North
Posts: 1,226
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale Caad 8, 2010 Opus Fidelio, 1985 Peugeot UO14, 1999 Peugeot Dune, Sakai Select, L'Avantage, 1971 Gitane Apache Standard, 1999 Specialized Hard Rock
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 548 Post(s)
Liked 473 Times
in
302 Posts
Add another person for Souke bib kit that I bought over the winter and started wearing this spring. Nice fit (as well as it can be when you try and get lycra over a less than nice body!) and the price was very reasonable. There's a youtube video of a guy (cyclist on a budget I think) who gives a very positive review of them so that's why I chose them. They also sell cycling shorts.
What impressed me for an online order is they wouldn't ship them until I provided them every measurement of my body.
What impressed me for an online order is they wouldn't ship them until I provided them every measurement of my body.
Likes For gthomson:
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,876
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1856 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
I've done decently well with medium and large racing shorts, Performance Ultra and Ultra II, and Bourre touring shorts, actually extremely similar to the Performance shorts.
I originally (35 years ago) would only buy 10-panel shorts because of better support and flexibility. My Ultras date back to that time (well, actually more like 20 years). My Bourre have fewer panels. When I ordered them I asked what happenned to the 10-panel designs? The answer (from Mr. Bourre) was that with the newer fabrics since those old days, he can give me the same performance and comfort with fewer panels. At the same time I found a simple short branded by Nashbar as pretty comfy, with kind of a felted pad, not real chamois or modern elastomer.
So far I haven't found a set of bibs that is a good fit, but Bourre has a personal fit program based on giving them your measurements. When I bought mine that program was just a few bucks more, because all their products are made based on orders received, even the stock catalog items. Price was about the same as for the top Performance shorts.
I have not tried any shorts by Pearl Izumi, though experienced (and more active than I am!) riders say you get what you pay for. I've heard good things about Sugoi, and the quality attributed to their being primarily a cycling company, not a fashion company. I've always been a big fan of Gore gloves and a really nice vest, but the LBS that sold their shorts is gone.
Likes For Road Fan: