Cycling shorts?

[Jawo]

I was reading this thread and thinking that I need to get some bike/cycling shorts now that the weather is warming. I know there are a number of cycling enthusiasts on this forum and was wondering if any brands are better than others? What should I get for the most padding for my butt?

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Assos and Castelli are excellent, and the higher-end Pearl Izumis are very good. I haven't tried Hincapie but I've heard they're good. Voler isn't bad, and it's relatively inexpensive. Personally I prefer bib shorts, which are comfier in that they don't need a waistband to stay up.

 

[silverpig]

Bieme

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: DonVito
Assos and Castelli are excellent, and the higher-end Pearl Izumis are very good. I haven't tried Hincapie but I've heard they're good. Voler isn't bad, and it's relatively inexpensive. Personally I prefer bib shorts, which are comfier in that they don't need a waistband to stay up.

I've been riding primarily with Voler bib shorts. Assos and Castelli are uber expensive and I haven't tried them out yet but I do own a pair of Descente bibs that are very nice...I rode a century in them with no trouble.

 

[oboeguy]

I'm cheap so I use the Performance house brand (though the higher-end ones). Assos? That's way too expensive for a no0b, OP (unless you want to spend $300 on a pair of bike shorts that is).

 

[Jawo]

Originally posted by: oboeguy
I'm cheap so I use the Performance house brand (though the higher-end ones). Assos? That's way too expensive for a no0b, OP (unless you want to spend $300 on a pair of bike shorts that is).

:Q

Thanks guys....What is there to look for in shorts/bibs? It seems like all the padding is the same and the name is the primary distinguishing factor.....or am I wrong?

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: Jawo

Originally posted by: oboeguy
I'm cheap so I use the Performance house brand (though the higher-end ones). Assos? That's way too expensive for a no0b, OP (unless you want to spend $300 on a pair of bike shorts that is).

:Q

Thanks guys....What is there to look for in shorts/bibs? It seems like all the padding is the same and the name is the primary distinguishing factor.....or am I wrong?

Actually they vary quite a bit in terms of the chamois (i.e., pad) design, the number of panels (generally, the more the better), the quality of the fabric used, and the design and quality of the stitching. In general terms, you get what you pay for.

 

[SonnyDaze]

Originally posted by: DonVito

Originally posted by: Jawo

Originally posted by: oboeguy
I'm cheap so I use the Performance house brand (though the higher-end ones). Assos? That's way too expensive for a no0b, OP (unless you want to spend $300 on a pair of bike shorts that is).

:Q

Thanks guys....What is there to look for in shorts/bibs? It seems like all the padding is the same and the name is the primary distinguishing factor.....or am I wrong?

Actually they vary quite a bit in terms of the chamois (i.e., pad) design, the number of panels (generally, the more the better), the quality of the fabric used, and the design and quality of the stitching. In general terms, you get what you pay for.

Seam placement can make a big difference too. Some of the cheaper brands will have large seams right where you don't want them, which can cause a little discomfort.

 

[LS20]

just get bibs isntead of short shorts

 

[KMc]

IMO, cycling shorts are extremely specific to the individual. Brands that I like are Castelli and Nalini, but I know friends who can't stand the Castellis. But I've got a few store brand pair from Nashbar that I really like too. This is a great time of year to pick up last year's stuff for cheap.

On the construction issue, I have to chime in heavily on the bib side. I won't wear anything else, but again, this is highly specific to the individual. Other things to look our for are the number of panels (generally speaking, more panels means better fit) and weight of material (heavier is better supporting and more durable).

 

[CraigRT]

You just have to try them on. I have a few pairs, different brands. I like them all for the most part.

 

[UTmtnbiker]

Bang for the buck is going to be Performance Ultra's. I have PI Attack's mostly, but tried a pair of the Ultras this year based on the comments from bikeforum.net users. They are very nice for the price although they run freakishly small for their size.

BTW, bibs FTW. I'm slowly converting everything over to bibs as my shorts wear out. Assos is great, but I find it very hard to to justify for the cost.

 

[Jawo]

hmm....never really looked at bibs, but now I might. Thanks for the BikeForums site!

 

[Captante]

I have several pairs of Cannondales that I wear on long rides & they are pretty comfortable.

 

[tomywishbone]

Pearl Izumi
Assos
Castelli

FWIW... Every single US & UCI pro wears bibs. Bibs are cool.

Those are my favorite three. Oh, spend a little extra. Your neither regions will thank you.

 

[irishScott]

Don't see the point. I've just got a pair of fairly tight athletic shorts I picked up at sports authority.

 

[LS20]

Originally posted by: irishScott
Don't see the point. I've just got a pair of fairly tight athletic shorts I picked up at sports authority.

seamless
can be combined with leg/knee warmers on colder days

 

[irishScott]

Originally posted by: LS20

Originally posted by: irishScott
Don't see the point. I've just got a pair of fairly tight athletic shorts I picked up at sports authority.

seamless
can be combined with leg/knee warmers on colder days

Ah. I just don't go biking if it drops below 45 F

I count on the gym to keep my quads in shape till the weather gets warmer.

 

[Dirigible]

Like others have said, it's somewhat dependent on the individual.

My favorites are Cannondale. I've found just about any cycling shorts work ok for me (I've currently got Voler and Pearl Izumi in addition to Cannondale), as long as they're not bargain basement ones. The real cheap ones tend to have a chamois and stitching of the chamois that is uncomfy. Cannondale happen to fit me well and tend to be a bit cheaper than comparable models in other brands.

 

[tomywishbone]

Originally posted by: Jawo
hmm....never really looked at bibs, but now I might. Thanks for the BikeForums site!

bump for bibs. :thumbsup:

 

[Jawo]

Thanks for the help! I got some bibs from the Performance store near where I work today.