Recommend good riding shorts

[Dice144]

Can anyone recommend padded riding shorts. I plan to start pushing my 20-30 mile per day bike rides. Guys at the local bike shop said to get bike shorts. They will provide more comfort then buying an expensive seat.

Bike is a Jamis Classic bike. Just got it this month. Mostly upright but a 21 speed bike.

Looking for comfort. Shorts must have some form of padding. Local shop range from $50-100+. Because I want to ride daily and do not have access to laundry at home I want to find a few pairs under $45 each if at all possible.

I tried on Cannondale classic shorts in XL. Also tried some Fox size 38 that looked like cargo pants with padding. They were both pretty comfy but the cheap man in me said to try to find them online before paying $50 plus tax. I would like some with and without pockets for my longer trips.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Pearl Izumi make the best cycling shorts imho but they're expensive.

If cost is an issue, you can always get padded briefs then you can wear any kind of shorts over them. Like these:

http://www.rei.com/product/794383/novara-padded-cycle-boxers-mens

http://www.rei.com/product/794384/novara-padded-bike-briefs-mens

http://www.rei.com/product/765677/canari-gel-bike-shorts-liner-mens

Also check bikenashbar and performancebike for their versions.

 

[Dice144]

Pearl Izumi make the best cycling shorts imho but they're expensive.

If cost is an issue, you can always get padded briefs then you can wear any kind of shorts over them. Like these:

http://www.rei.com/product/794383/novara-padded-cycle-boxers-mens

http://www.rei.com/product/794384/novara-padded-bike-briefs-mens

http://www.rei.com/product/765677/canari-gel-bike-shorts-liner-mens

Also check bikenashbar and performancebike for their versions.

Thanks!

 

[Schmide]

Any shorts with unicorns on them.

 

[Dice144]

Any shorts with unicorns on them.

lol

 

[Ghiedo27]

Good shorts will last a long time if you take care of them. I'd buy a few pairs of nice shorts that fit well and hand wash them if you need to. Buy more as your budget allows. That's how I'd approach it considering how much time you're putting in on the saddle, anyways.

Guys at the local bike shop said to get bike shorts. They will provide more comfort then buying an expensive seat.

For the short term I agree, but later on when you're good on shorts I'd ask myself if the seat really fits you. When it comes to saddles expensive generally means light. You can find cheap ones that fit very well. The real cost is taking time to find on that fits your body. Look around at your local shop and ask them if you can try a few saddles for fit. A well fitting one is worth the time you put in finding it.

 

[mechBgon]

I agree with Gheido27, don't be too cheap when it comes to cycling shorts. Good ones last a long time; I have two pair of Castellis that must be... heck, five years old now? They're finally wearing out at a couple seams, and I could still try fixing those.

 

[KMc]

For me, cycling shorts are the most individual preference specific item in the cycling world (shoes and gloves are arguably second or third).

I had used Castelli shorts for many years but now as I get older, they aren't as comfortable as they used to be. On the recommendation of a friend, I tried out some Santini gel (InTech) ones, and I don't ever remember being so comfortable, even after 6 hours in the saddle.

And that's another thing, once you try bib shorts, you will never go back to standard shorts (nor should you).

 

[kalrith]

I much prefer bib shorts. I have a hard time with the padding not being in the right place except with bib shorts. I use the following and really like them:

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1103394_-1_400065__400065