Well...for anyone that is looking for the same sort of chamois for longer distance back-to-back rides, I may have found a good alternative! After spending nearly $1000 on different shorts from Team Estrogen and Terry Cycling, (everything from Assos to Bella) I've returned them all but 2 pairs:
1. Gore 2014 Oxygen Lady Short - chamois is NOT the standard hourglass cut. First pair of shorts I've ever worn where the sit bone padding is actually (gasp!) under my sit bones. A little bulky in the inner thigh. But it was on sale and it's a nice change up between very long back-to-back rides.
2. My new Favorites!
Louis Garneau 2015 Neo Power Short - for $110 they weren't the most expensive shorts I tried (the Gore Xenon for $180 was! Couldn't justify the cost for those - at ALL), but they were the best fitting. The chamois on the 2015 short is their:
- Motion Airgel Chamois with perforated gel inserts and B.E.M. (Beveled Edge Molding); a high-density perforated memory foam, beveled at edges to eliminate drastic drops of heights for a smooth transition and no pinching or chafing
This is exactly why I tried them. The edges on the standard chamois is what does me in. And this new chamois immediately relieved that hot spot. Even after a very hard, hilly, 3 hours in the saddle on a hot day, no issues. Usually, after 45 min on the other designs, I can feel it pretty bad.
The other thing I like about these shorts is the funky vent in the rear of the chamois! Sounds silly, but it actually does make a difference! Not only in airflow, but it allows the chamois to move to your shape better. And the gel pads under the sit bones were perfectly placed and didn't shift around.
Waist band - fantastic! Tiny pocket on right leg....forgetful. Length - very long! Clear down to the bottom of my quads just a few inches above my knee. Compressive and comfortable - NO LEG BAND!
They do come in a shorter version too.
Thumbs up on these! I've ordered another pair so now I have a pair to rotate in just a bit during training.
Hope this helps if anyone is looking. :-)
Denise