OK,
Let’s have some fun. Open the thread with cost as no object (could Assos really be worth it?). Then, what would be the best shorts around $100ish. Finally, how many of you are bibs vs shorts types?
–Brian
assos is by far the best short you can buy. it’s like taking a bath in silk. also the pearl izumi 3d pro shorts are great.
giordana laser tenax bibs. the shorts are great too. When my legs are tired and I put on the compression lasers they really help my legs keep going…
I love my DeMarchi’s. They’re almost Assos - with a much nicer price tag.
Assos - yes the are worth it for the fit alone but last long enough to justify the pricetag.
Bibs - no comparison.
Team bibshorts from Nalini, or Santini are good for $100 or less, but dont have the lifespan of assos or other highend offerings.
I’ve never worn bibshorts. What makes them more comfortable than regular shorts? I always thought they looked a little funny, but if they really are that much better I might be willing to give them a try.
The best short in th $100ish range? Well, that would be a 37% of a pair of ASSOS f1.13 These are the best shorts money can buy, bar none.
Unfortunately, I was forced to wear a borrowed pair when I forgot my gear one day. The unfortunate part is that I would have to give away 15 pair of $150 shorts, as I would never use them again.
ASSOS makes the absolute best cycling gear, period. Somehow, they even make something as simple as arm warmers much better than the rest of the pack…
With the price of gas, put the car in the garage, ride your bike everywhere. The first stop you should make is a local retailer that sells ASSOS. Buy $1000 of gear. There will be 3 great things that will result from this:
1- You will have spent $1000 to save $5000 in gas. 2-Your ass will never feels so good, even with the additional 200mi/week! 3. You will be one fit mother!!!
You don’t know what you’re missing.
They’re infinitely more comfortable around the midsection, especially when you’re in an actual cycling position. They always stay just right.
My favorites are DeMarchi Contour Plus shorts - so much better than anything else I’ve tried, I don’t know how Assos can be twice as good for the price. They can be found for as little as $90 or so if you search enough, list is $150.
Well, that would be a 37% of a pair of ASSOS f1.13
So, what am I supposed to do with the other 63%? Is it legal to ride with only a third of a pair of shorts?
They’re infinitely more comfortable around the midsection, especially when you’re in an actual cycling position. They always stay just right.
So what you’re saying is that they are great for cycling but hold your gut in when you’re not on the bike…kinda like a girdle.
Paul
Do they sell tri shorts. I don’t like the “depends” feel of regular bike shorts.
I do not think they make tri apparel as of yet. With the money triathletes spend on the best equiptment, I bet it may be a good move for them. As a matter of fact, I think I will initiate the call to Ocshener. Hopefully they have some influence in SUI.
I just bought a pair of new Pearl Izumi 3D shorts off one of the eBay stores for $90–about $30 off list price. They are smalls like the pair they are replacing, but don’t fit quite as well as the previous year’s model. I wish clothing companies would just leave a short alone once they have it correct.
I’ve used bibs before and like the comfort, but many of them have material that extends pretty high up the back and some up the front. When it is 100+ degrees in the summer here I don’t want all that extra stuff, so I prefer regular shorts.
Chad
First, bibs… there is no other way. Just for comfort alone.
I recently purchased a pair of Zoot Comfortemp bib shorts. Got them on sale but the msrp is $120. I was with the intention of buying other brands but decided on the Zoot (have had very good luck with their tri stuff) I was very suprised with the nice fit and quality, stretch pad and very comfortable even in a couple of longer rides i have taken since purchase. They are not very long, I think 8" compared to 9-11" for most shorts.
Peace
No no, not like a girdle at all.
They always feel just a little too short when you stand fully upright, but when you’re in a riding position, they’re perfect. Unlike regular shorts, there’s no need for anything pinching you around the middle to keep them up. Imagine overalls as opposed to jeans.
Well, overalls which are actually cool. And that you don’t put your shirt inside. But the comfort idea is there.
Yup they sure look funny…so dont make a habit of wearing them around the neighborhood without a jersey to cover the straps. Totally functional for riding a bike though. Despite what one poster wrote I find good quality bibs to be more comfortable in hot weather conditions (I live in Florida). Have you ever noticed any Pros riding anything but bibs?
I like the Sugoi RS Flex shorts. You can find then for a little over $100.
I’ve never worn bibshorts. What makes them more comfortable than regular shorts? I always thought they looked a little funny, but if they really are that much better I might be willing to give them a try.
I did my first ride in bib shorts last night. It was a short ride, I’m doing a longer one this weekend which will be a better test, but so far the hype is justified. They feel like a second skin instead of like a piece of clothing you are wearing. That sounds like it could be bad but it is very good. I was concerned they might pull or otherwise bind but it is uncanny how they seem to sit just right while at the same time never seeming to move.
I have been getting shorts from Boure Sportswear, www.boure.com they are awesome. Extremely comfortable and durable. I just started wearing bib shorts and they are the best when you don’t have to transition to a run. They are much more comfortable than just shorts and are great for longer rides, they hold in place better so you don’t have to adjust around while you are riding. Also the prices aren’t bad for the quality of the shorts. For those of you that have heard of Ned Overend this is what he wears exclusively now and helps design.
Branden
I’ve never worn bib shorts, so I can’t compare, but the most comfortable cycling shorts I have are from Craft. Great material and fit. Easily beats my $130 Pearl Izumi shorts (although they’re still great).