I’ll be doing an IM this summer and am interested in getting some opinions on the most comfortable bike shorts. I now have Desoto shorts w/400 mile pad which are very comfortable, and I am considering buying another pair. Any other brands I should look at first (Pearl Izumi, etc)? Comfort is priority. Just using them for the bike leg, and using running shorts on the run/speedo suit for the swim. Any info will be appreciated.
+1 on Desoto 400
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I love my Castelli Endurance Bibs and my Desoto 400 mile. If I had to choose . . . Desoto . . . I honestly forget about any Bib comfort issues while riding in them . . .ie. they let you focus on the job at hand . . .riding long and hard.
Hello
I’m currently using the new Compressport Tri Short.
By far the best tri I’ve ever used.
-Tri pad is very thin but comfortable (3 IM with it last year including Kona)
- compressive for the quads which I like
- some dots to avoid slippering on the saddle … which is really perfect for TT (you should try !)
- breathable
- good looking
Second is Zerod
bye
+2 on the Desoto 400 milers. It is pretty much the only shorts/bibs I wear now. I have gotten a lot of the guys and gals I train with to take up the Desoto 400 milers, and they are very pleased with them. I have some high end Craft and LG bibs, and they are nice, but when I have a long ride, I always go for the 400 milers.
Assos Mille. Simple the best cycle shorts on the market, in my humble opinion.
Are the 400’s bike shorts only? I am wondering if they could be used as tri shorts for an IM
I don’t think you are going to want to run in the 400 milers.
For an IM race, I throw on a pair of jammer type running shorts under my DeSoto 400 mile shorts. Swim and ride with both, then just drop the 400 mile shorts in transition and I’m out of the tent (a lot faster than changing). I like the added comfort on the bike without having to take much extra time to change. Used this for last 3 IM’s with no issues (no chafing or issues with over heating or anything). You definitely do not want run in them as they are pretty bulky.
FWIW, I use 400 mile shorts for pretty much all rides over 2 hours in training and love them.
I never thought about wearing two pairs of shorts and dropping a pair for the run. I am going to need to try that out in training this year.
DeSoto here too. Try the 400mi bibs, love mine.
+1 on DeSoto 400 Mile
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I do my IM prep transition runs in the 400 Mile shorts with no problem. That said, I race in DeSoto Forza Riviera shorts - just did IM Western Australia - 180km ALL flat course and no problem; then ran in them comfortably.
Bike shorts, like all the other key contact points with the bike ( saddle, shoes, bars, tape . . ) are highly personal and individual. What works outrageously well for me, may not work for you. Look for trends and look for quality. If something is working for you, that’s a good indicator right there. Don’t make it more complicated than that.
+1 on Compressport. The Compressport Tri Shorts are a fantastic piece of kit. I raced Leadman Bend 125 and Kona in using those shorts and they were nothing short of awesome. However, if you need more padding then the Desoto 400 mile bib short is the way to go.
I love Assos shorts…
+1 on the Riviera Tri Shorts.
They are fantastic for the IM distance ride and run, or any distance for that matter. I do a lot of training in the 400 mile shorts as well but race in the Riviera. I’ve previously run the marathon off the bike in the 400 mile, which is doable but would not take that as my 1st choice again. The Riviera chamois is a lighter version of the 400 mile’s chamois, which makes it a bit more compact barely noticeable and great to run with.
Having said that, the OP was about shorts for a long ride. If I were forced to make a decision about using only brand for long rides only, it would have to be Assos. Top quality.
When doing back-to-back epic rides, I alternate between the Assos and 400 mile. Each short creates different hot spots, so changing them around moves those pressure points and helps prevent chafing.
Also, a good chamois cream is a must. Assos, but that’s a personal preference once again. There are cheaper brands around but this works.
Castelli X2 - the best chamois made. Ever.
Can’t say enough about Desoto Forza Tri shorts even for short rides.
They make me feel like a Superhero once I put them on!
Come in great for brick workouts too!
fyi… Desoto tri shorts are not recommended for chlorine pools, rumor has it they dissolve instantly. 
I do my IM prep transition runs in the 400 Mile shorts with no problem. That said, I race in DeSoto Forza Riviera shorts - just did IM Western Australia - 180km ALL flat course and no problem; then ran in them comfortably.
X2