Maybe that sounds like an odd matching for a shoot-out, so let me explain a little.
I’ve got some of the DeSoto Carrera tri shorts (not the low-cut – I ain’t no plumber in training), and love them. But my selection for bike shorts has been the basic Performance Century shorts with the synthetic chamois (no gels, no multi-density foams), and they’ve performed well and lasted, but with one exception – they’re too darn high-waisted. They bunch up at the low back.
I got a response from Emilio about them, and I know the 400-mile chamois isn’t a smooth, constant piece like I’m used to (and have had good luck with). And he said the waist is a “little” higher than the Carrera tri shorts.
And don’t even suggest bibs – I hate them. HATE them. Did I mention hate? I’m staying with drawstring waists.
So, what does the ST collective have to say about DSS 400-mile bike shorts?
Are you riding these on a tri or roadbike and how aggressive is your position?
I have a bunch of the 400 mile bibs and they are wonderful, If you are in a really aggressive position, like what I ride in sometimes I feel like there is too much padding in the front. Obviously the problem is a matter of getting everything crunched up in there, the padding that makes them so comfortable also makes everything crunch up more. The pad I love most is the rivera ITU pad. You can get shorts in that version too. You wont believe how comfy they are, its what I use for all my tris. So to answer your question yes they are great and worth the money, just every once in awhile i feel on a tribike there may be a bit too much padding for me. But like I said there are alternatives that are just as comfortable from de soto. I wouldn’t trade my ITU trisuit in with the rivera pad for anything its amazing.
I just woke up and responding wo my first cup of Joe.
I have a several of the 400mi bibs/shorts and I love them. The chamois is fine by me and the waist is not to high. If the waist is an issue just go to a tri shop or order and try them on.
I know you hate bibs but after I got my first pair of 400mi bibs I never looked back…I love my bibs.
I hope this helps…like I said I’m only half awake.
Then yes without a doubt they are amazing. Like I said, I have one specific situation and prefer wearing the tribibs, But also i’m lower than 99.99999 percent of triathletes anyways so its mostly my doing on why I don’t always use them on tri bike rides.
Thanks. I think I’ll give them a try and see. They’ve got older stock for a bit of a discount on the DSS site (in blue only in my size). If they work out, I’ll start saving my couch change to stock up.
Just an FYI http://desotosport.com/customerservice/guarantee.php This only applies to non-sale items however. Now personally I wouldn’t worry about it since they have numerous good reviews, but given that, if i’m looking at the same ones you are, they are only 15 dollars more for this years model you might want to just go for that then if for some random reason you don’t like them you’re really not out anything.
I LOVE the fit of the 40 mile bike shorts, but my main problem was the size of the pad in the front of the shorts. For me, it came up way to high. I have the same problem with the Desoto Rivieras, they fit great, and I can handle them up to about 30 miles (Olympic and under), but the pad always seem to bunch in the front and cause numbness on my twig. Berries stay okay, but twig definitely goes numb.
I swtiched to the Pearl Izumi Elite cycling shorts and the pad doesn’t come up nearly as high in the front.
I saw the “All sales are final” text on the listing. No worries. If they don’t work out, there are enough people that like them that I’m sure I’ll be able to recoup a modest amount of the purchase.