Desoto Pads and Tri Shorts

Triathlon Forum
1

Here is the question. I am looking at Desoto shorts for and addition to my training/ back up racing needs.
I have 2008 400mi shorts that I love to death and use a lot from medium distance rides to long rides/bricks and last HIM I raced in it. While I do notice the pad, it does not bother me on the run. Primary focus for racing is HIM.
Here are the requirements I am looking for:
1.substantial enough pad to provide comfort for long
rides (those miniature pads don’t cut it for me)
at least to be close to '08 400mi pad
2. pockets on the side as I stow my gel flask and
salt tab container
3. No leg grippers

The choices I have from Desoto are:

  1. 2009 400mi shorts
  2. 2009 Riviera Shorts (no pockets)
  3. Forza Shorts with pockets

In terms of pad I think I would like the Riviera shorts, but no pockets, huge downside for me.
Forza shorts, just not sure on the pad comfort for HIM, don’t think it is enough. If everything else fails 2009 400mi shorts could be the choice and I will just continue as usual so far.
If someone can compare these pads that would be great.

2

I did both my half ironmans in the forza tri shorts last year and i had no problems. I would worry more about the bike saddle than the trishorts.

3

If you really want the pockets than go with the Forza Shorts with pockets. You can’t go wrong with any of the shorts.

PS I did a full with my Forza shorts and I did not have any problem…with the shorts:)

4

I have used the DeSoto tri shorts (Forza + Riviera, not 400) for every ride I have done over the past 10 or so years. This includes many very long rides and numerous IM races. I have NEVER had a probablem using these shorts.

5

Can you describe the pad for me please. Is it one of those micro fleece type or is a thin version of something like a 400mi pad, do you know if it floats or absorbs water.
As far as the saddle, I am not changing it. It took me two years and countless saddles to arrive at Specialized SL Tri Tip. My junk is at piece now.

6

Can you describe the pad for me please. Is it one of those micro fleece type or is a thin version of something like a 400mi pad, do you know if it floats or absorbs water.

Ok, I have two pair of both 400mi and Forza shorts. So the pad is a little different between the two 400mi shorts. But in general the pad in Forza is thiner then the 400mi short and does not absorb water(or very little).

7

Just a thought but what about carrying the gel flask and salt tab container in a race belt? I know fuelbelt make race belt that has loops to store salt tab containers and you can slid their gelflask holder on to the belt and be good to go.

And Rappstar has demonstrated the superiority of the gelflask as shoulder pad method of racing as another option.

I put a little thought into this after a couple of training rides with my riviera’s and realizing that they are going to be part of the go to race kit for next year.

8

I will look into that. Still would prefer pockets. Just one thought comes up, I know I am over thinking this but I guess you can call it a lack of experience.
In self supported long bricks I already wear a 4 bottle helium around my waist. Yeah I could probably find a pouch to stash the flask and salt tabs container and attach it for training and use the same pouch on the race belt for racing. Will check that.
But would still love what Chuck hinted. I would by both shorts and the suit too.

9

I did a full IM in the Forzas and 100% happy with them. When I first ordered them (based on testimonials here), the pad at first seemed like it wouldn’t provide enough cushion, but pleasantly surprised after just one ride it was never an issue, even after going much longer. I’ve found over the miles compared to some of my other shorts that less padding can actually be better because it keeps more weight on your sit bones whereas the extra padding will squish into the center more which puts added pressure on the soft parts. I guess that’ll depend a lot on the saddle too, though. And for running, it goes completely unnoticed, which is about the best praise I can give.

10

fuelbelt makes three different size pouches with velcro closures (and 3 with zippers) all of which slide quite nicely onto a helium. I replaced the small pouch that came with my helium for a medium to hold my big stupid pda phone. the gelflast goes on the same way.

but damn I would snap up a forza suit with the itu pad in a second. the four pocket short would be just slightly less enticing.

11

fuelbelt makes three different size pouches with velcro closures (and 3 with zippers) all of which slide quite nicely onto a helium. I replaced the small pouch that came with my helium for a medium to hold my big stupid pda phone. the gelflast goes on the same way.

but damn I would snap up a forza suit with the itu pad in a second. the four pocket short would be just slightly less enticing.
yep, what I’ve been waiting for, hope it happens.

12

I raced IMC with the Riviera shorts and a Carrera tri top and it worked perfect. I also have the 400 mile shorts and the float pad in the Riviera is pretty close in comfort. I too like the pockets on the 400 mile shorts but since the Carrera jersey has 3 pockets it didn’t affect me during the race.

The only thing I didn’t like about the Riviera shorts is the permanent “Tramp Stamp” I now have sunburned across my lower back due to the low rise cut of the shorts creating a gap between the tri jersey and shorts.

That would be awesome if DeSoto put the float pad in the Forza shorts, count me in.

13

if they could have the 2009 400mi short outer (with compression) and the riviera tri pad id be in heaven.

are the forza and 400mi the same material?

14

The new 400mile pad is upgraded and more substantial…I have both the tri short and 400 milers but use the tri shorts for my tri bike and racing and the 400 milers for road/cross riding

Andrew
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