Hi,
I’m looking for shorts for the first time in a couple of years. I was very happy with Skinfit’s Nizza shorts but, sadly, they seem to be discontinued—at least here in Europe.
What’s your favorite brand for tri shorts?
Same as my cycling kit, Sportful.
Thanks! From what I can tell, they don’t do try-specific shorts. Which one do you use?
Have you looked at Zoot Sports? They have tri-shorts and the designs are always changing! The tri-shorts come in different legnths in the leg which is really nice. Customer service is great, if you need to exchange a pair or have an issue with the shorts.
I’ve used DeSoto for a while and like them, but I just got some Zoot stuff and really like the feel of the material. I’m going to get some more items later this year. Good stuff!
In Europe, go Kiwami. Awesome shorts, awesome service and a full array of clothing. Given you’ve used Skinfit, I think you’ll really like the Kiwami gear. Based in France…
De soto. I actually preferred them a few years ago with the higher waistband, but the forza 4 pocket are just perfect - for full distance cycling and my preferred liner for plain marathons too. Last for donkeys years too. or to be precise then I still have a pair from 2004 I use for zwifting and my 2010 pair finally gave up the ghost on the seams last year after 2 years race use and 8 years of training duties.
Goes really well with the tops, and is the same lining pad as I’ve now got in the 1 piece I’ve started using for racing.
ETA: I’ve also used zoot, and a couple of other brands and just not been as comfortable in them. Nothing wrong as such, but prefer the De Soto, even though where I live I need to pay crazy prices for them after import duty and taxes…
Another vote for Desoto. I just haven’t found anything that comes close in my opinion.
Another vote for Desoto. I just haven’t found anything that comes close in my opinion.
Assos beats them, and all others, in my opinion.
I didn’t know Assos made tri-specific shorts.
I didn’t know Assos made tri-specific shorts.
Yep.
I saw that but they were asking about shorts, not suits.
Nothing comes between my saddle and myself except for De Soto Tri shorts
.
I didn’t either, but maybe it’s time to go back to a suit, rather than shorts. I agree that Assos’ stuff beats all others.
I’ve had good luck with 2XU.
I’ve tried just about every brand. They each offer different fit and style so you need to see what you prefer best. Below are a few options. I have a rotation of all of these that I use for different types of training.
De Soto-bomb proof and will last forever. Most of their models, except the Mobius, adhere to the model that a tight fit leads to comfort as it minimizes chaffing. Borderline sausage legs at least for me. The material is comfortable, but not super soft and dries very quickly. The pads are good but also have a LOT of stitching which, in my opinion are the biggest drawback. Mobius shorts are a softer material that fit less snug, but also absorb more water. I love Mobius for gym workouts and running or maybe a bike/run brick. De Soto pockets are probably the best-big enough for 8-10 oz. water bottles. On long runs, I sometimes just use the 4-pockets shorts rather than a fuel belt-like option. Draw string at waist. Riviera has 2 water lid pockets on hips and 4 pocket has 2 on hips and two on bottom of legs.
Castelli-comfy, tight-fitting material but not restrictive, but softer than most De Soto models. Pads are nearly perfect for tri and have minimal stitching and just kinda ends at it meets the shorts so chaffing is almost non-existent with these shorts. But, pockets on hips are small and can’t fit much more than a gel. prefer these for shorter indoor bike rides. No drawstring at waist. Doesn’t feel like it would be durable but i have a pair that has lasted many years and still going strong.
Zoot-comfy, silky-smooth smooth material. tight fitting (more so than De Soto Mobius but not as tight as some other De Soto models) but not overly restrictive. Pads are not great-small with a lot of stitching. Shorts are very well made though. Pockets on hips are small (gel only probably).
Kiwami-more of a “papery” feel to their shorts that dry quickly. Pads are much more “defined” in that they have a dense, shaped pad where they assume you will need it. Doesn’t align perfectly with my shape and a fair amount of stitching on the pads which can lead to possible chaffing. pockets on hips are also small (gel only probably) But, a very well made short that should last a long time. I like these for short indoor bikes and short runs or bricks.
Ownway Apparel custom shorts. super comfy material that is tight, well made but not overly restrictive. pad is thin but very comfy-perfect for short bikes and run and tris-soft, smooth with minimal stitching. pockets on hips are great and big enough to hold small bottles. My only gripe with these is that the waist band area is several inches so it rides high into waist area (mine are a model that are ~3 years old so it could be different now) into waist which can lead to some pressure on waist/abdomen. Were it not for this, these would be the clear winner.
I’ve had good luck with 2XU.
Same here. So much in fact that I exclusively use them for all riding ( road, TT, mtb, indoor). The chamois is thick enough for long rides, fit is excellent and durability good so far
Thanks for the in-depth analysis!
I’ve tried just about every brand. They each offer different fit and style so you need to see what you prefer best. Below are a few options. I have a rotation of all of these that I use for different types of training.
De Soto-bomb proof and will last forever. Most of their models, except the Mobius, adhere to the model that a tight fit leads to comfort as it minimizes chaffing. Borderline sausage legs at least for me. The material is comfortable, but not super soft and dries very quickly. The pads are good but also have a LOT of stitching which, in my opinion are the biggest drawback. Mobius shorts are a softer material that fit less snug, but also absorb more water. I love Mobius for gym workouts and running or maybe a bike/run brick. De Soto pockets are probably the best-big enough for 8-10 oz. water bottles. On long runs, I sometimes just use the 4-pockets shorts rather than a fuel belt-like option. Draw string at waist. Riviera has 2 water lid pockets on hips and 4 pocket has 2 on hips and two on bottom of legs.
Castelli-comfy, tight-fitting material but not restrictive, but softer than most De Soto models. Pads are nearly perfect for tri and have minimal stitching and just kinda ends at it meets the shorts so chaffing is almost non-existent with these shorts. But, pockets on hips are small and can’t fit much more than a gel. prefer these for shorter indoor bike rides. No drawstring at waist. Doesn’t feel like it would be durable but i have a pair that has lasted many years and still going strong.
Zoot-comfy, silky-smooth smooth material. tight fitting (more so than De Soto Mobius but not as tight as some other De Soto models) but not overly restrictive. Pads are not great-small with a lot of stitching. Shorts are very well made though. Pockets on hips are small (gel only probably).
Kiwami-more of a “papery” feel to their shorts that dry quickly. Pads are much more “defined” in that they have a dense, shaped pad where they assume you will need it. Doesn’t align perfectly with my shape and a fair amount of stitching on the pads which can lead to possible chaffing. pockets on hips are also small (gel only probably) But, a very well made short that should last a long time. I like these for short indoor bikes and short runs or bricks.
Ownway Apparel custom shorts. super comfy material that is tight, well made but not overly restrictive. pad is thin but very comfy-perfect for short bikes and run and tris-soft, smooth with minimal stitching. pockets on hips are great and big enough to hold small bottles. My only gripe with these is that the waist band area is several inches so it rides high into waist area (mine are a model that are ~3 years old so it could be different now) into waist which can lead to some pressure on waist/abdomen. Were it not for this, these would be the clear winner.
Wow great write up
Thank you
I see you have a few shorts you like for shorter inside rides
Any chance you have one you like for longer rides?
For cycling…… I rotate through Zoot, de soto, love the pain and Assos bibs and castelli bike shorts. And, I’ve tried several other brands. For long rides, it’s Assos bibs and the voting wouldn’t be close.