I’m thinking of getting the Oomph Lava shorts for IMAZ. This will be my first IM, so any input will be really helpful for me. Has anyone used these for IM? If so were they comfortable for the run. I saw a pair at our local tri shop here (InsideOut) and it seemed like the pad was somewhat thick for running.
Peace, Rob
you may want to post this question on gordo’s forum too ( gordoworld.com ). Gordo is/was sponsored byy oomph, and many of the frequent posters on that forum wear oomp. i believe reading that blake becker from over there raced in those shorts last year for IM and that he loved them. FWIW, I am anxious to hear responses on this, because I am trying to decide between these shorts and Craft for long course racing next season.
I bought a pair of the lava shorts last year and thought the pad was too thick for running. I called up the guys at Oomph and they told me to just keep running in them and they’ll start to feel better. I took their advice and after a few weeks of training in them, they became very comfortable for running. Also, they are longer than most of my tri shorts but the fit is great, especially on longer runs where the short’s compression seems to prevent my quads and hammies from getting sore and fatigued. This may just be in my head, but it seems to work.
Definitely break them in a bit on the bike and on shorter runs before you try them on a longer run or in a HIM or IM.
Lave is cool, but for IM go with the Kilauea. Compression short with built in gel/flask holders & bib number which is switchable from front to back.
I bought the suit because it matches my bike 
The Lava is THE short in the Oomph line but it does take a little breakin. If this concerns you Oomph has a new short this year - longer compression lycra like the Lava but with the thin pad of their other shorts - I believe it is called the Spirit (?)
The Craft Race shorts are super sweet too.
Race with what you train in.
If you are going to buy Oomph, buy a couple of pairs to train in too. You don’t want to have the new kick-butt shorts and find out that they chafe after 80 miles on the bike or 13 miles on the run.
jaretj
Thanks for the suggestions. I guess it was my lucky day today. I went over to InsideOut Sports and they had their Oomph gear at 40% off. I got a pair of Lava shorts for $60. We’ll see how they go tomorrow morning during my ride.
Peace, Rob
Is the fabric in the oomph shorts as thin as the Craft material. I think the material in the Craft shorts is to thin, not enough compression. I prefer the fabric that Desoto or Voler uses. Also, does anyone know what the inseam is of the oomph shorts? Is it longer like the Craft or shorter like Desoto?
I’ll back John up on the recommendation for the CRAFT race short. I’ve been using these exclusively for 1 1/2 years and have ridden 100-120 miles in them with zero issues (as long as I used a bit of body glide) and run in them frequently - up to 20+ miles.
I love them and would wear them every day if they weren’t so darn expensive.
I used the Lava short last year for IMAZ and had no issues. They are great shorts. I am buying a new pair for this season. Without question, the best short I’ve tried.
There are two types of fabric used in the Lava’s. The compression is in specific panels - where you need it most… And where you need it, the material is heavy. We are looking at going heavier for even more compression. Our design allows for this without being restrictive.
For me, the Lava’s are perfect. However, if you find the pad too big (i.e. super fast runners like Clas Bjorling) the Vigor short (new in 2006) will be perfect. It has a smaller pad and a completely seamless crotch panel. AND the whole short is 100% compression fabric.
chris at oomphsports dot com
i checked the insideout sports web site… nothing on oomph, unless i missed it… are they still available? thanks
I got these from the store. I live close to InsideOut.
I did my first ride in them this morning. I have to say, these are some very comfortable shorts. It almost felt like the pad formed the perfect shape and interface between rider and seat. Additionally, the compression felt like it was in the right places, w/ the right amount degree.
I wanted to do a brick run after the ride, but I had a volunteer comittment and didn’t have time. I’m looking forward to running in them. The only improvement I would’ve liked was if the front fabric at the crotch area was a little thicker. I felt like a little more modesty would’ve been nice.
Peace, Rob
I think the Lava shorts are solid cycling shorts. The zip-zip-zip sound when running in them is annoying, and they are a little longer than I’d like. I may try the Vigor shorts.
As for those endorsing Craft… do you not have much, um, equipment up front? Even in the proper size, I feel like I’m running almost nekkid, totally unsupported. No bueno.
I’ve been eyeing the Kilauea shorts for a year and today I pulled the trigger on a pair. If anyone is a size large or X-large they still have at least one pair of each size left at Forward Motion Sports in Danville, CA. They pulled them from the floor because there were not selling so you have to ask them to get them from upstairs in the box above the bike shop. I got mine for $62.00 (50% off)
I’ll report on their performance after a 30 mile ride/6 mile run brick I have on tap.
Cheers,
Karma
You can’t go wrong with shorts from either one these company’s product. My only suggestion is purchase one soon enough so that you can train in it long enough to know whether it will work on race day.
When’s Arizona?
Well I’ve gotten a couple of centuries and a couple of runs done in my Lava shorts. I’ve already praised the riding, and for running, no issues at all. I thought at first the pad may be a little thick, but that was before I’d done any running in them. The pad thickness was no issue at all for me at all running. The compression seemed to lessen the fatigue on my legs as well. Will see how they go at IMAZ.
Only 5 weeks to taper, 8 to go until the race. Hopefully AZ gets a little rain. My buddy lives there and says its pretty dusty these days.
Peace, Rob
Used them at lake Placid 05. Great on the bike. To much moisture build up in the crotch durning the run. next time I’ll run in a pair of running shorts. Nohing like feeling fresh.