Anyone have any experience with either? The Ultrasensor is about $30 less and has the “Elite” chamois while the Microsensor has the “Pro” chamois.
I am not a fan of giant chamois but prefer something with a little more flexibility. Any insight would be appreciated.
I have the Microsensor, and they’re okay. The chamois doesnt feel huge, and they are pretty comfortable. That said, I am very disappointed in their longevity and I did get saddle sores if I was putting in a lot of miles. I’ve worn two holes in the rear of them. I think that for the $ involved, they should be better…
Since they didn’t hold up like I wanted, I bought bibs from LG (Louis Garneau Ergo Sensor) and Castelli (Castelli Kiss Bib) this spring (whatever was discounted). For me the Castellis are the best. The pad is nice, (no saddle sores). They “feel” the most durable (the lycra type), and there is no visable wear. The LG’s would be in the middle. They do not seem to be as comfortable as the Castellis and they do show a bit of wear. If all are clean, I reach for the Castellis. Overall, I’ve been a bit turned off on PI and really happy with Castelli.
Thanks for the reply. Castelli seems to be a little more affordable compared to some of the other Euro companies like Assos and Demarchi. I found these two pair online and both seem reasonable. Does the cheaper pair look like yours? I am wondering if the others are worth $20 more for the updated chamois.
http://www.worldcycling.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CSTSEBS&Category_Code=MBIB
http://www.worldcycling.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CSTWBS&Category_Code=MBIB
I believe I tried a pair of vertex microsensor shorts a few weeks ago and its not for me. After two hours they were getting pretty uncomfortable but I’ll try them again soon. My problem with them is I find the fabric too slippery and move around the saddle a bit. Also I guess I prefer a little compression. From what I remember the pads are available in different thicknesses. I had the thinner. (Not my choice, I got these for free.)
My #1 bib is still the Giordana Laser Tenax and #2 are the Sugoi Evolutions. These two are the only ones I wear on rides >100kms.
Thanks, those Sugoi’s are relatively cheap at $100.
As for the Giordanas, I see the the Lasers for $150 ad the Tenax for $125, but I don’t see a “Laser Tenax.” Do you know which ones you have?
I have been using the more expensive model for about three years now and swore it was worth the extra cash. Then I bought the cheaper ones a couple of months back when I found a good deal. Honestly, I don’t remember which pair is which now, so that would lead me to buy the cheaper model in the future. They last pretty long and fit me well, so I keep buying Pearl Izumi.
Chad
I have an older pair; they used to call them that. I have a pair of just plain “tenax” shorts I found on sale somewhere and aside from the bib/short difference, I don’t notice that big a difference. I think the laser fabric is a bit thinner but it could also be that I wear them more. At this point I’d probably pick up either provided the price was good.
btw I’d take a look at the Sugois before buying them. There was this one particular stitch that rubbed me the wrong way for the first few rides. After a few washes it went away but that was definitely annoying. My gf has the same problem with hers; but chamois butter can help. If you know you have a problem with stitching (in general I don’t) my gf loves her LG shorts (the pad is dimpled; no idea what they’re called, she got them as a team kit) and I know some friends of mine really like the Santini Gel/Twist Gel shorts (no stitching).
3 year old Microsensors – never comfortable, sore after 35 miles
last year’s Microsensors – very comfortable, love 'em
last year’s Aerosensors – even better
get on texas cyclesports e-mail list. Sorry, forgot the url.
Lots of people have recommended the Sugois.
Was it the Sugois that had the annoying stitch or the Giordanas? I am not sure what you were referring to. Thanks.
my sugois had the annoying stitch, but once again, a few years old. sigh. I gotta buy some new shorts…
I find the Ultrasensor to be much for comfortable than the Microsensor.
So you like the cheaper ones?
I paid 89.99 and I thought that they were pretty heavily discounted. Looking at the Castelli site, they look like these: (which was your 1st link)
http://www.castelli-us.com/pc-779-5-super-ergo-bibshort.aspx
Definitely did not have the strap design of the “wicked” ones. I thought that they were originally more $$ with a big discount, but I could be wrong. The link above looks most like them.
Yes.
If you spend the money and purchase yourself a pair or two of Assos Mille or s-2 bibs, you will not be disappointed and you will never ride another set of bibs by choice again unless it is your team kit or skinsuit
.
Honestly, I bought some Assos and was disappointed in the fit so I returned them.
you probably bought the wrong size and/or they fit right when riding the bike, or in that position. They will feel really tight when standing and other non cycling positions.
P.S. Fabian just won the world championships wearing their skin suit, I am sure the comfortable chamios makes him faster 
I find the microsensor much more comfortable
.
i have both. gave ultra to my wife for post-partem workouts, for the same reason u speak of: flexibility. u’ll be much happier with pro chamois or 400 mile short from desoto. did i say 400 mile short from desoto - very comfy.