I lost my race shorts and a jersey in a crash so I would like to get something for next year. I need some help understanding the difference between the Forza Riviera and the Forza shorts as well as the carrera shorts.
Are each suited best for a different type of distance? i will be mainly sprints and Oly with maybe a 70.3 thrown in as well.
I am 5’10" 170lbs. with kinda big thighs and calves, I usually wear a little tighter medium in my other tri shorts and a large in the jersey as a I have a wide mid-section. Would I be in the same in De Soto clothing?
I lost my race shorts and a jersey in a crash so I would like to get something for next year. I need some help understanding the difference between the Forza Riviera and the Forza shorts as well as the carrera shorts.
Are each suited best for a different type of distance? i will be mainly sprints and Oly with maybe a 70.3 thrown in as well.
I am 5’10" 170lbs. with kinda big thighs and calves, I usually wear a little tighter medium in my other tri shorts and a large in the jersey as a I have a wide mid-section. Would I be in the same in De Soto clothing?
The standard Forza has a very thin padding. Dries instantly. Have done the job for me in several years, but this year I got some issues…
The Riviera shorts has a small, but “standard” padding - same as on bike shorts. Very comfy - and dries slowly. Litterally saved my ass in Kona.
Both feel great on the run - no difference. There are some differences regarding pockets and height - check details on the web site.
If you contact Desoto directly, they guide you to select the right size.
I vastly prefer the Riviera with its real (but thin) pad; the felt pad in the regular Forza just causes painful chafing. I imagine the Carrera would have the same issue, and they have less compression. I have decent size legs at about your height and 160lbs, and the M is nice and tight on me. You might be more comfortable if you go with L. On shorts, if the weight is right all that will change is where your tan line starts, so I’d go with the size for weight rather than height in shorts, but Emilio should be able to help.
I have the Forza low cuts…best tri short I’ve ever used.
The low cut (think speedo height) is a bit low in the back, but allows unhampered breathing on the bike and run. The fact that the fleece pad is suspended in the shorts and can slide to reduce friction makes them much more comfortable that the older versions with the pad sewn in place. The no-bind leg grippers are great too.
I’m 180, 33" waist with monster quads and the M fits race tight, so M should work fine.
If i go Large would they be too baggy? My last race kit was 2XU and before that Orca. Are those more slim Euro sized and De Soto american sized…if that makes sense?
Would the Riviera be overkill on short races? Can you tell a difference running with the bigger pad? Does it look like you are running in bike shorts?
I do like the look of them but if I have what my GF calls a “bubble butt” would I be exposing my coin slot when I am in the aero position? Not to ask you about your butt too much but what is yours like?
If i go Large would they be too baggy? My last race kit was 2XU and before that Orca. Are those more slim Euro sized and De Soto american sized…if that makes sense?
Would the Riviera be overkill on short races? Can you tell a difference running with the bigger pad? Does it look like you are running in bike shorts?
I’m hesitant to comment more on sizing since I have never seen a piece of De Soto clothing that was not size M and would hate to guide you wrong; Emilio should really be able to guide you better than anyone else on that.
I only do short races and love the Riviera. If I pay attention I can feel the pad, but it doesn’t bother me. I actually find running in them more comfortable than running in their regular Forzas or regular running shorts. As for what it looks like, I don’t care - the last time I was out in them some kids sitting on their doorstep called out “NICE SHORTS!” in a very sarcastic voice. Who cares - I’ll wear what makes me most comfortable and fastest. For me, that’s Rivieras, and for what it’s worth, I warrantied a set of Forzas that had the stitching coming out and paid to upgrade to the Riviera because the other pair I have is my flat-out favorite piece of athletic clothing. De Soto was very helpful with the warranty and the issue did nothing to sway my confidence in the company, by the way.
Forza shorts have compression fabric, slightly long legs, my good every day shorts. The low cut ones are better IMO but I need to use the drawstring with those.
The Forza Riviera shorts are a little lower cut in the front than the Forza low cuts which I like better. I don’t care for the pad in them, IMO it’s huge and bothers me when running. The legs appear to be a little shorter too, perfect for me.
The Carrera shorts are a little shorter in the legs and what appears to be non-compression fabric. They are a little less expensive than the others. The pad is like the Forza’s as I remember. They are my third favorite but still are great.
For sizing references…I normally wear a medium in oomph shorts and small in Louis Garneau and Sugio, I wear a small in Desoto. 5’4" and 142 lbs
The only jersey I use from Desoto is the Carrera tri top (the tank style) I wear a medium in just about every other jersey but I like a small in that one.
The Forza has a thinner fleece pad, the Riveria has the ITU pad I think which is more like a cycling pad. The Forza low cut without the pockets is the shiz, I’m 98% sure I’ll be in the Forza tribibs next season.
We just posted a gift guide ofr the holidays with 12 iconic triathlon gifts and the DeSoto 400-Mile (cycling bib) Short was an obvious choice.
Top cyclists agree that bib shorts improve saddle comfort. DeSoto’s 400-Mile short is the favorite of internet forum reviews and long distance athletes.
DeSoto 400-Mile Bib Bike Shorts.
Every experienced cyclist will tell you that bib shorts offer superior fit and comfort. When you combine the classic bib design with Emilio DeSoto’s innovative patterns and fabric technologies you have a modern classic. Emilio DeSoto himself selected the pad used in the 400-Mile Short, the perfect balance of moisture transmission, heat and friction reduction. He didn’t stop there. Unique compression fabrics like Forza Compressor were patterned to provide resistance to fatigue. Even the DeSoto Curvilinear seamlines are specifically placed for superior fit and range of motion. Tested in consecutive century rides, no other short is recommended as often on user-generated internet forums. Details include 3 pockets for electronics and nutrition. Emilio even developed a better fitting leg that doesn’t need uncomfortable rubber grippers found on euro-shorts. This is the triathletes’ bib short and a gift that will become more valuable and appreciated as your athlete’s rides gets longer and longer.
For my build, think running back. The low cuts sit about 1/2" above getting plumber’s crack (again similar to racing in a speedo). You can always opt for the standard cut that is 1.5" taller, I just find it more comfortable to have a cut that sits at my hips, but if you’re concerned (or modest) go with the standards (your gf will like those better).
first i had LG shorts, then zoot tri suit, then lg tri suit, then pearl izumi.
finally i tried desoto…i will never go back to anythign else. i have forza shorts which have a minimalist pad but if you get them at the correct fit whcih is snug they feel like compression gear and i have ridding 75-80 milers without a single issue.
i just used the forza for miami 70.3 with the cooler tank both felt fantastic.
Are you suggesting the 400 mile short should be used to race sprints and olympics? I love my 400 mile short but I think its overkill for shorter stuff.
FWIW to the op- I will only buy desoto stuff from now on- good compression, good fit, and comfy.
