Where to get non-bib shorts with good quality chamois?

FrankGrimes

I bought a pair of Endura Coolmax shorts off CRC in October and find them very comfy - 8 panels and have the good quality grey chamois that takes the chamois cream well.

Ordered another set recently but found they had that blue more spongy padding that I didn't like the look of (and they were too big) so I returned them.

Have looked on Wiggle, CRC and ProBikeKit and in Cycleways but couldn't find any 8-panel (or any) non-bib shorts with this good quality chamois in them - any ideas where to get them (preferably for under €50)?

Raam

Question: why non-bib shorts?

For what it's worth, with bibs you avoid exposing your lower back and having to constantly tuck your base layer in or pull your jersey back down.

For commutes I usually stick to non-bib shorts since it is only 30 mins, but for long spins, it's always bibs.

ba

+1

FrankGrimes

I guess I'm just not sure about the whole bib shorts thing and CRC actually wrongly delivered me a pair and I tried them on but they were too small by far so I just never looked into them after that.

My jersey normally comes down far enough at the back not to be a problem.

blorg

It's important that the straps are long enough with bibs but they are certainly better, so I wouldn't rule them out.

Having said that you can get decent shorts in non-bib format although "under €50" is generally budget level unless you can find something in the sales (virtually all my clothing is purchased this way.) I like Descente stuff myself.

FrankGrimes

I'd be prepared to stretch on the cash if I found a good pair with really nice padding. Would consider giving bib shorts a shot but I've broad shoulders and I could see the straps being a bit tight on the neck.

blorg

I think it's more the height than shoulder width, you have to make sure to get something with long enough straps and buy bib shorts more off the height guidelines than anything else.

Descente are more "Anglo" size-wise (they are Canadian) and have longer straps. I have found Castelli and Briko to take two Italian examples to be a bit on the small side- shorts fitted OK but the straps were too short.

The Wiggle dhb [url=http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_Finchdean_Bib_Shorts/5360035435/
]Finchdean stuff[/url] gets good reviews for a slightly higher end item... I have their more basic stuff and it's fine although not as good as my higher-end Descente. dhb stuff though is also sized bigger, it's the only thing I have shorts in a medium.

On the more pricey side these Descente Optima Bibs are really great shorts.

Raam

remember that when on the bike you are in a different position than when standing up. So what feels too small standing can often be fine on the bike. I have a few pair of bibs that are not comfortable to wear standing but on the bike they are great. I also have some pairs that have generous length straps but then on the bike the straps slip quite a bit.

Lumen

blorg wrote: »

The Wiggle dhb [url=http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_Finchdean_Bib_Shorts/5360035435/
]Finchdean stuff[/url] gets good reviews for a slightly higher end item... I have their more basic stuff and it's fine although not as good as my higher-end Descente. dhb stuff though is also sized bigger, it's the only thing I have shorts in a medium.

I have the finchdean bibs, and IMO they're pretty crap. I find my non-bib Specialized shorts more comfortable than those bibs - the padding really digs in. But I only have Assos bib tights to compare with; I did try on some Assos bib shorts in CSS but in addition to being ballblisteringly expensive they didn't have the right size/colour combo (red Assos is Tonto's thing).

So, personal recommendations for good cheap bibs would be great!

DirkVoodoo

I have the finchdean and a pair of adidas shorts for comparison. The finchdean are much more comfortable in my opinion, have used them over long distance too.

I would definitely be of the opinion that bib shorts are by far the best clothing for cycling, no worrying about waistbands digging into your stomach.

henboy

FrankGrimes wrote: »

I bought a pair of Endura Coolmax shorts off CRC in October and find them very comfy - 8 panels and have the good quality grey chamois that takes the chamois cream well.

Ordered another set recently but found they had that blue more spongy padding that I didn't like the look of (and they were too big) so I returned them.

Have looked on Wiggle, CRC and ProBikeKit and in Cycleways but couldn't find any 8-panel (or any) non-bib shorts with this good quality chamois in them - any ideas where to get them (preferably for under €50)?

Hi Frank if you can stretch to it these bibs have got good reviews

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=25379&subcategory_ID=1120#ReviewHeader

niceonetom

blorg wrote: »

I think it's more the height than shoulder width, you have to make sure to get something with long enough straps and buy bib shorts more off the height guidelines than anything else.

True that. I got M Boards bib tights and the combination of both shoulder straps and heel loops was threatening to give me a permanent stoop.

OP - you may not have progressed to the assos bibs shorts stage yet but this stuff is great.

xz

niceonetom wrote: »

True that. I got M Boards bib tights and the combination of both shoulder straps and heel loops was threatening to give me a permanent stoop.

OP - you may not have progressed to the assos bibs shorts stage yet but this stuff is great.

Oh Yeah, glowy bum feeling, you cant beat it;)

FrankGrimes

After much toing and froing I went with the dhb Findchean bib shorts - just placed the order now, hopefully have them to try out at the weekend.

A little worried about the possibility of the padding digging in (was mentioned in one other place online) but it was the gel padding that swung it for me...I don't have a whole lot of padding on my saddle so I'll take whatever padding I can get.

Sounds like the Descente are an excellent short alright but I couldn't find out much about the chamois on it - I assume they're nicely padded but to be honest I've spent more than enough on cycling gear so I wanted to keep the cost down this time round. Could always look to get a pair of Assos as birthday present in the summer if needed.

FrankGrimes

Well, some risks pay off, others don't I guess. I got the findcheans and they are very comfortable for rides of up to 2 hours. Lovely feel of the material and the thigh grippers work well and I'm now a total convert to bib shorts without doubt.

However, after 2 hours the padding just digs into the skin and becomes very uncomfortable very quickly. This is even with chamois cream and applying bodyglide to the skin to reduce friction. Can't really place it but it seems that the seams of the padding (or maybe the edges of the gel packs inside the padding) just really dig in after a certain length of time.

That digging in is mostly at the back kind of to the sides of the sit bones and then up front the fact that there is so much padding all the way along isn't actually a good thing for me as it just increases the pressure between the body and the saddle/shorts padding. It's not the seams digging in here that's the problem it's just that there's too much volume of padding and it leads to numbness even though the saddle has about as big a central hole as you can get.

So, my findcheans shall be consigned to a life of commuting and <2 hour training rides. Posting here to warn others that though some people may have no problem with these shorts, there is a chance you could end up with similar problems (as I had seen from at least 2 other people before still deciding to purchase). I'll be giving my feedback to Wiggle also.

I've now been given a pair of Assos FI Mille S5 as an early birthday present to ensure I have them for ROK this weekend. No black XL available apparently so red it is but I'm more worried about comfort than appearance. Bit of a risk using them for ROK without really breaking them in first but on first impression they are very comfy (if admittedly guiltily crazy money) but to be honest, as soon as I read 'Innovative insert cut for less pressure on the genital area' I knew I had to have them!

boniver

Didn't spot this thread in time but Pearl Izumi P.R.O. shorts are a non bib version of their top end shorts. Also available in Octane version for more money.

irishmotorist

If you're worried about how they feel, CycleSuperstore for example have a good selection that you can try on. If you wanted, I'm sure you could order the relevant ones online once you've found a brand/size to your liking there.

DirkVoodoo

Sorry the finchdeans didn't work out, I've worn them on 3 long sportives without any trouble. Hopefully the Assos will do the trick...but red??

FrankGrimes

Wiggle got back to me and said I could return the Finchdeans. Went back to highlight that they are, em, not fit for resale and that they are not faulty, it's just that the design doesn't work for me (and I mentioned a few others have had similar problems given what I've seen here and elsewhere online) to clarify that I could still return them. They said dhb have a great returns policy and I should still return them for a credit refund or replacement. Pretty impressed by that proposal so we'll see how it goes.

Of all the variables related to seating on a bike I can see that shorts are the most person-specific so can understand what works for some may not for others. That said, can't see anyone having problems with more basic shorts like my Endura Coolmax, does seem the almost over-padding of the Finchdeans may not work for quite a few.

Raam

Awww, aren't ya just precious?!

FrankGrimes

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

Hopefully the Assos will do the trick...but red??

Yep, red it is, and I'll be wearing them with a green jersey and black socks and black overshoes to probably stack up an outrageous amount of Euro infractions.

FrankGrimes

Raam wrote: »

Awww, aren't ya just precious?!

Damn straight. When the sweets go numb I draw the line....

blorg

FrankGrimes wrote: »

Of all the variables related to seating on a bike I can see that shorts are the most person-specific so can understand what works for some may not for others.

Don't forget the saddle! You had a few issues there

FrankGrimes

blorg wrote: »

Don't forget the saddle! You had a few issues there

True indeed but I'm now convinced the saddle is in the right position and I'm loving my Selle Italia so far, it's just that the Finchdeans felt like there was way too much padding at the front. All in all, I'm now expecting the bike to be as comfy as a Lazyboy armchair from now on!

FrankGrimes

FrankGrimes wrote: »

Wiggle got back to me and said I could return the Finchdeans. Went back to highlight that they are, em, not fit for resale and that they are not faulty, it's just that the design doesn't work for me (and I mentioned a few others have had similar problems given what I've seen here and elsewhere online) to clarify that I could still return them. They said dhb have a great returns policy and I should still return them for a credit refund or replacement. Pretty impressed by that proposal so we'll see how it goes.

Couldn't believe my eyes when I looked at my credit card statement online today - I returned the used Finchdean shorts last week with printouts of the email chain included and true to their word they issued a full credit to my credit card no questions asked. They even gave me an additional credit of a few quid for the cost of posting them back!

That is some pretty outstanding customer service in my opinion and they've definitely earned some customer loyalty as a result.

The Assos shorts are fantasticly comfy by the way, expensive but a great investment....can't put a price on eliminating the numbness!

Bambaata

Wiggle are great alright. i only bought a new pair of swimming goggles, a pair of swimming trunks and a hat and i got some jellys! Well impressed :P

As a side blorg, how do the Descente Optima Bib Short fit? They only have XL left. Im 185cm tall and have a 33inch waist/inside leg. Would the XL definitely be too big? I'm asking cos i know some shorts fit on the small side and i really need some shorts. The 100km cycles are killing my poor delicate ass!