Cycling shorts/leggings for a big guy

jesus_thats_gre

Hi guys,

I have searched the forums multiple times but can't find anything concrete.

I am a big guy (close to 19 stone and that is down quite a bit - continuing to lose too) and I am struggling to find suitable padded shorts or leggings. I have a pair of shorts and legging that "fit" me (fine around the waist etc) but the location of the padding just isn't right.

When I am up on the saddle, the pad on both is too far forward and doesn't actually sit between by arse and the saddle.

This has remained the case after recently changing from a mountain bike to a road bike.

For the moment, I am compensating by using a gel saddle cover but it doesn't feel right (bit of movement there that shouldn't be). Recently increased by distance from lower 20km to close to 30km but I think I am going to struggle going further without getting to the bottom of this issue.

I assume this is a common enough issue and that quite a few have experienced the same problem. Anyone have any advise or suggestions? Thanks in advance.

mel.b

I have ordered larger sized cycling clothes from www.aerotechdesigns.com in the US. Prices are resonable and shipping is fast enough. Actually their customer service is great...my mum got me a jacket for my birthday but it was the wrong colour. She got it shipped to OZ as i was home for my bday, but when we had to send it back we asked for the exchange to be shipped to Ireland as i wiuld be back here by that time and they did so at no extra cost:D

Anyway, have a look at their range and maybe also consider getting a bike fit done?

le petit braquet

Prendas do sizes up to 7 XL though searching on their site shows current availability up to 5 XL only - see http://www.prendas.co.uk/ and look for the search function on the left hand side. If you email them your measurements they will advise on a size to fit. Bear in mind that in Italian manufactured stuff you generally have to go up at least one size from what most of the rest of the human race would consider normal e.g. XXL in Santini equals a standard XL.

Bunnyhopper

jesus_thats_gre wrote: »

getting to the bottom of this issue

:pac:




(…sorry…I couldn't resist… )

Donie75

I'm a similar weight to the OP. What height are you? I'm around 6ft.
I have Santini Slice shorts in 3XL and they are fine but a little skimpy. Santini do a 4XL so i'd probably prefer that size.
Altura also do decent sizes. They do a Pro Gel Bibshort that is fairly okay.
DHB brand on the Wiggle website is a good fit also.

kincsem

Santini 'Slice' PowerLycra/TwistGel Bibshorts
http://www.prendas.co.uk/details.asp?typ=typ&fkid=5&ID=1624

You could e-mail them and ask about size. They have 4xl and 5xl in the above. I am a medium, but when you buy from them you fill in your height, weight, chest, waist and shoe size as some brands have different idea of what is a medium size. I think an Italian size is often smaller than equivalent English size, and brands can also differ.

jesus_thats_gre

Donie75 wrote: »

I'm a similar weight to the OP. What height are you? I'm around 6ft.
I have Santini Slice shorts in 3XL and they are fine but a little skimpy. Santini do a 4XL so i'd probably prefer that size.
Altura also do decent sizes. They do a Pro Gel Bibshort that is fairly okay.
DHB brand on the Wiggle website is a good fit also.

Am just over 6'1 myself.

It isn't so much the fit of the shorts, its where the chamois/pad ends up sitting. It is more under the testicles than under my arse - hard one to explain with giggling

el Bastardo

Hmmmmm.... My shorts/tights have saddle-shaped padding and it sits over the knackers and sit bones - Not my entire butt.

BostonB

Perhaps a different brand would be better? I picked up a par of padded shorts in Lidl and the fit is terrible. Padding is just all wrong. But the Altura pair I have fit fine. Also I dunno if you should need a gel cover. I tried a few saddles before I got one I liked. A few brought a tear to the eye. I'm using a MTB for commuting, a similar distances to you. Currently using a BBB saddle, not sure which one, I think its something like this.

http://bbbcycling.com/bike-parts/saddles/BSD-14/

Maybe you could try a few bikes in a shop with different saddles, and see which shape you like the best, then try to get one similar. I went for one a little wider than the racing saddles aiming for comfort.

Bulmers on Ice

Donie75 wrote: »

DHB brand on the Wiggle website is a good fit also.

I find the sizing chart to be very accurate, with dhb from wiggle if it works out as xxl or whatever on the sizing chart then that is what fits. Works for me anyway.

langdang

Another recommendation for DHB bib shorts, good fit for those not of a typical cyclists build. BUT - quality control is not their strong point - check the chamois for loose stitching.

Also, the comments on the website suggest that some people got shorts that suffered from exactly what you're complaining of - chamois too far forward. I found no issues in terms of pad placement with my two pairs. But send em back straight away if there are any pad placement or stitching issues.

Bib shorts/tights are good if you find that shorts tend to roll down at the waist.
My cheap and not so stylish solution is bib shorts for good weather and a pair of unpadded running leggings over them for cold weather.

denlaw

you need this


only kidding , i'm about the same size as the op , i bought a couple of pairs of dhb bib shorts from wiggle and they're fine , i'd reco them ..:D

munsterleinster

jesus_thats_gre wrote: »

Am just over 6'1 myself.

It isn't so much the fit of the shorts, its where the chamois/pad ends up sitting. It is more under the testicles than under my arse - hard one to explain with giggling

Jeez... You had me thinking you've got them on back to front:D

Pads are always a problem. I suspect that none of the manufacturers make different size pads so you've stuck with the same pad as a size small?

Anyway, my experience:
DHB were great, but their current range seems to have reduced in size (especially their Pace range).
Endura XXL is decent size, but I think they're over padded in the centre.
Santini (from Prendas as mentioned above) are good but expensive. Their Max 2 shorts come in 5XL so size won't be an issue.
The Slice may be a better option as they come with the gel intech pad. Have this pad in a pair of tights and like it, but pricey at £70.

Problem is most shops won't stock these sizes so you'll probably have to buy online. Although t'll only cost you the return postage for a refund if they don't fit.

jesus_thats_gre

Thanks for all of the replies guys, really appreciate it