Odd question about Bike Shorts.

Seaneh

Right lads and ladettes,

I've so far bought 2 pairs of shorts.

One crapy pair from lidl and then a better pair from an LBS.

They both have one slight problem for me, the waist band seems to come rather high, as in, around my belly button, before the shorts are snug to my nether regions, tried cycling with the shorts not pulled so high and they end up just moving forward in the seat.

I've a bit of a belly on me so it's kinda restrictive, not so much that it's hard to breathe, but just annoying at first.

Question here is:

How high should the waist band be coming?

I thought the first "lidl" pair were just bad fitting and that was the problem but with the same sort of problem from another better pair or shorts, maybe im just an awkward body shape?

Would bib shorts be less restrictive?

CianRyan

Make the switch to bibs, once they're on they just don't move.
Pure bliss.

monkeypants

I'd also recommend bib shorts. Make sure you try them on before buying as the sizes do differ significantly.

ednwireland

bib shorts (or belly bra to some of us) all the way

Seaneh

Well, I guess that's that question answered so!

Seaneh

Thinking of picking up these shorts from CRC, reduced from €50, but can't find any reviews online...

Think they would be worth the punt?

petethedrummer

Not all no-bibs are like that. I used specialized and the fit is like normal shorts.

I found DHB shorts to have a waist fit like women's jeans from the 80's.

deandean

You get what you pay for.

Go to a good bike shop and try on several pairs.

I bought a pair of Pearl Izumi shorts for <censored - obscene price> and they are streets ahead of any others I've had.

Lumen

petethedrummer wrote: »

I found DHB shorts to have a waist fit like women's jeans from the 80's.

Can you elaborate? I didn't start cross-dressing until 1992.

Seaneh

Lumen wrote: »

Can you elaborate? I didn't start cross-dressing until 1992.

the waist band comes to your navel.
Like the shorts I described.

Where as, apparently, specialized shorts fit quite a bit lower.

rich.d.berry

Well since this thread is about "odd questions" and even the taboo subject of cross-dressing has been broached, I guess it's safe enough to ask my question

Being new to bib-shorts (not sure I'm a convert yet) how do you wear them so as to make answering nature's call a non "strip everything off" affair.

Perhaps it's just a sign of my advancing age but I cannot go for a 2 hour plus cycle without needing to empty my bladder at some point. I mostly cycle country lanes and out town roads and rarely have the opportunity to avail of proper toilet facilities. Mostly I stop somewhere where a few trees offer some cover, but with bib shorts I find that because I have to remove my jersey (I wear my bib straps over my base layer) I am uncomfortable going in anything but the densest cover.

I'd love to hear about techniques that may have been developed that will not require me to strip to the waist.

Cee-Jay-Cee

If I'm desperate enough to have to stop then I simply pull the straps down and take a wizz. I don't wear base layers in summer and I cycle in rural areas. I leave my helmet and glasses on so no one will recognize me anyway (I have yet to identify anyone cycling due to glasses and helmets) I usually find a secluded spot but if I'm seen I don't really care,

Lumen

rich.d.berry wrote: »

I'd love to hear about techniques that may have been developed that will not require me to strip to the waist.

Bend forward and pull the front down, or pull a leg up.

langdang

Lumen wrote: »

Bend forward and pull the front down, or pull a leg up.

yeah, no need for dropping straps or anything, scrunch your upper body a bit to give extra leeway, pull down the lowest part of the front... I'm sure I don't need to go into detail on the next steps...

Must be awkward out for the ladies in fairness.

ednwireland

Lumen wrote: »

Bend forward and pull the front down, or pull a leg up.

and dont forget to wave at passing cars

langdang

ednwireland wrote: »

and dont forget to wave at passing cars

A bit of a lunge stance is good too, with a cheeky "aren't I ever so proud of myself" look on your face