Born again noob - Shorts question.

[grarea]

I wasn't sure where to ask this one.
I assumed it was a commonly asked question, but couldn't find anything on it.

So, the thing that is stopping me doing some miles is various pains.
I mean, ten minutes is all.
Anyway, I am working away at them.
I haven't done very much cycling for years and then it was mostly off road and your butt is often off the saddle.

I either had better shorts, or just ignored it.
(Actually, it was the latter as well as getting out of the saddle a lot as these are the same shorts)

So now I am aiming for a bit more comfort.
Is there a general consensus as to the most comfortable type of shorts these days?
I am pretty sure that mine count as not very good. They just have a bit of material padding.

Or is it like asking what is the best saddle and all very personal?

 

[widowmaker]

Re:

I would recommend some quality ones, from a well known company. My favourite are Pearl Azumi, with a decent amount of padding.

 

[itscervo]

I would go for a better saddle, I could never wear padded shorts as it felt like wearing a nappy .

 

[Silvergoat]

Re:

Plus one for a better saddle. I wish Endura's 3/4 Singletracks existed back in my day – they're hard wearing but comfy and with loads of useful pockets. Pearl's a winner too. Not keen on padded cyclist's shorts for similar nappy-related reasons. They can get overly warm and aromatic and I can't forget being hounded by a crotch smelling dog on a beach when riding the Ring of Kerry...

 

[k-rod]

Re:

My local bike shop has this thingamagig that when you sit on it (like a bike), your cheek-bones leave an imprint mark on the surface (pressure sensitive surface), and then they measure the placement of your 'sit-bones' in order to determine the correct size and shape of saddle for your anatomical features (sm/med/lge - wide/narrow etc).

 

[T'boo Ted]

bib shorts are the best thing ever!

I find buying quality shorts (as in knicks or bib) is the thing, going cheap gts you the crappy chamois theat feel like a nappy. Go a few pairs of Castelli that are fantastic.

AT the other end, have some endura humvee's that are also excellent, poads of pockets, plus venting for cooling, also spare inner part so that can go in the wash while ride in them again the next day

 

[grarea]

I don't disagree with a good saddle.
Trouble is, my sit bones are in huge pain after literally 15 minutes I can no longer sit down.
I am only going twice a week to allow some recovery.
I did start the saddle search a couple of years ago when I tried to start back again.
But that is a different thought process as I can't get very far at the moment to test them.

Thanks for the Pearl Izumi thing. I have read good things about them but also,
more recently people are saying that their quality has gone really down hill.
Like the material is poor and the padding is not multi layered (?) any more.
Or is that something i wouldn't notice?

 

[grarea]

bib shorts are the best thing ever!

I find buying quality shorts (as in knicks or bib) is the thing, going cheap gts you the crappy chamois theat feel like a nappy. Go a few pairs of Castelli that are fantastic.

AT the other end, have some endura humvee's that are also excellent, poads of pockets, plus venting for cooling, also spare inner part so that can go in the wash while ride in them again the next day

I can imagine the benefits to bibs.....
But how do you *ahem* y'know???

I am not man enough to run it out past the elasticated leg.

 

[T'boo Ted]

Never had to on a ride, but the odd occasion before, I just go over the top, they stretch long way.

 

[Silvergoat]

Re:

Potentially, the comfort issue may be less the choice of apparel and may be more of needing to build up physical and muscular conditioning. This is something that just takes time – getting your body seasoned to more regular and longer riding. I can testify to this myself from when I was reunited with my Clockwork and started riding it again in 2010 after having not ridden the bike for 18 years. It killed my back and posterior initially but I kept going, gradually building up the frequency and distance of rides. Using my bike to commute to work has also helped the process of getting fitter and seasoned immensely. I ride to work and back 5 days a week, clocking up 66Km per day. For this, I have a Charge Spoon saddle and wear Endura 3/4 Singletracks or Endura 3/4 Zymes with Uniqlo Heatteck tights underneath and may be some ordinary kecks underneath the tights. I also fitted a longer lower stem and wider shaped bars (Fleegles) which has helped with posture. I almost live on the bike now. This has worked for me but then everyone is different. If my budget allows, I might invest in some proper high quality riding shorts one day.