Shorts

rudycyclist said:

I just bought the Specialized Toupe saddle after hearing awesome things about it here. My butt still hurts, but I think it may be due to bad shorts. Are there any suggestions on some shorts with good padding in them? What does everyone here use? Thanks.

My response my be opposite of others who must prefer shorts with a really thick pad as that seems to be what is in many shorts these days. I prefer a short with a thin pad as there is much less to bunch up underneath the butt/crotch. Also make sure that there are no seams in the wrong place that can abrade you. The key is to get a suitable saddle and then get the butt in shape. Remember that in the old days, everyone rode solid leather saddles (a la Brooks or Ideale) and shorts with only a thin layer of natural chamois (no foam, gel, or other padding). These thickly padded shorts make me think that this is what riding a bicycle in a diaper must feel like.

John M said:

I prefer a short with a thin pad as there is much less to bunch up underneath the butt/crotch.

The key is to get a suitable saddle and then get the butt in shape.

Couldn't agree more! I buy tri shorts almost exclusively because of their very thin chamois. Perfect for 5+ hour rides. Find the right saddle and you don't need to wear a diaper. 😄

Some of the better make shorts (Louis Garneau, Castelli and Bergamo) have a chamois that is of varying thickness, kind of a topographical map. Makes a huge difference over a standard low-end flat pad.

Hi,

you may just need more saddle time before your butt gets used to it.

rudycyclist said:

I just bought the Specialized Toupe saddle after hearing awesome things about it here. My butt still hurts, but I think it may be due to bad shorts. Are there any suggestions on some shorts with good padding in them? What does everyone here use? Thanks.

I have Castelli bibs with a thin chamois and cheaper shorts with a thick chamois. The bibs are definately more comfortable (in the waist, legs, etc.) but that's because they're bibs. The cheap shorts are softer on the bum though, but don't fit as well elsewhere, and do bunch up (but that's not caused any problems).

So, are their affordable bibs with a thick and comfortable chamois? I would like something a little thicker than the 'kiss' chamois found in the Castelli bibs.

You know, I know a little about ass pain. I've found that nothing helps me except time off the bike to allow healing.

AmpedCycle said:

You know, I know a little about ass pain. I've found that nothing helps me except time off the bike to allow healing.

Actually, I've found that too much time off the bike brings back pains.

I where Assos F1.13 bibs and have unnaturally lusty feelings for them. They fit and function oh so right. Before them, I used Sugoi RS bibs which worked well for a very short time. Then they wore out quickly (see through lycra is uncool) and on one pair, part of the chamois (an edge) was grinding flesh off my peaches.

Of course, there is no short/bib that is perfect for everyone.....except any pair that Xene Cervenka has on at any time.

I picked up some PI 3D ultrasensor bibs for a good price from an LBS. After one ride on them I'm sold. I didn't think of my a$$ once!