Author Topic: Choosing the cycling pants for the first time  (Read 9758 times)

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Offline dv817

Choosing the cycling pants for the first time
« on: March 04, 2013, 09:54:40 am »
Hi,

I am about to purchased a Specialized Sirrus Elite, and I will need to select a pair of high quality cycling shorts for the first time, and I would appreciate any suggestions you can offer regarding those with effective padding to eliminate discomfort.  I will be riding 3 to 5 times a week, for several hours primarily for exercise.  I have seen very high customer reviews for Pearl iZUMi Men's Quest 6 Panel Cycling Short for $60.00, and for Pearl Izumi Attack 8 Panel Cycling Short for $80.00.   I am able to pay more if the cycle shorts can help me avoid discomfort so I can enjoy the ride.  Can you offer any suggestions? 


Offline John Nelson

Re: Choosing the cycling pants for the first time
« Reply #1 on: March 04, 2013, 01:21:40 pm »
If you are riding none now, and go out for an 80-mile ride tomorrow, then you're going to have discomfort no matter what saddle or shorts you have. There is no way to "eliminate discomfort" in this case.

My best advice is to build up gradually. This is necessary not only for building your leg strength, but also for building endurance in your butt, back, neck, triceps, etc. If you do this, then almost any quality bike shorts, including the two you mentioned, will do fine.

BTW, it's not that hard to find expensive bike short on pretty deep discount sales.

Offline DaveB

Re: Choosing the cycling pants for the first time
« Reply #2 on: March 05, 2013, 09:49:52 am »
John is absolutely right.  It's the same as if you were to tell us you plan to start running and are going to start with 10 mile days and want a pair of shoes that will assure no aches and pains.  Can't be done. 

As he recommended, start with a few miles a day and work up gradually.  Good cycling shorts are very beneficial but they aren't magic.  Also, if you are going to ride several times a week you will need more than one pair as they should be washed after every significant ride.  BTW you DO NOT wear underwear under them or you completely defeat their purpose.

There are many brands of good quality cycling shorts.  Pearl is a good one but there are others and the fit is somewhat subjective so there is no guarantee they are the best for you.

Offline johnsondasw

Re: Choosing the cycling pants for the first time
« Reply #3 on: March 05, 2013, 10:25:06 am »
I use PI shortsbut have found I have to spend $100 to get ones that are comfortable and last for a long time.  Also, I always use chamois butter.  It makes a difference.
May the wind be at your back!

Offline John Nelson

Re: Choosing the cycling pants for the first time
« Reply #4 on: March 05, 2013, 10:49:02 am »
if you are going to ride several times a week you will need more than one pair as they should be washed after every significant ride.
Actually, one pair can be made to work. Wash them out in your after-ride shower, hang them up and they'll be dry in time for tomorrow's ride.

Offline staehpj1

Re: Choosing the cycling pants for the first time
« Reply #5 on: March 05, 2013, 12:20:09 pm »
if you are going to ride several times a week you will need more than one pair as they should be washed after every significant ride.
Actually, one pair can be made to work. Wash them out in your after-ride shower, hang them up and they'll be dry in time for tomorrow's ride.
At home I wash them every use, but on tour I take only one pair these days and wash them out in the evening some times, other time I might go several days between washing.

I don't mind putting them on damp if need be, but some folks seem to have a chafing issue with that.  I really don't understand that since I figure that mine are usually wet with sweat just about every ride.

Offline Old Guy New Hobby

Re: Choosing the cycling pants for the first time
« Reply #6 on: March 05, 2013, 06:39:56 pm »
Quote
This is necessary not only for building your leg strength, but also for building endurance in your butt, back, neck, triceps, etc.

It's not only building your body, but also training your body. The way you sit, pedal, and ride has a huge influence on how much discomfort you experience in various parts of your body -- much larger, in fact, than the type of clothing or saddle you use. You can read advice about keeping your back straight, using your core to keep weight off your hands, moving around, etc. But the only way to actually learn these skills is to ride, and build your distance slowly.

Offline DaveB

Re: Choosing the cycling pants for the first time
« Reply #7 on: March 05, 2013, 07:22:47 pm »
In my experience, washing the same pair of shorts every night and expecting them to be dry the next morning only works in warm, dry climates and not in most of the country or world.  Putting on damp shorts in the morning is no pleasure either even if they do get damp relatively soon while riding.  Also, going several days between washings is an open invitation to chaffing and perhaps an infection so I would never trust that either.  The extra weight of a second pair of shorts is well worth it.  Only socks come close in importance.