I've been putting in around 50 mles per ride recently (up from 35 or so) and haven't been too happy with the comfort of the shorts I'm using. Just curious to see what works for you. I've been considering PI microsensor but not sure about spending $120 for them.

I've been putting in around 50 mles per ride recently (up from 35 or so) and haven't been too happy with the comfort of the shorts I'm using. Just curious to see what works for you. I've been considering PI microsensor but not sure about spending $120 for them.
For anything less than a century, I'm completely happy with PI attack shorts. Lots cheaper than microsensor and perfectly comfy on my bottom for 60-80 mile rides. It also beats the heck out of the chamois (leather) chamoises that I grew up with.

Much more important than shorts is getting a good saddle. I switched from a Selle Italia Filante that came with my bike to a Selle San Marco Aspide FX . If you don't mind really ugly flame decorations, you can get a very good deal on these at performance right now. Since I'm an avowed Fred, I don't get embarrassed about the flame-encrusted saddle between my legs when I get shelled off the back of Saturday group rides (I'm plenty embarrassed about getting shelled, but the silly decorations don't make me more so).

I've tried the Fi'zik pave saddle as well, but that's got too much gel and padding for me. I prefer a minimalist saddle with little padding.

What saddle you prefer depends on your taste, but I would expect that if you have the right saddle you won't have to fret so much about shorts.

what makes you think it's the shorts?

are you getting rubbed or chaffed? there's lot of factors that could go into why you're uncomfortable, so let us know more. it could be positioning or something else.

what makes you think it's the shorts?

are you getting rubbed or chaffed? there's lot of factors that could go into why you're uncomfortable, so let us know more. it could be positioning or something else.

Or it could just be that he's not used to riding that long and spending that amount of time in the saddle. As we all know, the old t'aint region needs some "conditioning" in order to spend long amounts of time in the saddle. Throw in some chamois butter, and you're good to go.

what makes you think it's the shorts?

are you getting rubbed or chaffed? there's lot of factors that could go into why you're uncomfortable, so let us know more. it could be positioning or something else.


No, not getting any noticable irritation. I've got a Selle Italia gel flow saddle that seems to be a good fit. Saddle height is good. I've been to the LBS and they seem to think I need better shorts. I have a pair of RLX right now that seem okay but I can tell they are not as nice as the higher $ varieties. Its just really frustrationg to have a great ride for 35 miles and then suffer the last 15 because of my tail end. I have been doing 50 miles a ride for the last 4 weeks and just don't see much improvement from a conditiong standpoint.

I've used Fox shorts for years and I like them. I recently moved to Cannondale's 6 Panel shorts, I tried their 8 panel shorts, but I preferred the 6 panel over the 8 panel.

Michael

PS. The 6 Panel shorts are cheaper, price dosn't always equal more comfort.

I am told by several women that the term 'taint' refers specifically to women. The term that may be more appropriately used for men would be "the gooch."

Get it right, damn it.

Having tried many kinds of shorts, I like Performance Elite bibs. The longest I've ridden in them is 200 miles at one time and many many shorter rides. You can catch them on sale under $40 sometimes.

I am told by several women that the term 'taint' refers specifically to women. The term that may be more appropriately used for men would be "the gooch."

Get it right, damn it.

I have to disagree. Around here, taint is the preferred term for both. Although grundle could be substituted as well.

the new school definitely has more gender non specific usages. With your permission, I will begin to use the terms more freely.

And that would be the point - it's personal. Lots of people have no problem with the base offerings from Nashbar or Performance, while others find success only with $250 Assos bibs. There's lots of good points in this thread, including the point that there is some adaptation involved - 4 months is a more probable adaptation time, not 4 weeks. My contact points are a lot tougher at the end of the season than at the beginning, and I continue to ride the rollers througout the winter. Also, you still haven't explained the nature of the discomfort. It could be that you need to work on just getting out of the saddle for a bit, or that you need to be more careful about adjusting things during the ride to avoid pressure points and irritation. Further, if you always ride the same shorts, or same model of shorts, you might just need some different shorts. It's a general recommendation that you not ride the same brand/model shorts day after day, as different shapes and construction of pads can help with comfort. It's not surprising that your bike shop suggested new shorts. It is surprising that they didn't also suggest a new saddle!