Cycling Clothing

[denniswpearce]

Is there much difference between expensive cycling clothes and say cheap eBay stuff in terms of comfort level. I am thinking of typically lycra bib shorts with padded seat. I have probably made a few mistakes over the years with cheap gear and have just bought some expensive Mavic bib shorts which appear to have much more padding.
A sore bum is an issue for me as I am now pushing up the miles ( 40 plus ) to do the Lejog in June and I must get this sore backside sorted. I bought a Whyte Sussex for the ride and love it, but the saddle was ok for sub 40 mile rides but now thinking of replacing the saddle as well.
I am in a quandary.
Help please ?

[Paulatic]

I'm not sure there is a correlation between price and comfort. I think a higher price usually buys durability and very often, but not always, more guaranteed comfort.
I've bought German supermarket shorts and have binned them within the year. I've Endura bib shorts 15 yo. DHB shorts seem to agree with me and I don't think they are mega expensive. Nowadays I often don't bother with padded shorts for a 40 ml ride.
Your saddle experience rings true, I've tried no end of saddles which start off feeling good and by 35 mls you want to fling them. Knowing what type of saddle suits you can only be born by experience. Then having it set correctly you'll discover the joys of long distance cycling.

[denniswpearce]

Thanks for your thoughts Paul

[661-Pete]

I don't know whether I'm on my own in saying this, but I think the saddle is more important than the shorts.

For years I used to champion Brooks, and I still think they can't be beaten for comfort (once they're properly broken-in) - but in recent years I think the build quality has deteriorated - at any rate I've had several breakages in the metal parts. And moreover they are rather pricey! I'm currently seated on a Charge Spoon (non leather) which I find reasonably comfortable, but ask around this forum for recommendations.

Anyway I cycle in ordinary trousers most of the time. I don't like shorts very much and only bring them out in exceptionally warm weather - and then I run the risk of sunburn!

[Vantage]

^^^ This.

Whilst I prefer a long ride in the padded lycra than 'normal' clothes, padded shorts/leggings have the disadvantage that in many cases the padding can bunch up between the legs and tender areas and cause chaffing. Mine have done it a few times too.
A good saddle (good for you personally and not because it has a fancy name or a recommendation from someone else) will make much more difference than any padding from clothing.

[cycleruk]

With shorts etc', some form of lubrication can help on the longer rides. I use Vaseline on the sit bone areas and find that effective.
Also make sure your saddle isn't too high as that will make your hips wobble side to side causing rubbing on the saddle.
As others have said, saddles can be a personal thing and what suits some are a pain in the derrière for others.

[Vorpal]

Is there much difference between expensive cycling clothes and say cheap eBay stuff in terms of comfort level. I am thinking of typically lycra bib shorts with padded seat. I have probably made a few mistakes over the years with cheap gear and have just bought some expensive Mavic bib shorts which appear to have much more padding.
A sore bum is an issue for me as I am now pushing up the miles ( 40 plus ) to do the Lejog in June and I must get this sore backside sorted. I bought a Whyte Sussex for the ride and love it, but the saddle was ok for sub 40 mile rides but now thinking of replacing the saddle as well.
I am in a quandary.
Help please ?

First of all, there is a certain amount of breaking in the backside to a saddle, and vice versa. You haven't said how frequently you ride, but if it is once per week or less, 40 miles might be too far for your current saddle-fitness.

Second of all, if your saddle is comfortable for rides of under 40 miles *and* you are riding frequently, I would look to set-up first. IMO, the right set-up makes far more difference to comfort than the saddle, as long as the basic shape is okay for your backside.

Have a look at viewtopic.php?f=5&t=74985 or do a search for bike position threads on the forum and do a bit of reading. Alternatively, consider a professional fitting.

If you are confident that your position is good, and and you ride frequently, you may find that a saddle or clothing change is beneficial. I don't recommend creams and that sort of thing, as it better to sort out the root cause. Also, some of them can retain bacteria, and make things worse rather than better. Once you are sore, if it from chafing or friction, something like nappy cream may help sooth it and promote healing, but it's best not to ride, if you can help it.

I am actually more comfortable in cheap cycling shorts than expensive ones, but I think that sort of thing is personal, and different people have different experiences, solutions, and preferences.

[mjr]

With shorts etc', some form of lubrication can help on the longer rides.

Lubrication is good whatever you wear. Oil and grease on/in the bike, beer in the rider.

[david7591]

The most important factor is fit. Quality of materials and durability are important, but secondary to fit.