Cycling UK Forum

I have recently bought some new shorts, but have found them most uncomfortable. One pair has a gel pad the other a foam type. Unfortunately both are of the sculptured type. This seems to be the only ones that you can now get. Does anyone know of a flat foam one, or have they all gone to the sculpted type now. I’m sure that there is nothing wrong with the sculpted type it’s just that they do not suit me.

You might get a flat pad if you get shorts from Lidl or Aldi otherwise all quality shorts/tights will have some form of sculpted pad.

They've been developed to prevent the bunching/folding common with flat pads whilst at the same time putting padding more directly where it's required.

Are you sure it's not simply that you aren't used to them?

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately the padding doesn’t seem to be where I want it. Yes I did at first think I will get used to them. I have been trying for the last six months and they just don’t work for me. When I go out, even in the first mile, I am moving about on the saddle. It then becomes worse with distance, to the point that a ten mile ride is painful. Never had that before. I end up moving on the saddle every minute or two. So the old pads worked for me. Will try without pad in the coming weeks and see how it goes.

Prendas Ciclismo sell shorts with chammy leather.

decathlon B'TWIN 300 Padded Cycling Shorts have a flat foam pad.
if you can't try them on, get a size larger than normal - they're tight.
i'm the opposite - I find a moulded pad much more comfortable..

EDIT: it depends what you mean by 'sculpted'? the pad in the above linked shorts is the '100' pad in the product video description. ie. it lies flat in the short, but it is quilted.

I have had lycra shorts that did not put the padding where I needed it, so I recognise the problem. It is really a question of fit rather than pad style. You'd be better off buying from a shop where you can try them on and move around a bit before you buy.

Corinne Dennis Men's Double Comfort Shorts have an unsculptured pad, a fleecy sort of material rather than foam. I like mine, though I know not everyone does. I'm not sure of the other models, I've had good advice when I've spoken to her at York Rally and on the phone. One of the few clothing manufacturers with a good understanding of the needs of touring and leisure cyclists.
http://www.corinnedennis.co.uk/cyclingshorts

Have you got the correct fit shorts?
And have you tried any cream?

I get what fits best

Have several pairs of Castelli , Polaris , madison and pearl Izumi

All fit different with varying degrees of comfort and I have a pair of ladies pearl izumi "sugar knickers". 3/4 shorts which I got as a sale item on recommendation from a mate . Thought he was taking the p.i.s.s. but they are very comfortable for general commuting

I really dislike those formed pads, especially the gel ones. I don't get on with them at all.

Cheap shorts are usually okay. If you don't mind spending a bit more, Corinne Denis shorts are good.

Many thanks for all the reply’s. One of the pairs that I have tried where Polaris, old pad and the new pad same shorts different pads, I have always liked the Polaris, but with the new pad, as I said before they were painful. Chamois no don’t want to spend all that time looking after them. Have also looked at pads to sew in myself, but they are all of the sculpted or quilted type. Seems to be the, king’s new clothes syndrome. I will keep looking; there may be a new type pad that’s OK for me. I’m going out on Monday so will try without padded shorts and see how it goes.

I have such a pad - from Sports Direct. These were fine uo to about 50 mls but now I prefer Lusso for longer rides.

Vorpal wrote:I really dislike those formed pads, especially the gel ones. I don't get on with them at all.

Cheap shorts are usually okay. If you don't mind spending a bit more, Corinne Denis shorts are good.

I must have had a dozen or more items with gel, including saddles, shorts and mitts, and never been impressed.

Update. went out for a short ten mile ride this morning. No padded shorts on, instead I used boxer shorts under my longs. Yes I know cotton boxers are not the best, but it was to see how I would go without a pad. The results are, all OK. I know this is only a short ride and I will have to see how I go on a longer one. I was giving a thought last night, I didn’t used to wear shorts a long time ago, and it was OK. So why did I start wearing them. No idea, so maybe it’s back to where I started from.

I wear longs/tights during the winter of course but without built-in pads - can never understand why people do. I use a separate pad - gives me flexibility and only the pad needs washing after one use - no reason why the tights cannot be used for a fair old time, particularly as I always shower before cycling.

I very rarely use cotton underneath though.

Tiny, when you want to go unpadded, I reommend synthetic underpants - M&S do slightly posh ones - every now and then Aldi do somewhat less posh ones, but fine for cycling underwear purposes. The two back costs about £4. They wash and dru very easily so ideal for touring. Only worn for one day before washing.