Are expensive shorts that much better ?

[Paul Smith SRCC]

Hi, I currently commute and do maybe one ride a week of between 40 and 80 miles. I have some nalini bib shorts and some lusso shorts, both cheap and cheerfull. I've just been in my lbs (ribble) looking at some new shorts for our lejog in september and was impressed whith assos, giordina and addidas but blimey they ain't cheap. As i will need a couple of pairs (wash one wear one) I am wondering if they are worth the money considering they will be worn all day every day. I am just about prepared to pay that sort of money if they are worth it. Or can anyone recomend something nearly as good for a bit less money. I'm 6'2" and 15 and a half stone if that makes any difference and will be riding my shiny new hewitt. (my other lbs).
Cheers, Graham.

This Post titled “Padded shorts on a brooks B17?” may be of interest.

In conclusion as the saying goes it can be a case of "horses for courses", if it works for you then it works for you, others may find little or no padding suits them the best where as others prefer more padding, personally I can get away with the former on short rides although prefer a good quality insert for longer rides.

Paul_Smith
www.bikeplus.co.uk

[patricktaylor]

Expensive shorts are usually better. Better materials, better made, better looking. Just better. But whether it's worth paying the extra money depends on a variety of things. If you're only looking for the functionality of not getting a sore bum on long rides, as has been said, we're all different, and if you can try out the cheaper shorts and they work for you, fine. Don't spend the extra money.

It's the same with bikes. My father (90) rides 15 miles a day on a ladies bike that was bound for the scrap heap. His LBS gave it to him and they do (the occasional) essential repairs free of charge. All he wants is the functionality of a bike that gets him from A to B, and he happens to enjoy the fact that cycling costs him nothing. He doesn't care that his rusty old bike looks crap and creaks and rattles all the time.

Is it worth paying extra money for a smart looking long-lasting bike that feels great to ride and is built for purpose? Many people would say 'yes' (up to what they can afford) because for them there's pleasure in owning and using something of quality, over and above the pure functionality of getting you from A to B. That's how it is with shorts, jackets, panniers, lights, tools, and almost anything else that's part of the cycling experience. Then some people stay in hotels, some in hostels, some in tents. It all depends on what you enjoy and what you can afford.

I've never ridden a very long ride like lejog (but hope to soon). The last thing I'd want would be an increasingly sore bum from day two onwards, so I'd want to use shorts that minimised the risk of this happening. And of course I would seek advice from the experts on these forums!

[WesBrooks]

I've got Canondale Classique bibb shorts and think they're great. Had endura shorts before them and they where fine for rides of upto 25 miles, but rubbed me red and very sore on a 54 mile ride.

[ferrit worrier]

Well funny I should be reading this when Mrs B came home from shopping. and hands me a Tesco bag, containing Yes a pair of Shorts I confess I've never worn anything like cycle shorts before! So we've just had a fashion show of shorts Mrs B thinks they're OK, youngest Sarah opened her bedroom door cringed and closed it quietly. I think they look smart £8.50 Tesco's we'll see how "we" perform tomorrow

[Mick F]

I only got into Lycra shorts about 3 or 4 years ago. I've never looked back.

Maybe others have looked back at me!

It doesn't matter. I wear them coz they're good, and fit well.

[stevew]

Nobody has mentioned Decathlon.

I've got their padded lycra cycling shorts, they're comfy, well made and very economically priced

4.95 last time i was there !!

But I would recommend Ground effect in NZ for "best" all their gear is first class and their service is also really good and fast.
http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/index.htm

[Beakyboy]

I wear them all day sometimes, using Assos cream. Lovely! (worth every penny)

Assos cream? What is it? Where does it get applied to? Does it hurt?

[ferrit worrier]

Well funny I should be reading this when Mrs B came home from shopping. and hands me a Tesco bag, containing Yes a pair of Shorts I confess I've never worn anything like cycle shorts before! So we've just had a fashion show of shorts Mrs B thinks they're OK, youngest Sarah opened her bedroom door cringed and closed it quietly. I think they look smart £8.50 Tesco's we'll see how "we" perform tomorrow

Tesco's shorts Ok, padded, and comfortable. lets see how long they last

[patricktaylor]

Assos cream? What is it? Where does it get applied to? Does it hurt?

A pleasant creamy substance - smooooth, smells nice. Unfortunately it doesn't normally 'get applied'. You have to do it singlehanded. Just slap it on underneath, then pull the bib shorts up tight and squidge around in it. A bike ride is optional.

[strider]

I use Santini bibs shorts only now. I go the thre gel padded ones. Always used my club shorts but after buying a pair in spain they are the only ones I consider using now.

[ferrit worrier]

Well funny I should be reading this when Mrs B came home from shopping. and hands me a Tesco bag, containing Yes a pair of Shorts I confess I've never worn anything like cycle shorts before! So we've just had a fashion show of shorts Mrs B thinks they're OK, youngest Sarah opened her bedroom door cringed and closed it quietly. I think they look smart £8.50 Tesco's we'll see how "we" perform tomorrow

Tesco's shorts Ok, padded, and comfortable. lets see how long they last

Well I've had my Tesco Shorts a week now, I've used them each day apart from Sat Sun, wear well, wash well, still comfortable, and with a bit of luck Mrs B is getting me another pair tonight )

[zenzinnia]

I just bought some Lusso pro gel shorts from Ribble in their sale for £30 which seemed a bit pricey to me as I was used to Decathlon's cheap ones. But I have to say after last nights first ride in them I think they are fantastic and well worth the extra cash. I don't know how much better the really expensive ones are but I'm going to get a couple more pairs and forget about the old cheap ones. I just wish ther seams weren't white and there wern't logos everywhere!

[WillPhelps14]

It does not really matter to be honest with you

[Beakyboy]

Assos cream? What is it? Where does it get applied to? Does it hurt?

A pleasant creamy substance - smooooth, smells nice. Unfortunately it doesn't normally 'get applied'. You have to do it singlehanded. Just slap it on underneath, then pull the bib shorts up tight and squidge around in it. A bike ride is optional.

Got some after taking advice on this here forum, mmmm, not so much as a cool feeling, more like a mild deep heat, sort of mild burning. not too sure as yet.

[Paul Smith SRCC]

Assos cream? What is it? Where does it get applied to? Does it hurt?

A pleasant creamy substance - smooooth, smells nice. Unfortunately it doesn't normally 'get applied'. You have to do it singlehanded. Just slap it on underneath, then pull the bib shorts up tight and squidge around in it. A bike ride is optional.

Got some after taking advice on this here forum, mmmm, not so much as a cool feeling, more like a mild deep heat, sort of mild burning. not too sure as yet.

The new version doesn't have that mild burning sensation apparently, have got some but still finishing off a tub of original.

Original looks like this
New version like this

Paul_Smith
www.bikeplus.co.uk