shorts for commuting

Mark Alexander

Hi, I'm relatively new to commuting and with the turn in the weather.... Am looking to extend my wardrobe. I only commute 4 miles on my fixed.
I'm looking for some 3/4 shorts. Something like http://www.rapha.cc/index.php?page=171 but without the price tag. I have some Endura but they look crap.

always_tyred

Rapha clothes are for people who have run out of things to buy. I've got £100 for a gilet, but prices only go up to £50, what will I do?

Have you thought about padded undershorts and non-cycling shorts?

TheBoyBilly

For the prices Rapha charge I'd want a bit more than a "discrete embroidered logo" or tweed insert.

Have you considered dhb Oakshott Baggies? They're just right for the warmer months, with plenty of pockets, though I'm not too keen on the different colour inside leg material myself. £27.99 from Wiggle

artaxerxes

How about this?

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/vuarde-tech-cropped-trousers-33854541/

BUICK

Have a look at http://www.swrve.co.uk/

Mark Alexander

TheBoyBilly wrote:

For the prices Rapha charge I'd want a bit more than a "discrete embroidered logo" or tweed insert.

Have you considered dhb Oakshott Baggies? They're just right for the warmer months, with plenty of pockets, though I'm not too keen on the different colour inside leg material myself. £27.99 from Wiggle

I do have 3 rapha base layers. [please don't chastise me, I came back from the pub a little enebriated...to a 3 for 2 offer] I awoke to an email recipt.
However, they are definitely the best bit of kit in my arsenal.

I had a quick look at swerve and like them
Incidentally, is there anywhere to get non-branded merino base layers?

wai

I just ordered some Craghoppers Cargo Crops and some Merino Tops they have on offer at £25 each.

Kiwi Cargo Crops
http://www.craghoppers.com/CraghoppersS ... CHJ167.htm

Merino Long Sleeved Polo
http://www.craghoppers.com/CraghoppersS ... CHM127.htm

Merino Long Sleeved Crew Neck
http://www.craghoppers.com/CraghoppersS ... CHM136.htm

andrewc3142

Agreed, Rapha stuff is expensive, but I look at this way: if I commute for a week I save £111.50 against SW Trains/tube, so spending a bit more on cycle gear I like isn't such a big deal.

The fixed shorts are good. I use bib shorts for commuting, but the fixed shorts are a bit less "lycra-ish" and comfortable enough for short rides, round town, out with the kids, etc. Excellent quality.

Docsavage

I got through the seams on 3 (yes 3! ) pairs of endura 3/4 shorts. Each time I sent them back with a note explaining where my voluminous arse was applying pressure on what seemed a poor panel/stitching arrangement (resulting in ripped seams) but each time they just sent me another pair. (I say 'but'! - it's just they didn't seem to want to know why they were ripping in the same spot)
Having ripped my third pair I bought some Rapha 'fixed' shorts and they are brilliant.
comfortable, discreet and so far, easily more durable fact is they are expensive, but you do get some fantastic product for your hard earned.

toontra

Have to agree about quality control at Endura. I've just bought some Zyme 3/4 shorts. They are way oversized - I'm a 32" so bought a medium (30-32") and had to send them back as there was a 4" gap in the waistband with the adjusters fully tightened!

I've now got the small size (28-30") and they are about right, However, the popper fastener is so flimsy it pops open at the merest tug. Endura want me to post it back to them at my own cost, but when asked they won't admit there is a design/quality problem. I don't want to risk just getting a pair back with the same problem having shelled out for the postage so I'm going to have to fit a better fastener myself. Not happy!

There must be room in the market for someone to do a copy of the Rapha fixed 3/4's at a lower price. They do look by far the best design on the market. I want something like that for £40-£50. Is that too much to ask?