Recommendations for shorts

Harry B
Harry B Posts: 1,239
edited March 2009 in Road buying advice
Hi All

This summer I have some long rides (100 miles+) over a number of consecutive days and am looking for some suitable bib shorts. I don't mind however I spend as long as they are going to be comfortable and keep the wedding tackle in good condition :shock: They also need to be capable of being washed overnight in a hotel sink :?

Any suggestions...
www.justgiving.com/thetwodaves

Comments

  • page23
    page23 Posts: 182
    http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... Bib_Shorts

    oh, and use some cream.
  • johnmclean
    johnmclean Posts: 14
    Used dhb Earnley on L'Ardechoise last year, a good dollop of chamois cream and they were fine. :D
    JM
  • Tim Farr
    Tim Farr Posts: 665
    De Marchi - I think they have two qualities, get the top quality ones.
    T Farr
  • Slow Downcp
    Slow Downcp Posts: 3,041
    +1 for Assos (but not from Winstanleys)
    Carlsberg don't make cycle clothing, but if they did it would probably still not be as good as Assos
  • Crooky
    Crooky Posts: 604
    Assos. They make the best shorts and tights.

    Personally I don't think they make the best jackets but for the lower regions it has to be Assos
  • Harry B
    Harry B Posts: 1,239
    Assos seem to be the most popular but quite expensive (one pair for £197 :shock: Imagine coming off the bike whilst your wearing those :? :cry: )

    Okay so thanks for your help so far. Next question: where is the best place to be able to try some on before you buy them?
    I'm London based
    www.justgiving.com/thetwodaves
  • Slow Downcp
    Slow Downcp Posts: 3,041
    Harry B wrote:
    Assos seem to be the most popular but quite expensive (one pair for £197 :shock: Imagine coming off the bike whilst your wearing those :? :cry: )

    Okay so thanks for your help so far. Next question: where is the best place to be able to try some on before you buy them?
    I'm London based

    Not all Assos shorts are £197!

    http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productde ... SSOZBBS260

    Still not cheap, and I did question my own sanity when I bought my first pair for £70 a few years back. Now I have no hesitation, despite the price increases. Shop around and you can get them for a reasonable price (depending on what price you put on all day comfori)
    Carlsberg don't make cycle clothing, but if they did it would probably still not be as good as Assos
  • torrens
    torrens Posts: 32
    The Whinstanley website says that Assos clothing is colour coded to designate designed operating temperature range. WTF?, as some might say!

    Temperature table table left on website long after April 1st? That's a charitable explanation!

    Or is it just sheer muppetry?

    Or am I talking through my hat?
  • Harry B
    Harry B Posts: 1,239
    torrens wrote:
    The Whinstanley website says that Assos clothing is colour coded to designate designed operating temperature range. WTF?, as some might say!

    Temperature table table left on website long after April 1st? That's a charitable explanation!

    Or is it just sheer muppetry?

    Or am I talking through my hat?

    I wondered that. I assume it's for different times of the year? It's not very clear though and what if you just want a black pair?
    www.justgiving.com/thetwodaves
  • torrens
    torrens Posts: 32
    Here's the table from Whinstanleys:

    Please Note: Assos clothing is colour rated for the temperature exposure:
    Red: 12-18 degrees
    Blue: 8-16 degrees
    Titan: 6-12 degrees
    Yellow: 0-8 degrees
    Black: -6-+6 degrees


    So you're ok in black shorts until the temp climbs to 6 deg (Celcius maybe, who can tell?)

    If the temperature climbs above 18 deg then maybe you need to take your shorts (red obviously) off!

    Toodle Pip!
  • Harry B
    Harry B Posts: 1,239
    Perhaps its related to the temperature inside the shorts :shock:
    www.justgiving.com/thetwodaves
  • TheStone
    TheStone Posts: 2,291
    That colour/temp chart must be a mistake. I think they've got confused with their seasons thing.

    Has to be Assos. Their shorts are so far ahead of everything else (also agree that most of their other stuff is not). The S5 Uno at 80 quid are a very good option. I've got the Uno and the Mille and can't really tell the difference.
    exercise.png
  • Slow Downcp
    Slow Downcp Posts: 3,041
    Pretty much sums up Winstanleys!

    I don't imagine there'd be much custom for shorts designed for -6 degrees :lol:

    You need to try Assos on though - sizing is very specific (and shorts go on height rather than waist). When you try them on they may feel uncomfortable in the shop when standing up, but when you get in position on the bike all will make sense.
    Carlsberg don't make cycle clothing, but if they did it would probably still not be as good as Assos
  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    I tried pretty much the full realm of brands of shorts in search of the perfect short(much like people search for the perfect saddle). I tend to buy mostly the higher end shorts
    as I find cheap shorts, well, cheap and not that comfortable. I can't remember ever being
    disappointed by any brands upper level shorts or bibs. So I generally look to find what high quality stuff I can on sale and am not "brand dependent or obsessed". Works for me.
    Also Page23's "oh and use some cream" is not a suggestion, it's mandatory on multi day rides. Hell, it's mandatory whenever you ride as far as I'm concerned. Stay well lubed.

    Dennis Noward
  • BazookaMoor
    BazookaMoor Posts: 77
    Good quality chamois pad and loads of cream is what you need for long rides.

    Never tried Assos, bit too pricey, but have found Sugoi Evolution comfy for all day rides.
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    The winstanley's inventive temperature guide is RUBBISH!

    Don't believe it. Instead go onto assos.com and read their guide - much more 'in the real world'.

    Assos is expensive. Thank heavens it is. Keeps it more exclusive. You pay for quality kit and that's what you get. Best shorts in the world. Simple as that.

    If you can afford it, go for it. You won't regret it.
  • fto-si
    fto-si Posts: 402
    +1 for Assos

    tried some Santini Roubaix bibshorts I got from Prenda's for the first time last weekend and would recommend those to
    exercise.png
  • alp777
    alp777 Posts: 211
    I was thinking about buying some Assos shorts, are these worth the money?



    http://www.mikevaughancycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m5b0s148p942
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    alp777 wrote:
    I was thinking about buying some Assos shorts, are these worth the money?



    http://www.mikevaughancycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m5b0s148p942

    Yeah they're fine and great price but if you order online you can't fit them on before you buy them and with Assos this is important. Fit is critical, and they HAVE to fit you to be comfortable. And as they only have one size on special offer, they can hardly change them for another size, you know?
  • simon johnson
    simon johnson Posts: 1,064
    [quote="

    Okay so thanks for your help so far. Next question: where is the best place to be able to try some on before you buy them?
    I'm London based[/quote]

    Condor or Shorter Rochford- perhaps call to make sure they're stocked with the ones you're after.

    Clothing man at Condor is always very helpful.
    Where\'s me jumper?
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    Good selection at Condors plus as simon says, Carl is the man there.
  • acorn_user
    acorn_user Posts: 1,137
    I now have two pairs of Santini bibs with the twist gel chamois. I really like them. I've also used DeMarchi Race and Castelli KISS bibs, and I prefer the Santini insert.

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