Cycling short sizing

sarajoy
sarajoy Posts: 1,675
edited March 2009 in Commuting chat
I'm a size 13, basically. If I have the choice between choosing a 14 or a 12, should I go for the tighter? I'd imagine even slightly baggy spandex/lycra would be pretty grim..?

(Also I don't want to pick the 14 as it's also called XL :oops: )
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Comments

  • biondino
    biondino Posts: 5,990
    The smaller size will help encourage you to tone up, perhaps? Getting the 14 would be admitting defeat :)

    (not that you need to tone up, of course, you look amazing, that outfit really suits you, and have you done something to your hair, it looks great)
    My Focus / My Bob Jackson
    Blog (incl. bikes)
  • Jay dubbleU
    Jay dubbleU Posts: 3,159
    biondino wrote:
    The smaller size will help encourage you to tone up, perhaps? Getting the 14 would be admitting defeat :)

    (not that you need to tone up, of course, you look amazing, that outfit really suits you, and have you done something to your hair, it looks great)

    You crawly crawly creepy person you !! :D:D:D - actually I find cycling gear sizes to be on the small side - my baggies are XXL for a 38 waist whereas my normal size is L
  • sarajoy
    sarajoy Posts: 1,675
    Well indeed - given that the average woman is a 14, it's a bit unfair to call that XL! But nevermind. I don't mind being ample-bottomed, I just want to avoid saggy spandex...
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  • always_tyred
    always_tyred Posts: 4,965
    If you check out the "how old are you" thread, its looking like a pretty good bell curve just now. If you are on the wrong side of the peak, its all down hill from here, so go for the 14.

    As far as clothing manufacturers are concerned "a cyclist" is approximately as large as an emaciated umpalumpa. As such, the sizing is somewhat like coffe - large, extremely large, galactically large, supertanker, etc.
  • DonDaddyD
    DonDaddyD Posts: 12,689
    edited March 2009
    Sarajoy, the 12 around the elasticy bit at the bottom of the legs could be too tight.

    But I personally wouldn't get 14.

    There is nothing wrong with being a size 14.

    Any chance of a pic to better visualise your frustrations... :P

    This is me:
    nas.jpg
    Food Chain number = 4

    A true scalp is not only overtaking someone but leaving them stopped at a set of lights. As you, who have clearly beaten the lights, pummels nothing but the open air ahead. ~ 'DondaddyD'. Player of the Unspoken Game
  • Coriander
    Coriander Posts: 1,326
    DonDaddyD wrote:
    Sarajoy, the 12 around the elasticy bit at the bottom of the legs could be too tight.

    But I personally wouldn't get 14.

    There is nothing wrong with being a size 14.

    Any chance of a pic to better visualise your frustrations... :P

    This is me:
    RICKY%20WHITTLE-1.jpg

    Yes, you can come to my leaving drinks. :wink:
  • sarajoy
    sarajoy Posts: 1,675
    Haha!! That made me feel better.

    I'd like to think that at 25 I'm on the right (left?) side of the curve though, so a 12 it is...
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  • sarajoy
    sarajoy Posts: 1,675
    Hrm DDD, not sure what the pic of you is supposed to help with, mind..!

    So you would or wouldn't get a 14 for my ample rear?
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  • DonDaddyD
    DonDaddyD Posts: 12,689
    sarajoy wrote:
    So you would or wouldn't get a 14 for my ample rear?

    Depends on how ample the rear, have you got a picture of yourself (head to toe shot) for us to assess?
    Food Chain number = 4

    A true scalp is not only overtaking someone but leaving them stopped at a set of lights. As you, who have clearly beaten the lights, pummels nothing but the open air ahead. ~ 'DondaddyD'. Player of the Unspoken Game
  • Coriander
    Coriander Posts: 1,326
    Get some dignity, man!
  • sarajoy
    sarajoy Posts: 1,675
    Indeed!

    I'm all for a bit of Carry On humour but please at least encase your smut in tawdry double-entendres for me to enjoy! Blatant "PICS PLZ!" comments are rubbish, poor show - bad form.
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  • DonDaddyD
    DonDaddyD Posts: 12,689
    You girls need to chill and stop taking things so seriously!

    Linsen will vouch for me, mild mannered and harmless me!
    Food Chain number = 4

    A true scalp is not only overtaking someone but leaving them stopped at a set of lights. As you, who have clearly beaten the lights, pummels nothing but the open air ahead. ~ 'DondaddyD'. Player of the Unspoken Game
  • il_principe
    il_principe Posts: 9,155
    DonDaddyD wrote:
    You girls need to chill and stop taking things so seriously!

    Linsen will vouch for me, mild mannered and harmless me!

    But under that exterior lurks...

    :twisted:
  • DonDaddyD
    DonDaddyD Posts: 12,689
    Alright, Sarajoy a sensible answer cometh.

    I'm a 34 inch waist. My thighs won't fit 34inch jeans.

    In terms of cycle shorts 36 are too baggy, the elastic bit on 34 inch shorts are often too tight. I buy both and have tried a range of brands. I tend to buy from these guys: http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/ as they seem to fit me just right.
    Food Chain number = 4

    A true scalp is not only overtaking someone but leaving them stopped at a set of lights. As you, who have clearly beaten the lights, pummels nothing but the open air ahead. ~ 'DondaddyD'. Player of the Unspoken Game
  • biondino
    biondino Posts: 5,990
    sarajoy wrote:
    So you would or wouldn't get a 14 for my ample rear?

    There has to be a fantastically smutty innuendo to be made in response to this but I don't think I'm man enough to make it :)
    My Focus / My Bob Jackson
    Blog (incl. bikes)
  • sarajoy
    sarajoy Posts: 1,675
    "Ample" is such a wonderful word - it implies a little more than the usual but somehow also "just right" :D

    DDD Cheers for the heads-up, that's where I was planning to get the shorts from too.

    I imagine they possibly allow a little more girth around the thighs for women - but if not I suppose I could send them back, or keep them for the wondrous day when they will fit me!
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  • Clever Pun
    Clever Pun Posts: 6,778
    Is this a good place for Sir-mix-alot?
    Purveyor of sonic doom

    Very Hairy Roadie - FCN 4
    Fixed Pista- FCN 5
    Beared Bromptonite - FCN 14
  • sarajoy
    sarajoy Posts: 1,675
    Or maybe Queen?

    The fat-bottomed girls even get a mention in the bicycle song, IIRC...
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  • biondino
    biondino Posts: 5,990
    sarajoy wrote:
    "Ample" is such a wonderful word - it implies a little more than the usual but somehow also "just right" :D

    On the money! Skinny girls are just wrong. Ample is perfect :)
    My Focus / My Bob Jackson
    Blog (incl. bikes)
  • Clever Pun
    Clever Pun Posts: 6,778
    either way cycle hard and get some 10's
    Purveyor of sonic doom

    Very Hairy Roadie - FCN 4
    Fixed Pista- FCN 5
    Beared Bromptonite - FCN 14
  • DonDaddyD
    DonDaddyD Posts: 12,689
    sarajoy wrote:
    "Ample" is such a wonderful word - it implies a little more than the usual but somehow also "just right" :D

    DDD Cheers for the heads-up, that's where I was planning to get the shorts from too.

    I imagine they possibly allow a little more girth around the thighs for women - but if not I suppose I could send them back, or keep them for the wondrous day when they will fit me!

    What I like about those guys is that (for guys) when they say its a Large its a 34/36 waist and fits like that. No wierd European smaller than UK average sizing. Also they're cheap so you can shorts up for £10 (if on offer/sale) if they don't fit no real loss and cheap enough not to have to go through the hassle of sending back.
    Food Chain number = 4

    A true scalp is not only overtaking someone but leaving them stopped at a set of lights. As you, who have clearly beaten the lights, pummels nothing but the open air ahead. ~ 'DondaddyD'. Player of the Unspoken Game
  • sarajoy
    sarajoy Posts: 1,675
    DonDaddyD wrote:
    sarajoy wrote:
    "Ample" is such a wonderful word - it implies a little more than the usual but somehow also "just right" :D

    DDD Cheers for the heads-up, that's where I was planning to get the shorts from too.

    I imagine they possibly allow a little more girth around the thighs for women - but if not I suppose I could send them back, or keep them for the wondrous day when they will fit me!

    What I like about those guys is that (for guys) when they say its a Large its a 34/36 waist and fits like that. No wierd European smaller than UK average sizing. Also they're cheap so you can shorts up for £10 (if on offer/sale) if they don't fit no real loss and cheap enough not to have to go through the hassle of sending back.

    Actually I'm trying to work out whether to hit "BUY" on the following:

    http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/Product ... egrey.aspx
    http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/Product ... conds.aspx
    http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/Product ... horts.aspx ( <-- these being the reason for this thread)

    Comes in at just over £50 which is pretty good, right? But I'm a little poor at the moment so I need a nudge to just BTFU (burd the f* up) and buy them...
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  • Clever Pun
    Clever Pun Posts: 6,778
    you could try HTFU....(harden)

    £50 for shorts and 2 jerseys is pretty good...

    I'm not clicking on a link that says slight seconds... not now, not ever :lol:
    Purveyor of sonic doom

    Very Hairy Roadie - FCN 4
    Fixed Pista- FCN 5
    Beared Bromptonite - FCN 14
  • sarajoy
    sarajoy Posts: 1,675
    Clever Pun wrote:
    you could try HTFU....(harden)

    £50 for shorts and 2 jerseys is pretty good...

    I'm not clicking on a link that says slight seconds... not now, not ever :lol:
    ...naughty...!

    Yeah, I know it's good. I'm between old flat and new flat atm though so am suffering for the lack of a deposit! Mum's offering me some money and doesn't want me to spend it, but to squirrel it away and actually save some.

    I'd absolutely love to, but... shiny clothes... bike stuff, mmm... I can see this getting pricey..!
    Still haven't tried out the SPDs either!
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  • Clever Pun
    Clever Pun Posts: 6,778
    sarajoy wrote:
    Clever Pun wrote:
    you could try HTFU....(harden)

    £50 for shorts and 2 jerseys is pretty good...

    I'm not clicking on a link that says slight seconds... not now, not ever :lol:
    ...naughty...!

    Yeah, I know it's good. I'm between old flat and new flat atm though so am suffering for the lack of a deposit! Mum's offering me some money and doesn't want me to spend it, but to squirrel it away and actually save some.

    I'd absolutely love to, but... shiny clothes... bike stuff, mmm... I can see this getting pricey..!
    Still haven't tried out the SPDs either!

    Saving at .5% that's cash bonanza time
    Purveyor of sonic doom

    Very Hairy Roadie - FCN 4
    Fixed Pista- FCN 5
    Beared Bromptonite - FCN 14
  • DonDaddyD
    DonDaddyD Posts: 12,689
    Clever Pun, I've got a slight seconds top from them and I couldn't find what justified it as seconds.

    Sarajoy, I probably wouldn't go for the long sleve (but that is personal preference) If its your first time perhaps buying 1 top and 1 shorts see how you feel about them and then buy more.

    Also remember that the website does two brands its own CC-UK stuff and Speg clothing. I like the Speg very good quality. The CC-UK stuff isn't bad either considering the price. Only thing that comes close to that value for money is DHB on Wiggle and I think SPEG has them on quality.
    Food Chain number = 4

    A true scalp is not only overtaking someone but leaving them stopped at a set of lights. As you, who have clearly beaten the lights, pummels nothing but the open air ahead. ~ 'DondaddyD'. Player of the Unspoken Game
  • Underscore
    Underscore Posts: 730
    sarajoy wrote:
    Actually I'm trying to work out whether to hit "BUY" on the following:

    http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/Product ... egrey.aspx
    http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/Product ... conds.aspx
    http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/Product ... horts.aspx ( <-- these being the reason for this thread)

    Comes in at just over £50 which is pretty good, right? But I'm a little poor at the moment so I need a nudge to just BTFU (burd the f* up) and buy them...

    I have a few SPEG tops - including the Neoni - after a recommendation on here and am very pleased with them. The sizing guidelines on cycle-clothing seem pretty accurate too... though bear in mind that I am a bloke so can't vouch for the women's sizing/fit.

    _
  • sarajoy
    sarajoy Posts: 1,675
    DonDaddyD wrote:
    Sarajoy, I probably wouldn't go for the long sleve (but that is personal preference) If its your first time perhaps buying 1 top and 1 shorts see how you feel about them and then buy more.
    Well, strictly not my first time - I bought the LIDL 3/4 length padded leggings and loved them - figuring for warmer weather I may want more leg to feel the fresh air.

    As for the long/short sleeves - I don't really mind legs getting cold and wet but arms don't feel nice at all when they do, I like the idea of the longsleeve for these in-between times. Also it's got a zip all the way down so I figure I may be able to use it as a thin jacket...

    ALSO you need to spend £50 for the free delivery! :D
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  • biondino
    biondino Posts: 5,990
    Sara, those all look good - I'd go for it. But I would also recommend you look at secondhand/vintage gear on ebay - I've built up a wardrobe of, god, 16 or 17 cycling tops for an average price, including p&p, of about £6 each!
    My Focus / My Bob Jackson
    Blog (incl. bikes)
  • DonDaddyD
    DonDaddyD Posts: 12,689
    sarajoy wrote:
    DonDaddyD wrote:
    Sarajoy, I probably wouldn't go for the long sleve (but that is personal preference) If its your first time perhaps buying 1 top and 1 shorts see how you feel about them and then buy more.
    Well, strictly not my first time - I bought the LIDL 3/4 length padded leggings and loved them - figuring for warmer weather I may want more leg to feel the fresh air.

    As for the long/short sleeves - I don't really mind legs getting cold and wet but arms don't feel nice at all when they do, I like the idea of the longsleeve for these in-between times. Also it's got a zip all the way down so I figure I may be able to use it as a thin jacket...

    ALSO you need to spend £50 for the free delivery! :D

    Not sure that you;ll be able to use it as a thin jacket. When i buy their jacket I'll give you a review. Other than that like Blondie said, Go for it!
    Food Chain number = 4

    A true scalp is not only overtaking someone but leaving them stopped at a set of lights. As you, who have clearly beaten the lights, pummels nothing but the open air ahead. ~ 'DondaddyD'. Player of the Unspoken Game

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