Padded Shorts

Sal31

Hi Ladies,

I'm in some desperate need of some advice.

I am a very new newbie. After trying to ride one of my OH old mountain bikes and getting a lot of pain in some very strange places (base of the spine, between the shoulder blades). I have thrown caution to the wind and bought myself a woman's specific bike 2 weeks ago. This has solved all of the previous problems.
However, I am currently trying to cycle every other day (just on road) to improve my fitness before I even attempt to hit the trails with the super fit OH. Only problem is some days I struggle to sit on the saddle to start off with.
So have been looking for some padded shorts. But don't know wear to start. Any suggestions?

kathg

Hi Sal,

First off, get some good padded shorts. I just use the one's that came with my Altura and Scott baggy shorts. They are fine although I've heard alot of my girl friend riders rave about gore liners. Check out Minx girl website for really good advice and cool riding kit!
The other thing to consider is your saddle... have you got a girl specific saddle? This will make a big difference as our sit bones are a completely different width apart than mens. So, if its your bum that hurts its prob the saddle but if its your 'bits' its prob the shorts (or lack of them)! Don't forget... don't wear pants under your shorts, this just adds to 'chafe' issues. :oops: !
Good luck.

Kathg x

hellsbells

I wear endura ladies padded shorts and wear a pair of baggy shorts over the top, its better to get womens specific padded shorts as they are shaped better, also if you get chance to physically have a look at the shorts see how much padding they have, thick for long rides, thin for short rides. Wouldnt advise on wearing big pants underneath either but if you want to wear something (i do) i wear a thong, as it doesnt cause any problems!
A good sports bra and saddle is a must too!!......you do however in all cases need to develop a degree of rhino hide which comes with regular riding!!, hope this helps!! xxx

Sal31

Thanks for the advice ladies, I'll have a look at both.
I am currently using a Fi'zi:k Vitesse, saddle that came with my Cube Access.
To be honest it is just my seat bones that I am having a problem with. But I have gone from not cycling at all to cycling almost every other day. Cycled about 10 miles yesterday. :shock:
I think it could be a case of needing to build up a bit of rhino hide, but I'm very impatient. Lol.

Could not agree more about the sports bra!

Thanks
Sal x

Briggo

My missus had a Fizik Vitesse on her Focus, changed it too a WTB Speed She after several very sore rides and now loves the WTB Speed She. The Vitesse is rather lacking on the padding department, but some bums like that.

She also has the Altura Pro Gel undershorts (like I do) and highly recommends them.

mea00csf

go into an Evans cycles or similar and try on every pair of padded shorts they have. They all vary and some will feel comfy and others hideous. I found that the more you pay, the comfier they were (high end pearl izumi, castelli, and high end northwave were my faves, I didn't like Altura, endura and the lower end shorts) and that was trying them on without looking at price tags. Not saying that'll be the case for everyone, but worth buying the ones that are comfy, not just the cheapest as they do last for ages!

Briggo

Altura / Endura are the "cheaper" & "lower end shorts"?

Are you nuts? You can get much cheaper than Altura/Endura, they certainly arnt the budget range you seem to make out.

Altura and Endura are always highly rated in every review between the mags and personal opinions of many.

miss notax

Each to their own, but I have worn Endura and Altura shorts for years and I find them very comfy. They wash well and last well too