Cycling Shorts

The Wilch

Time to buy my first pair of summer cycling shorts.

I'm looking for something urban/casual which I can wear for commutes to work, but also for longer rides over my Endura clickfast padded lining (polyester/elastane) and preferably fall above the knee.

I know there are various threads discussing this already, but they seem to focus on style and fit (over/under knee). I want to discuss material, weight, wicking ability and breathability.

Rapha touring shorts seem to be the go-to shorts for cyclists avoiding lycra, but £80 is a lot! I'm hoping to find something similar for cheaper, between £40 and £60 and as lightweight as possible to go over padded liners (unless these are included). I'd love to hear from people who've tried similar shorts...

Rohan's Outrider Shorts look really good at £60. Apparently a bit heavier than Raphas, but they have the wicking & breathability I'm looking for: http://www.rohan.co.uk/mens-travel-and- ... e=03579550

Endura Urban Stretch Shorts + belt at £43 look like good value, I contacted Endura who assured me these are fast wicking, light weight and breathable: http://www.endurasport.com/product-deta ... ductID=254

Swrve lightweight WWR shorts at slightly above budget look good also, but slightly longer than I'd prefer from the images. I can't find a lot of information on weight, wicking or breathability. It would be great to hear from someone with experience: http://www.swrve.co.uk/mens%20shorts.html

Howies look the part at £60, but from the description seem suited to short commutes only, I doubt they'd be useful for longer trips, but maybe I'm wrong: http://www.howies.co.uk/mens/clothing/shorts.html

I'd also consider buying some proper lycra shorts/bibs to go under the shorts if they'd be a big improvement to the Endura clickfast.

I'm swaying toward the Rohan at the moment, but would save a bit with the Endura Urban.
Thanks for reading and hope for some enlightenment (which doesn't include advising me to wear only lycra!)

Initialised

I picked up some Bench shorts a few years ago, £30, not cycle specific but were stitched with a seamless crotch making them ideal for cycling if a bit on the baggy side. I used them nearly every day for maybe three years before they started wearing out. If I'd known how well they'd last and that they'd stop making them I'd have bought a few pairs. Damn fashion.

The Enduras look like the best of that bunch.

w.jenkins

Vulpine shorts are damn good!

The Wilch

and damn expensive!

The Wilch

Unless you mean the summer shorts, but they are 35% cotton. Is that OK for cycling shorts?

MountainMonster

I recently bought some Endura Urban stretch pants, and they are amazing. If the shorts are anything like the trousers then you will be on to a winner.

Best,
Sean

tangled_metal

Rohan are a good make. I had some of their walking trousers and they never wore out but I did grow out of them. They took everything including some very rough granite climbs. No doubt their cycle shorts are as tough and well made.
I tend to drop in and out of cycling but this time I'm hoping to keep it up. So I need shorts like you want. Last time I got into cycling I wore a pair of mountain hardware walking shorts. Tough, light, breathable and very fast drying. Diamond crotch and higher back, but not as high as cycle specific shorts though. Leg length was perfect too. Might be worth looking at outdoor shorts too, especially if you plan to use liners.

The Wilch

Thanks for your suggestions. The Endura shorts are an even lighter fabric than the pants apparently. An Evans store recently opened near my work so I'll pop in tomorrow.

Rohan look solid, more expensive, but no doubt built to last

The Wilch

well the trip to evans cycles was a wasted journey. i received no help what so ever. anyway I've ordered the endura urban shorts. thanks for the input.

now for the jersey...

differentstrokes87

The Rapha shorts are pricey but they're worth it IMO. I've had mine for 3 year now and are only just starting to show signs of wear. They've had more wear than ANY other item of clothing I've owned, be that cycling specific or otherwise.

The Wilch

thanks for the info, I've no doubt they are as good as people claim, but for just over half the price the endura shorts have received good reviews. I can use them for the rest of the summer then buy Rapha's during their (hopefully) end of season sale. Or I may order some just to try on, send them back then buy some on eBay after establishing which size fits me best. cheers

tangled_metal

Where did you see them at that price? I've been looking at local bike shops (small chains or single but large outlet) and they are all sticking to the Manufacturer's dictated price of £49.99.

Dislike MRR as it is just a cartel thing really. i mean the manufacturer and distributor should give the retailer a price to buy it and the retailer gives the customer a price based on his/her acceptable markup.

Mind you, i guess I could always ask for a discount. Works in my local outdoor shop but then they know me well, way too well judging from my various cupboards, sheds and other nooks and crannies that are overflowing with kit.

marshall_a

Surface Liquistretch shorts are quite good, and not badly priced

The Wilch

The endura were that price in Evans cycles, but they are sold out. I ended up paying close to RRP, but haven't taken the tags off yet. They are good, I just don't have anything to compare them to. They feel great, they are light and stretch well, but flap slightly at the hem which may create wind resistance. Or maybe I'm over thinking this.

The surface liquistretch are sold out everywhere in anything other than large, I'm a small. If anyone can correct me on this I'd be happy, they look like the best of the bunch

tangled_metal

Think I'll double check whether I'm still too fat for my old shorts. They're 4 way stretch which means they're very well fitting. Comfortable if they still fit. If the endura ones have good stretch I reckon they'll be comfortable. That's what I'm looking for along with longer shorts. Basically what mtbers call baggys. Like street shorts but techie fabrics and design that suits cycling. I think endura hummvees shorts in the darker.colours suit me. Not looking for smart or jeans like.

The Wilch

the hummvees receive good press, that's for sure. they look good

t4tomo

Aldi casual cycling shorts. come with a padded removable liner short but you can use other liner shorts too.

Bargainatious

ddraver

+1 for the Endura Shorts. They re actually doing "baggy lycra" better than anyone else at the moment!

The Wilch

I can't complain about my Endura 'baggy lycra', I wore them around the house during our very brief heatwave. They kept me very comfortable indeed.
I have a pair of the Aldi casual shorts, they're great value