Epic proof cycling shorts?

[Underachiever]

Hi  fellow Hubbers

 

From what I have read most people recommend Assos shorts for the Epic.  At more than R1500 a pop, this is steep.

 

Any other, more pocket friendly success stories out there?  I am planning to get some shirts made to display our team name, etc.  Any local shorts any good?  I see that one gets a RED labelled Anatomic where the chamois looks imported?

 

 

[clinty]

Hi Underachiever

I completed Epic this year on 4 different pairs of shorts - seemed to work for me - just kept shifting the chaffing area's. Used an Anatonic, addidas, sponsered pair (can't remember make) and First ascent. Didn't spend more than R850 per pair

[4eyes]

Santini. Also about R1k a pop. FANATASTIC. Not even a hint of a saddle sore.

[turtlek]

there are some decent shorts manufacturers in sa just make sure you get proper fitting shorts and also a padding that is not too wide in the crotch area

 

 

 

at the moment i am riding louis garneu shorts and they fit like a glove and i train and race on mountain bike and road bike with them i am yet to get a saddle sore or use any sort of anti chafe cream but with assos i have had to use anti chafe cream and even then i got saddle sores

 

 

 

so the best option is to get a few different pairs and try them out in different ituations and see which shorts will be the best option for you

[Hog_]

Start training without padded shorts now, by the time the Epic starts you won't need any padding! 

 

 

[clinty]

oh yes - don't forget the bum cream - used Milko - got it from the local VET -  it's used for milking cows - felt like I had a wet nappy on but hey, my arse survived

[Spinnekop]

Did my Epic with normal Cyclone shorts.  No issues. 

[Guest colonel]

Assos, no sores or anything and now I bitch and moan when I have to race in my team kit.

[Sean Badenhorst]

Make sure you take at least three pairs, make sure they are all bib-shorts and make sure they all fit you properly. Most international brands are good, but local brands, if they're newish should do the trick.

 

Bonus tip! Take a second (different make) saddle. Using a different saddle can change the pressure points should you have issues.

 

Both bib-shorts and saddles are usually quite personal in terms of what works for you. Make sure you're accustomed to both during your training rides. Make sure your partner does the same. No use being prepared and then hearing constant whining for eight or nine days (and nights!).

 

[swift]

ETXEONDO... Best Fit, Best Quality!

 

 

 

You say it: 'Eish... ondo'

 

 

 

They have made clothing for most of the great tour riders over the years. They currently make the kit for Euskaltel Euskadi (Bright orange okes in the tour). In fact, some tour riders over the years have been known to send their sponsors kit to Etxoendo to have their famous Golden Shammy in... Yes, it's that good.

 

 

 

Many styles and colours to choose from. If you in Gauteng, pop into Illovo Cycles or try Cycle Lab Fourways if they still have stock.

 

 

 

This is the famous shammy... 4 layer SINTHETIC shammy. Nice padding, great moisture control and great friction resistance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Skye]

Vermac is the way to go

[Dirtbreath]

Bought a pair of Pearl Izumi shorts and very impressed. Not local though but not that expensive.

[desmondalie]

Swift - Wow no "briek merke"! desmondalie2008-07-24 02:44:33

[BigGuy]

I replaced my WTB racing saddle with a Giant MTB Comfort. R 149 at Sportsmans Warehouse. Best upgrade ever. I can even use my Sh!te cheapo Anatomic bibs for hours. OK, I do have 3 other pairs of Santini bibs, which are very nice. I sprinkle baby powder on the chamois before I set off. True what dad said: "Son. always sprinkle a little something over your eggs."

[Sydd]

on this topic, has anyone had any problems with the quality of their assos bibs? my boyfriend has a few pairs that were given to him just before the epic so aech pair was used about twice during the race, with the assos cream and were washed in the bag with the special washing shampoo (the blue stuff) but at the back of the chamois, in the middle where there isn't much padding, its got holes in the material. do you reckon they'll fix them or replace them?

[Shebeen]

well its horses for courses, as we're all different. I think the most important thing is not to try something new.

 

I used two pairs of first Ascent Endurance bibs for the 19 days of the freedom challenge. and those are 13hours average riding days too.

 

picked up a slight rash on the first day (where it rained like the almighty had ordered it), and fine grit had worked its way through to the skin from all the sitting on a muddy saddle.

 

but it never got worse, put Mark II shammy cream on the shorts each morning. they go for about R500 a pop, but i picked them up for R60 each at their december sale - bargain of the century....... two thumbs up, and not even their top of the range