Buying cycling shorts, help needed

[CyclingNewbie]

Hi there...I'm new on the cycle scene...don't have a bike yet, starting by cycling at gym and spinning at gym...went to buy myself cycle shorts recently "First Accent 8 panel..." I think it was called, decided on this one as it seemed to be of relatively good quality and not too cheap (R450) so maybe not the best but not bad (or so I thought) and also decided on this one because it had some padding which I felt I needed after doing an hour 30mins cycling but now I think I might have bought the wrong shorts...I normally wear a size 32, sometimes 30, bought this in a size small as the medium felt too loose around the groin/bum area but even with a small it looks/ feel awkward to me - the padding seems to be almost too visible/ hanging and not against my skin. How does one decide on cycle shorts?? Size, brand, "type" etc... Please can any of you experienced guys give me some pointers? It feels like I've wasted my money on these shorts and now I've worn them already so I can't exchange them so I'd like some advice when I go get some new ones so I won't make the same mistake.

Thanks a lot!

[Christopher Brunsdon]

Well I found bibs to be the best. I have 2 shorts that where donated to me and used those for a few months till I got bibs. After the bibs I'll never go back to the normal pants.

 

 

But I did get myself some cycling baggies this weekend and must say they are really nice as well. There great for my commute and when I need to go pop in at my wifes work - she gets embarresed with me dangling my manly bits in front of all her clients.

 

[klausy]

i agree the bib shorts are definitely more comfortable than normal cycling shorts and the extra money spent is well worth it.. ito sizes, i wear a size 30 pants usually and have found small to be the right size for most brands - it will probably take a bit getting used to them but you dont want them to be too tight so i wouldnt go for a smaller size in your case..

 

Ito brands, first ascent, capestorm and anatomic make good quality entry level bib shorts (+-R700) - i personally find the first ascent bibs to be the most comfortable of the three, especially on long rides..

[kamikaze]

ja, get bibshorts.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

REAL manly kamikaze2009-10-28 01:46:37

[Starvin' Marvin]

HI there. I found the first ascent to be the most comfortable shorts around. All I do is pull the shorts up at the rear abit to get the chamois lined up. Also remember that the chamois will need to be washed a few times befor it's soft and pliable. Have never ridden with bibs but going to give them a bash. Steven692009-10-29 01:30:46

[rock]

check the fit when you're on the saddle and over the bars, not when you're standing around and walking......

[CyclingNewbie]

I did notice a slight improvement after the last wash so maybe it will come right *holds thumbs*

[Grayskull]

try the cape storm nitrous - its their new top of the range and they have it on introductory special for R565 - thats about R70 more than their matrix shorts that everyone raves about

 

bought one to thy it out.  went to buy another in the week

really nice

 

but i suppose it also comes down to personal preference and personal body contour/fit - thats what matters most.  how it works for you

 

 

[CyclingNewbie]

Went on to Capestorm's website and had a look at the Nitros, I think I'll go have a look for it in the store, sounds really good, thanks