Painful question

[CJVDM]

 

When i started riding MTB again after a layoff of abt 5yrs, i bought new cycling shorts with a rather thick chamois, thinking it might help me ease into things 

 

At first all was going as planned, on short distances no problem and eventually i could start using my old shorts with the thinner protection.

 

But, on longer distances eg 60km + i seem to chafe out the stiching on the chamois, which results in nice big red welts on my arse .  This does not happen with my older cycling shorts.

 

Now, the burning question is - whats wrong and how do these new shorts differ from my old ones?  Btw, i was cycling for 7yrs (road) before that with no issue like this before.

 

Is it the thick chamois thats creating a space (for lack of a better word) at which creates friction, or does the new shorts cover less of a area than the old ones?

 

Anyone come across this before?  Any help would be appreciate.

 

CJVDM2009-12-13 15:09:59

[epoh]

http://www.assos.com/

 

[Willehond]

Assos is for those who prefer to have the stinging sensation to nly appear when they get their wallets out...

 

Personally I don't like thick padding in shorts.  The real cheap shorts often have these thick foam inserts and they are horrible.  The fancier, medium range shorts have the synthetic inserts that are prformed and with differen densities.  These seem to work a lot better and the stitching should NEVER chafe.  In fact, the stitching should be on the outside and soft.  Look at the better (local) shorts for good options:  Capestorm, Velotex (only the higher end ones) and others like Giordana etc.

If budget is no worry go for Assos.  Take some painkillers along for when you have to pay though...

[Cheryl J]

I also have the stitching around the edge of the padding chafe problem on longer rides.

On my CapeStorm shorts - the good ones funnily enough and not really on the cheap ones.... ?It also seems related to washing my shorts in with normal detergent. ?Using woolite has helped the problem enormously.

Other solution was buying better shorts - Giordana in may case and I've just bought some Assos now aswell.

 

 

[Johan Bornman]

That thicker padding offer more protection is a myth. The thick padding puts pressure on softer tissue between the iliac bones that shouldn't be making contact with the saddle.

 

Like others said, the stitching should NEVER chafe.

 

I prefer thin padding and a gradual re-introduction to time in the saddle after a leave of absence.

 

Some of the longest rides I've done I've done with ultra cheap shorts with paper thin padding with no ill effect.

 

Besides, I hate that nappy feeling between my legs.

 

Assos is the Rolex of shorts - all bling and peer recognition. Bah!

[Cranck]

MMmmmm... to be honest - wait till next year when HOPEFULLY all goes well and there is a new kid on the block in terms of cycling and paddling apparel.

 

Think Assoss, Think Rapha without stinging sensation. Local is better!

 

Think style - think quality - think LIFEstyle. Local perfomance products with international quality - made FOR the cyclist etc....

 

Understated branding - not a huge ***** across the chest or back.

Clean cut lines and awesome fabrics. Think about putting on an after ride jacket and looking like a million bucks in the coffee shop with your mates.

 

 

AAarrgh. Can't wait.

 

Sounding good?

 

Fingers crossed boys and girls

 

[Edition 507]

Shorts and saddles are all different. Some shorts chafe, some don't. Some saddles are comfy for your specific shaped bum, some are not. You will have to mix and match until you find the right combo. Generally for me, if the chamois is the same size as my saddle, then my backside makes contact with the saddle on the chamois edge where the stitching is. Very uncomfortable. If the chamois is bigger than my saddle, and my contact points with the saddle don't include the edge of the chamois then they are comfy. Seeing as you mention MTB riding, a comfortable saddle is essential, not any saddle will do. A bad saddle will even make Assos uncomfortable.   

[Bram_on_Madone]

The shorts that are chafing - are they First Accent by any chance.  They had very hard stitching on their 2009 range that a lot of people complained about and fortunately they fixed that problem on the 2010 range.

[bikemonster]

http://www.expatshop.co.za/images/products/Fissan%20Baby%20Paste_medium.jpg

[CJVDM]

Its Indola cycling shorts, specifically recommended by CWC.  Very nice at first but now not so nice. 

 

Very unfortunate as they were expensive to begin with.  Thought i was buying quality

 

[Flatline]

Fact is every arse is different.  Yes, listen to what works for people but you will have to experiment till you find what works for you.

 

Adidas and Vermac works great for me.  Asoss totally kills my behind!!

 

Also, any ride for 3 hours plus Ill start using chamois cream or milko balm....but thats just me.

[Kupe]

Not only is the chamios important, it is also the number of panels that make up the knicks, more equals better. There should also be double stiching on all parts of the knicks.

 

I am a big fan of pearl Izumi, not sure if you get them in SA.

 

Cheaper by a long strech than Assos.

 

www.bikesomewhere.com supplies not sure if the post to SA.