Kim’s DrawerThis review of various bike shorts is from women who like to ride in comfort. It’s very difficult to find good clothes made specifically for women at a price that is affordable. We have taken the time to give you our opinions on what we wear, and what we’ve wasted money on so that you won’t have to. Enjoy…
Kim’s DrawerREI – Okay, I love REI…but I have a pair of “padded” REI brand shorts that honestly, I’m not sure what to do with. It’s not really a pad so I never wear these shorts.
Sugoi – Okay, clearly I didn’t know anything about bike shorts when I purchased these. Wait, I don’t remember ever purchasing these really so how did they end up in my drawer?? RICK!!!
Seriously though, they stink. Who puts suede in bike shorts? Like I don’t sweat enough down there so let’s add to it with some suede. And the seams are killers on my side taint…you know, the area that aint inner thigh, and aint hoochie either. Zero rear support…
Canari – These are okay for short rides. The seams start to rub after a while and that’s a little irritating. I prefer a bigger pad myself…I like my stuff well protected. They also get tight around the legs…
Pearl iZumi Pro – definitely the best. I have two pair, Pro and Elite. Spend the extra money and get the best because it pays off….my hoochie and side taint LOVE this brand. The Pro has a little longer leg, which is fine but it gives me a funny tan so I don’t wear them unless my favorite shorts are dirty. The pad is fantastic and the shorts are made for long rides. My Pro’s have been to Bartlett Lake and back with no problem at all. Okay, my only complaint about these shorts is that they give me, well, let’s just say they are not that flattering from the front ladies *wink - wink*
Pearl iZumi Elite – The winner is most definitely the Elite. This has a shorter leg, which I like and with the little grips on the legs, they never ride up. The pad is fantastic and as much as I wear these shorts, I don’t have one complaint or issue with them. I’d wear them all day if I could. If you plan on riding a lot, go for the gold….
Pearl iZumi Sprint Tri Shorts - They're great for shorter rides but stink for longer ones. I would love it if the price tags on those would decrease... that's my biggest beef about tri & cycling clothing, it's so freaking expensive!!
My favorite tri shorts are the Zoot ones. For running and riding they are the best for me - even though I hate my ass in spandex of any kind!!!
DeSoto work for running, but I can't handle the seam and the bike seat.
TRI SHORTS
Brand Name: Desoto Tri Shorts (low cut women specific) pre-2008
Pros: Nice light padding thus no diaper feeling when running. Great all purpose short that you could swim, bike and run in.
Cons: Sometimes the seam could rub my rear the wrong way. Could use more padding for long rides.
Brand Name: Desoto Tri Shorts (low cut women specific) 2008 versions (have yet to try 09)
Pros: Nice light padding thus no diaper feeling when running.
Cons: Sometimes the seam could rub my rear the wrong way. Changed the design and they seem smaller, plus the leg seam does not give. Feels like it’s made from string and is not comfortable. Could use more padding for long rides.
Brand Name: Louis Garneau Tri Shorts
Pros: Nice light padding for tris, thus no diaper feeling when running. Great all purpose short that you could swim, bike and run in. Could use more padding for long rides.
Cons: Wear out extremely fast and are expensive
BIKE SHORTS
Brand Name: Louis Garneau Women Bike Shorts (not sure of the model type)
Pros: Love these shorts for long bike rides and long endurance mountain bike rides. No seam rub.
Cons: Would not wear for tris due to thick padding, unless I only use them for the bike.
Brand Name: Voler Bike Shorts
Pros: Good for long bike rides.
Cons: Some seam rub, but not bad. Wouldn’t wear for tris due to thick padding.
Brand Name: Descente Bib Bike Shorts
Pros: Do not rub at waist since they are bib shorts. Padding seems nice although thick so wouldn’t like to run in it. Leg seams are not super tight which is nice.
Cons: Bib shorts are annoying when you have to use the restroom.
Brand Name: Irule Bike Shorts - Rants
Pros: Nice pocket on the side.
Cons: Sit too high on the waist for me. Also bought them too small so rather uncomfortable
