New shorts: what to buy

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Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on March 27, 2014 at 7:40am

Doubt they are USA-made, but I like Performance Elite shorts. Reasonable price, long lasting. I've used them on a number of century rides. I've had two or three pairs now. I also used some Smartwool shorts I got over the winter on clearance. I liked the wool, but don't think they got the pad placement right.

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Permalink Reply by dan brown on March 27, 2014 at 8:41am

Duppie - There is an old thread about this exact subject; I am not good at finding things so I will leave that to the experts. I have worn everything from Biemme (very good; if you can get a good deal); Sugoi (my all-time favorites); Pearl Izumi (great but pricey); Performance. I second the vote for Performance Elite. They have good sales. My other go to place is REI-Outlet : free shipping to the store; and returns are easy (in case of a wrong size / bad fit). Just try it on in the store; and if you no likey - REI handles the return and you get a refund on the spot. Don't forget the REI Visa (shameless pug time here).

RE : Bibs - the hard core riders swear by them. they are the most comfortable on long distance and hard racing. no creeping up or down. But when nature calls it takes some getting used to. 

let us know what deals you find, OK ? I should get a new pair now  also

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Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on March 27, 2014 at 10:23am

I hear bibs are preferred once you start wearing them.  I have yet to try them.  

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Permalink Reply by Len Krietz on March 27, 2014 at 10:26am

Personally I think buying shorts is a crap shoot year to year.  Even the same brand model may have had sourcing changes & modifications.  Price is also not a good indicator.  I had a pair of Pearl Izumi selects that I like and I bought up to a higher priced model that doesn't feel as good on a ride.  My current favorite (from last year ) is an REI house brand and my old Performance shorts (model?).  Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on March 27, 2014 at 10:38am

agreed. My favorite pair I got years ago at Performance for 20 dollars.   I can't remember the brand but they don't make them anymore, or at least I haven't seen them since.

Len Krietz said:

Personally I think buying shorts is a crap shoot year to year.  Even the same brand model may have had sourcing changes & modifications.  Price is also not a good indicator.  I had a pair of Pearl Izumi selects that I like and I bought up to a higher priced model that doesn't feel as good on a ride.  My current favorite (from last year ) is an REI house brand and my old Performance shorts (model?).  Good luck.

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