Cycling shorts for women

[Stef2013]

A question for the ladies..

I do spinning 3 times a week, but recently feel quite unconfortable on the saddle (sometimes I can't handle being seated and need to stand up).. I normally wear underwear and normal shorts (non-padded). I own a pair of MuddyFox padded ones that I wear ocasionally but can't feel much difference and they are really bulky..

Looking online I've found lots of cycling underwear, and also more expensive padded shorts.. do they make a difference? Is it worth investing on a good ones?

Thanks!

 

[screenman]

Yes and yes. Well that is my opinion.

 

[surfdude]

i had some of those muddyfox padded shorts and the padding is not that good compared to a better more expensive brand . made my cycling so much more comfortable and enjoyable getting a better make . i know i am a dude but got to apply to all .

just wait for the volunteers to offer a hand with cream later

 

[Dismount]

Might want to check you have a not a saddle also?

 

[theclaud]

A question for the ladies..

Yes and yes. Well that is my opinion.

Right... thanks for that.

I've not done spinning, but I cycle a lot and in general terms I think the quality and construction of the shorts is more important than the presence or absence of padding. Padding can be good if it is in the right places but poor quality padded shorts can bunch up in uncomfortable ways. I avoid shorts with bulky central seams, and alternate between padded and unpadded (although would usually choose padded for very long rides). The most comfortable padded shorts I have are Rapha ones - but these were given to me by a friend and are phenomenally expensive to buy. I've found the padding to be good in Giordana and Adidas shorts as well. Steer clear of Aldi/Lidl stuff. Also try adjusting the height and angle of the saddle.

Oh, and I am ackshully female...

 

[Stef2013]

Thanks theclaud, I search for Rapha and Giordana and found a cheap ones on ebay, but not sure about the size. I'm a 10-12 and the ones I found and size L, do you think they could be ok? It's a big problem buying these things online as I've no idea of sizes...

 

[Globalti]

The best value is dhb from Wiggle. Get some mid-priced bib shorts and don't be tempted to get anything with a gel pad - the saddle on that exercise bike is probably already padded and sweaty and set at the wrong angle so you don't want even more sweaty padding. What you do want is a thinnish pad, correctly positioned as TC says, which has enough stiffness not to bunch up or crease. Obviously the right shape and size of short will prevent that from happening so maybe buy two sizes from Wiggle and send back what doesn't fit. I'd have thought size 10-12 is medium, isn't it? You'll find a sizing chart on the Wiggle website.

Here: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-ladies-aeron-pro-v2-cycling-bib-shorts/

Nothing under the shorts, either; they should be worn next to the skin.

 

[theclaud]

Thanks theclaud, I search for Rapha and Giordana and found a cheap ones on ebay, but not sure about the size. I'm a 10-12 and the ones I found and size L, do you think they could be ok? It's a big problem buying these things online as I've no idea of sizes...

Giordana sizes run small, Rapha ones are more sensible. My Rapha shorts are a medium. I'd say I was a 12, edging towards a 14 whenever I eat too many pies or drink too much beer, which is quite often. I'd go for a large with Giordana stuff, but you'd probably be better with a medium? DHB stuff is good value as (Mr) Gti says - I find their sizes run pretty small as well so choose a 12 if you get those rather than a 10. Have you got a local bike shop - that way you can try stuff on and get a feel for the quality before you buy?