Looking for some quality lycra shorts, as they have to also support my darkside habit – thinking MT500 sort of price/performance, but I’ve never actually owned a pair – are they comfy and tough? Any others worth considering that poeple own at this price point?

Not bothered about bibs unless you can really sell their benefits, and I can’t afford Assos 🙂

My current favourites are Altura Airstream shorts. 8-panel (more panels=better fit), nice chamois (nicely padded but doesn’t feel like you are wearing a nappy) and a great fit, for me at least. Less than £30 too!

i find bibs much more comfy. you don’t really notice the waistband in shorts in much the same way you don’t really notice eyebrows… big difference when absent!

I always wear bibs too for the extra comfort (unless wearing baggies with integral liner). I pretty much always buy Specialized ones unless there’s a bargain on somewhere, noticeably better quality/comfort than cheapie Altura type stuff but without the crazy Assos/Rapha price tag.

Bibs are best IMHO, – no chance of getting yer crack out on a ride, and getting that little gap between cleft, and jersey..

I’ve just got some of them DHB ones from Wiggle.

Seem very nice so far..

2retro4u
Marin County, Cali

I wear bibs under a pair of cargo shorts. I like something a little more rugged on the outside. Sitting on a rock in lycra feels like sitting on it naked, and a fall can shred lycra.

I wear suspenders under my jersey to keep the cargo shorts from snagging the saddle.
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Orwell was a f#@king optimist.