Currently got some Humvee shorts, looking around the £40-50 mark, what else is there to think of?
Endura Singletrack ? I have 2 pairs and they have been great, both a few yrs old now - one summer pair and one for over bibs in winter. I keep thinking I'd like the new Mk2 ones but the originals wont die !
Karrimor cheap shorts from Sports Direct do the job for me. Something like a tenner/pr. Can't see the point in paying more.
Madison's own brand stuff. I've got baggies, tights, jacket and a couple of other bits. It's all fantastic stuff, well made, nice fit and tough as old boots.
Decathlon. Ive had some for years that are going stong.
I've never liked Endura shorts.
ive got a few pairs of shorts and even the 119 quid sombrio ones. Nothing compares to the madison flux ones for pure "it just works"ness
Karrimor cheap shorts from Sports Direct do the job for me. Something like a tenner/pr. Can't see the point in paying more.
Badly designed, poor fit, poor durability. Lots of reason for paying more imho.
My personal preference is for Gore shorts, but I wait until they are in a sale to get them for ~£40-50.
Badly designed, poor fit, poor durability.
Only they are none of those things.
Madison shorts are ace, particular the addicts.
Troy Lee Skyline are usually on sale somewhere for £40ish.
just got some of them maddison ones, only a few rides in, but very nice so far
I myself switched from Singletracks last year to a pair of Madison shorts and I'm highly impressed and can't see me changing to another brand anytime soon. I've worn them every ride for a year now, washed them after every ride, had offs where I've ended up sliding down part of a run, caught them on branches and barbed wire and worn them throughout winter and they're still in great condition with no scuffs or rips. Only cost £50 so for me excellent value plus I think they have a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.
I've recently got some Madison Zenith Shorts which I'm pleased with. I've fallen out with Endura stuff a bit recently. Had some zips break pretty quickly on some shorts, and some short liners which didn't last long.
My Troy Lee shorts are my absolute favourite though. A good fit and very robust. Fail the 'not super expensive' criteria, but there are usually some in a sale somewhere.
My usual favorite shorts are the $$$ Sugoi Gustovs but I got myself some Madison Fluxes recently, like the silicon gripper on the back so you can wear them over a nice pair of bibs without them slipping down.
So far, so good.
Only they are none of those things.
I should have stated more clearly that imho, they most definitely are all of those things.
specialized own brand. Took me 5 years to wear out a pair, near daily riding with commuting.
+1 Zeniths
Those Madisons dont come with a liner do they? In which case that makes them expensive when you add that in.
Madison, but I like the look of the Ikon shorts, in quieter colour versions, got good review in the mag
My maddison Roams came with a nice liner, think i paid 40 all in on a deal from alpine bikes at EWS
I've just bought a pair of Race Face Triggers (need to retire my Humvee's). On the plus side they have 2 zipping hip pockets which I really wanted (and a lot of shorts don't seem to have) and they feel well made, but they also feel really thin & I'm wondering if they'll be too cold for autumn/spring use, even with a liner.
Those Madisons dont come with a liner do they? In which case that makes them expensive when you add that in.
Some do come with liners. I only ever wear bib liners now anyway, so not bothered if they come without.
Im in the market for some new shorts (endura singletracks are my current, and they're OK. but only "OK".)
Liking the look of stuff on the madison website, but really want to try out the range. Cant seem to find an LBS that stocks them.
SO who's best for ordering a shedload and sending back the ones you dont want? (which appears to be how Mrs Stoner does most of her shopping these days)
I found them 'normal' fit (as in what I'd expect, not the Endure fit lottery).
Zenith are very comfy, soft; Addict have the waterproof erse and seem slightly different cut. But a Medium is a medium - c. 30 - 31" waist and decent thigh cut.
My LBS was getting in so many for the staff that they were happy to order a handful on trial - they were 12-15 miles away.. Seemed to work as I bought two pairs..
Edit - I know that doesn't help getting online order to try and send back ]
Which of the Madison ones are a bit more heavy duty? I've got a good pair of lighter Gore ones but would like something a bit more durable, without going DH short heavy. I like the Race Face Ambush and they fit nice but would rather have something with grippers for my liner.
Madison addict and tempest are really durable.
I have a pair of Addicts on the way as they look well put together. Will have a couple of pairs of original Singletracks in L on the classifieds shortly 🙂
dakine snychline are sweet and the raceline ones
If you're looking for comfort and avoiding the distressing Lycra clad image I go with a quality bib short underneath, and then any pair of board shorts over the top, they are fairly cheap, durable and generally much more stylish than the various bike-specific options.
Troy Lee Skyline for me.
Altura Mayhem for me. £30, very durable (I've got a set that's showing signs of wear after 6 years constant use). Even came with a liner, though I don't use it so can't say if it's good or not. But £30 for first class shorts.
Can't see myself from changing from Troy Lee Skylines any time soon. Bought my first pair a few months ago and they were so good I immediately went out and bought a second pair.
Thanks for the response, have to admit, the one thing I didn't mention was I hoped they would come with a liner, or if anyone knows of a good liner that would also work if it's not too pricey. Seems a bit like moon on a stick type of request now.
Just in case you missed it, the Alturas do come with a removable liner.
The best 'liner' is a pair of decent bib shorts, look for some of last year's roadie team kit on clearance as it'll generally be good quality and it doesn't matter how hideous (Lampre Merida anyone?) the design is as you'll be wearing them under baggies.
i'm with ^hatter. Always bib shorts and baggies over top. Helps to keep everything tucked up out of the way too. You'll know what I mean if you're 40 or over!!!. I used to love Endura stuff, got some MT500pro lycra shorts that are years old and still brill but I have had gloves and some expensive bibs recently that I'm very disappointed in.( stitching coming away and generally poor quality)
The Aldi shorts are really good. Not just good for £12. Good compared to £40+ shorts I own. I have a 36" waist and the large fit well. There were still some in the Aldi I was in at the weekend.