How much should I spend on Cycling shorts?

Question

I mountain bike about 1-3 times a week and am thinking of buying cycling shorts but don't want to spend $140. What kind should I get and and i'm thinking about spending about $40, am I throwing my money away for a pair of cycling shorts that costs $40?

Answer 1

You should check out some mail order catalogs for some good deals on shorts. Sometimes they have shorts for 50 percent less than the retail price.

Check out performancebike.com, nashbar.com, pricepoint.com, jensonusa.com and http://store.aerotechdesigns.com. All these places have just what you are looking for.

For example, I bought a pair of Performance Elite shorts for $40 in the winter and they perform better than some of my $100 shorts.

Keep it in the big ring.

Answer 2

40 is about the minimum you should expect to pay;  look at shorts in the 60-100 dollar range and compare.

Answer 3

Spend as much as you can afford, there is a definite difference in the quality between the two prices. You'll get what you pay for.

Answer 4

Cheap has its benefits.   I buy several pair of Performancebike's cheapest when they're on sale for $20.  They don't last as long as my more expensive shorts, but at the price, who cares?  I like the feel of the expensive ones, but then, I'm out a lot more if I crash and tear them up.....

Answer 5

If you want quality shorts, then open your wallet and spend some money. I agree they are totally expensive but you can tell the difference from cheap shorts and expensive shorts.

Answer 6

Altura do shorts in the UK for around £30 up. It is going to be diff getting good pair for that price., but a little padding better than none. I did get a pair in our local cheap store LLdl for £8 I've still got them 3 years later although would only wear them on short journey's, stitching does cause whelts that are sore. Better waiting to a birthday or Christmas and putting request in....think of your butt.

Answer 7

just get normal shorts no body cares what shorts you have...

$2.50

lol

AMERICA IS THE BEST sorry english people but AMERICA is better

Answer 8

The question is do they work? Are they comfortable? And this is more about fit to your body than price or quality.

I asked this question years ago to a friend that does BMB and other ultra distance road rides.  I was expecting to hear about chamois and oils and ...

Well over the years he'd tried all of these but found that the Performance Century short on sale for $20 was the one that worked for him.  I found a similar product from Nashbar a few years ago, found them comfortable after several long hard rides so bought 3 more pairs.

Well meaning people have given my CHEAP "cycling shorts" black lycra, w/pad.  One look inside at all those seams that my parts would be on instead of a proper pad and construction. not for me.

Good shorts from a known source don't have to be expensive.

Answer 9

I think $140 is expensive but good shorts will go a long way with comfort.  I would spend anywhere from $70-$100 on bib shorts (I think bibs are more comfortable).  A tip for after you get the shorts: Handwashing and line drying can add some lifetime to your shorts.

Investing in a good seat can provide alot of comfort also.

Answer 10

Quite a simple answer.

Spend as much as you can afford.