Shorts - to gel or not to gel?

[Siao]

I'm thinking of investing on some new shorts (I hate bibs, but will have to suffer them if I have to I guess) and I was wondering what are people's experience with them. I am looking at longer rides, on gravel, so your bum will be getting some punishment.

So anyone has any gel ones? Are they any good like the gel padded gloves?

Is a 4D chamois better?

And above all, any suggestions?

I was looking at the Universal Colour ones, but they are £160, not the cheapest thing out there. So I'm open to alternatives!

[Master Bean]

I've never heard of gel shorts. Any if the usual subjects will suffice. Dhb, Rapha, Assos etc.

[STiG911]

Gel all day - love your bum.
I'd say that skimping on quality shorts or bibs is false economy as you'll either pay for it when they fall apart (and it happens quickly, believe me) or through your bum due to discomfort.

If you don't want to spend lots straightaway, I can very much recommend Madison bib shorts. Outstanding quality and longevity for the money; usually 1/3 the price of brands like Rapha, Castelli, UC etc. and their sizes are honest, too.

[snotrag]

Lots of decent value brands about - Madison, DHB, PlanetX etc.

I particularly like the budget Sungod bibs for training/turbo trainer etc, I've got a few sets.


Oh and - embrace the bib. You will never truly know cycling comfort until you embrace the Bob short. Nobody has to know, I wear bibs under other kit on my gravel and MTB rides.

[TheDrownedApe]

I can't think of any quality bib shorts that contain gel; is there?

[budgie smuggler]

TheDrownedApe said:

I can't think of any quality bib shorts that contain gel; is there?

I've got some Endura Extract gel ones, they seem fine.

In fact I didn't realise they had gel in them until I googled it after reading your question.

edit - these https://road.cc/content/review/endura-xtract-bibsh...

[dontlookdown]

Is gel the same as regular padding, or superior? Have padded short liners but now wondering if I need gel;)

[lufbramatt]

Lusso Pro Gel shorts are my favourite, find them more comfortable than more expensive shorts from Rapha, Le col etc. They also seem to last forever and are reasonably cheap (£75 for bibs, £45 for non-bibs on Lusso website).

Edited by lufbramatt on Wednesday 18th January 15:09

[CheesecakeRunner]

dontlookdown said:

Is gel the same as regular padding, or superior? Have padded short liners but now wondering if I need gel;)

It's not the same, no. But superior is a matter for your arse and your saddle. Everyone is different.

[Siao]

Ok, thank you all for the suggestions. My current ones (I think they are some cheap brand, had them for over a decade now) are foam, so I think it is time to invest on something better.

[Siao]

snotrag said:

Lots of decent value brands about - Madison, DHB, PlanetX etc.

I particularly like the budget Sungod bibs for training/turbo trainer etc, I've got a few sets.


Oh and - embrace the bib. You will never truly know cycling comfort until you embrace the Bob short. Nobody has to know, I wear bibs under other kit on my gravel and MTB rides.

I think I will, one day. I think that it will be weird at first, then get used to it.

[oddball1313]

These are really comfortable- done 80 plus mile rides in them and never had any discomfort

https://casp.cc/collections/mens-shorts/products/s...

Total bargain at the moment as well

[dontdobends]

lufbramatt said:

Lusso Pro Gel shorts are my favourite, find them more comfortable than more expensive shorts from Rapha, Le col etc. They also seem to last forever and are reasonably cheap (£75 for bibs, £45 for non-bibs on Lusso website).

Edited by lufbramatt on Wednesday 18th January 15:09

Ditto, Cracking shorts and made in the UK! use them on the road/mtb bikes

[Siao]

dontdobends said:

lufbramatt said:

Lusso Pro Gel shorts are my favourite, find them more comfortable than more expensive shorts from Rapha, Le col etc. They also seem to last forever and are reasonably cheap (£75 for bibs, £45 for non-bibs on Lusso website).

Edited by lufbramatt on Wednesday 18th January 15:09

Ditto, Cracking shorts and made in the UK! use them on the road/mtb bikes

They are all out of stock unfortunately

[Siao]

oddball1313 said:

These are really comfortable- done 80 plus mile rides in them and never had any discomfort

https://casp.cc/collections/mens-shorts/products/s...

Total bargain at the moment as well

Thanks, will have a look

[Mutts]

Been wearing SunDried kit last year, reasonable prices and fit is good

[Siao]

Mutts said:

Been wearing SunDried kit last year, reasonable prices and fit is good

Thank you, I'll have a look!

[tertius]

Rivelo are worth a look - I really like their gear, have bib shorts, jacket and shoes - usually on sale on SportPursuit at good prices.

[dontdobends]

Siao said:

They are all out of stock unfortunately

I had a word with Jake at Lusso yesterday, with regards the Gel shorts.

He said if you pop him a mail with your size, he will have a pair made for you in a couple of days if you like.

They are rebranding the Gel shorts to Perform shorts, just a new motif but same fit and pad.

[Siao]

dontdobends said:

Siao said:

They are all out of stock unfortunately

I had a word with Jake at Lusso yesterday, with regards the Gel shorts.

He said if you pop him a mail with your size, he will have a pair made for you in a couple of days if you like.

They are rebranding the Gel shorts to Perform shorts, just a new motif but same fit and pad.

Ah, sweet! Thank you, I'll try to find his info and write to him. Thank you again