So I need to buy some new shorts but I don't want to buy more cheap ones as the pads in them are crap. They aren't protecting my ass enough so who uses what and what can you recommend on your experiences ta

I've had loads of cheapies and come to the same conclusion. I've got some Gore, Castelli and Endurance but the best quality/VFM are my DHB ASV Pro bibs. They're great.

I've found these to be really good-

http://www.tgstore.co.uk/inner-tights-p-4115.html

I used a pair of the dhb asv pro on the YD300 recently and found them to be really good on a long ride, I've also just purchased a pair of the red and white "the bibs" . Heard good reviews of them so thought I'd give them a try.

Best I've ever used are Crikey, how much Classics, might be expensive but they look new after 6 years or so.

Fillv out an online survey this week to get 20% off

I swear by endura pro bibs, not overkill on padding, its where you need I without making you feel like you're wearing a nappy

Also the only chamois that doesn't make me....numb,which cant be healthy long-term. there really is such thing as too much cushion

I find buying online always a gamble, if you get the chance, occupy your LBS and try on everything, best way to know the fit is right

there are many decent shorts available these days but they need to fit YOU.

I've tried several brands and, for me, the comfiest are assoss S5, but they are very spendy. I think that on the comfort/value for money the latest howies shorts or 3/4s are hard to beat...

i have these http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/pola ... prod112022
have been really good on recent bike packing trips and XC events.
paired with some Paceline Chamois Butt'r has been good

I'm tempted to buy a bunch of the ones listed here. In recent months I'm back down to what I'd consider my "racing weight" and I seem to have lost all of my ass padding.

Half of the pads I have seem to be useless for me now, and the first new one I've tried (DHB Aeron) really doesn't fit my ass well (it sort of feels like it's folding up in the middle).

Aeron race (I think it's the race, not the top one but the one below it) is a considerable step up over the standard aeron in my experience. The pad is much more substantial and the Lycra seems sturdier and holds its position on you better. Well with the extra money to me

To add yet another brand I have a pair of the pricey Etxeondo shorts (even by Assos and Crikey, how much standards) that are excellent. Something like the Exteondo Dicolor are £90 and I found them almost as comfy - not a massive difference really - but not as well lasting in the long term. Third of the price though! These were the two pairs I took on the Tour Divide and subsequent Oregon tour and I had no problems with my undercarriage.

Merlin sometimes have them on sale although I usually use www.alwaysriding.com

I tend to use some old DeMarchi shorts that ride better than the PI and Spesh. ones I've got. 10 years on em and they're just starting to die.

Greetz

S.

Calvin Kleins and a car wash sponge from Halfords has worked for years for me.

Just had a new Rivelo bib turn up from Sport Pursuit. Pad feels really high quality, very dense. Hopefully it'll be good (will give it a go on the trainer tomorrow).

http://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/pro ... /id/624209