Good but not perfect

Posted by Cyclist on 18th Oct 2010

PROS:
Nice, soft, breathable, stretchy fabric
Good quality chamois
Leg elastic holds shorts in place but doesn't cut in.

CONS:
Waistband elastic is too firm


I bought these shorts when I realised that none of my regular bike shorts were fitting very well, and that I needed something decent to get me through the 100km Around the Bay in a Day ride (which I rode yesterday).

I was quite excited when they arrived, as they fit really well (I was 12 weeks) and appeared to have a decent chamois. I noted also that they would be fine to wear even in a non-pregnant condition.

I took them out for a couple of training rides (of about 50km each) and they were ok, but I had to keep adjusting the waistband as it would get bunched-up and cut in when I leant over the handlebars. No big problem.

So yesterday, at 16 weeks, I did the ride, and I have to say, the shorts, while they would have been fine for non-pregnant women, were a bit uncomfortable, and it was all because of the unnecessarily firm waistband. Yes, it is nice and wide, but it does cut in, especially after 100km. Also, they feel fine while standing up but not so good while bent over a road bike.

I noticed that Netti have some shorts that have no elastic in the front at all, only a Lycra panel. Maybe these would have been a better choice for me, but they are not marketed as maternity bike shorts.

Also, if my rides were shorter, maybe just spin classes of 1 hour, I'm sure I would not have noticed this problem.