An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
Written: Apr 19 '06 (Updated Apr 20 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: well-made, cost effective shorts with gel protection
Cons: hard to tell if the gel in the shorts is making a difference
The Bottom Line: these shorts offer great value at under $20 on sale. I bought a bunch of them.
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| Saxguy's Full Review: Nashbar Millenium Short with Liquicell |
I’ve been bicycling for exercise for several years now, more seriously over the last few. During this time, I’ve acquired two new bicycles, a Jamis Coda Comp road bike and a Cycle Genius ALX 20 squared recumbent bike and am lusting after a third, the HP Velotechnik short wheelbase recumbent Street Machine (think street luge and you’ll get the idea).
I’ve learned about clipless pedals, although I’m not ready to use them yet, Presta valves, which I hate with a pure and simple hatred, and commuting by bicycle. Then, there’s protection. Sure, I new about helmets and about gloves, even about gel seats. But there was more, like driving defensively and knowing your course. I didn’t learn well enough about that until I ran into a car last summer and, fortunately enough, walked away from it.
I’ve learned that protection from weather and protection from vibration is essential. I’ve also learned that Nasbar is an outstanding source for bicycle clothing and accessories.
Protection for a man is a serious matter. Excessive bicycling and inadequate protection can be irritating to the prostate, aside from the obvious discomfort elsewhere.
I was already using the Bell Double Gel seat cover and driving defensively at least a little bit when I saw these shorts on sale at Nashbar for $17.99. They had them in my size, and I figured the extra gel padding under the butt was a bonus. Most shorts have some padding that covers the private parts, but this had more.
These shorts are very well made. The fabric is 88% nylon and 12% spandex. Bicycle shorts are skin tight, I guess for aerodynamic reasona and these are no different. The spandex is around the waist and each of the leg holes. The seams are double stiched, including around the chamois.
Cleaning instructions are machine wash in cool water and hang to dry. I usually hand wash these.
I’ve used a pair of these for a couple of years and bought a few more last summer. They’ve stood up to wear well and remain in great shape. I bought several more pairs when they went on sale.
It’s hard to tell what difference the gel padding makes. I already have a double gel seat cover and a seat with Gel, so I don’t notice a difference. Still, that means that my protection equipment, including the seat, the pad, an athletic supporter and these shorts is working as a team
Not being able to feel the gel difference doesn’t matter to me. I have well made shorts that fit and last and are great for how I want to use them. So, I recommend these highly.
But understand that protection doesn’t stop with the shorts. You need to know your courses, drive carefully and defensively and use appropriate seats and covers.
Thanks for reading. God bless!
Please check out my related reviews:
Cateye Astrale 8 Cadence Bicycle Computer
Cycle Genius ALX 20 Squared Recumbent Bicycle
2004 Jamis Coda Comp Road Bike
Performancebike.com Online Store
Nashbar.com Online Store
Jandd Mini Mountain Wedge
Nashbar Neck Gaitor
Performance Pro Balaclava
Topeak Joe Blow Sprint Floor Pump
How to commute by bicycle
Bell Double Gel Seat Cover
Nashbar Cold Weather Gloves
Nashbar Crochet Bicycle Gloves
Nashbar Gel Gloves
Bell Solair Pro helmet
Recommended:
Yes
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