Years ago I switched from the padded liners that came with baggies as I found them too loose, uncomfortable, and the pad would move around.
I switched to road style padded shorts from Gore (nice) and Pearl Izumi (sooo comfortable!) and just wore them under slim fitting baggies. They've all worn out now and the cheap Altura shorts I have are no better than riding in boxers.
I noticed Pearl Izumi now sell 'Liner' shorts designed for baggies, and are apparently cooler too. Has anyone compared these to road Lycra for comfort and fit?
I’ve got a pair of these that I normally stick on under whatever I’m wearing on the outside for trips out in the MTB. No issues to report, just do what you would expect without too much fuss.
I got a pair of Assos Trail liner bib shorts last year after trying loads of different ones, I wanted something with pockets in as well so I can stash a few things under my shirt. These are, without doubt, some of the most comfortable shorts of any kind I have ever owned. They aren't cheap but I would say they are one of the few things that justify their price. I have done 6+ hour rides on these shorts without even thinking about them, and a year into their use, they still look and feel like new.
Have a look at the Endura Singletrack Liner Short, currently discounted at Wiggle:
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/endura-singletrack-liner-cycle-shorts
They have a pad and I find them comfortable for an all dayer.
I find Scott and Sugoi shorts the best under baggies. Scott especially are thin, lightweight without too chunky a pad (Endura pads are so FAT!). StartCycles occasionally have them on sale. Sugois I get from SportPursuit.
Thanks all 🙂
I just got some of the pearl liners thanks to the psa on this site. First ride in then last weekend and they were very comfortable
I found the endura "commuter style" boxers were far superior to the click fast liner. They are my go to, although exact match isn't available anymore but...
https://www.endurasport.com/engineered-padded-boxer-ii-black/12927006.html
Newest version
Just re read my earlier post and it should have said 'They have a decent pad...'
The problem with liner shorts is that (as you've noticed) , they are far more likely to shift around because the waist band of the shorts isn't enough to keep them in place.
Which bib short will be dictated by your specific arse shape/size, and to some degree the position you take on the bike (sit up and beg or more roadie-like leaning forward and down).
My current favourites are Galibier (not too pricey, either) - did nine hours in them on Sunday with no issues whatsoever, which is unusual. I also have a pair of Lusso Carbon, which aren't quite as comfy for me, and various Rivelo, which are OK.
Agree with above I think proper bibs (with shoulder straps) are best as they don’t move.
Marvelo and a few others also do some with pockets on the back. Useful for a cheeky snack etc if wearing a baggy top or t-shirt
I only ever wear bibs under shorts for the same reasons as above. Tend to rotate older road bibs into MTB use.
I use bibs mostly too.
Have found that the rivelo ones on sportpursuit fit me really well and have a good pad.
Might not suit everyone though but for the price i can't fault them
DHB Aeron work for me. Excellent pad - prob not perfect but more to do with my fat arse than anything else. On offer at the mo at CRC:
DHB Aeron Bib
Slightly left field, but I've found the DHB Aeron Turbo waist shorts, which are designed for indoor training, also work well as a liner short. They're designed to shed heat more easily in a warm, indoor environment, so have a thinner fabric on the sides and have a half-decent pad, though not quite as substantial as the standard Aeron shorts. They also fit me properly and I haven't had any issues with them 'moving around'. No problems on a hot weather, 95km Peak District day ride for example.
I prefer bib shorts on the road, but find them too hot on the mountain bike in warmer conditions. None of the specific liner shorts I've tried have impressed me due to combinations of poor fit, cheap pad and overall cheapness, which really isn't that surprising given that you're selling them as an adjunct to an already expensive outer short.
I don't bother with anything padded on most MTB rides, but longer days I recently started using Gore G3 liner short (there's also a C5 version). The pad shape works well for my arse shape and they're light fabric as they're designed as undershorts, not as an outer layer. Very happy so far.
As above, bib shorts I find most comfortable fit wise as they stay in place, but for days where I won't be sat down pedalling very much I just chuck on the Endura liner shorts. Back to the bib type, I have 3 sets, 2 by Endura and 1 by 7Mesh. The Endura were OK both fit wise and in the pad effectiveness, but the 7mesh set just blow them out of the water regarding quality and comfort. The pad takes some getting used to when walking around as it sort of....erm....hangs around your crotch, but as soon as you are doing what you are meant to do it is really comfy. The material they used is sooo nice, and the grip bands to keep the leg cuff in place are effective but don't pull your leg hairs out like others. Seriously well made kit from 7mesh. Link to Bib I also want a set of their 'Thunder Pants' mainly because of the name but also because they can be cut to length.
Has anyone tried the Rapha bib trail liners ? I’m tempted
Madison flux capacity shorts are good. Pockets too 🙂