High waist padded cycle shorts

[ParisJeTAime]

Can anyone recommend anything please? I am a tall size 16-18 (16 in stretchy shorts).

I've just been bought a spin bike, which I am in love with, but I am NOT in love with the bum pain .

Why not try the cycling topic?

VeloVixen is a women’s cycling website & the customer service is extremely helpful so have a look there perhaps. They also have a Facebook page with lots of women members who could answer your question

Thank you, I will try both

Stationary bikes are much tougher on your nethers than actually riding a bike because you stay in the same position much more.
I’ve tried cycling shorts from Halfords and Aldi but in my experience, it’s worth paying more for decent brands. DHB available from Wiggle are very good but my absolute favourite are Fat Lass at the Back

Thanks @reallyneedmoresleep. Yeah, I don't remember having this on a normal bike! Ouch. I'm going to have to give the cycling a miss this evening and loft some weights instead 💪. I tried putting a cushion on it last night, but it made me more unstable and as soon as I stood up, it fell of anyway. Ah well.

Could you swap the actual saddle, as you might do on an actual bicycle ?

Yes, I could do that. Although, I have only just got it, so I expect there is an element of getting used to is as well. I haven't been on any sort of bike in years, so I'm probably just out of the way of it.

If you want high waisted to avoid the waist digging in to your tummy, consider bib shorts. Not the most attractive looking but a game changer according to a few cyclists I know.

So in my experience there’s an element of getting used to the saddle/the saddle softening up a bit to start with. The first time I rode my current bike for a longer ride I had terrible pain in the bum... but after that it’s been fine. You can as PP says change the saddle too if you don’t find it improves over time.

As well as this definitely invest in some good padded cycle shorts. Wiggle is a good shout - they sell DHB shorts which are very popular. I have Rapha but more expensive.

Good luck and have fun!

Oh yes and agree bib shorts worth trying - although my shorts are quite high waisted so don’t have an issue with them falling down. Personal preference really!

Another vote for DHB (from Wiggle) and also Gore cycling wear. Bib shorts make a big difference.

I would also check out cycling bib shorts - I find these way more comfortable - though they are not particularly attractive they dont cut into your stomach as you lean forward.

I would also play about with your position on the spin bike - raising the seat higher and dropping the bars - if this is possible - might help

I’m 6ft tall with distressingly short legs. I struggle to find bib shorts to fit and those that do (thank you Alpkit) are a PITA when I need a wee

Bib shorts all the way! I hate waist shorts as I always feel like my tummy flab is hanging over the front 😂

I have Rapha and Le Col and both are good - fairly pricy but le Col have been doing loads of Strava challenges where you get a £50 voucher for completing them. In fact I might have a spare one I can share if you like.

Aaaah thanks for this! Yes, I wanted high waisted, because there is nothing worse than muffin top and overhang .

I'd seen the bin shorts, but thought they looked a little Borat mankini! Now it all makes sense. I will try those.

Ah I've just seen your very kind offer @CaptainWentworth! If that's ok to do, that would be amazing .

Mine are DHB, again from Wiggle. They are bib shorts, as I only cycle outdoors. Good padding and good value!

Mine are Rapha - stupidly expensive but I bought two pairs 8 years ago and am still using them so the cost per wear is not too bad

Fat lass at the back. Fantastic shorts that what I wore till I got used the spin bike.

Halterneck bib shorts are very comfy as well, very handy for road/ trail rides as no faffing about for toilet stops as you would with traditional bibs.
Also don't layer up, cycling bottoms are generally designed to be worn without knickers to reduce friction.
And I'd second looking at a change of seat, I changed to a Selle Italia Diva which made a real difference.

@ParisJeTAime I’ve sent you a PM.

And yes definitely don’t wear anything under padded shorts - that point is not always obvious from the product description!

I agree bib shorts are better to avoid digging in and give a better outline.

Various brands make ones that are loo stop friendly, including Endura, Gore and many more.

Different shorts suit different people, for this reason there are lots for sale second hand but hardly used on the “Recycle preloved cycling gear for women” Facebook page, although I appreciate views are divided on whether people are happy to wear second hand cycling shorts , which are designed to be worn next to the skin, without pants.

Sport Pursuit sometimes have good cycling kit.

I do agree you tend to get what you pay for with cycling shorts - that’s coming from someone who has tried about 10 different brands ranging from Altura to Assos

Definitely find bib shorts more comfortable than normal shorts. You may need to try a few pairs until you find some which you are comfortable with.