Tri-Shorts

I just got these, and they are my favorite by far:

http://www.swimoutlet.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=16796&Click=310393

They are a little bit longer in the legs, closer to a bike short than a speedo and are really well made.  Moderate chamois that is comfortable in the saddle but does not feel like a diaper on the run. I have a pair of Zoots that are just OK, a little bit short and not as nice.

some cycling stores stock tri shorts, but mostly it's really only tri-specific stores

most people buy tri shorts online

they're a very individual thing--what works for one person may not be preferred by another, just like any kind of clothing and especially clothes you'll be exerting yourself in

are these shorts primarily for training, or racing, or both?

Seeing as how I'm a newbie, mostly for training in, but I will most likely use them for racing as well.

x2 on desoto.

I have the forza tri shorts. great short. I like the draw string to be able to tighten, the no leg grippers and material the shorts are made from. there's a small pad - more felt than pad that works (i've only worn for sprint distance). but I'm happy with them.

Spend the money and get good shorts. They're worth it.

That said, I've never paid full price on any shorts I own. End of year clearance sales and over stock sales are where I get my stuff. I don't think I've spent more than about $35 or $40 shipped for any shorts.

Orca 226 are my favorites. Zoot Ultra Tri Shorts are excellent. I don't believe I've ever read a bad review of DeSoto tri shorts and the 400 mile shorts are a favorite of everyone I've read about. I do not own any DeSoto shorts so that's just reviews I've read from people and stores.

Make sure to use a LOT of chamois cream to ride until you figure out how much you need. A lot of people forget this step then claim the shorts suck when they should have just lubed up a bit more.

I wear Orca tri shorts that i brought from a Triathlon store. Had looked in cycle shops and general sports stores and not found anything particularly comfy before i decided to check out the Triathlon store.

http://www.orca.com/product/race-womens-tri-pant

These are super comfy, very durable and great for training as well as racing in.

I would agree.

desoto gets my vote also

I like the Zoot tri shorts.  Check out Tri Sports, plus BT members get 10% off.

I'm still pretty much a noob, so I don't have much to compare against, but I got a pair of Zoot tri shorts last year at REI, found them to be very comfortable.  For swim training, I prefer them to Speedo jammers.

But I pretty much wore them out.  I think I got them in spring 2010, and frequently wore them at the gym, since I was using them both for spinning and swimming.  Sections are now just about see-through!  So I got a new pair at a clearance sale, and will keep them for races only this season, or maybe long rides.

Don't wear lycra or spandex swimming except in races. They'll go see through in 3 to 6 months. That's just the way it is.

Look for polyester or PBT as the only material and they'll live basically forever.

De Soto Forza shorts.  LOVE THEM.