Which Tri shorts?

Check out the De Soto shorts (and tri-bibs, these are awesome) with the Riviera float pad. It's the best pad (triathlon or cycling-specific) I've used.

http://desotosport.com/category/mriviera



Edited by Goosedog 2013-08-21 2:12 PM

Another vote for DeSoto. I wear the Forza 4 Pocket shorts.

DeSoto Riviera

or

Kiwami Prima

Very different pads. Both are great for long course training and racing.

I like Orca and Zoot (haven't yet tried Desoto). I used Orca trisuit for HIM and recent sprint tris. I have an older pair of Pearl Izumi shorts - never liked them as much. Just my 2 cents.

Another vote for desoto. I also have Sugoi, orca, 2xu. Hands down desoto.

One more vote for the Forza 4 pocket shorts.

To the OP, these are also great shorts. But, realize that the pad in the Forza is much less substantial than the Riviera.

My Vote:

Zoot Performance Tri Shorts - Very comfortable, 4 pockets, don't feel as slick on the set as the pair of 2XU's I had prior to these. I just completed a Half using them and had no problems on the bike or running in them. I've never used anything but these two, so take it for what it's worth.

I like my 2XU's but this thread is making me want to try a pair of De Soto's

I wear Sugio Piston 200 Tri pkt short. There a compression style short very comfy short and just the right thickness chamois. I would like to try a pair of Desoto but can't find a pair locally and would like to try them on prior to dropping the coin.

I am a fan of Castelli Free Tri shorts.

Another fan of the DeSoto Riviera shorts. If you want a comfortable pad for HIM distance, these have it. They're a little pricey, but you get what you pay for.

Thanks for all the responses everyone. Do you feel that the pad in the Desoto is too big or uncomfortable for the run portion? I don't think any of my LBS have Desoto shorts to try on before buying them so I am a bit worried about buying offline without trying them on.

I think the Riviera pad is unnoticeable on the run. The Forza pad isn't much of a "pad" at all, really more like chamois. The 400 mile pad is more of a traditional cycling pad, and a bit bulky for running for some (but just fine for others).

If you go the De Soto route, I would email the folks at De Soto to discuss sizing. They are very helpful. Send them your measurements and they will suggest a size.

I love my DeSoto Riviera tri bibs. The compression is very nice.

Hi! If you opt for the Forza Four Pocket, it comes with a fleece pad and has all of your fuel needs met with the pockets! The Riviera has a 7 mm pad chamois, so a little thicker but not as thick as our 400 mile pad in our ciclismo line. Please feel free to email me privately at [email protected] as well for any additional questions! And everything comes with a 15 day guarantee, so there is no worry!

I love my DeSoto Forzas. 

Yet another vote for DeSoto Forza Four-Pocket. I bought a pair this summer and used them on long training rides (usually with a 2-5 mile run brick) while preparing for an IM. I wore them start-to-finish at Ironman Louisville and they were comfortable for the entire day. I love the pockets as well. MY tri club just ordered new kits and those will be Castelli Free so I'll be able to compare soon. The fit kits seemed nice but no pockets in the shorts and I'm afraid I will miss that.

I will likely order another pair of DeSoto Forzas for next year.

Both the Desoto Riviera (2) and Forza (4) Tri shorts can be ordered with leg pockets. I use both with equal success.

Edited by Billyk 2013-09-09 5:58 PM

Does anyone have trouble with the front center seam on Desoto? I tried a pair and the seam bothered me, it was a few years ago maybe they changed them.
I really like the TYR Carbon, the material doesn't hold moisture, the chamios is fairly thin and they are durable. I got them a few months before IMFL last year and I'm getting ready to do IMFL in them in Nov, I don't wear them everyday but I always wear them on long rides.

This thread convinced me to try the Forza 4 pockets. Additionally, Tracy was very helpful with a sizing question I had.