Paul -- IMO, wool is better left to winter wear, for its insulating qualities. The lighter wool fabrics I've used for riding pants tend to wear more quickly than cotton or synthetics of equal weight, while you wouldn't want to use heavier wool in hot weather. I have some relatively inexpensive nylon canvas knickers from Nashbar and the fabric is very nice and would be very good for summer shorts. I also use shorts of tightly woven cotton fabric -- one pair in particular is so tightly woven it feels like a synthetic -- and these work well too.
I'd suggest shorts made from synthetic or mixed fabric, and wool for knickers or long pants (with ankle zippers), these two latter to have double seats and -- if you want to be fancy -- windstopper lining in the front. I've had several pairs of wool pants converted to knickers for winter riding and that works very well. Whatever pants you make, please, O Please! make them with a waist that comes up high in the back. So many otherwise good cycling-specific riding pants -- Bicycle Fixations shorts and knickers, the older style MUSA shorts, long pants, and knickers -- are cut with too low a rise and too short a rear, and I hate the feeling of exposed skin between jersey and waistband -- and it's uncomfortable, too. Make them high rise with even higher rise in the back, like good riding tights and padded shorts. And, no cargo pockets on the thighs -- who wants keys bouncing around at each pedal stroke? But do add buttoned rear pockets and deepish side pockets -- I've got an otherwise nice pair of Ibis riding shorts (high in the back!!!) that has only two shallow slit side pockets and a tiny zip pocket on the left thigh -- where do I put my bulky bandana? Or my cell phone if one side pocket has keys, the other wallet or cleat covers or cash? Elastic in back of waistband, but also belt loops with the all important rear center one included. DO NOT use snap for closure -- another defect of the Ibis -- it pops open when you lean forward. Use hook and eye or button. Keep us informed. What I'd buy: Summer pants of synthetic or a mix with the right pockets and cut. Winter pants of wool with adequate pockets and slim cut, with tapered and zippered lower legs. Wool knickers, ditto, tapered or gussetted at knee, +4, with velcro or other adjustable cinch at knee. <paulyeoh...@gmail.com> wrote: > > Hi all, > > I'm looking for some feedback on my pet project - cycling shorts inspired by Grant's writings and also the posts of several on this group. > I had my prototype of these shorts made at the tailor's about 3 months ago and have put about a thousand kilometers on them. > I have to say I am very pleased, and hope to bring these shorts to market as a custom fitted, made-to-order product. > > Link to flickr photoset > > Any comments would be greatly appreciated!-- *RESUMES THAT GET YOU NOTICED!* Certified Resume Writer http://resumespecialties.com/index.html patrickmo...@resumespecialties.com http://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickmooreresumespec/ Albuquerque, NM -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
