Louis Garneau vs Nashbar Shorts

Same Price: LGarneau vs Nashbar

I pulled the last pair of the Performance Ultras out of storage early last year. Down to my last pair from a big discount buy in 2010. Of course Performance doesn't make the same thing now, only some slick, thin and great looking Ultra shorts for $90 retail/$70 discounted. That's a good starting point for my retail price point.

I checked with several riding buddies and they were all over the place on shorts. Most buy retail and were paying $90 - $139. My rando buddy, John M. said his latest versions were well over $100! I also bought a pair of super-discounted shorts at Nytro. Tried them on and took them back. Thick pad felt like a kotex on me. Sorry, maybe next time. Most shorts there were big money.

Pads: Louis Garneau vs Nashbar

I went online checking them out for several weeks. I wanted a good long distance short for a decent price. Aero Tech Designs has some interesting shorts. I ended up at Nashbar! Ordered 2 different pair of cycling shorts, medium size. I'll give them a try and see what develops. Both around $70 retail with different discounts. Both spec'd out good online. Total cost delivered was $77. (No delivery charge for orders over $45). Arrived in 7 days.

Louis Garmeau ProMax II

Louis Garneau Pro Max II     $69.99/$34.85
Nashbar Exclusive
These look good.
Made in China
Grey flatlock stitching with a LG logo on the side.
Blue pad with flatlock stitching around.
High back.
11/2" leg elastic

Poor frayed waistband cut-ins for the drawstrings (took them out).

TAG: (Fabric tag) 
Do Not Soak
Hand Wash In Cold Water
Do Not Bleach
Hang To Dry
Do Not Iron

I wore these one time on the Fix My Bike misc. ride of 100 miles with my normal home-made chamois creme application. They seemed a little tight, but covered the seat OK and felt OK. Followed washing instruction with the exception of machine washing in cold water using Woolite For Delicate soap.

Nashbar S2

Nashbar S2 Shorts     #69.99/$37.34
Nashbar brand
These look good too
Made in USA
Grey flatlock stitching with 2" logo on the leg
Red pad with 2-lines of straight stitching
21/2" leg elasti
Drawstring waistband (didn't use)

Pad seems a little "cottony". Don't think straight stitching will hold up on pad.

TAG: (Paper-like tag) 
Machine Wash Cold With Like Colors
Hang To Dry
Do Not Iron
Do Not Bleach

Wore these on the Coronado XP ride+ of 120 miles. Wide leg band seems to work well. Medium seemed tight too. Pad covered the seat OK. Normal HM Chamois Creme used. Washed with LG shorts using Woolite Delicate Soap.

I doubt that these shorts will last like the the old Performance Ultra Shorts, which I could wear for years. The same price point. They wore out on the inner thigh, rubbing the seat. If I would have cold water washed them and followed the instructions about hang to dry, just think!


April 15, 2015 Followup:

Nashbar easy return pkg. ready to mail!

I returned the Nashbar S2 Shorts (red pad). After 2 washings, the pad was compressed and thinned out. Also my butt  hadn't felt any pad relief during the several century long test rides either.  The stitching, design and fit were all OK. Just the pad was lacking. I exchanged for a pair of Louis Garneau ProFeel 2 shorts+ the shipping charges.

Nashbar makes it easy for you to return items. They include a return sticker with your order, just in case. They also explain the postage options for returning items in a clear and precise manner.

-randorides