Are expensive cycle shorts better than cheap ones? Also, a sizing question

Are the big brand cycle shorts much better than the no-name brands? The specialised ones are on sale for $NZ99 here, while I've seen a few no-name brands go for $NZ30.

Also, if I usually wear M size casual clothes, do I buy M sized cycle shorts or do I buy smaller?

 

As far as size goes you'll have to try the shorts on. In some barnds I wear L with no problem and others I need XL.

My personal opinion on the big brands compared to no name brands is the big brands feel better. In fact I'd say no comparison.

 

From my experience, you get what you pay for. I've only tried 2 brands (cannondale, Pearl izumi), but there is a drastic difference between cheap and expensive models of the same manufacturer. Your best bet with sizing is to try them on, trust me. Each manufacturer has different sizing.

 

as the other poster said, you get what you pay. my two shorts, a netti and an elite, is no where near as comfortable as my santini bib shorts. the santini uses a nicer fabric and has a more comfortable insert.

my normal waist line fits within an S and I find the size S santini bib and netti shorts to be just right. as for the elite shorts, it was my first pair of shorts. it looked a bit small at the shop so i decided to go a size up. big mistake. larger size means larger insert, and in my case, it meant chafing. so i now use it for short rides (less than 25km).

boon

edit: to include comments on sizing

 

Bib short design, insert quality and material durability/ quality is what makes the difference between expensive and cheap bib-shorts. If you can get cheap 8 panel designs I would go for those, as they are argueably the most comfortable.

 

Quality shorts make all the difference in a ride as far as if you will be hurting at the end. Euro sizing tends to go one up, ie; a Euro L is closer t a US M. Check out the pad, many top line ones have a pad with varying degrees of thickness which is extremely helpful. Saddles, shoes and shorts are not the places in biking to cheap out. Top brands I've had success with are Castelli, Louis Garneaus and Bergamo. Properly taken care of (no machine dry), they will last years (assumed you don't crash in a race).