Disclaimer: I got sent a pair of these from Skins to try out as part of their Landmark Challenge¹. However, I have used Skins almost exclusively² for the last 2 years. My first pair of their bib knicks has been killed to death³ and is now only suitable for use on the turbo else I get arrested for indecent exposure.

So, without further prevarication, a brief review of the new C400s:

initial thoughts

A courier parcel arrived at my desk and quickly opened it to find a natty little box with a fabric pull tab, meaning I didn’t have to rip open the packaging and be left with an unsightly box. The two big differences that were immediately apparent were (1) there are no leg grippers; instead the fabric is folded and welded back on itself and (2) the chamois is a lot more complicated than in my other shorts (the way it flops around reminds me a lot of an origami fortune teller).

Since ogling strange looking garments was starting to garner me strange looks in the office I thought it best to put them back in the box until later.

fitting

I am pretty sure I contributed to the sizing of these shorts – about 12 months ago I volunteered (along with about 199 other people from Sydney) to be body-scanned and have my data input and analysed to improve how these things are sized.

At 71kg and 6ft, I fall at the small end of medium and therefore went for medium size as that is what I normally wear. Pulling them on my first thought was that they were not quite as compressy as my other shorts but I think a set of smalls would have meant the shoulder straps would have been too tight. It seems that the sizing guidance for the two sets of Skins cycling shorts is a little different. It would be nice to try a small as I am seemingly a large small or a small medium.

It was about now that I came up against one of the bigger issues with these shorts: they were not black. S pointed out that to wear them with the jersey I was planning to wear (a Fat Cyclist 2011 edition) would have been a crime against fashion, I rooted through the draw for something that would match better (incidentally a Fat Cyclist 2010 jersey, that day the pink one). The best match would have been with my Milltag Wiggo, but since that one is reserved for special occasions (well there are only 30!) that can wait.

first ride

I wanted to give the shorts a decent workout, so saved them for my normal weekend ride. 80km around Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs with a few laps of Centennial Park thrown in at the end.

The previous week I had replaced my saddle (after I found the hull had cracked into three pieces) with a Fiz’ik Arione which in contrast to the former is completely flat and much firmer. Within a couple of miles it was apparent that the new-fangled chamois was a marked improvement on the previous incarnation. The variable density supported relevant things without resulting in pressure on other things and the lightness at the front of the saddle almost made it feel like the nose was pointing downwards.

The miles (I’m British) rolled by and things stayed comfy. No annoying bunching, sliding, chaffing or numbness to detract from the ride. The day was very slightly drizzly with just enough raindrops to remind you it was raining but as i got back to Centennial the apocalypse rolled in with torrential rain. Within 400 yards I was soaked through so figured I might as well just keep going. I only did about 10km in the rain but there was no noticeable change in comfort level, and they started to dry nice and fast as I left the park and the rain stopped.

performance boost

There are big claims made about compression wear at the moment, and I have to admit to being skeptical as to whether clothing which is essentially ‘slightly tighter’ can deliver big changes. I have taken to wearing compression gear after hard rides and that definitely seems to help, so it would not be a huge leap to think they are some assistance. Putting them on didn’t turn me into Cancellara, and it would be some tricky testing to determine any direct benefit, but still being comfy after 3 hours on a new saddle is good enough for me.

summary:

1. Fit – 8/10. I prefer the slightly tighter fitting of my ‘standard’ Skins but these fit as well as any multi-panel shorts I’ve used.
2. Chamois – 9.5/10. A noticeable improvement over the standard one. Supportive and give in the right areas.
3. Appearance – 7/10. Cycling shorts should be black! Although these are ok in grey and the white is on the sides rather than the front and back. They do also come in black. The reflective detailing is nice and looks like it will work well.
4. Overall Score: 8.5/10. Would be a 9 if they were slightly tighter. I guess I have just got used to the Skins I have.

So, are the c400s worth the extra $40 over the standard version? It’s a tough call but I would have to go with a yes. Even if you only went for one pair for you longer weekend ride the chamois is definately a step up. I’ll be saving mine for the long rides, which has the advantage of varying presure distribution with the different padding layout.

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