Really interesting. I've only ever used two types: Barnstable and Riding Sport. The Barnstables have velcro closures, and tend to be fairly loose, unless you crank the top closure down. The Riding sport have the stretchy ribbing, but those I had to undo the top button or again I got sore just below my knee. I've never experienced any shearing muscle pain with either of these designs.
On Feb 18, 2009, at 8:52 AM, Elyse Carreno wrote:
I think part of the issue is the tightness of the chaps. When I first started doing endurance, I would get bad skin galls on the inside of my knees and the front of my ankles which would cause me to ride funny to get away from the pain. I started wearing half chaps and haven't had one since. Never had an issue with shin pain until I bought another pair of half chaps which were much tighter, and then I experienced that shearing muscle pain. I dug out my old chaps from retirement and have kept them going another 2 years. They are leather, with the ribbed stretchy part on the calf which stretches accordingly with movement and gets looser with time. -Elyse
Cindy, Sorry, I should have said half chaps CAN cause shin splints. I had a very bad experience wearing them. Guess it only happens to some riders. My personel preference is, less is better. jvm
