Having decided to try a Tri (pardon the pun) I was told I needed a pair of shorts like these to make the trasition from swimming to biking to running much easier. (Apparently they frown on you changing out of your swim trunks in the transition area!) This being my first Tri ever, and starting with a sprint Tri, I knew i didn't need much padding for the 15 mile bike ride. The shorts were very comfortable in the pool feeling just like the TYR competition trunks I had purchased months ago. As I started the bike ride, these shorts dried very quickly. There was no wet-feel or slogginess as I rode. I was concerned I'd be riding in a wet diaper, but not at all. The padding was just right and even though it's less than the bike shorts I have, they performed very well. When I ran in these, they were very comfortable. The legs gripped and didn't slide, making the run very comfortable. I was very impressed with these and the quality of the TYR brand. The size was just right...I'm 5' 11", 190 lbs. and ordered the large and they fit me well. I know they are meant to fit 'tight' so I had no problems. Can't wait to use them in my next Tri!