I know knicks are nearly as personal as saddles, but who is using what for endurance races? I'm very very NOT keen on spending $300 on them
There are a few things at play here.
Personal preferences/shape etc etc - This is where a pair of knicks will be very similar to selecting a saddle.
Knicks/Saddle interface - You are now starting to bring together a group of items that may/may not play nicely with each other. The padding densities of different foams and saddle frame materials will interact very very differently, especially as the duration increases.
Budget - Are you splashing on one super special pair? Are you trying to get enough matchy bibs to commute every day? You'll start wearing out high end knicks very quickly if they're even WEEKLY use items.
Within the knicks themselves you need to consider:
Chamois - there are many options out there. I get on really well with the "Elastic Interface" Endurance chamois that is found in a few offerings, most DHB knicks now offer chamois made by EI (which is ripping value at their price point). For me, I want a chamois material that is supportive without being bulky (makes you feel like you're wearing a nappy). "spongy" feeling Chamois will often compress a lot which means that their performance can vary.
Other materials - Other than just your sensitive bits in contact with the chamois, you need to consider leg length, gripper type, compression materials, brace materials, brace length
My favourite knicks to date aren't produced any more.... I only ever got one pair (though I did get to trial the early prototypes) Spin Cycle Clothing Core 1 2019 with an RRP of $300. FWIW I have worn these up to 8hrs without needing chamois cream. Never tried a 24 without chamois cream because I don't want to find out the hard way....
Like any product, you get what you pay for and the balance of Cost/Comfort/Performance/Durability is always something you'll need to deal with.
