Getting over bike shorts?
#76
staring at the mountains
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Castle Pines, CO
Posts: 4,560
Bikes: Obed GVR, Fairdale Goodship, Salsa Timberjack 29
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 394 Post(s)
Liked 197 Times
in
112 Posts
This sport is far more than "pro wanna-be vs retrogrouch" Please stop basing arguments on the premise that everyone must fall only into one or the other.
fify
You don't need to wear tight cycling gear. Heck nobody says you have to wear any cycling gear. But if you want to maximize your effort, you 'get into' the sport.
I rode an organized century yesterday, and I saw people wearing everything from cargo shorts and tee shirts to super-bling aero kits. Even people riding with their bike locks, panniers, everything on their bike as they would be during the week. On one hand, sure, DoWhatchaLike. But on the other hand, why wouldn't you make things easier on yourself? Forget 'skin suit' -- a properly fitting jersey and shorts are more aerodynamic than cargo shorts and tee shirts (and we're not even talking about materials and moisture management etc). So why not take advantage?
oh and since we're kicking the skinsuit dead horse, go to any cyclocross race. the last thing you want to happen is your clothing getting caught on anything.
You don't need to wear tight cycling gear. Heck nobody says you have to wear any cycling gear. But if you want to maximize your effort, you 'get into' the sport.
I rode an organized century yesterday, and I saw people wearing everything from cargo shorts and tee shirts to super-bling aero kits. Even people riding with their bike locks, panniers, everything on their bike as they would be during the week. On one hand, sure, DoWhatchaLike. But on the other hand, why wouldn't you make things easier on yourself? Forget 'skin suit' -- a properly fitting jersey and shorts are more aerodynamic than cargo shorts and tee shirts (and we're not even talking about materials and moisture management etc). So why not take advantage?
oh and since we're kicking the skinsuit dead horse, go to any cyclocross race. the last thing you want to happen is your clothing getting caught on anything.
#77
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
I assume that's addressed to me, and I didn't say that. I said that "you should wear x while you commute because pros wear x" is a stupid argument. One of the reasons is that pros do make some choices based on getting paid, so when they say "x is important" as opposed to "y is important", you really don't know their motivations. That's not saying that kit isn't important to them, just that they have a financial incentive to make the kit seem more important than it is.
The other rather obvious reason is that the kit and equipment needs of a racer have about as much to do with those of a commuter as a Formula 500 car has to do with an SUV.
I also just rode 200+ miles in 2 days wearing cargo shorts and briefs, so I just feel a need to push back against the "serious riders all wear X" nonsense I see on these forums every day.
Try them and if they work for you, great! If they don't really seem like they bestow any benefit, though, you shouldn't feel a need to wear them because people tell you they're a necessity. Most people who bike have never worn cycling shorts ever.
The other rather obvious reason is that the kit and equipment needs of a racer have about as much to do with those of a commuter as a Formula 500 car has to do with an SUV.
I also just rode 200+ miles in 2 days wearing cargo shorts and briefs, so I just feel a need to push back against the "serious riders all wear X" nonsense I see on these forums every day.
Try them and if they work for you, great! If they don't really seem like they bestow any benefit, though, you shouldn't feel a need to wear them because people tell you they're a necessity. Most people who bike have never worn cycling shorts ever.
#78
Senior Member
OP, if this is what you're wearing, you are indeed wearing underwear. I've been riding for 40 yrs and never seen this option? I think you'd be better off with standard cycling shorts and most of us find the "bib" variety the most comfortable in the long run. But to use what you have, just wear your basketball shorts over them. But DO wear something over them.
https://www.amazon.com/Baleaf-Padded.../dp/B07CR9B713
https://www.amazon.com/Baleaf-Padded.../dp/B07CR9B713
#79
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
I don't mind wearing them, although on my commutes I usually don't.
The key to getting over it, IMO, is a combination of being convinced that you look like a loon regardless, and denial that anyone cares enough to notice.
The key to getting over it, IMO, is a combination of being convinced that you look like a loon regardless, and denial that anyone cares enough to notice.
#80
Senior Member
Is this a joke thread?
Frankly, I thought that given the variety of dedicated cycling clothing styles available today, such weird underpants should've disappeared off the market by now. But apparently someone still makes them... Yet buying such underpants and then wearing them by themselves... well... keep it for Burning Man, Helloween or Dress Crazy day at the office.
Frankly, I thought that given the variety of dedicated cycling clothing styles available today, such weird underpants should've disappeared off the market by now. But apparently someone still makes them... Yet buying such underpants and then wearing them by themselves... well... keep it for Burning Man, Helloween or Dress Crazy day at the office.
#81
Newbie
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 2
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
From MTB to road shorts.
I know exactly how you feel. Ive been riding for years. Mountain bikes first and got my first road bike two years ago. I never saw road shorts as manly. I just recently manned up and got a pair of road shorts. My first ride pissed me off because I let my machismo get in the way of comfort. Go out and get a pair of real road shorts. You don't have to spend $100 on the expensive brands Garneau have entry level shorts that are comfortable and feel good for less than $50. Once you do your first pair you'll be hooked. Also spend money on real cycling jerserys and clip-on shoes and pedals.
#82
Newbie
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 2
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Appearances
Remember one thing. When your out there riding, every one that you pass or passes you are wearing them too.
#83
Senior Member
Bike shorts?
I think I've owned 1 pair of bike shorts don't remember likes or dislikes. I've just always worn underwear and regular multi pocket street shorts. No problems 9,000 miles loaded cross country touring and two years bike messenger.
Likes For yukiinu:
#84
Banned
I've been cycling a couple times a month, about 5 miles. On my cheap road bike. I'm slowly building up my cycling gear. I just got another "Baleaf Men's Bike Cycling Underwear Shorts 3D Padded Bicycle MTB" and am wondering when I should get a top and cleats. Though I kinda have a problem with cycling clothing. I'm not sure if the shorts I have are supposed to be underwear or what. I usually wear them commando, with basketball type shorts over them and a t shirt. I see cyclist riding without my basketball shorts. I just find it... well embarrassing. They're kinda revealing and it looks like there's a giant pad stuffed in. (male here) At least with my shorts. How did you get the confidence to wear nothing over your bike shorts? I feel like they're the speedo of the shorts world...
Thanks,
Awaqa909
Thanks,
Awaqa909
#85
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,098 Times
in
5,054 Posts
Maybe it depends on where you ride, but I see the most riders in my travels when I'm riding in the Boston area, and the vast majority of them are not wearing bike shorts. Street clothes are much more common.
#86
Junior Member
I eventually got used to wearing bike shorts only. Just stopped caring what I look like.
But thought I'd mention, I find cotton Tees much more comfortable than the more "advanced" fabric of cycling shirts. So I've tried to find, but had no success, cotton shirts made specifically for bike riders with handy lower back pockets. Anyone ever seen such items of apparel? THNX
But thought I'd mention, I find cotton Tees much more comfortable than the more "advanced" fabric of cycling shirts. So I've tried to find, but had no success, cotton shirts made specifically for bike riders with handy lower back pockets. Anyone ever seen such items of apparel? THNX
#87
Senior Member
I am late to the thread and have the same experience as the OP and others. I have a few pairs of the padded "underwear" like the OP references and a few pairs of cycling shorts. I've always wore athletic shorts over the underwear. I've also taken athletic shorts with me on some multiday tours I would slip on over my cycling shorts when I stopped somewhere. I can't say what would work for every person but for me.... After several thousand miles a year I realized bike shorts and bike specific padded underwear caused more problems than they solved for me. The increased heating from the pad area caused more moisture build and retention then not having it. I switched to regular athletic underwear and athletic shorts and moved my "padding" away from my skin with a slightly more padded seat about a year ago and feel much better overall. I've done centries and weeklong tours without issue. Not all non cycling athletic underwear and shorts are equal and price and brand is far from an indicator of quality and comfort on a bike. The material, where the seams are, and how the are sewn make the difference. Some of my most comfortable setups are cheap Russell Coolforce underwear and cheap RBX shorts from Walmart and tjmax. I've done 350+ miles a week in those on gravel and pretty much all I wear now. It comes down to personal preference and what works for you.
Last edited by u235; 09-10-19 at 10:58 AM.
#88
Junior Member
I've been cycling a couple times a month, about 5 miles. On my cheap road bike. I'm slowly building up my cycling gear. I just got another "Baleaf Men's Bike Cycling Underwear Shorts 3D Padded Bicycle MTB" and am wondering when I should get a top and cleats. Though I kinda have a problem with cycling clothing. I'm not sure if the shorts I have are supposed to be underwear or what. I usually wear them commando, with basketball type shorts over them and a t shirt. I see cyclist riding without my basketball shorts. I just find it... well embarrassing. They're kinda revealing and it looks like there's a giant pad stuffed in. (male here) At least with my shorts. How did you get the confidence to wear nothing over your bike shorts? I feel like they're the speedo of the shorts world...
Thanks,
Awaqa909
Thanks,
Awaqa909
Re tops: I just recently purchased two inexpensive cycling Jerseys. I am not wearing them to emulate the pros, or to try and go faster. I tried them to see how they felt on a ride, and it made a world of difference in comfort. I usually ride with a hydration pack, and caring gear over moisture wicking athletic shirts. I went from having drenched shirts to sightly damp. It also just felt more comfortable for the ride. I'd suggest but an inexpensive one and see how you feel.
Re cleats: I can't offer much of an opinion on that, I ride flats and they work for me. However I do have an opinion on what another person commenting that cleats, shoes could add up to more than what the bike was worth... So what. Upgrade your bike, make it work for you. Plus you've just made it more valuable.
#89
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
It helps if one actually looks good in shorts.
I rode into work late one day and a lady in the office said, "You can stay in your shorts all day if you want."
-Tim-
I rode into work late one day and a lady in the office said, "You can stay in your shorts all day if you want."
-Tim-
#90
Full Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 313
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 123 Post(s)
Liked 83 Times
in
63 Posts
I could hardly be slower. I don't wear cycling shorts to go faster (if the make me faster, it's not by very much, and I've never even thought about it), I wear them because: they are by far the most comfortable thing to wear on a bike. One of the number of reasons is that they manage sweat so much better...but they're also non-binding and all of those other things. Even if I'm only going five miles (which is rare) i want them.
Likes For dkatz1:
#91
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,098 Times
in
5,054 Posts
I could hardly be slower. I don't wear cycling shorts to go faster (if the make me faster, it's not by very much, and I've never even thought about it), I wear them because: they are by far the most comfortable thing to wear on a bike. One of the number of reasons is that they manage sweat so much better...but they're also non-binding and all of those other things. Even if I'm only going five miles (which is rare) i want them.
My main point was that "pros wear it" is a dumb reason to recommend something, and telling people they'll be faster is pretty silly.
I've got a latex sensitivity that pretty much guarantees that I won't find them comfortable what with the giant itchy rash I'd get, so I tend to find the "serious riders wear bike shorts" assertions really annoying, but I think you should wear them if you like them. Never said anything otherwise.
#92
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 2,067
Bikes: 84 Pinarello Trevisio, 86 Guerciotti SLX, 96 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2010 Surly Cross Check, 88 Centurion Prestige, 73 Raleigh Sports, GT Force, Bridgestone MB4
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 278 Post(s)
Liked 71 Times
in
56 Posts
You know, it really is not needed to wear kit for casual cycling or even commuting/transportation. I was in Europe for sometime a few years ago and I saw many, many people using bicycles as basic transportation and none of them were in kit and most of them were smoking. Some even pushed the bike up hills and coasted down. They had baskets full of groceries and goods and wore plain street clothing, suits, dresses and leather shoes. I saw few people but Americans wearing sneakers. Mostly leather shoes, button shirts and tucked in with a belt. Suits on bikes were common.
For sport, training, performance cycling, racing or just for serious cycling, sure put on the uniform but it really is okay to commute and ride in regular clothing. I certainly did not wear Lycra speed suits to class in HS and college and yet commuted to classes and to and from school on my "English Racer" (sorry Sheldon, E3S) or my "10-Speed" bicycle. I had on the typical bell bottom jeans and a teeshirt and Birkies or loafers or whatever was in season, I would have found it impractical to change into and out of cycling clothing multiple times a day or clack around Chemistry lab in cleats!
For sport, training, performance cycling, racing or just for serious cycling, sure put on the uniform but it really is okay to commute and ride in regular clothing. I certainly did not wear Lycra speed suits to class in HS and college and yet commuted to classes and to and from school on my "English Racer" (sorry Sheldon, E3S) or my "10-Speed" bicycle. I had on the typical bell bottom jeans and a teeshirt and Birkies or loafers or whatever was in season, I would have found it impractical to change into and out of cycling clothing multiple times a day or clack around Chemistry lab in cleats!
Likes For Loose Chain:
#93
Member
I felt like you, long time ago...I remember telling a fiend that I wouldn't wear those ridiculous bike shorts...I wear them all the time now, they better for cycling.
#94
☢
Re shorts: As others have stated wear what is comfortable for you.
Re tops: I just recently purchased two inexpensive cycling Jerseys. I am not wearing them to emulate the pros, or to try and go faster. I tried them to see how they felt on a ride, and it made a world of difference in comfort. I usually ride with a hydration pack, and caring gear over moisture wicking athletic shirts. I went from having drenched shirts to sightly damp. It also just felt more comfortable for the ride. I'd suggest but an inexpensive one and see how you feel.
Re cleats: I can't offer much of an opinion on that, I ride flats and they work for me. However I do have an opinion on what another person commenting that cleats, shoes could add up to more than what the bike was worth... So what. Upgrade your bike, make it work for you. Plus you've just made it more valuable.
Re tops: I just recently purchased two inexpensive cycling Jerseys. I am not wearing them to emulate the pros, or to try and go faster. I tried them to see how they felt on a ride, and it made a world of difference in comfort. I usually ride with a hydration pack, and caring gear over moisture wicking athletic shirts. I went from having drenched shirts to sightly damp. It also just felt more comfortable for the ride. I'd suggest but an inexpensive one and see how you feel.
Re cleats: I can't offer much of an opinion on that, I ride flats and they work for me. However I do have an opinion on what another person commenting that cleats, shoes could add up to more than what the bike was worth... So what. Upgrade your bike, make it work for you. Plus you've just made it more valuable.
On the other hand, some might argue the front zipper which offer some modicum of increased/decreased air flow on the go.
You know, it really is not needed to wear kit for casual cycling or even commuting/transportation. I was in Europe for sometime a few years ago and I saw many, many people using bicycles as basic transportation and none of them were in kit and most of them were smoking. Some even pushed the bike up hills and coasted down. They had baskets full of groceries and goods and wore plain street clothing, suits, dresses and leather shoes. I saw few people but Americans wearing sneakers. Mostly leather shoes, button shirts and tucked in with a belt. Suits on bikes were common.
For sport, training, performance cycling, racing or just for serious cycling, sure put on the uniform] but it really is okay to commute and ride in regular clothing. I certainly did not wear Lycra speed suits to class in HS and college and yet commuted to classes and to and from school on my "English Racer" (sorry Sheldon, E3S) or my "10-Speed" bicycle. I had on the typical bell bottom jeans and a teeshirt and Birkies or loafers or whatever was in season, I would have found it impractical to change into and out of cycling clothing multiple times a day or clack around Chemistry lab in cleats!
For sport, training, performance cycling, racing or just for serious cycling, sure put on the uniform] but it really is okay to commute and ride in regular clothing. I certainly did not wear Lycra speed suits to class in HS and college and yet commuted to classes and to and from school on my "English Racer" (sorry Sheldon, E3S) or my "10-Speed" bicycle. I had on the typical bell bottom jeans and a teeshirt and Birkies or loafers or whatever was in season, I would have found it impractical to change into and out of cycling clothing multiple times a day or clack around Chemistry lab in cleats!
#96
Full Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 313
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 123 Post(s)
Liked 83 Times
in
63 Posts
You know, it really is not needed to wear kit for casual cycling or even commuting/transportation. I was in Europe for sometime a few years ago and I saw many, many people using bicycles as basic transportation and none of them were in kit and most of them were smoking. Some even pushed the bike up hills and coasted down. They had baskets full of groceries and goods and wore plain street clothing, suits, dresses and leather shoes. I saw few people but Americans wearing sneakers. Mostly leather shoes, button shirts and tucked in with a belt. Suits on bikes were common.
For sport, training, performance cycling, racing or just for serious cycling, sure put on the uniform but it really is okay to commute and ride in regular clothing. I certainly did not wear Lycra speed suits to class in HS and college and yet commuted to classes and to and from school on my "English Racer" (sorry Sheldon, E3S) or my "10-Speed" bicycle. I had on the typical bell bottom jeans and a teeshirt and Birkies or loafers or whatever was in season, I would have found it impractical to change into and out of cycling clothing multiple times a day or clack around Chemistry lab in cleats!
For sport, training, performance cycling, racing or just for serious cycling, sure put on the uniform but it really is okay to commute and ride in regular clothing. I certainly did not wear Lycra speed suits to class in HS and college and yet commuted to classes and to and from school on my "English Racer" (sorry Sheldon, E3S) or my "10-Speed" bicycle. I had on the typical bell bottom jeans and a teeshirt and Birkies or loafers or whatever was in season, I would have found it impractical to change into and out of cycling clothing multiple times a day or clack around Chemistry lab in cleats!
And: even if I only go five miles, that's enough to sweat. And clothing caked in sweat is an issue to go through the rest of the day with. I see people riding in street cloths, but I can't do it. Even if I didn't wear cycling cloths, I need to change after riding to work. Bad enough that there's nowhere to take a shower, but I don't want to make it worse.
#97
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,973
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,536 Times
in
1,045 Posts
And therein lies the distinction between a cyclist and someone who just rides a bike. I mean just think about it. There are loads of other sports you can play and enjoy without the need for the full uniform cladding. But when you take that sport seriously, you dress to maximize comfort, safety and convenience and not to be totally overlooked, sometimes purely fashion.
#98
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,098 Times
in
5,054 Posts
Civil discussion of disagreements is always fine, btw. It is a forum. If anything I said made you think I considered what you posted as being "out of line", I apologize. There was nothing in your post that I would consider "uncivil".
#99
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Boston Roads
Posts: 975
Bikes: 2012 Canondale Synapse 105, 2017 REI Co-Op ADV 3.1
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 507 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times
in
133 Posts
You know, it really is not needed to wear kit for casual cycling or even commuting/transportation. I was in Europe for sometime a few years ago and I saw many, many people using bicycles as basic transportation and none of them were in kit and most of them were smoking. Some even pushed the bike up hills and coasted down. They had baskets full of groceries and goods and wore plain street clothing, suits, dresses and leather shoes. I saw few people but Americans wearing sneakers. Mostly leather shoes, button shirts and tucked in with a belt. Suits on bikes were common.
For sport, training, performance cycling, racing or just for serious cycling, sure put on the uniform but it really is okay to commute and ride in regular clothing. I certainly did not wear Lycra speed suits to class in HS and college and yet commuted to classes and to and from school on my "English Racer" (sorry Sheldon, E3S) or my "10-Speed" bicycle. I had on the typical bell bottom jeans and a teeshirt and Birkies or loafers or whatever was in season, I would have found it impractical to change into and out of cycling clothing multiple times a day or clack around Chemistry lab in cleats!
For sport, training, performance cycling, racing or just for serious cycling, sure put on the uniform but it really is okay to commute and ride in regular clothing. I certainly did not wear Lycra speed suits to class in HS and college and yet commuted to classes and to and from school on my "English Racer" (sorry Sheldon, E3S) or my "10-Speed" bicycle. I had on the typical bell bottom jeans and a teeshirt and Birkies or loafers or whatever was in season, I would have found it impractical to change into and out of cycling clothing multiple times a day or clack around Chemistry lab in cleats!
#100
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Cycling shorts are definitely functional for a variety of reason. However tops are basically shirts with rear pocket. Although they are made of technical fabric, you can get the same breathablity from almost any similar material T-shirt (sans the rear pockets) for a lot less.
On the other hand, some might argue the front zipper which offer some modicum of increased/decreased air flow on the go.
On the other hand, some might argue the front zipper which offer some modicum of increased/decreased air flow on the go.