smd4

Are there any non-spandex style shorts, that look like regular shorts with pockets, that have a chamois sewn in? Cycling shorts that have the benefits and comfort of cycling shorts but look like “normal” shorts?

Steve B.

Yes, mountain bikers find these shorts popular. Not sure why.

Chuck M 

I have a pair of mountain bike shorts kind of like that. The padding isn't sewn in, but connects by snaps so the shorts can be worn without padding. And they have a zippered pocket so things don't fall out.

smd4

I’ve got a pair like that and didn’t like the “free floating” feeling of the padding (it wasn’t chamois, so maybe that’s the difference).

smd4

My road bike shorts are probably older than you are. Maybe because they look stupid and aren’t all that comfortable?

Chuck M 

Yes, mine are not chamois, but foam. However they don't seem to "free float". The liner fits as snuggly as my regular bike shorts and doesn't move about. I think I got them at Academy Sports and they are cheap enough that if you tried a pair and didn't like them, you wouldn't be out much.

CAT7RDR

If you are serious about fit and comfort, purchase a nice pair of bib shorts and just wear a MTB nylon shell type short over it.

MattoftheRocks

For rides 1-5 hours, I just use sorta-whatever sorta-normal shorts and a brooks saddle.

There are some fabrics that’re too stiff, but for the most part, any shorts will be fine. The leather pulls the excess sweat out.

over 5 hours, I prefer to use basketball shorts.

Fredo76

If by chamois you mean the modern foam padding version, then yes. It can be hard to tell online how they are made however. I myself don't like the two separate shorts approach loosely connected - I want one elastic waistband, not two, and no fussing over how they go on. Another alternative is padded cycling underwear with regular shorts over them, but beware that few 'regular' shorts are cut well for cycling, so it's more trial and error.

Here is one example: https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Shor...dp/B09PM8F129/

There are thousands, of course.

indyfabz

Or maybe because it's time for a new pair. Just sayin'.

Steve B.

This ^

Old bike shorts get stretched out and cause chafing. I learned to throw them out after a few years. New bib shorts of good quality is the only shorts I use now.

mstateglfr 

doesn't add to the OP's question, but cool to know your nuts lack the ability to chafe of feel pain.
5 hour ride in 'sorta whatever sorta normal shorts? Quick math guess puts me at like 85 miles of riding at that point. Good lord- that sounds terrible with 'sorta normal sorta whatever' shorts on.
...and basketball shorts don't sound better.

When I think 'what should I wear for tomorrow's century ride?' I have never landed on basketball shorts.

But I am impressed you do.

zandoval 

I routinely wear regular shorts over my padded bike shorts. I like the pockets and the coverage. I do have to be selective in finding shorts with a high waist and wide gusset so I dont wear out the crotch too fast.

For me its a matter of sparing onlookers the disgust of GeaserDex...

Spandex on a geaser...

ofajen

I’ve taken to using Andiamo! cycling liners under something else, which could be a normal-looking short but this time of year is often normal-looking sweatpants. They are sort of like modern cycling shorts but the fabric is thinner and not quite substantial enough to be worn on their own. Not quite what you asked for, but they could work to similar effect.

Otto

SoSmellyAir

Don't worry, I am sure there are lots of people who look worse in yoga pants than you do in bike shorts.

rsbob 

Amazon has a ton of styles: https://www.amazon.com/mens-mountain...in+bike+shorts

Mtracer

You can get briefs with a pad built in, and then wear these under whatever you want.

Here's an example,

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I still prefer bibs for all riding to eliminate loose fabric chaffing my legs. But sometime I do very low effort, casual rides with my wife or friends and will wear briefs like these under regular cargo shorts.

LarrySellerz

You can wear normal shorts over the cycling shorts if you want, that’s what I do if I wear cycling shorts.

seypat

https://www.squidbikes.com/products/chamois-work-shorts

indyfabz

The worst is when they get worn in the year and you can see butt crack.

I will freely admit that happened to me. It was the first day of Cycle Oregon, 2002. A woman was riding behind me. She tactfully said "Those shorts must be very old." I told her they were, but for the life of me I couldn't figure out how she could know that. A couple of minutes later I got a sinking feeling in my heart. After I showered and changed, I stretched the shorts out with my hands. Into the trash they went.

Since then, I have done my civic duty by letting other cyclists know it's time for new shorts. They have always been appreciative.

smd4

I wish mine would get stretched out. Then maybe they'd be more comfortable!

I don't really want to wear regular shorts over padded shorts. To me that defeats the purpose. Don't want the hassle of bibs. I don't want "padding," I want a good chamois, which to me isn't considered "padding" in a pair of shorts that I might otherwise wear to the mall. Maybe the Dickies with Chamois that @seypat linked to? That's pretty much what I had in mind.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.

MattoftheRocks

yeah, I get infinitely more chafing in tight shorts, especially if they have a bunch of stitching around the soft bits just to hold some hotspot generating padding inside, and I’m really not into the idea of putting a premptive cream all over to solve a problem that only exists when I wear some problem-causing tight shorts.

basketball shorts are pure “swish” and super airy on everything down there, they’re just not aero.

if you ride instead of sit on & tenderize-knead the skin between your sitbones and the saddle, you really don’t need padding

mstateglfr 

Mmm, based on your description of cycling shorts with a pad, I am skeptical that you have ever worn, much less owned, a pair. What cycling shorts(tight with pad) have stitching around the soft bits? See below for a typical pad- the only stitching is around the perimeter, and that stitching isnt near your soft bits.
So instead of a pad with no stitching near your soft bits, you wear normal shorts that have multiple seams which join down at the crotch...and that stitching is fine?


Ah, I see- thank you for your expert analysis of what I and so many others have been doing wrong this whole time- we simply havent known how to properly ride. I will be sure to 'ride' instead of 'sit on & tenderize-knead the skin between your sitbones and the saddle'. Thatll fix everything- I will be sure to 'ride' moving forward.
Thanks.**

fredlord

The only time I wear normal shorts over my cycling shorts is when I'm meeting my sons (18 and 20) out in public for lunch or similar. I have grown weary of their snivelling. Otherwise I enjoy going cycling-commando for the comfort and convenience in hot, humid, sweaty Sydney. Having my junk on public display is a fringe benefit.

Eric F 

Despite having ridden in padded, lycra bicycle bibs for many thousands of miles, over multiple decades, on rides lasting less than an hour to more than 6 hours, I'm puzzled that I have had zero of the issues that you claim happen with that type of clothing. Why is that? Am I doing something different than the masses of other cyclists who wear the same type of clothing?