see-through shorts - to tell or not to tell?
 

Out for my ride yesterday I came upon a rider whose bike shorts had seen better days. No only that, the back end was see through :twitchy:

Now I didn't know this rider. And I was cycling faster than this rider, so I was going to pass them. I was having an internal debate whether or not I should tell this stranger that their bike shorts were see through. Maybe they didn't know? But then again, is it any of my business to tell a stranger about their clothing?

Well the decision was made for me as the rider turned before I had chance to make a final decision on what to do.

But what's the thought here? Do you tell someone about their see through shorts or just cycle on your merry way?

That's a 'no' for me, dog.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e5abc61205.jpg

Well, since this is Bike Forums I’ve gotta ask…. Was this other rider wearing cycling shorts, street shorts, soccer shorts, basketball shorts, work shorts, Home Depot shorts, short shorts, or bib shorts?

I say "don't tell" - however - if the rider is someone you know - and you know enough about them - and that they have other "better" shorts - than maybe a critique is is order..........

I've have those shorts that are getting a little see through. Does it bother you? They don't bother me. Don't look if you don't like what you see. You never told me about the piece of spinach stuck to my tooth or when my tie was undone at the funeral. Those were real embarrassing things I will have wanted you tell me about.

Is the subject your preferred gender, and hot? Then definitely no. Otherwise? Also no, people don't really like strangers telling them their junk is visible. Surely they already know and just don't care, or hoping to be spotted by someone who likes that stuff, just like the cheap, skin-tight, hail-damage-revealing pants worn by some patrons of discount stores and fast food joints.

Do tell. I do, after once being told. I was appreciative.

Actually a cute story. First day of Cycle Oregon 2002. Woman rides along side me and says something like "You must have had those shorts for a long time." then rides off. I thought "I have, but how in the hell did she know that?" After about a minute I think I got her drift. After showering at the end of the day's ride I inspected the shorts by stretching the backs with my hands.. Into the trash they went.

And did they wave?

It's kind of like having your fly open.
The fraternal brotherhood of cyclists states we need to look out for each other.

If I know someone well enough to give them **** about it, I'd bring it up. Otherwise, nah.

Don't act like a nanny, it's not your job to tell somebody that their clothing is worn out or has holes in it.

Tell a friend, they'll appreciate it. I've been told more than once through the years, I hate to give up on a comfy pair. Leave strangers alone.:twitchy:

OP is paying so much attention to other peoples butts.

Nice ride... Good pace... Hey man everyone can see your arse through your shorts... **** um... We are ridding... Giddy Up Cowboy...

Sounds like NoWhammies was ridding behind me recently....

My training partner years ago had a pair of well worn high quality wool and real chamois shorts. I rode many miles seeing a 1" circle of her butt. (She recalled those shorts when we rode together 40 years later.)

It's not my "job" to tell someone they left something on the roof of their car as they are about to drive off or that they dropped their wallet or that their shoe is untied or that their knapsack is not zippered, but I do.

Are you really so mean spirited or is it a BF persona you have adopted to try to rankle people?

"Hey bud, your barn door is see-through, just sayin'........"

My friends and I have an agreement to tell each other if our shorts become see-through. I don't know if I'd tell a stranger... I guess it would depend on the situation and how comfortable I felt.

I basically said that to a stranger one morning. (His shorts were REALLY bare in the back.) He was totally appreciative.

This thread is worthless without pics…

There was a from-behind pic of a naked man riding a bike. Mods must have deleted it because it showed a naked man's butt.

I suggest that no one repeat.

But that pic of the threadless would be without worth.

Agreed. No need to be here if that's what you're looking for.

I bet your a lot of fun at parties.

AFAIK I've never had a pair of shorts get that bad. So I have to ask, is it easy to tell just by holding them up? Or is it only obvious when wearing them?
I saw a guy on RAGBRAI that I assume was wearing his 7th best pair of shorts. Thought about telling him but couldn't quickly think of a tactful way to say it. Next time I'll tell someone because I would hope they would tell me.