Touring - What's between you and the seat?

I'm touring for the first time next week and wondering about the necessity of bicycle shorts. I commute everyday and have a pair, but I never wear them.
I am planning on getting another pair or two to wear while touring, but I'm curious what others wear while on tour.

Treat this as a poll and tell me what works for you if you don't mind.

I'm partial to standard issue, padded cycling shorts...light and compact, easy to clean and very comfortable. Also, regardless of tour length, two pairs are all I would need. Cleaning one pair on a daily basis just seems simpler than wading thru numerous pairs of dirty shorts stuffed in a bag.

A lightweight pair of *regular* nylon shorts can be slipped over the cycling shorts when stopping at diners, museums and so forth.

Scott

Agree on the two pair, and I wanted to mention Assos (think "ass - s.o.s." ) chamois creme, it's the best thing for long riding since 800mg motrin.

Work it in to your chamois each morning and you'll enjoy the day a lot more.

Cheers,
Ed

I wear padded cycling shorts while touring. Very comfortable. I only take one pair, and wash them by hand every night. I am considering taking a second pair next time.

I've crossed Australia 5 times and padded bike shorts are the only way to go.

I used to own bike shorts... I think it looks horrible! Especially on my relatively large body. These days, I mostly wear 'normal' shorts that can double as swimwear... there is nothing like finding a lake, stream or river to dive in in early afternoon on a hot summer day and get back on your bike to dry for the rest of the afternoon.

My ass cries for more comfort though...

Two pairs of bike shorts, with a pair of light shorts to wear over them. The baggy shorts on top causes the locals to be FAR more friendly, I've noticed. ;)

Commuting & touring I wear nylon shorts w/pockets over bike shorts over synthetic briefs. No real troubles with chaffing. I do apply a bit of Chamois Buttr' to help prevent it. For a months tour, a little bit of the Chamois Buttr' (a couple oz) lasts me fine.

For touring I bring 3 synthetic briefs, 2 padded bike shorts and 2 synthetic shorts. The regular synthetic shorts also have zip off legs-I bring the same color, so I only need 1 pair of the zip off legs.

Fittness rides & Brevets I wear bike shorts over synthetic briefs (or double padded shorts "commando" if its over a century).

Check out the Butt hygeine (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=102075) thread for some ideas on what folks do to prevent saddle soares, particularly when showers are not readily available.

I was never comfortable doing rides > 20-25 miles until I got real cycling shorts.

A vote for no synthetics and no padded shorts here. I like to look as little like an alien as possible - I'm on a vacation not the Tour de France. I want to be able to spend time in a museum, cafe, hikes whatever without changing clothes or looking like a freak. In the past I have worn basically cargo shorts with Andiamos (http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/clothing/22301.html) underneath them. And this is the trick, the Andiamos give you the advantage of cycling shorts but you can wear about anything. Plus the non-synthetics don't generate that funky smell. This year I have gotten shorts that were designed for cyclists (no seams in bad places) but still look normal. Check out Rivendells MUSA shorts (http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/clothing/22427.html). They also have riding pants (http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/clothing/22432.html) which I also am going to get. With a pair of the Andiamo's under these you are set for all day riding and still looking like a regular member of society.

A vote for no synthetics and no padded shorts here. I like to look as little like an alien as possible - I'm on a vacation not the Tour de France. I want to be able to spend time in a museum, cafe, hikes whatever without changing clothes or looking like a freak. In the past I have worn basically cargo shorts with Andiamos (http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/clothing/22301.html) underneath them. And this is the trick, the Andiamos give you the advantage of cycling shorts but you can wear about anything. Plus the non-synthetics don't generate that funky smell. This year I have gotten shorts that were designed for cyclists (no seams in bad places) but still look normal. Check out Rivendells MUSA shorts (http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/clothing/22427.html). They also have riding pants (http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/clothing/22432.html) which I also am going to get. With a pair of the Andiamo's under these you are set for all day riding and still looking like a regular member of society.

I'm pickin up what you're puttin' down brotha. I'm a RR subscriber so I've seen the andiamos and MUSA shorts. Don't worry, all bike shorts will be worn under normal shorts, no one on the trip is inclined to look like an alien. For this trip (which is next week) we're going to have to go with funky smelling synthetics. I work at a shop I'm picking up gear for the other guys touring with me. Funky smelling synthetics is all we stock, but at least I get it discounted.

I actually have some Andiamos on order, they may not be here in time for the tour, though. You know they are synthetic as well, right? At least that's what it says on the web catalog.

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Wish I would have thought of it!

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