Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Purchased riding shoes

I can't believe the improvement in riding comfort!

I thought I needed wider pedals, but it was my athletic shoes (wide base) that were causing me the problems.

I bought some Answer Paladade shoes and love 'em. I'll probably step up to pedals with some cleats. These shoes have the mounting area on the bottom, so they should just bolt right onto some cleat style pedals.

$50 well spent.

KRS

It's amazing how wearing stuff designed for cycling can help improve your rides :D

Who would have thought such a thing :P

Wait until he discovers the shorts.

Wait until he discovers the shorts.

Took me 3 months for that one and it was one of the best days in my life. Who new riding a bike in the south in summer could be fun and not come back 5 pounds heavier from all the sweat in the cotton t-shirt, shorts, socks and underwear. :lol:

Wait until he discovers the shorts.

Honestly, I've only found minimal difference between cycling shorts and regular shorts/track pants with a pair of compression shorts underneath. Ditto for cycling jerseys over other shirts designed for athletic use (the Champion section at target and hitting the racks for Kappa soccer gear at Burlington Coat Factory are my favorites -- with prices about 20-33% of most cycling jerseys).

Honestly, I've only found minimal difference between cycling shorts and regular shorts/track pants with a pair of compression shorts underneath. Ditto for cycling jerseys over other shirts designed for athletic use (the Champion section at target and hitting the racks for Kappa soccer gear at Burlington Coat Factory are my favorites -- with prices about 20-33% of most cycling jerseys).
I used to ride "Iron Butt", but as I got older, I've found I NEED that chamois! Heck, after 50 or more miles into a ride, I really have learned to appreciate the joys of padded shorts!

I used to ride "Iron Butt", but as I got older, I've found I NEED that chamois! Heck, after 50 or more miles into a ride, I really have learned to appreciate the joys of padded shorts!

Sure, they do make a larger difference on longer rides. For me, about 40 miles is my break-even point, where the cost of the chamois is justified.
But for my daily commute, it's really not needed.

Sure, they do make a larger difference on longer rides. For me, about 40 miles is my break-even point, where the cost of the chamois is justified.
But for my daily commute, it's really not needed.
Understood, but an average ride for me starts at 50 miles and thus far, my peak is 167 miles in 11 1/2 hrs.

I agree with the above... you need some tight black padded biking shorts next. It really does make a huge difference. Less chafing (read: none), they keep things out of the way, and you feel faster!

...sometimes I even wear them while riding my bike... :D

For rides under 50 miles and temperatures under 75 degrees I've found it doesn't make much difference what type of shorts I use. On my recumbent I can ride in levis with no problems, on the upright its very important to choose shorts that work and a saddle that breaths and fits. I like my old school leather Brooks saddles but will be trying a Sella An-atomica soon, since I think they are the best in every way, based on what I've researched and the testimonials from experienced riders. :eek:

...sometimes I even wear them while riding my bike... :D

Well there's a mental image :eek:

Padded shorts 'eh?

I was going to try some compression shorts (Underarmor) over the next three days while riding and see what I thought.

My cousin is also sending me an extra set of clipless pedals from his MTB he pulled off and put a different brand on.

Good advice all !