General Cycling Discussion - bike shorts underwear

Hi
I am a keen male cyclist, and have been struggling with an issue for some time. I have always worn underwear under my niks for two reasons. One is that everything is kept in place and this prevents any unwanted stimulation from the nature from the riding action, and the second is that any fluid leakage is contained. I know this will gross some people out, but I would like to hear some advice please. I have found g string underwear to be the best compromise because it holds everything in place and gives no underwear line. I have found that wearing no underwear allows my bits to become pinched or uncomfortable. Do I just need to get used to wearing my niks without underwear? Has anyone else had these issues? I am just a regular guy after some good honest advice. :rolleyes:

I sense a Nazi in the future.

I sense a Nazi in the future.
Look out! Here he comes! :eek:



I tried wearing underwear with cycling shorts when I first started riding. VERY uncomfortable!!!

All I wear under my cycling shorts is a little sweat. Everything stays in place. No worries about "leakage" or "accidents" either.

Be brave - go commando. Everyone else does, with the exception of a few odd folks. :D



I have found that wearing no underwear allows my bits to become pinched or uncomfortable.
Are your short too loose? Maybe you need to wear the next smaller size.

I also made the mistake of wearing underwear when I first started riding. I have learned urban commando is the only way!

Look out! Here he comes! :eek:

Be brave - go commando. Everyone else does, with the exception of a few odd folks. :D




Ron, I'm not "odd," I am just smarter.

By the way, the "poll" portion of this thread is all screwed up.

Isn't all of this "Deja vu" on top of "Deja vu?"

In how many threads has this already been hashed out? 10? 20? 30?

I sense a Nazi in the future.

It's only a matter of time.

Anywho, on the issue of commando, or "free-balling" as I'd like to call it - it's a winner. I've found that this technique works on and off the bike. I'll never wear underwear again in any circumstance, and I'm loving it.

Try it - you'll like it ... REALLY!!!!! :D

Ron, I'm not "odd," I am just smarter.
I knew you'd come back with a comment. ;)

I've found that this technique works on and off the bike. I'll never wear underwear again in any circumstance, and I'm loving it.

Try it - you'll like it ... REALLY!!!!! :D
I tried it this summer and the boys were REALLY glad. :)
Now that cooler weather is here, the boys get chilly so sometimes I put on a pair of http://www.hanes.com/mens/images/thumbnails/KB-3P.jpg under my jeans. Then they feel crowded. :(

<snip> I have found g string underwear to be the best compromise because it holds everything in place and gives no underwear line. I have found that wearing no underwear allows my bits to become pinched or uncomfortable. Do I just need to get used to wearing my niks without underwear? Has anyone else had these issues? I am just a regular guy after some good honest advice. :rolleyes:

You have some very lagit questions and concerns.

I tried the thong thing too. The problem is, you really don't want anything between the cycling short pad and your body that can rub or cause irritation. So as others suggest "commando" is the way to go. Just remember, the cycling shorts are designed specifically for supporting you and giving the TLC to the saddle areas. If your moving around, then you need to go to a smaller size shorts.

Also, like Denver said, there are several threads on this site that can also help a great deal.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=32775&highlight=underwear among others. You can use the search feature and type in the word, "underwear" without the quotes and it will list several threads.

It really boils down to personal comfort. If your comfortable for the time you spend in the saddle, then go for which ever style of undies work for you. I think most of us prefer to have nothing between us and our cycling shorts.

Good luck!

I sense a nazi appearance soon but my advice to you that where undies save your hard earned money on bike shorts it does defeat their purpose. The pad is not for cushion it is a chamois so it is for liquid absorption. So I will not tell you whether to wear undies or not it just doesn't make sense to drop $30+ on something you are not going to use properly.

Hi
I am a keen male cyclist, and have been struggling with an issue for some time. I have always worn underwear under my niks for two reasons. One is that everything is kept in place and this prevents any unwanted stimulation from the nature from the riding action, and the second is that any fluid leakage is contained. I know this will gross some people out, but I would like to hear some advice please. I have found g string underwear to be the best compromise because it holds everything in place and gives no underwear line. I have found that wearing no underwear allows my bits to become pinched or uncomfortable. Do I just need to get used to wearing my niks without underwear? Has anyone else had these issues? I am just a regular guy after some good honest advice. :rolleyes:

Leakage????

You have trouble with leakage????

Maybe a trip to the urologist is in order. Depending on what kind of fluid you are leaking, you may have a serious disorder. Or perhaps the problem is that your saddle is giving you an unwanted prostate massage. Or maybe no one has taught you the gentlemanly art of urination.

There is a bit of bathroom wall doggerel that says: "No matter how you shake and dance/the last few drops stay in your pants." To avoid the problem of post-pee pants spotting, try the following. Behind your scrotum and in front of your perineum is a fleshy spot called the "bulb" of the penis. After voiding your bladder, press upward on it. This should force the last bit of urine from your urethra and keep your trousers from getting embarassing wet spots.

It occurs to me that the problem may be that you are wearing the wrong shorts. Bike shorts are usually made of lycra, most often black in color. They have a pad in the crotch area which is designed to protect the most delicate of the five points of contact between your body and your bike. The pad usually has a bit of terry cloth that should absorb any "leakage." Being black, your shorts shouldn't show any spots, anyway. I mean, you could probably evacuate your bladder completely in the shorts with no one being the wiser. Don't ask me how I know this.

Since bike shorts are made of lycra, they should give plenty of support to your dangly bits, provided they fit properly. But, as you are complaining of a lack of support and worried about leakage, I suspect that you may actually be wearing tennis shorts. Are your shorts white? Are the legs less than about 8 inches long? Do they have a pad in the crotch?

I advise you to stop wearing underwear under your bike shorts immediately. Bike shorts that fit correctly do not require underwear. Underwear only invites chafing, saddle sores, and rude comments from other cyclists. Go commando, Bike5555. You won't regret it.

If you are certain that you are wearing proper bicycle shorts, and still have trouble with leakage, I can only suggest that you trade in your bike for a wheelchair, and swap the thong for some Depends.

To sum up: Get some bicycle shorts that fit correctly and lose the underwear. Underwear will only hurt you in the end.

Got it?

Good.

Now, repeat after me:

I, (state your name), acknowledging that underwear is evil, do solemnly swear that from this day forth and forevermore I shall never again wear underwear under my bike shorts for any reason ever. Period.

Good soldier.

Underwear Nazi
Leakage????

you gotta do "The Petacchi" and pull the wedding tackle upfront against your stomach.

Just cause the geeks in the Performance catalog tuck everything down for the photo shoot doesn't mean you should ride like that.

I've got HUGE nuts, like a couple of plums in an old sock. I used to get stuff pinched all the time till I pulled it all up front.

If you don't wanna walk around the parking lot/coffe shop like that, then just wait till you get rolling, then dig it all out and get it up front.

you gotta do "The Petacchi" and pull the wedding tackle upfront against your stomach.

Just cause the geeks in the Performance catalog tuck everything down for the photo shoot doesn't mean you should ride like that.

I've got HUGE nuts, like a couple of plums in an old sock. I used to get stuff pinched all the time till I pulled it all up front.

If you don't wanna walk around the parking lot/coffe shop like that, then just wait till you get rolling, then dig it all out and get it up front.

Guys thanks so much for the advice and for not making me feel like a freak. I will definantly give the commando thing a proper go. Its something that I have been considering for quite a while. I'll keep you posted.

Biking shorts=no underware,ever no matter what reasons anybody tries to give you for there shortcomings.You could try baggies.

All,

Went out yesterday for an hour + ride with no underwear. Did the pull it all up front thing, and i thought it felt great. As in, no pinching or squishing. I think it will be a few more rides before I am totally confident that everything is under control. If I saw something I really liked, it would be very embarassing!

It might be a while before I am riding to work this way, but my casual rides can be done like this for the meantime.
:p

I find that sitting on the saddle keeps the boys under control..... and if you standing next to bike and you see something nice just hop back on that there saddle.... takes no time at all for the "swelling" to go down.

Brendon

All,

Went out yesterday for an hour + ride with no underwear. Did the pull it all up front thing, and i thought it felt great. As in, no pinching or squishing. I think it will be a few more rides before I am totally confident that everything is under control. If I saw something I really liked, it would be very embarassing!

It might be a while before I am riding to work this way, but my casual rides can be done like this for the meantime.
:p
Boy,you must have really liked the pull it up part.

...Behind your scrotum and in front of your perineum is a fleshy spot called the "bulb" of the penis. After voiding your bladder, press upward on it. This should force the last bit of urine from your urethra...

Science!

I find that sitting on the saddle keeps the boys under control..... and if you standing next to bike and you see something nice just hop back on that there saddle.... takes no time at all for the "swelling" to go down.

Brendon

is that the fairer sex on bikes is pretty darn fit.. That is usually a turn on. Still, Don't care for women with humongous calfs, but toned is really nice. Guess just stay in the saddle,don't stop, and everything will be all right..

'my bits'
'wedding tackle'
'the boys'
'huge nuts'
'like plums in an old sock'
'G-string'
'commando'

'my bits'
'wedding tackle'
'the boys'
'huge nuts'
'like plums in an old sock'
'G-string'
'commando'

The human male's gift for descriptive allegory is astounding, isn't it? :p

'my bits'
'wedding tackle'
'the boys'
'huge nuts'
'like plums in an old sock'
'G-string'
'commando'
Well you dont expect us to use words like penis or testicles now do you?

Marty

Well you dont expect us to use words like penis or testicles now do you?

Marty

:eek: I'm tellin' your mom!

Entertaining and informative as always!

I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Underware Nazi is worth the price of admission.

-For the record: Commando for three years and counting....

I appreciate the original question. I am one of those people who find it hard to go commando. I have tried and have ended up with pain. I tried to follow the advice of the Underwear Nazi--he' s so definitive, but I have gone back to speedos or thongs underneath. It's just much more comfortable. And frankly, I have ridden thousands of miles without problems. I don't get chafing, nor does the underwear contribute to perspiration problems. And my boys are much happier. And when the boys are happier, I'm happier, as is my wife.

Been cruisin for a confrontration with the Nazi..Most of the year, I say commando is just fine......But at low 40's commando is commando. The bike pad just does not cut low 40's.
Nothing worse than shivering private parts. I have one pair of made for cycling nylon underwear, with a special liner, up front for cold temps...Wow, going down a hill at nearly 40 mph, at 40 degrees, the anatomy is shrinking, I meant shrieking. That thermal undershorts really made the downhill more comfortable..
Any Nazi's out there will just have to see the underwear line. Offend Nazi's or shrieking parts.. Nazi will just have to wait for spring thaw... Around here that will be in just a couple days... Hate to get home and wonder how a blow dryer would defrost your parts. Guess, awarm bath will do the job. It was really cold this moring.
Felt pretty good..The vinyl shoe covers.Winter gloves. A scarf, head scarf, winter undershorts, bike shorts, tights,my warmest jersey, thickest jacket.arm warmers..Today, it did not get above 50 until probably noon....I was ok...

Entertaining and informative as always!

I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Underware Nazi is worth the price of admission.

-For the record: Commando for three years and counting....

Thanks for the vote of confidence, soldier! Keep up the good work.


I appreciate the original question. I am one of those people who find it hard to go commando. I have tried and have ended up with pain. I tried to follow the advice of the Underwear Nazi--he' s so definitive, but I have gone back to speedos or thongs underneath. It's just much more comfortable. And frankly, I have ridden thousands of miles without problems. I don't get chafing, nor does the underwear contribute to perspiration problems. And my boys are much happier. And when the boys are happier, I'm happier, as is my wife.

I'm definitive because I'm right. As I recall, you tried commando and liked it. Your problem came not from riding, but from using a piece of gym equipment called a "transporter." Bike shorts are for bicycling. When worn for bicycling, bike shorts should not be worn with underwear.


Been cruisin for a confrontration with the Nazi..Most of the year, I say commando is just fine......But at low 40's commando is commando. The bike pad just does not cut low 40's.
Nothing worse than shivering private parts. I have one pair of made for cycling nylon underwear, with a special liner, up front for cold temps...Wow, going down a hill at nearly 40 mph, at 40 degrees, the anatomy is shrinking, I meant shrieking. That thermal undershorts really made the downhill more comfortable..
Any Nazi's out there will just have to see the underwear line. Offend Nazi's or shrieking parts.. Nazi will just have to wait for spring thaw... Around here that will be in just a couple days... Hate to get home and wonder how a blow dryer would defrost your parts. Guess, awarm bath will do the job. It was really cold this moring.
Felt pretty good..The vinyl shoe covers.Winter gloves. A scarf, head scarf, winter undershorts, bike shorts, tights,my warmest jersey, thickest jacket.arm warmers..Today, it did not get above 50 until probably noon....I was ok...

Hmmm...a seasonal soldier in the anti-panty army?

Actually, cyclezealot, I think the coastal weather has spoiled you. Lower 40s is not truly cold. Ask SinGate. He comes from America's Dairyland (State motto: "Come smell our dairy air") where it gets truly cold, and he doesn't feel the need for underwear under his bike shorts. Toughen up! This Nazi has ridden in temperatures well below 0 farenheit. I just put on a pair of heavy tights over my shorts. If it's too cold for that, I add a pair of wind pants. I've even worn a pair of PolarTec fleece sweats between the tights and the wind pants for extra insulation. But never, never under any circumstances, for any reason, have I ever found it necessary to put a layer under my bike shorts.

Underwear Nazi
Nothing comes between me and my chamois

I have one pair of made for cycling nylon underwear, with a special liner, up front for cold temps...
Isn't this the same as the undies with Chamois type liner, and
doesn't that count as the same as going commando with Bike shorts?
sounds too much like arguing semantics to me.

Always Commando Marty

The human male's gift for descriptive allegory is astounding, isn't it? :p

Ain't THAT the truth?

:roflmao:

Yeah, Lotek..It is sort of like wearing a double paded pad... But the undershorts' pad is wind resistant, I guess...Does a great job of keeping out the cold. Heah, I would rather be hot down there, than frigid any day........Seems I got my undershorts' underdraws at Nashbar...... Sorry Nazi, to we warm landed panty wastes, 40 at 40 is darn cold...
Not to worry, such thermal needs for the down under areas, only is like 5 days a year...If one takes mid-day rides, unlikely for such a need even for those five days...... So the other 361 days - commando is the norm...
Besides Nazi, Wisconsin does not have any real hills for screeching down to up the wind chill.... Wind chill needs be crotch less.

Not sure I follow you, but the wind chill outside today is -20 degrees, and we do have hills lots of them.

I do understand your point about -20 degrees.. But that is why some live in southern climes... I grew up in Michigan..But, then if I lived in such climes, the extent of my sports life would be the remote, hopefully a huge lotto winning, so I would not have to leave the house from Christmas to Easter, and a winter vacation to Tahiti.
Not to mitigate the beauty of Wisconsin, it is beautiful-just I choose to see it in June...January, we Wisconsin lotto winners living in the tundra, would be doing their cycling in New Zealand.....
I fear the cold temperature underdraws, wind pants, fleece, and everything else Nazi advocates would still only cause me to ride on the trainer. BUt, wow...I still commend your dedication to cycling and say Amen.. Ps do they make snow tires for bikes?
Singate.. I was talking about the relief of our nearby hills as opposed to say,My beautiful U.P. of northern Michigan..
Just a puny foothill,that the coastal 'flatlanders' wimp out on..Schearers' grade-only 10 miles from the Pacific-would put any hill in my old stomping grounds, the UP to shame..It is almost twice as high as anything in Michigan..Wipping down this grade- it is like 2 miles, at 9% grade and probably a drop of more than 1,300 ft... Mid west hills are just that...Hills...

No, Mr Nazi, you thought my problem was the transporter. My problem was the shorts--tri shorts, that smashed "my bits." I went to the doctor to talk about the testicular pain. He asked me the first thing, knowing that I do a lot of sports, "Are you wearing a jockstrap?" I said, "sometimes." He asked ,"Why not always?" I told him about the no-underwear theory for bikeshorts. He wasn't convinced. He indicated that most tesiticular pain in athletes comes from lack of support. I've been supporting the boys ever since (at least with something, not a jockstrap, by the way), and they've been much more cooperative. And by the way (even though I don't wear a jock for riding), do you realize that jocktraps were created because of cyclists needs.

Well i guess if they are basketball size.Mine,normal so no jock,underware,just shorts even when it gets down to,yes mid 30's here in so cal.

No, Mr Nazi, you thought my problem was the transporter. My problem was the shorts--tri shorts, that smashed "my bits." I went to the doctor to talk about the testicular pain. He asked me the first thing, knowing that I do a lot of sports, "Are you wearing a jockstrap?" I said, "sometimes." He asked ,"Why not always?" I told him about the no-underwear theory for bikeshorts. He wasn't convinced. He indicated that most tesiticular pain in athletes comes from lack of support. I've been supporting the boys ever since (at least with something, not a jockstrap, by the way), and they've been much more cooperative. And by the way (even though I don't wear a jock for riding), do you realize that jocktraps were created because of cyclists needs.

Well, Bill, something is obviously wrong here. Maybe it's something wrong with your shorts. Maybe it's something wrong with your bits. Bicycle shorts are for bicycling. Properly fitting bicycle shorts provide plenty of support and do not require underwear.

You are right about one thing, however. The jockstrap was invented as a form of bicycle specific underwear. In fact, it was invented in 1874 by the Bike Athletic Company. Bike, now a subsidiary of Russell Athletic, is still a popular brand name.

Underwear Nazi
To be continued

However, in 1874, bicycling was a very different sport Than it is today. Back then, a bicycle was a high-wheeled affair called a "Penny Farthing" or "Ordinary."

Proper cycling attire was a woolen suit with a short jacket, knickers and knee socks. The outfit was finished off with a cap, a long-sleeved shirt and a bow tie.

A bicycle saddle in those benighted times was little more than a strap of leather hung between two springs. It was something of a cross between a horse saddle and a medieval instrument of torture.

Since lycra had not yet been invented, some form of support was needed. Typical men's underwear of the period was a long-handled one-piece cotton union suit.

Sportsmen sometimes adopted the shorter "Athletic Union Suit." Long or short, the union suit was not of much use to cyclists.

The jockstrap, in its day, was a real step forward in comfort and support for bicyclists. However, its day passed long ago. Modern padded lycra bicycle shorts and advances in bicycle manufacture and design have made the athletic supporter obsolete for cycling.

Of course, you may still wear a jockstrap under your bicycle kit, if you wish, Bill. However, to be proper about the entire thing, you should adopt the entire short woolen suit with bow tie.

Underwear Nazi
Knows his underwear

Ok now you got me rolling...................thanks for the history and pics. Ummmmm...except for that second to last one which took me by surprise.

Do u collect pictures of men in underware?Phone number please.LOL

Do u collect pictures of men in underware?Phone number please.LOL

Sorry, shokhead, but I don't have time for entangling relationships. There are too many asses to save.

Underwear Nazi
Appalled and flattered.

Darn.

Thanks, Mr. Nazi. You sure know your underwear and your jock straps. What I know is that many bike shorts are not comfortable for my nuts. I always wish that someone would design a pair that has something like a pouch in them. I'd be the first to buy them. The chamois is not a pouch. It is not supportive to some of us. And obviously, you are not "some of us." Congratulations!

[QUOTE=Bill] It is not supportive to some of us. [QUOTE]

Okay guys once and for all lets get it straight. It is a chamois's it is not designed to support or padding. So like they say in shop use the right tool (no pun intended ;) ) for the right job. I have never had a jock strap that really supported anything. And my undies don't either. So wear your under wear just save yourself the extra expense and don't buy padded bike shorts.

Mind you this is just my $0.02 wort and does not reflect the opinions of bikeforums.net or any of their affiliates :D

I have another reason to not wear underwear on my commute to work..I wash my cycling clothes for the return home.. My work partner is a woman.. Just feel sort of weird with my underwear hanging on the line for all to see.. Bike shorts are somewhat less personal... Not polite to tell someone either that you wear BVD's or boxers.. Certainly would be weird to have an atheltic supporter on the line.
oh yes..Once i did not change in time.. Got busy...Did not get my cycling clothes under my wind pants early enough..
The front desk office staff snickered and made smart a** remarks about my cycling clothes strewn about the front lobby restroom for all to see, when they came in in the morning..I get my cycling clothes on under my windpants no later than 4 am now. No matter what.

i think g-strings are the best to where under cycling shorts, i dont like goin camando. and g string dont effect any thing. so i think u should just wear the g stings

i think g-strings are the best to where under cycling shorts, i dont like goin camando. and g string dont effect any thing. so i think u should just wear the g stings

You did realize this thread's been dead for over 4 years, right?