General Cycling Discussion - Little Question

Just what says the title, I just wanted to know why cyclist often uses tights instead of loose shorts?

It sounds like a troll, but meh, I'll bite.

1. Loose flappy things disturb airflow, and thus, absorb some power. ( Not much, but some )

2. Loose shorts cannot compress the muscles, muscle compression has been found to be beneficial.

3. Loose shorts can let things, err, dangle, where they can be caught, pinched...etc.

I'm known to wear loose shorts while mtb'ing. I like tights or lycra shorts better because they don't catch on things like the horn of the seat. I hate it when I mount my bike and the bottom of the shorts catch on the horn as I'm fixin' to take off. The same when dismounting, I hate when the shorts catch on the seat and it looks like I gored myself and kinda giving myself a wedgie. Tights and shorts are a good no-nonsense piece of clothing for bike riding. They wick moisture away from the body too.
Lastly, tights and lycra shorts stay in place. When I bicycle at top speed, loose shorts will billow up the thigh, giving the ladies too much leg to look at. In my case this can start a stampede and we can't have that on a busy street can we?
Ernest

In my case, I've found that with my old Raleigh, the saddle is most comfy with the forward end pointed up. Sometimes when I get on the bike with loose shorts, the shorts catch on the tip of the seat and I have to reposition them to get comfy. That said, I don't where tight shorts. I have yet to buy any clothing designed for riding a bicycle.

Once I found BMX shorts I see no reason for anyone to ever wear lycra on the street. Dont get me wrong I see the benefits and I wear tri-shorts when i race in Triathlons, but when I train I have a few pairs of Fox Racing BMX shorts. They are lined inside like lycra shorts, they are tight and have padding and are moisture wicking, but then they have an outside short thats very form fitting but basically looks like regular shorts. I have done 30+ mile rides in the summer, in the wind, etc and they are super comfortable and have no wicking, chafing, or any other problems regular shorts give. while maybe I'll lose a little in aerodynamics, its nice to be able to be comfortable on my bike, and also comfortable being off it.

My lycra shorts match my bike :-)

chafing



no one likes it.

I like to show off my curves.



:D:o

Everything you said, plus street baggies can wrinkle between you and the saddle and cause sores on a long ride. Really, though, I think a huge portion of it is style. I've been riding for nearly 40 years, and in just the last five or six, the sport's been taken over by people who place a lot of importance on dressing up like cartoon superheroes before they go out and circle the park. A friend of mine, actually a pretty good rider, won't go half a mile to the grocery store without putting on his lycra AND filling his water bottles.
Personally, I wear mountain bike shorts for nearly everything, including all-day rides. They work fine for me, and I can go into 7-Eleven or Starbuck's without looking like a dork. I usually wear a T-shirt instead of a jersey, too, because, come on, about 10 bucks vs. $75 for something that's no more comfortable? I have half a dozen real jerseys, including two expensive wool ones, but they live in the drawer.

I ride to work in my "work clothes". Dickies pants and cotton t-shirt. The cooler weather I've been wearing a long sleeve military issued shirt.

Because Everyone Knows that bicycling is a proffesional sport!

And only Amateur's ride in casual clothing!

Because Everyone Knows that bicycling is a proffesional sport!

And only Amateur's ride in casual clothing!

come on dude, I wear a short made like basketball shorts but this one is tight but not like the lycra, and my t-shirt is made by the same material, is not a biking uniform but I have drop off a lot of cyclists with their uniform, is not a matter of being amateur or pro.

Thats the funny thing, when I'm out on the bike path I see plenty of guys that obviously walked into the bike shop with way too much money (musta seen them coming) and said "I want to be a biker!" and wham there ya go. There was this overweight fella yesterday (no offence to the overweight members, this story is going somewhere) with a very expensive looking aero carbon bike (didn't catch the make), going probably 13 mph in a full Team Astana outfit. I was trying to run down a couple guys yesterday too that were all dressed up for the party. I saw them getting in at the turnaround so I waited to give them a lead. I almost caught them within the third mile, until I realized I forgot to zip up my backpack and had to stop to pick up my wallett and keys! argh!

What I don't get is the LBS has plenty of lycra setups that are neutral (Black shorts, various color shirts), yet these people still wrap them selves up like Lance and Alberto (and ladies please you are excluded here and always more than welcome to wear lycra! ;) ).

Thats the funny thing, when I'm out on the bike path I see plenty of guys that obviously walked into the bike shop with way too much money (musta seen them coming) and said "I want to be a biker!" and wham there ya go. There was this overweight fella yesterday (no offence to the overweight members, this story is going somewhere) with a very expensive looking aero carbon bike (didn't catch the make), going probably 13 mph in a full Team Astana outfit. I was trying to run down a couple guys yesterday too that were all dressed up for the party. I saw them getting in at the turnaround so I waited to give them a lead. I almost caught them within the third mile, until I realized I forgot to zip up my backpack and had to stop to pick up my wallett and keys! argh!

What I don't get is the LBS has plenty of lycra setups that are neutral (Black shorts, various color shirts), yet these people still wrap them selves up like Lance and Alberto (and ladies please you are excluded here and always more than welcome to wear lycra! ;) ).

So, ladies are OK to wear Lycra whenever? But guys no? I wear Lycra shorts most of the time, because I find it more comfortable. When it's hot, I will sometimes wear "runner" type shorts, with, if going a reasonable distance, triathlon speedos under for a bit of padding. My bike shorts are almost all black, but I have no objection to color, I am looking at the velowear shorts, and will probably buy whatever bibs they have on sale, as long as the color is not offensive. I choose my shorts based on price versus quality, with particular regard to the type of padding, I prefer a minimal pad. As for what it looks like. Meh. I too, find it vaguely amusing to see someone riding in full co-ordinated team strip, when they are obviously not a fast rider, but hey, if they are just demonstrating their support for their chosen sports hero, <shrug.> It's no more ridiculous than going around in a Hockey jersey.

Running used to be the loose shorts but now its all changed. Baketball players back in the old days of Larry Bird, Dr. J, and Magic Johnson used to have tighter shorts. Now its loose shorts with tights underneath.

Cycling is more critical because of the bike seat and the pedalling, like a fine tuned and efficient two cylinder machine.

It sounds like a troll.
Ya think? :)

I wear shorts when it's warm.

I like to show off my curves.



:D:o

somebody with a good reason. more power to you.

Just what says the title, I just wanted to know why cyclist often uses tights instead of loose shorts?

If you don't want to join the lycra crowd, get a pair of Pearl Izumi Boxer Brief Liner Shorts (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/17456-595_PEABB8-1-Clothing-663-Base-Layer/Pearl-Izumi-Boxer-Brief-Liner-Shorts.htm) and wear them under whatever loose shorts you want. The offer some support, breathe okay, and have a nice chamois pad.

REI has their version (http://www.rei.com/product/763566), too.

So, ladies are OK to wear Lycra whenever? But guys no? I wear Lycra shorts most of the time, because I find it more comfortable. When it's hot, I will sometimes wear "runner" type shorts, with, if going a reasonable distance, triathlon speedos under for a bit of padding. My bike shorts are almost all black, but I have no objection to color, I am looking at the velowear shorts, and will probably buy whatever bibs they have on sale, as long as the color is not offensive. I choose my shorts based on price versus quality, with particular regard to the type of padding, I prefer a minimal pad. As for what it looks like. Meh. I too, find it vaguely amusing to see someone riding in full co-ordinated team strip, when they are obviously not a fast rider, but hey, if they are just demonstrating their support for their chosen sports hero, <shrug.> It's no more ridiculous than going around in a Hockey jersey.

That part was a joke.... If a guy wants to wear it hey, thats his choice, I'd bet money 3/4 of the people wearing "team gear" couldn't name 1 person on said Bicycle team. The same functions of team clothing can be done with neutral colored clothing which is just as widely available.

My opinion being on the bike is that ridiculous, its a tough comparison to a Hockey Jersey, as in how many people do you see showing up to a flag football game with their new Cowboys jersey, or to a Hockey Game in full Devils gear. At least in my experience it doesn't usually happen. If a person is comfortable enough with their body to walk around in skin tight clothing, more power to them. However it doesn't mean I have to like it or not think they they look completely ridiculous.

I wear shorts when it's warm.

I find I need to wear shorts when it gets nippy out.

FrankGt2,

Just try them once, you will never go back.:thumb:

I've never had any problems with chafing. That said, I've never even ridden ten miles in one go, but I can ride it in my jeans with no problem.

Anyone who does have problems riding with street clothes, and I can imagine some kinds of problems would be more common for guys than girls, should be able to use whatever specialty clothes they want if it improves their comfort.

I have about $600 worth of lycra. Damn right I'm wearing it.

I'll even wear lycra or spandex of some kind -- even if it's not padded -- under regular clothing.

But yeah, I don't like things moving around (whether bunches of fabric or body parts), getting caught on the saddle or rubbing against my skin. Bibs are even better at this than shorts.

I don't like carrying items in the front pockets of shorts, either, partly because that's where they would fold during pedaling and partly because stuff can fall out more easily. So, I'll either use cargo pockets (whether regular shorts or MTB shorts) or the rear pockets of a cycling jersey.

Oh yeah, cycling jerseys -- they cover my lower back well, have those pockets that are out of the way, and the sleeves are cut so that they fit best while leaning forward on the bike.

I don't wear any of this stuff to look like a superhero (<<< see avatar :p), I wear it 'cuz it works.

If a person is comfortable enough with their body to walk around in skin tight clothing, more power to them. However it doesn't mean I have to like it or not think they they look completely ridiculous.
Yeah, but It is a pretty sure bet they don't care whether you "like it" or "think they they look completely ridiculous".

It is fine if some want to avoid tight bike clothes, but I think it is sad that the reason for many people's choice apparently is that they aren't "comfortable enough with their body to walk around in skin tight clothing".

Personally I think bike clothes are much more comfortable. I also think I look good in them, but would wear them even if I didn't. I am more partial to plain black shorts and most of my jerseys are plain colors. I don't really get the team kit thing, but if someone else likes it thats fine with me.

Wear what you like and don't worry about what someone else wears.

At the risk of getting thrown out on my first day here, I'll confess my bike clothing sin. For me, there's nothing like riding in Speedos. I usually wear a short shirt as well. But like the earlier posters said, baggy shorts get caught on the horn of the saddle when you're mounting or dismounting, and you have that problem with things dangling and potentially getting pinched. Speedos take care of both those problems, AND have the added bernefit of being "cut away" where the leg joins the hip, allowing the legs to go up and down on the pedals totally unencumbered--plus I love the feel of the air rushing over my skin.

That being said, I'm not an exhibitionist. Most of my riding is for fitness, and most of my riding is done between 5am and 7am.Very few people see me, but I enjoy it. (If I go out mid-day, I usually wear shorts like everybody else) As a matter of fact, the Speedos are probably th MAJOR reason I've been riding regularly for the last four years.

In May fours summers ago, we had an unusually nice stretch of warm, summer weather early. I found myself getting up early to go outdoors (in just Speedos) to savor the summery air and suck down my morning coffee. I was sure it wouldn't last, so I found myself getting up earlier and earlier--but I didn't want to just sit oudoors sucking down extra coffee.

I remembered my 1992 Haro Omega was in the shed, and it had been a while. I took it out, cleaned and lubed it, aired the tires, and went for a quick spin down the street (still in Speedos, mind you). THE FEELING BLEW MY MIND. I started with a six mile spin, and got it up to about fourteen in a few days. That was just the right length before work.

Weather permitting, I've done it for four seasons. First year only a little over 1000 miles, 2nd year 2000, last year 2200. This yeat not so good--it has rained a lot, and I was in Europe for a couple of weeks--so far about 1400, but I'm still going out. Naturally, I do wear longer shorts and even wind pants or tights when necessary. But the Speedos got me started. And last Sunday it was such a nice day, I violated my own rule about not flaunting them when families are out and about; so I rode 22 miles in the afternoon, AND I WAS IN PURE BLISS!!