General Cycling Discussion - lycra v. spandex

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neguypdx
04-19-02, 08:41 AM
Okay, so stupid question....is there a difference between lycra and spandex? I recently bought some Performance shorts via catalog and noticed that there were some that were described as lycra and some spandex. Also some say they have a nylon blend?

Also, any good shorts (specific make) to recommend?

The Performance shorts I got have a gel chamois. This is a BIG mistake on my part in getting these. It really isn't even that warm here and I have noticed that the gel chamois doesn't breathe at all. This will be really icky in the summer.

Thanks!

Richard D
04-19-02, 08:57 AM
I think lycra is simply duponts trademark for their spandex type material but I'm not 100%.

For recommendations, take a look at this thread:


http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6623&highlight=chamois

Richard
MichaelW
04-19-02, 11:39 AM
Cyclists wear Lycra
WWF wrestlers wear spandex.

Harry
04-20-02, 01:16 AM
Originally posted by Richard D
I think lycra is simply duponts trademark for their spandex type material but I'm not 100%.

Richard


Spandex is a generic name for Lycra in the US. The other generic name here in Europe is elastane.

Elastane is an elastic yarn which can be drafted (stretched in a composite yarn of garment) to up to 500%

Your shorts are probably a mixture of 80% coolmax/20% elastane. As there is more accompanying fiber in the garment it's not really true to say that the garmrnt is Lycra. It contains Lycra!

The quality of the garment depends more on the garment manufacturer than the elastane.
Dutchy
04-21-02, 08:24 PM
Cyclists wear Lycra
WWF wrestlers wear spandex.

:lol: :roflmao: :lol: