General Cycling Discussion - Urban cycling - need some shorts / knickers.

So I'm a road cyclist who lives in lower Manhattan and I'm looking for suggestions for something I can wear instead of bibs. Something a bit more street-ready than spandex, where I can walk into a store and look normal. I go for hard rides so the shorts would have to be technical / ok for that kind of workout.

I see messengers wearing three quarter pants. Maybe some MTB shorts? Any links you can share?

I just discovered Prana climbing knickers for urban riding. They're very comfortable and have a DWR treatment on them. Also, the fabric is somewhat stretchy, which accommodates the cycling motion well.

They cost about half of what cycling-specific knickers would cost.

http://www.prana.com/nemesis-knicker.html

Twin Six just introduced three quarters. Of course they are $120, not $70.

http://www.twinsix.com/gear/mens-casual/three-quarters-pavement#1

Thanks I will check these out. I wonder if there is anything with some type of butt padding? My saddle is pretty hard.

You can always get underwear that's lined like bike shorts.

Here's an example: http://www.rei.com/search?query=bike+short+liners

Thanks I will check these out. I wonder if there is anything with some type of butt padding? My saddle is pretty hard.

Your saddle is supposed to be hard. That's a good thing. If it feels bad, then you probably need to tweak the adjustments. I'm not sure how urban riding is any different than suburban or country riding, but I'm pretty happy with my knickers from bicyclefixation.com (http://bicyclefixation.com/prod_city_knickers.html) Well, it looks like these are going out of production. Good thing I still have another urban gray hemp and black pair. I've been wearing the current set for over a year.

If padding is really an issue for you, get some padded underwear and wear whatever shorts or knickers you like.

I have Ibex wool knickers, which are the best thing ever. Even though they are tights, I think wool is much more "street ready" than Lycra...but I also have some unpadded baggies to wear over them if I need to look even more "normal."

Baggy-style swim trunks -- lightweight, handle wetness well, run the gamut from tasteful to childishly silly. Less than $20 apiece in many places. Crotch seams are minimal, as well, a good thing when wearing over lycra.

the two are not mutually non-exclusive (probably mised used a phrase to two on that one) but what I mean is wear anything that works for the environment and just wear bike short underneath. I prefer tri-shorts for their thin liner. but I can wear them under any shorts. of course I prefer those that don't bind on the upper thigh on the leg's upswing. the most comfortable are long lulu lemon running shorts with anice variety of pockets. I also have a short that works really well, they are MTB shorts from REI that came with removeable bike underwear with liner, but that wasn't comfortable so i just wear my trishorts under them. Zoots make a nice tri-short that doesn't have a wicked low waist or short legs

Cargo shorts FTW. Lots of pockets and you look almost normal between rides. Hereabouts anyway, maybe you'll need something more stylish in Manhatten.

I just discovered Prana climbing knickers for urban riding. They're very comfortable and have a DWR treatment on them. Also, the fabric is somewhat stretchy, which accommodates the cycling motion well.

They cost about half of what cycling-specific knickers would cost.

http://www.prana.com/nemesis-knicker.html

The Prana Mojo shorts are great too - I just wear them with poly or wool boxers, don't need no stinkin padding.
http://www.prana.com/mojo-short.html

Something like this should be the ticket!

242705

Vintage Paratrooper Cargo Fatigues by Rothco - Olive Green Camouflage $45

Something like this should be the ticket!

242705

Vintage Paratrooper Cargo Fatigues by Rothco - Olive Green Camouflage $45

Hopefully they have a gusseted crotch? Big hunks of seam in my 'taint tends to make me grouchy.

Hopefully they have a gusseted crotch? Big hunks of seam in my 'taint tends to make me grouchy.

Most anything makes you grouchy.

What I do is pull a pair of soft jersey shorts (probably $7 at Target or K-mart) over my bibs not because I'm modest but for the pockets.

Endura Hummvee 3/4 shorts are simply awesome. They seem to be positively indestructible thus far, and look really good off-bike. A chamois liner is built in but easily removable. The shorts have just enough stretch for excellent freedom of movement. Zip vents, and lots of pockets too.

I'd give up my next born child before I'd give up my Hummvees. Just be honest with yourself about your size when ordering, or you may order a pair that's too small. Then run true to size, not "American oversized to make you feel better about yourself".

http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/en/endura-hummvee-3-4-baggy-shorts.jpg

Most anything makes you grouchy.

that goes without saying, now get off my lawn!

Endura Hummvee 3/4 shorts are simply awesome. They seem to be positively indestructible thus far, and look really good off-bike. A chamois liner is built in but easily removable. The shorts have just enough stretch for excellent freedom of movement. Zip vents, and lots of pockets too.

I'd give up my next born child before I'd give up my Hummvees. Just be honest with yourself about your size when ordering, or you may order a pair that's too small. Then run true to size, not "American oversized to make you feel better about yourself".

http://www.comparestoreprices.co.uk/images/en/endura-hummvee-3-4-baggy-shorts.jpg

I like my Zyme knickers much better than the Humvees...but I don't think Endura makes them anymore.

Hehe yeah I'm not going to be buying anything like bulky cargo shorts with a seam. Looking for a non-cotton, made-for-cycling, urban style type situation. Basically a knicker that is not afraid to sweat, or maybe even a cycling specific short.

The only reason I say my seat is hard is because I am a roadie and whatever I wear will be worn over bibs, and I'm going to be on a road-bike riding 20-40 miles at a time, ridden as hard as possible given the lights / traffic situation.

The road bike "look" tends to get a lot of negative attention in these parts, and honestly I'm just looking for something to wear so I look more like a commuter / messenger or basically just someone who is out for a walk on the street. I am liking the Chrome, Twin Six, and Endura knickers. I'm going to check them out.

Prana is good. Also check out Aerotech design's commuter knicker.

So I'm a road cyclist who lives in lower Manhattan and I'm looking for suggestions for something I can wear instead of bibs. Something a bit more street-ready than spandex, where I can walk into a store and look normal. I go for hard rides so the shorts would have to be technical / ok for that kind of workout.

I see messengers wearing three quarter pants. Maybe some MTB shorts? Any links you can share?

I'd look at http://www.swrve.us/ I have their Cordura jeans, knickers, hoodie, cigarette shorts. Like them all a lot and are nice people.

Hehe yeah I'm not going to be buying anything like bulky cargo shorts with a seam. Looking for a non-cotton, made-for-cycling, urban style type situation. Basically a knicker that is not afraid to sweat, or maybe even a cycling specific short.

The only reason I say my seat is hard is because I am a roadie and whatever I wear will be worn over bibs, and I'm going to be on a road-bike riding 20-40 miles at a time, ridden as hard as possible given the lights / traffic situation.

The road bike "look" tends to get a lot of negative attention in these parts, and honestly I'm just looking for something to wear so I look more like a commuter / messenger or basically just someone who is out for a walk on the street. I am liking the Chrome, Twin Six, and Endura knickers. I'm going to check them out.

Seriously don't knock it without trying! Cargo shorts can work for hard road miles, 20-50 at a time, despite the conventional wisdom. That is about my regimen, plus commuting, and it's all I ever wore.

If you don't mind something not cycling specific, give Kuhl a try. Their Krux knickers are made of a very lightweight yet tough and breathable fabric, have a gusseted crotch and articulated knees. Nice pocket configuration too. They even dry quite readily. Great styling too.

https://www.kuhl.com/product_images/a/5035_krux_gunmetal_bg__73170.jpg

just to try the style, i bought the Nashbar C-Pants.

for $30, i'm very happy.

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_166527_-1_202926_10000_201527

+1 to Kuhl. I rode all winter in some Kuhl pants. They are really great. Cotton/spandex blend. Cut larger in the thighs to fit your huge tree trunks. Comfy as all get out. My favorite pants by far. They also come in a knicker length or shorts.


If you don't mind something not cycling specific, give Kuhl a try. Their Krux knickers are made of a very lightweight yet tough and breathable fabric, have a gusseted crotch and articulated knees. Nice pocket configuration too. They even dry quite readily. Great styling too.

https://www.kuhl.com/product_images/a/5035_krux_gunmetal_bg__73170.jpg

I think may suit your needs the best. Rapha Touring shorts. Cycle specific, stylish, and pricey. Your only downfall or a bonus point is that they were made to be worn over cycling shorts.

http://www.rapha.cc/touring-shorts

I have two of them and their OK! I wish someone would make a Knicker with DEEP front or size pockets with zippers. Too bad only the cargo knicker came close.