Commuting - Serve of humble pie?

For at least two years now I've been commuting about 8 miles each way. I just wear cotton shorts commando. Now suddenly I notice some chaffing at the upper inside legs area. Not serious, but just like the hairs have all been partially pulled from their roots and I now have lots of little bumps. My legs are fairly hairy :-/

Initial thoughts are that my legs may have become more muscular and now rub more on the nose of the seat than has occurred in the past.

Should I eat humble pie and buy some bike shorts? I prefer the simplicity of riding in my everyday shorts. I could get some boxer style underwear perhaps. Have I correctly diagnosed the problem?

Well, if it's not a problem, you could just keep doing that. It takes the shedding of some self-consciousness to wear bike shorts, but they are nice.

BTW, are/were you into air-cooled VWs at one point? The username sounds familiar. ;)

I think your problem is too much friction in the affected area. I would suggest shaving your legs in that area and applying petroleum jelly. I would then either wear thigh length silk underwear along with my cargo or commando shorts, or I'd switch to bike shorts and a smooth strap.

For at least two years now I've been commuting about 8 miles each way. I just wear cotton shorts commando. Now suddenly I notice some chaffing at the upper inside legs area. Not serious, but just like the hairs have all been partially pulled from their roots and I now have lots of little bumps. My legs are fairly hairy :-/

Initial thoughts are that my legs may have become more muscular and now rub more on the nose of the seat than has occurred in the past.

Should I eat humble pie and buy some bike shorts? I prefer the simplicity of riding in my everyday shorts. I could get some boxer style underwear perhaps. Have I correctly diagnosed the problem?

Have you considered a slightly narrower saddle? I suspect a change of shorts won't matter very much.

You could also shift to "moutain bike" shorts instead of spandex if you want to maintain some look of "real" clothes.

Be a real man and just ride through it as is.

shave. the whole region.

You could also shift to "moutain bike" shorts instead of spandex if you want to maintain some look of "real" clothes.

This is what I do. Padded spandex liners w/mtb shells. Everything is interchangable. In deference to modesty and good taste. I do use road jerseys, though in addition to mtb loose fitting ones, too. They just wick really well.

Few things more obnoxious than a full kitted roadie commuting to work and forcing everyone to 'deal with it'. :rolleyes:

Btw, medicated talc and anti-fungal sprays like Ting or Tinactin help keep the bacteria count at a minimum.

This is what I do. Padded spandex liners w/mtb shells. Everything is interchangable. In deference to modesty and good taste. I do use road jerseys, though in addition to mtb loose fitting ones, too. They just wick really well.

Few things more obnoxious than a full kitted roadie commuting to work and forcing everyone to 'deal with it'. :rolleyes:


Why is that obnoxious?

You could wear bike shorts/liners under your regular shorts, but if you're used to nothing, then maybe just a pair of boxer briefs or compression shorts under your regular shorts will be comfortable enough to block the rubbing on your thighs.

Poly pro underwear and nylon outer shorts still look good while managing sweat.

Why is that obnoxious?

Honestly, you have to ask?

Honestly, you have to ask?

Well, I wear bike shorts and a jersey when I commute (and sometimes even use clipless pedals!), so I assume I must be obnoxious too, which is a surprise to me. So, yes, I have to ask.

Have you adjusted or replaced your saddle recently? A too-high saddle might be the culprit.

There was a recent thread, I think might be related: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/825976-What-cycling-underwear

You can find cycling short liners which will wick away the sweat and allow you to wear whatever you like over top.

Why is that obnoxious?
Seriously. I must be going to hell because I do this, I even ride my nice race bike sometimes (the horror! :-) ) (if I've gone for a long morning ride and decide to swing by home, get my backpack and ride the 8 or so easy miles to work, why should I change clothes or change bikes?

On a more serious note, I actually ride my road bike shorts because they are much more comfortable than the mountain bike shorts I own. Also, OP, you might want to try a narrower saddle. I had problems with my inner thighs chafing but its because I have big thighs. Once I switched to a narrower saddle (Fizik Arione), all was well.

If I'm riding anywhere other than just around the neighborhood, I usually wear spandex boxer briefs underneath something like cargo shorts. Doesn't have the padding that bike shorts have, but definitely helps with any chafing issues. I wear the spandex briefs when running, also.

This is what I do. Padded spandex liners w/mtb shells. Everything is interchangable. In deference to modesty and good taste. I do use road jerseys, though in addition to mtb loose fitting ones, too. They just wick really well.

Few things more obnoxious than a full kitted roadie commuting to work and forcing everyone to 'deal with it'. :rolleyes:

Btw, medicated talc and anti-fungal sprays like Ting or Tinactin help keep the bacteria count at a minimum.

What a strange thing to say.

Racing cyclist's garb has evolved over a period of more than 100 years. Here comes mr. nashcommguy to tell us we're all wrong.

Any more pearls of wisdom? Perhaps we're all using the wrong handlebars too.

For at least two years now I've been commuting about 8 miles each way. I just wear cotton shorts commando. Now suddenly I notice some chaffing at the upper inside legs area. Not serious, but just like the hairs have all been partially pulled from their roots and I now have lots of little bumps. My legs are fairly hairy :-/

Initial thoughts are that my legs may have become more muscular and now rub more on the nose of the seat than has occurred in the past.

Should I eat humble pie and buy some bike shorts? I prefer the simplicity of riding in my everyday shorts. I could get some boxer style underwear perhaps. Have I correctly diagnosed the problem?

I don't think your choice of clothing has very much to do with humility, served in pie form or otherwise. However, I agree with others that special "bike clothing" should not be necessary for an 8 mile commute, and that a change of saddle is worth investigating.

In theory I have to eat humble pie because traditionally I have implied that my way is the best. However, now I am having doubts and may find it necessary to (a) shave, or (b) wear underwear.

My saddle is already fairly narrow, but point taken.
(07-20-12) Just realized my saddle is not that narrow. Friend has a Bontrager that is easily about 1/2" narrower. Also mine has stitching in a stupid place right on the sides of the nose which is where I'm getting chaffed (go figure).

Shaving is probably the cheapest, easiest option to try first.
(07-20-12) Shaving seems to have helped a bit.

I wear some Nashbar Liner shorts that have the chamois on them and some mountain bike shorts with the liner and a thinner chamois. That seems to work pretty good but my commute is not far at all. Also, I wear some of those wick shirts. I have no complaints yet. Unless I ride more than 30 miles in one sitting which is more of a saddle related problem that clothing.

Few things more obnoxious than a full kitted roadie commuting to work and forcing everyone to 'deal with it'.

Huh? I ride in street clothes for most of my commuting/rides about town so this post doesn't relate to me but for certain long commutes it might make sense to wear cycling shorts and a jersey for the ride. If someone chooses to do so I don't see what the problem is. " modesty and good taste?!"- are you that uptight? Or just that fashion conscious?

Huh? I ride in street clothes for most of my commuting/rides about town so this post doesn't relate to me but for certain long commutes it might make sense to wear cycling shorts and a jersey for the ride. If someone chooses to do so I don't see what the problem is. " modesty and good taste?!"- are you that uptight? Or just that fashion conscious?

buzzman, you bring up a very good point. "In the interest of modesty and good taste," or whatever you want to call it, I wear loose fitting mountain bike shorts but have real road cycling shorts (w/pad) on underneath.

I do ride the Metro Train for part of my commute (16 mi. bike, 22 mi. train RT) and was advised by both co-workers and my wife that just wearing my lycra road cycling shorts by themselves (which I do for all my recreational riding) would not be socially acceptable whilst on the train.

So I'm kind of caught in the middle here, i.e. I think road cycling shorts are just fine but I appear to be in the minority with that opinion esp. as it relates to non-cyclists.

Rick / OCRR

buzzman, you bring up a very good point. "In the interest of modesty and good taste," or whatever you want to call it, I wear loose fitting mountain bike shorts but have real road cycling shorts (w/pad) on underneath.

I do ride the Metro Train for part of my commute (16 mi. bike, 22 mi. train RT) and was advised by both co-workers and my wife that just wearing my lycra road cycling shorts by themselves (which I do for all my recreational riding) would not be socially acceptable whilst on the train.

So I'm kind of caught in the middle here, i.e. I think road cycling shorts are just fine but I appear to be in the minority with that opinion esp. as it relates to non-cyclists.

Rick / OCRR

I wear my bike shorts in all kinds of situations...depending on what kind of riding I'm doing that day.

I don't think non-cyclists really have a right to an opinion regarding cycling clothing. Why would they? I don't go around telling construction workers their vests look silly.

Well, I wear bike shorts and a jersey when I commute (and sometimes even use clipless pedals!), so I assume I must be obnoxious too, which is a surprise to me. So, yes, I have to ask.

Me too. I think more people would laugh at me for doing my commute in cotton shorts commando instead of bike shorts and a jersey.

I feel ridiculous in athletic shorts and t shirts on my roadie, I commute in bike shorts, clipless road shoes, and a jersey.

How about one of these? http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/saddles/images/sa103.jpg

Few things more obnoxious than a full kitted roadie commuting to work and forcing everyone to 'deal with it'. :rolleyes:

Roadies call me Fred for riding with fenders, lights, panniers, and a mirror. Now my fellow commuters call me obnoxious because I commute in a kit? Is it possible to be counter-culture within a counter-culture?

So alone...

Ten mile commute, full kit and clipless on my road bike. All the other people ride in a full kit, even those on hybrid bikes... Not seeing the problem.

buzzman, you bring up a very good point. "In the interest of modesty and good taste," or whatever you want to call it, I wear loose fitting mountain bike shorts but have real road cycling shorts (w/pad) on underneath.

I do ride the Metro Train for part of my commute (16 mi. bike, 22 mi. train RT) and was advised by both co-workers and my wife that just wearing my lycra road cycling shorts by themselves (which I do for all my recreational riding) would not be socially acceptable whilst on the train.

So I'm kind of caught in the middle here, i.e. I think road cycling shorts are just fine but I appear to be in the minority with that opinion esp. as it relates to non-cyclists.

Rick / OCRR

I completely understand the concept of wearing a loose fitting short while on the train. I mean, the "social contract" dictates certain appropriate apparel for different situations but there are some commutes where it makes sense to ride the trip in cycling shorts.

Years ago I was commuting a 36 mile commute (72 RT) I was using my commute as training for racing and I did the commute at pretty much full tilt- cycling shorts made sense to me. For commutes of more than 15 miles one way I dress "appropriately" for my ride- which, for me, is usually cycling shorts, gloves and jersey.

My one way commute is just over 10 miles or less these days and I choose to wear street clothes and ride a hybrid bike to do it. A friend of mine does a 7 mile commute and wears jersey and shorts and rides a road bike. I'd be the last one to judge his choice of attire or bike-- his choice not mine. Doesn't "bother" me if someone chooses to wear full kit to commute.

I disagree with the suggestion of shaving the affected area.
What you describe is a classic friction rash, solved with decent bike shorts. Shaving will not stop the friction, it will just make you itch.
Apply some antibiotic ointment. If for some reason you object to the appearance, get the bike underwear.

Is it possible to be counter-culture within a counter-culture?

So alone...

Ha, I feel you

And really how can you FORCE someone to deal with it... you don't like it? Don't look - the end

IMHO there's no reason to be shy about wearing your bike tights on the train, bus or anywhere else. Geez! Women can wear just about anything they like and any man who complains is in trouble. I suggest you wear whatever you like. There's a girl where I work and she comes to work in long black stockings and a longish pullover, no pants no dress! I would expect to be sacked if I did the same.

Nothing is more obnoxious than going swimming in a SWIMSUIT ! I always wear my jeans and a nice sweater.:)

On my way to a friend's house yesterday I stopped in at a bike shop that I'd seen. They had a big basket of change-out saddles. I found a Bontrager Affinity that looked fairly narrow and decided to buy it since they only wanted 30 bucks. When I got home I decided comparative measurements of the width were called for. I decided that 120mm to the rear of the tip of the saddle's nose was an appropriate place so I could get a repeatable measurement. I measured the new seat plus the ones on my bikes.
Giant seat on my CRX3 that I ride regularly............................... 65mm
Selle Italia seat I bought last weekend for my Trek bike............... 57mm
New Bonty seat which is going on my CRX3............................... 54mm

Anyone got measurements of theirs?

Nothing is more obnoxious than going swimming in a SWIMSUIT ! I always wear my jeans and a nice sweater.:)

I'd feel a bit self conscious catching the bus wearing my budgie-smugglers.

I disagree with the suggestion of shaving the affected area.
What you describe is a classic friction rash, solved with decent bike shorts. Shaving will not stop the friction, it will just make you itch.
Apply some antibiotic ointment. If for some reason you object to the appearance, get the bike underwear.

I agree. Another risk of shaving is in-grown hairs, which can be extremely uncomfortable.

Different styles of shorts or the use of underwear may be an appropriate long-term solution.

Good luck!

My new Bonty seat seems to have alleviated the chaffing. It doesn't have a cut out for my taint though, so I'm getting a bit of pressure there. Has anyone got a seat that measures only 54 mm wide but also has a cut-out to take the pressure off the taint?

263172

I wear my bike shorts and tight fitting Jersey on my MTB and commuter. I just get changed when I get to work. I don't see any issues. The clothes cover all that needs to be covered. It did take a little time to get used to the 'x men' suit factor but I don't consider biking clothes to immodest...

I am a fuzzy and sweaty dude, so I have a pair of compression boxers (Adidas I think), a pair of padded road shorts and I wear some normal lightweight shorts or basketball shorts over them and change real quick at work.

I was vehemently against bike shorts for a long time, but after a few long rides and a few forest fires caused by the friction of my thighs, I decided the welfare of my comfort and those poor animals was worth the investment into some padded shorts. I am actually looking to get some more because mine are so well loved and I would never ride without them.

I would suggest them and a pair of loose shorts to wear over them.

I gather the idea of measuring seats just isn't going to be popular!!! I would have thought at least one or two replies? It's easier if you have a vernier caliper.


My new Bonty seat seems to have alleviated the chaffing. It doesn't have a cut out for my taint though, so I'm getting a bit of pressure there. Has anyone got a seat that measures only 54 mm wide but also has a cut-out to take the pressure off the taint?

263172

I would suggest them [bike shorts] and a pair of loose shorts to wear over them.

Great idea to trap the occasional bee or wasp in there. :eek:

Great idea to trap the occasional bee or wasp in there. :eek:

Speaking from experience? :p I always wear spandex briefs and cargo shorts on longer rides, never had any problems like that. And believe me we have plenty of bugs and other flying critters here in the South during the summer.

Speaking from experience? :p

Two acquaintances. But they were wearing shorts that billowed in the wind, making great bee catchers.

I disagree with the suggestion of shaving the affected area.
What you describe is a classic friction rash, solved with decent bike shorts. Shaving will not stop the friction, it will just make you itch.
Apply some antibiotic ointment. If for some reason you object to the appearance, get the bike underwear.

Worked for me!

After shaving, I washed the area with dilute soapy water. Then applied a little Aloe Vera and petroleum jelly. The rash completely vanished within two days.


I agree. Another risk of shaving is in-grown hairs, which can be extremely uncomfortable.

Different styles of shorts or the use of underwear may be an appropriate long-term solution.

Good luck!

Switched to silk underwear afterwards, with no problem...

My new Bonty seat seems to have alleviated the chaffing. It doesn't have a cut out for my taint though, so I'm getting a bit of pressure there. Has anyone got a seat that measures only 54 mm wide but also has a cut-out to take the pressure off the taint?

263172


54mm wide in which area? 54mm is reaaalllyy narrow if you're talking about the buttbone seating area, but if you're talking about the nose of the saddle that is different. I've gotten along pretty well width Specialize Body Geometry saddles (i have a toupe on one bike, and romin on another), and a dealer in our area lets us test ride a saddle for a few days before buying.

The specialized saddles come in varying widths (130mm, 143mm, and 155mm). If you're meaning a different section of the saddle I can measure it on my current rides to see what it is like.

I prefer lycra shorts when I ride, but do occasionally have reason to want to look more normal when I am out. I've tried baggy MTB shorts, and wearing my lycra road shorts under my street shorts. I didn't care for either one due to bunching up of the overlayer and the padding beneath. Last night I went out just wearing my regular street short with boxers underneath. Worked great, and I ride on a leather Brooks. Just a little less cush than my usual roadie shorts, but not uncomfortable in any way. In daytime conditions, my boxers might get too sweaty for comfort, however. I may try some liner shorts in the future.

I think you should just ride naked!!

Or get a recumbent. <begin flame wars>

I wear bike shorts simply because I've found them to be more comfortable on a bike, regardless of whether I'm riding the 'bent or the DF. I have 'bike shirts'...not jerseys with logos or anything like that, does that count? I wear what's comfortable for me, and don't worry about how cool I look.

see where the "X" is on my picture above
that where I was getting chaffed so thats where I measured
can't see any point in measuring the width right at the widest

54mm wide in which area? 54mm is reaaalllyy narrow if you're talking about the buttbone seating area, but if you're talking about the nose of the saddle that is different. I've gotten along pretty well width Specialize Body Geometry saddles (i have a toupe on one bike, and romin on another), and a dealer in our area lets us test ride a saddle for a few days before buying.

The specialized saddles come in varying widths (130mm, 143mm, and 155mm). If you're meaning a different section of the saddle I can measure it on my current rides to see what it is like.

Few things more obnoxious than a full kitted roadie commuting to work and forcing everyone to 'deal with it'.

You're certainly entitled to have your own opinion.

OP, try Butt'r.