Touring - alternatives to cycling shorts?

I'm not a fan of skin tight lycra/spandex/whatever gentleman's cycling shorts. I do a lot of riding with my $15 cargo shorts and comfort is touch-and-go, depending on distance of ride. I like to stuff things in my pockets, etc.

Anyone actually tour in regular cotton shorts? Anyone have tips to improve comfort for those of us who prefer to wear regular, cotton shorts while riding?

Thanks.

what do you dislike about the lycra cycling short? if you dislike the look of skin-tight lycra shorts and pockets are what's important, then lycra shorts with other shorts over work really well. I usually wear surfing-style "board shorts" (basically stiff baggy swim trunks w/o a liner) over my bike shorts. i find ones with 1 or 2 pockets, but mostly i use them b/c
1) they look cooler and more 'normal' and better for going in to the store or work or whatever for commuting
2) for off-road they're more durable than bike-shorts and when i get really muddy they're easier to get out of and clean up - also saves my expensive bike shorts if i scrape a tree or have a minor crash that destroy lycra fast
3) they don't hold water and dry really fast

for other occasions i wear more hiking style shorts (synthetic) over my lycra shorts - these have lots of pockets.

but i would not recommend cotton as it soaks up water and does not dry.

with synthetic shorts over bike shorts, you get the advantages of the bike shorts... only disadvantage is if they're too baggy (super skate-board 'young punk about to fall off' style) they can get caught on the seat or flap too much or just get in the way --- but 'normal' synthetic shorts over lycra is great!

MTB shorts - sort of like cargo shorts with a padded cycling liner sewn in - can work well. I have a couple of pairs from Zoic ("Vigor," I think was the model) that I sometimes wear to commute and then just keep them on all day.

You can also buy padded underwear.

But the longer the ride, the more the benefits of regular cycling shorts become evident. The heavier chamois, that they stay put and don't ride up your legs or flap in the breeze, that they don't retain moisture... all this can start to really matter after a few hours. Some people carry a pair of lightweight "modesty" shorts and just pull them on over the cycling shorts when they need to go inside a store or something.

RichC

If I can change clothes at my destination or if I am just out for a bike ride, I wear my cycling shorts. For transportation cycling, such as to a store, I wear regular walking shorts, or even long pants, over them. For short transportation trips, regular briefs with shorts or trousers are fine, but for longer rides, I really want that chamois padding.

I feel ABSOLUTELY NAKED in Lycra bike shorts!


That’s why (if it’s warm enough) I never ride in anything else. ;)

I have gotten to not give a darn about what other people think or like. As mentioned earlier, those critical of bike shorts at work, told them- I did not want to secret puss on common chairs at work. That shut them up.
A new cyclsit I ride with, Paula says bike shorts makes her feel like she is carrying a 'load.' Well, that is why bike shorts are effective. So she sits on a clumisly super padded whoopee cushion. I fiind those awkard and a source of friction, since they are so wide. So she wears cotton cut offs, with hems that must cut into the skin and have no give.
Bike shorts are effective. They do not bind on the horn of the saddle ripping themselves apart and interfering with the peddling and the chamois seems more effective since it is tightly secured- where it needs be.. They are very comfortable and cooler with the wicking aspects of lycra..
So for the moments when you want to be more conservative, like in stores, etc., I just pull over my bike shorts- some soccer shorts. While on the bike, wear what works. And what cycling has done for the legs, why hide it?

Originally posted by SilverStreak
Anyone actually tour in regular cotton shorts? Anyone have tips to improve comfort for those of us who prefer to wear regular, cotton shorts while riding?

Thanks.

Yes, I have worn cotton shorts while touring and regreted it. When the cotton gets wet from sweat, it clings to your legs and abraids your skin.

If not lycra bike pants, get some other synthetic material.

They make mountain bike shorts that aren't lycra/tights that might suit your needs as well.

Get a recumbent, then you can wear anything you want!

I usually wear surf shorts. For me, they're more comfortable, look normal, and well...I'd probably look pretty weird going to the beach with a board in my rack and bike shorts on.

Get a recumbent, then you can wear anything you want!

Just not too baggy,otherwise you may be "Advertising" or a magnet for flying insects!

Look into replacing your saddle also. Look for a touring style saddle, they are a bit wider and have some give to them. I have and know people who do not wear padded shorts and ride longer distances. Brooks is popular, but I use a old Avocet seat. It is comfortable to me to use with out padding. I do normally wear padded shorts while riding, but they are triathlon style, little padding.

What is it about cycling shorts that you do not like, if you dont mind me asking.

I almost always wear cycling shorts when on tour, but on occasion I have worn my zip off leg pants for a day, usually when sightseeing more than riding. They work OK. They are nylon and have a built in brief like swim trunks. They are also great for around camp in the evening. The ones I like are World Wide Sportsman® Nylon Angler Zip-Off Pants (http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_97426_625004000_625000000_625004000_625-4-0) from Bass Pro Shops for about $20.

A Kilt.

I wear knickers to cycle, always. I loathe "cycling shorts", bibs, etc. I put around 5-8k miles on my "last" pair, and the current pair has easily 3k miles. I figure about 4-6 months of daily wear before I have to replace them. I've been using the Bicycle Fixation knicks. 4 way stretch gabardine wool with a silk gusset - they look classy, while still serving their purpose.

Anyone actually tour in regular cotton shorts?
Yup, me. And I've toured a lot, and never in lycra. I only find cycling shorts comfortable in a very narrow cool temperature range, so I don't wear them. Like you, I like pockets. I ride in either cotton shorts or nylon shorts, with 100% cotton briefs underneath. I sometimes wear cycling tights, although lately, I prefer a pair of loose fleece cycling pants I picked up somewhere. I love an old pair of soft nylon tights with real chamois (which eventually disintegrated, sigh) I picked up years ago in France. The fabric is so much more comfortable than more modern synthetic fabrics, but nobody seems to use that fabric anymore. They're also warmer than newer synthetics, too.

My advice is to wear whatever feels most comfortable to you, and don't worry about what anyone else thinks, including what other cyclists think, with one proviso: In some cultures, it's insulting for people of either gender to expose their knees or thighs. I've got some convertible pants/shorts. I ride with the bottoms zipped off, and later off the bike, or to visit religious or other certain sites (e.g. royal palaces in Thailand), I zip the bottoms back on.

I feel absolutely naked when I don't have anything on. Hey! Have any of you ever participated in one of those nude bike rallies like the one last weekend in Philly?


I feel ABSOLUTELY NAKED in Lycra bike shorts!


That’s why (if it’s warm enough) I never ride in anything else. ;)

I'm not a fan of skin tight lycra/spandex/whatever gentleman's cycling shorts. I do a lot of riding with my $15 cargo shorts and comfort is touch-and-go, depending on distance of ride. I like to stuff things in my pockets, etc.

Anyone actually tour in regular cotton shorts? Anyone have tips to improve comfort for those of us who prefer to wear regular, cotton shorts while riding?

Thanks.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/2730845710_3676a3d1f4_b.jpg

I tour and ride day to day in my regular street clothes....for longer rides I use synthetic boxer briefs with a minimum of seams in the crotch to avoid irritation. Other than that I just wear normal clothes.

I tend to wear synthetic shorts/pants because they dry fast and don't get uncomfortable when wet. The photo above shows my typical touring clothing.

I've worn the typical lyrca bike shorts for years but this summer I went to Europe and wanted to wear something a little more modest and versatile. I bought some Pearl Izumi Launch Kicker shorts with a snap-in chamois lining and found them to be realy comfortable and, dare I say it, stylish. I'm planning on picking up another pair or two for general touring.

simple cotton athletic shorts.

I just do my biking in basketball shorts and carry a pair of casual shorts if I plan on getting off the bike. So when I stop there, I just put the shorts on over my basketball shorts and when I'm ready to ride again, I strip the casual shorts off.

Come to think of it, the only time I'm wearing lycra is on my "hardcore" road bike. And the only time I'm on it usually is on my organized rides or my training for an organized ride.

It's obvious that just as different women wear different bra sizes, so too do men have different sizes below the waist. My problem is I have too much for practical bicycle riding. And the challenge is where to put it all, and how to keep it packed up and out of the way. Padded lycra riding shorts help there, but at the end of the day, I'm sweaty, creased and sore. I just haven't found anything that's comfortable.

I'm positive I'm not the only one with the problem. I would love to know how other guys deal with it.

Yup, me... I ride in either cotton shorts or nylon shorts, with 100% cotton briefs underneath...

Ah, finally someone else! :D I thought I was the only one ;)

I love cotton... never got this new fangled expensive padded and breathing stuff! Humbug! :50:

flat-seamed, Merino wool boxers/briefs, cargo shorts with flat-seams or gusseted crotch, preferably of a more wicking type material than cotton

It's obvious that just as different women wear different bra sizes, so too do men have different sizes below the waist. My problem is I have too much for practical bicycle riding. And the challenge is where to put it all, and how to keep it packed up and out of the way. Padded lycra riding shorts help there, but at the end of the day, I'm sweaty, creased and sore. I just haven't found anything that's comfortable.

I'm positive I'm not the only one with the problem. I would love to know how other guys deal with it.

This is the reason why I prefer boxers & shorts/knickers/pants - more room and you can sling it around while riding if you have to.

This is the reason why I prefer boxers & shorts/knickers/pants - more room and you can sling it around while riding if you have to.

Keeping it out of the spokes can be a problem, though. :)

I have a couple of pairs of Falconi baggy cycling shorts (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120610143047&rvr_id=138687863676&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=WVF%3F&GUID=eda0c20f1200a075f29525a5fffc4882&itemid=120610143047&ff4=263602_263622) that work pretty well. My only complaint is one pair is a light tan and my black saddle has bled onto them, which is rather unsightly. That's probably more of a complaint of my saddle than the shorts, however. If I was to order them again I'd get dark ones.

These are the shorts I use. They are incredibly comfortable, even for those days when I spend 10 hours on the bike. They also are suitable for walking around town, even in rather conservative places.

http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Mens-Touring-Shorts.html

Keeping it out of the spokes can be a problem, though. :)


Yeah, and it's excruciating if you run over it. Hate when that happens! ;)

In the 70s (and before), people toured in whatever shorts they had. Seemed okay then. The only thing I notice when I ride in regular shorts is that they get a little tight when my thigh is in the highest position. Baggier shorts would help.

I like the freedom, or versatility, whatever, of just being able to ride in regular street clothes. I used to get so sick of it feeling like it took 30 min of prep work just to go ride my bike for a couple of hours.
I have found with a well broken in Brooks B17, I don't need chamois, and can ride all day long with no discomfort or numbness, and everything still works. On any other saddle I have ever tried though, I do need chamois.

These are the shorts I use. They are incredibly comfortable, even for those days when I spend 10 hours on the bike. They also are suitable for walking around town, even in rather conservative places.

http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Mens-Touring-Shorts.html

I have two pair of those....I'd like them better if the legs were a little longer and just a tad less baggy.

I've come to love these Prana Mojo shorts (http://www.prana.com/002683-Mojo-Short.aspx?colorid=48592)...elastic waist band, gusseted crotch and fit tight enough that they are not blowing in the wind or getting caught on the saddle.

It's obvious that just as different women wear different bra sizes, so too do men have different sizes below the waist. My problem is I have too much for practical bicycle riding. And the challenge is where to put it all, and how to keep it packed up and out of the way. Padded lycra riding shorts help there, but at the end of the day, I'm sweaty, creased and sore. I just haven't found anything that's comfortable.

I'm positive I'm not the only one with the problem. I would love to know how other guys deal with it.Grease, AKA chamois cream. I prefer shorts to bibs. Different biking shorts have differing amounts of room. Keep experimenting.

Some trips I'm In My Rain Gear a Lot.

I've ridden 200k's in blue jeans and whitey tighties and did fine. I think a lot of it is just personal experience and preference, not so much a matter of doing the right thing.

Regular basketball shorts work pretty well for me.
If it is really hot and or humid J&G cycle touring shorts are great.
They are a slightly baggy swim trunk looking short with a thin pad,
I wear them instead of shorts on hot days. Plus they wear like iron.

Get a Brooks saddle and you don't even need cycling shorts! I'm about 3/4 through the transAm and only wore cycling shorts for about a week until i got some nasty chafing on my inner thigh. Now I wear synthetic hiking shorts and don't even notice the saddle any more.

Get a Brooks saddle and you don't even need cycling shorts! I'm about 3/4 through the transAm and only wore cycling shorts for about a week until i got some nasty chafing on my inner thigh. Now I wear synthetic hiking shorts and don't even notice the saddle any more.


Yes but what do you wear underneath those shorts? That's my issue!

Yes but what do you wear underneath those shorts? That's my issue!

I wear synthetic underware underneath lightweight hiking shorts,I also use a Brooks saddle.
While this may not be ideal for everyone it certainley works for me.
It took some time wearing cycling shorts to break in the saddle but once broken in it does'nt matter what kind of shorts you wear,so long as there not cotton.

One possibility to allow riding a bike in everyday clothes could be a woman's pantie liner. I guess most guys would find the idea of wearing this outrageous, but when you think about it objectively it makes sense. You could stick this liner into your everyday shorts and get all the benefits of special cycling gear. Another obvious benefit is being able to throw it away and take a clean one for your next ride.

Silver,
You are getting a lot of good advice on this topic. I would just add that I no longer carry anything made of cotton when on tour. Certainly would not wear cotton shorts no matter the style/design. Just my preference.
Good luck on your ride.

I think cotton has gotten a bad rep lately on this, and other, bike forums. A lot can depend on the kind of cotton, the weave, the cut, the fit, and where the seams are.

I don't wear anything underneath them, I just rinse them out every second day.

I think cotton has gotten a bad rep lately on this, and other, bike forums. A lot can depend on the kind of cotton, the weave, the cut, the fit, and where the seams are.

Personal preferences and conditions that people tour in will vary so never say never, but I have tried to purge all cotton from any of my outdoor gear especially for activities where I am likely to be wet.

Personally I try to not take anything cotton on tour. The exceptions being a cotton cycling cap and a washcloth. I keep threatening to replace the wash cloth with a synthetic one.

My biggest issues with cotton are that it seems to never dry unless the humidity is low and that it isn't very comfortable or warm if damp.

One possibility to allow riding a bike in everyday clothes could be a woman's pantie liner. I guess most guys would find the idea of wearing this outrageous, but when you think about it objectively it makes sense. You could stick this liner into your everyday shorts and get all the benefits of special cycling gear. Another obvious benefit is being able to throw it away and take a clean one for your next ride.

As a user of pantiliners, I have to tell you the chafing would be a *****. They chafe when I'm NOT riding a bike, I hate to think of riding a bike with one.

Personal preferences and conditions that people tour in will vary so never say never, but I have tried to purge all cotton from any of my outdoor gear especially for activities where I am likely to be wet.

Personally I try to not take anything cotton on tour. The exceptions being a cotton cycling cap and a washcloth. I keep threatening to replace the wash cloth with a synthetic one.

My biggest issues with cotton are that it seems to never dry unless the humidity is low and that it isn't very comfortable or warm if damp.

I like and have used seersucker shirts, boosucker shorts, linen shirts, cotton duck rain capes, cotton duck panniers, a cotton scarf I got in Cambodia (doubles as beach towel, bath towel, sun screen, and sarong), and waxed cotton hats. I think in the right applications cotton is a great material. One of their strong points however is not underwear or shorts because of chaffing.

I can't imagine not wearing cycling shorts with chamois, for any length of ride at all. The only way out for a guy would be like the guy I heard of who's having all his male genitals surgically removed. Once healed up, I suppose one could develop calouses! Otherwise, cycling shorts seem mandatory for men and women.

I can't imagine not wearing cycling shorts with chamois, for any length of ride at all. The only way out for a guy would be like the guy I heard of who's having all his male genitals surgically removed. Once healed up, I suppose one could develop calouses! Otherwise, cycling shorts seem mandatory for men and women.

Hardly. I have crossed several countries without the use, or desire, for padded underwear. Get a proper saddle (Brooks) and wear the right underwear. No problems at all. However did people ride bicycles before the invention of expensive diapers?

try this http://www.bicycleclothing.com/index.html

I can't imagine not wearing cycling shorts with chamois, for any length of ride at all. The only way out for a guy would be like the guy I heard of who's having all his male genitals surgically removed. Once healed up, I suppose one could develop calouses! Otherwise, cycling shorts seem mandatory for men and women.

I've gotten so used to riding without padded shorts now that I can't imagine riding with them anymore.
Actually I did go for a ride with them on a couple of weeks ago,about a 50 mile ride ,by the time I got back I couldn't wait to get them off.I won't even try wearing them again.Synthetic hiking shorts over top synthetic underwear works best for me at any distance.
I think you need a better saddle or a better fit.I've got the Brooks Champion Flyer,love it.

The reason I want cycle-specific shorts isn't because of the padding. It's because of the way they feel. A good pair of shorts shouldn't result in chafing.

The reason I want cycle-specific shorts isn't because of the padding. It's because of the way they feel. A good pair of shorts shouldn't result in chafing.

A good saddle shouldn't require the need for bicycle specific underwear to avoid chaffing....

Personally I only ride bikes so I have an excuse to wear fabrics normally reserved for women's undergarments.