Zan

I'm not talking about Texas.

For a mountain biker, what type of shorts should you wear? Where I bike, the average temperature during biking season is over 20 degrees Celsius (68F). With a fast pace + a camelbak, you pump out the heat. I don't mind the heat. I've gone out on days where it's 35 deg (95F). +. As long as I'm hydrated, I'm fine. However, I find that I sweat (well, duh), and the sweat really makes my shorts wet. When I get off my bike to go to the store or even just to bike out-of-saddle, it looks like I've wet myself.

On the trail it's not really that much of an issue. It's just that to get to the trail I need to bike in public. I'm tired of having to have my rear glued to the saddle in the heat.

What shorts/bottom wear would you recommend for a mountain biker (I say mountain biker 'cause I'm looking for something durable, and not tight tight). Are there any durable shorts that have great sweat-wicking properties? I do XC and AM biking - not FR or DH.

Merry Christmas!

East Hill

I can empathise, but I have to say, I've never had that happen to me. However, I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, so we don't really get a lot of personal experience with that.

Anyone else got any advice, maybe personal experiences to share?

Merry Christmas back at ya!

East Hill

DieselDan

Wear your helmet into the store. Most people will understand and won't point and laugh more then usual. After all, you're riding a bike.

Spokes man

Black shorts don't show the dampness as much as other colors . . .

SlashnBern

Well, I live in South Louisiana and people look like that in street clothes so we do not worry too much about that. The stink, however...

rattfink1

I live in Texas and wear Perl Izumi mountain bike shorts. The chamois lining gets most of the sweat, and the outer material and dark color take care of the rest.

WNG

Honestly never experienced this before even on 90-100 F rides. (in my youth, can't do it now)

But I am wearing standard black lycra road shorts.
I recommend bringing along an extra T shirt. Wrap it around you waste if you need to hide the wet shorts while walking into a store or restaurant.

ad6mj

Just take your shorts off before you go into the store, then nobody will see that they are wet. Honestly, I don't worry about being sweaty when riding in the heat.

rmfnla

Well, Brittney Spears is from Louisiana so apparently anything goes...

SamHouston

You'll be most comfortable riding in well made 8-panel cycling shorts with a well made jersey. These offer superior wicking & moisture evaporation while using same to cool you with any available air movement. For technical XC these options also have the benefit of not snagging on brush, no seat binding and low weight & wind resistance.

Even good technical fabrics will perform poorly in a garment not suited to it's purpose. Loose fitting garments of technical fabric will retain moisture and feel clammy on an athlete engaged in performance riding that generates perspiration. It's a waste of good perspiration, air-conditioning gone bad.

On a hot day in Tx an all day ride will mean several gallons of water for an athlete with a good liquid transfer rate, it means going faster, further than you otherwise could, while being comfortable, to use that properly. If skin tight is too tight prepare to settle for second best or less. Even if it's only 95 or less you can (should) be going through liters on a long outing.

Avoid cotton like the plague.

Zan

I don't really have a problem with the heat (as in getting too hot). The problem, really, is dealing with the appearance of sweat. I always stay well hydrated. I usually ride around with a 3L camelbak on my back, and drain it in less than a couple of hours.

I understand that a tight set of proper biking shorts would be the best route for efficiency (and bonus padding ). Still, I don't want to be that guy out in the forest with the tights. I'll check with my LBS; see what they have to offer, or at least what they could recommend.

Thanks for the input.