graphix

I want to get a pair of bike shorts but im not sure im ready to go with straight lycra shorts. Can i get regular tight lycra shorts and wear a pair of gym shorts over them?

If i can... how are the Aerotech Classic shorts? Are they ok or is it worth stepping up to the pro shorts?

If i cant... aerotech has 3 different baggy shorts, any recommendations out of those three?

thanks
Brendan

Tom Stormcrowe

The pros are a bit better. I can't answer on the baggy because I don't use them. Actually, I much prefer the bibs.

mkadam68

No. You cannot. The Road Nazi Police will give you a ticket

Seriously, ride/wear what you want. Just ride. Eventually, I think you'll find that there is a reason (or more) that most cyclists wear certain things and use certain equipment. The loose-fitting gym shorts will probably bunch up on you and make life uncomfortable, but only after longer time on the bike. A short mile or two, probably not so much. If you're just cruising around/playing, they'll probably be no big deal.

Mr. Beanz

I've tried riding with gym type shorts over lycra. The seams kill me when they dig into my skin, plus the bunching up. Not sure if the mtn bike shorts have a seam there or not, I don't own any. But the lycra shorts are made without the seam in the center for comfort.

Pinyon

I prefer lycra shorts with a pad. I sweat too much for any pants with seams to be comfortable on rides over one hour either.

I prefer to keep my shorts simple and durable. No seams, and just enough pad to elimnate skin-to-shorts-to-saddle friction and chafing. The pad really just prevents wet material rubbing on my skin, and don't use it for shock absorption.

I've tried a bunch of brands, and have actually had the best luck with my Performance Century, Ultra, or Elite shorts (non-gel); and Pearl Izumi Attack or Ultrasensor shorts. I don't like how bibs feel, and since I sun burn easily, I also like the longer leg lengths found on those shorts.

My shorts also have to be able to take regular washing in a machine using regular detergent. I've had shorts that actually felt a little bit better than the ones listed above, but they tend to fall apart on me faster too. I think, it is because somehow they always end up getting washed and dried too many times with the rest of my workout and yard-work clothes, instead of on the gentle cycle with "gentle" soap, and then laid out to dry.

Hope this helps.

Mr. Beanz

If you like the leg length you should try PI's Quest model. I get them at the shop for $45. They have the same pad that I like in the Ultra Sensors befoe they went lite and skimpy....The blue chaois with the ruffles, or ridges whatever they are!

US's are about mid-thight to me. Quest is down to my knees. Don't care for the length but doesn't make a difference while riding and they are cheap.

bdinger

Aerotech has my business forever. I have one pair of their pro shorts, and it's the only pair of cycling shorts I've had for the past two years! they have countless rides and thousands of miles on them, and they still feel excellent and look great. seeing that I wear them every day I'm going to get another pair soon - from aerotech .

jagraham

+1 - and they're made here in the USA, in Coraopolis, PA. Libby and I visited the shop before we made our first bike tour together. Nice folks.

Judy

Paco97

I have a pair of baggies that I bought when I was first starting, because I couldn't get past the tight lycra thing either. I've done around 1000 miles in them and like them a lot. Mine has done front pockets and a pocket on the thigh that is zippered. Comes in real handy when I need to a carry keys or money. They are pretty comfortable ,but sometimes it takes some adjusting to get them to fit right while riding. They are basically tights with baggy shorts connected and sometimes the "diaper" chamois needs some adjusting.

I'm fixing to get me a pair of regular lycra because I think its time to make the plunge.

chipcom 

Once you to to bibs you'll never go back. You can always wear shorts over them if you're modest or going places where tight shorts may not be appropriate. Shorts with a gusseted crotch work best...no seams in places that 'taint' right.

The thing about MTB shorts is that usually either the liner is attached, or even if it is removable, it's really not for wear by itself. At least with bibs (or shorts) you have the option of wearing them solo, if you are going for that roadie look (or get tired of baggy shorts catching on your saddle).

heckler

If I wear shorts I have 2 pairs of under armor ones that weigh basically nothing and barely have seams. I normally don't buy into the underarmor stuff, but these are pretty perfect.

No bunching, the only problem i have ever had is when starting from a standing position the over shorts can get caught on the nose of the seat.

epcolt

I have a year old pair of Aerotech that work fine after over a thousand miles. I just got a second pair in the mail yesterday so I can rotate and not have to wash everyday. They are very comfortable.

v1k1ng1001

Bibs!

graphix

thanks for the help everyone. lots of good feedback. still a bit of deciding to do. its easy to see that when it comes to cycling and equipment its different strokes for different folks. I'll have to think it over.

Mr. Beanz

I'm a long torso dude, tried a few different bibs, Ew I hate 'em. Feels like a perma-wedgie!

Alathea

Okay, so here's a dumb question, maybe, sizing wise-do you wear MTB shorts (Like Aerotech's baggy touring shorts-look AWESOME) at your 'naval' waist, or your 'oh my god there it's hanging over' waist? It makes a difference on the size ordered by about 5-6 inches-im more spare tire than anything. Im a 46 waist and a 52 traditional (naval) waist. Any takers?

Quick note as well-Aerotechs site arranges things in the same category (default) from lowest to highest price-is that neat or what?

Wogster

I always wear the bike shorts when riding, wearing other shorts over top depends, if your going somewhere that people may not appreciate Lycra, or you feel you may need pockets when you get where your going, then wear other shorts over top. If it's because you don't feel other people would not appreciate seeing a larger person in Lycra, that's their problem, not yours.....

graphix

got the Aerotech shorts about 3 weeks ago...3 rides with gym shorts and i had the courage to try them without. Haven't gone back since. now...how important is chamios cream? will it make a big difference?

charles vail

I have been using Walmart wicking compression shorts with my Rivendell MUSA baggies (no goofy padding) and they are the most comfortable combo so far, plus I get pockets and I can wear them anywhere regular shorts are appropriate. I'm planning on some merino wool undies soon however. I do not like any shorts with a pad, especially, thick gel pads. These tend to bunch up on me and cause pinching of the nether region. I do ride a Brooks saddle so I get good ventilation and comfort, so no pad necessary.

Iamkar33m

That's because you're not a small... you need an XXXL

When I tried the Sugoi bib I first tried on a Large, however it felt just like you described (a permawedgie with bands that cut the blood flow to my feet). I tried an XL and it felt MUCH better.

SambaMixte

I have the traditional beer belly flop and tried Bibs- no waist bunching, no worries about shorts sliding down and *ahem* exposing anything. Bathroom breaks take some planning. I have a cheap Nashbar bib and 1 from Areotech I wear and wash in rotation, Areotech is better, but both are hugely better than lycra shorts or the baggy shorts. Pockets....I keep a pair shorts in the car for polite (non-biking) society events.https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/redface.gif

Rural Roadie

At 300+ and just 5 10 I already look goofy on my bike, wearin MTB shorts won't help and all the bunching underneath is a pain, plus more of my thigh is exposed to sunburn. Just this week I sprung for a pair of Pearl Izumi shorts, way better than the old stuff I a,,,,, out grew? Bibs are in my future but I want to know where my size will stabelize now that I'm on the bike again.

BigUgly

I have a pair of Cannondale shorts that have been rolling down on me which is making me want to try bibs. I have a Performance century short that don't roll down on me. Thank goodness my jersies are long enough I don't have to worry about exposure. Baggy shorts on an MTB ride can get hung up on trees, bushes, pickers, etc. I go full lycra unless it's just a short bike path ride for the family. If i am at work I wear a pair of gym shorts over top until I get out the door to ride.

One question I have is do you all go commando or not? Being unexperienced when I switched to lycra I did not go commando, but after reading up on it, tried it and am much more comfortable in the biking shorts and on long 60+ mile rides. I have seen arguements on both side and was just curious.

Tom Stormcrowe

Commando, all the way. Underwear just interferes with the wicking of the chalois and creates hot spots on your bum.

nymtber

bike shorts are meant to be worn commando...thats why bike shorts are relatively seamless, or flat-seamed! Im gonna look into buying a pair from aerotech for both me and my girlfriend I have cheapy "quest" brand shorts from dicks that surely help, but are cheap...

skipped riding today, still humid + was feeling like id pass out if i tried to ride. tired i think. Tomorrow calls for cooler, sunnier weather anyways! Gotta get motivation (and sleep schedule) working better. not getting home till midnight isnt helping