KonaRider125

I am looking for suggestions on a make/model of lightweight packable shorts that will fold down small enough to be able to fit in my jersey pocket or handlebar bag(without taking up much space). I want something to slip on over the my bicycle shorts for stoping at stores/restaurants on long day rides or mutliday tours.


Thanks

Tourist in MSN

Instead I wear shorts that have pockets and a detachable liner. Sometimes I wear the Zoic pants that have zip off legs, at other times I use the Zoic shorts. They look ok in a retail setting. I got both at REI.

Black Market Convertible Cycling Pants | ZOIC Clothing

Ether Shorts | ZOIC Clothing

Mine are a few years old, been quite happy with them for touring.

fietsbob

IDK How small The current style of basketball shorts Pack Down to . but you can always strap them, Rolled Up, behind the saddle ..

gorshkov

I use a pair of running shorts that I got at Walmart for about $10 a few years back. They pack down small enough to (barely) fit in a jersey pocket, though I don't generally keep them there.

KonaRider125

Thanks for the input. Mainly just wanted to see if anyones onto a brand of shorts that pack down real small to easily fit into a jersey pocket. For single day long rides, this is where I'd keep them.

fietsbob

The fabric would have to Be really thin to ball up that small .

I'd just wear the Bike shorts as a base layer and Cargo shorts over them, if you worry that you look like you were Smuggling Budgies, off the Bike.

spinnaker

Exactly. I would think such a small thin short would not leave much to the imagination. Maybe a pair of speedos?

staehpj1

I like Nike DriFit running shorts with a 5" inseam and two pairs would easily fit in a jersey pocket, so one pair of longer inseam ones would probably fit OK too.

I don't know if they would meet your requirement for wearing into restaurants and what not. I typically just wear my bike shorts everywhere during the day and slip into running shorts in camp when done riding for the day. I find they work great for a bit of needed airing out after being in snug bike shorts all day.

Bicycle365

WalMart swim trunks (Board Shorts) with the liner cut out. Cheap $6, surprisingly comfortable loose fit and dry very quickly. Rolls to the size of a soda can.

BigAura

I'm not into looking like a spandex-racer, especially while touring. I always wear cargo type shorts usually with thin padded underlining. Hopping on and off anywhere and I don't look conspicuous. I also have and wear, but not generally while touring, these Rapha shorts that are streamlined and not as attention getting in a hometown convenience store.

BTW: Stripping before getting on your bike is almost more conspicuous than just wearing spandex.

Machka 

I bring a pair or two of basketball shorts with me ... without that inner lining thing that some of them come with.

catonec 

you're rocking the spandex. share what you got with that cutie behind the counter at the 7-11. she wants to see what your all about.

seriously, if you're just running in for 5 seconds to grab a drink, just go for it.

alan s 

No one cares what you are wearing. They're bike clothes, and you are riding a bike.

Carbonfiberboy 

Ordinary loose nylon running shorts work fine. Your bike shorts will stick out the leg holes, but so what?

Papa Tom

I used to have a pair of nylon shorts that looked more like cotton and folded up into themselves. They were exactly what you are describing. Can't remember the brand, but they do exist. Don't ever try to press them, though. Mine melted right onto the bottom of the iron!

gregjones

Running Shorts

I don't mess with the jersey pocket thing. I just put them on over shorts/tights. They are so thin and light that I've never noticed them while riding. They have built-in briefs. Even without bike shorts I don't notice the underwear.

staehpj1

I think that pretty much sums up my experience with wearing spandex on tour. If anything, I think it is a plus to be recognized as a cyclist. Folks realize you are on a long bike trip and cut you more slack, plus I like to be recognized as the guy that folks saw 50 miles down the road on a bike. It has often lead to invites to stay with folks, camp in their yard, have dinner in their home. or other kindnesses.

That never occurred to me since I never slip into cover up shorts, but it makes sense.

indyfabz

I am wearing a pair of Adidas Response shorts right now. They can easily fit in a jersey pocket even though they are either L or XL.

But as others have noted, why? Even in Italy, where people tend to be more fashion conscious and formal, no one is likely to care if you stop to shop or eat in cycling clothes. While riding there a few years ago, we stopped for lunch or coffee several times, including at one high-end villa that is a favorite of Sandra Bullock, and no one cared.

mm718

Running shorts probably meet your criteria the best but they'd have to be longer so that your bike shorts don't stick out. As others have said I would just get used to wearing your bike shorts proudly or go the other way and wear what Aura describes above (shorts over lightweight padded shorts). It seems like it's too much work to be carrying an extra pair of shorts in your jersey and changing at stops.

BigAura

Riding you're right, they are bike clothes. Off the bike, in the hinterland, at a truck stop, they make you stand out and may not be perceived the same by all. As a traveler I like to fit in and have people feel as comfortable as possible in their habitat. I realize that the world is more relaxed nowadays and most people could care less, but some might.

alan s 

Maybe the truck drivers should start wearing lycra so they fit in better with you. I've seen lots of outfits that make me wince, but I recognize it's their choice. There is no dress code at a truck stop, AFAIK.

Sharpshin

This is what I wore on my 30 day 2,000 mile tour last year, a single later of loose-fitting nylon, top and bottom, nothing underneath..



Oversized nylon fishing shirt (Magellan) worn loose and outside the pants to preserve modesty (wouldn't want any private body parts to print through the fabric in public).

Cool in the heat, effective sun protection, and quick drying, so much so it could be rinsed out in a motel sink or in a stream (accumulated sweat turned the sink water a pale brownish-ochre) and when put on damp the next morning, it would very quickly dry. Rolled up into a small bundle for packing too (I brung three sets).

The pants are "Adventure Pants" from REI, the also make the same thing in "Adventure Shorts"...

REI Adventures Shorts - Men's - REI.com

They do indeed roll up into not much at all, I have a pair.

Mike

MichaelW

I use some boxer's training shorts. These are not the big baggy competition ones.

mnmkpedals 

I discovered this line of Giro New Road apparel this winter and man, love it. I use their under shorts with them and can't say enough good things about them. Really, really good. Great. Bought three pairs.

Giro 40M Tech Cycling Overshorts (For Men) - Save 33%

The retail price is crazy, but bought them here with added coupons and was reasonable. I was thinking of making a thread about them because I was long looking for non-spandex, non-baggy-mountian-bike style shorts for touring and riding, and these are absolutely perfect.

Panza

Asics lightweight running shorts and a ziplock bag, leave a small bit of the bag open and press down on the bag until it's deflated, then zip the bag. It will stay compressed AND dry. I like Asics because I wore their shorts for track and those things were light as feathers.