I find spandex, alone, to be much, much more comfortable out on the road, especially in hot conditions. I wear gym shorts over top while I'm in town; then remove them once I cross the outer belt. That said, it took a long time riding uncomfortably for me to finally make that decision. When I find myself riding in town in just spandex, I will truly be liberated. You'll never find me in anything but black, with a solid color jersey. I'm a bit of a snob that way.