I think the padded shorts are just part of the whole "fred" package. Its more about looking the part than it is functionality. People like wearing uniforms. It makes them feel like they belong to something. I have done 40, 50, 60 mile rides on both my road bike and on my mountain bike in cargo shorts without any issue. I've never once put on a shred of lycra, spandex, a cycling jersey, or those wrap around sunglasses everyone has either. If the seat hurts your ass, you need to make sure its set up properly, and if so try a different seat. I have a selle italia flite flow on my road bike and a selle italia max flite gel flow on my mountain bike. Both are super comfy.