Originally Posted by Harold74

I don't wear padded shorts for probably 75% of my rides which are almost always in the 40-60 minute range. I find the ride to be moderately faster and more enjoyable when I do wear the padded shorts though. I mostly don't wear them simply because it's not a huge deal for me and I forget about them until I'm 20 min into my ride. Similar to wolf child, when I do wear padded shorts, I wear them under cargo shorts. For me, the two main benefits are:

1) Comfort and, I suspect, improved blood flow to my legs and;
2) Keeps my junk in place well.

Related question: does anybody have any statistics on how much more efficient one rides in spandex vs loose fitting clothing? I normally ride in cargo shorts and a Hawaiian shirt during the summer. When I see other folk out in full spandex for a lunch ride around the MUP, I question whether the benefit is worth the hassle. Obviously, these are not racing conditions other than Strava obsession perhaps. On the other hand, I like to feel speedy even when I've nothing to prove.