dexmax: I understand many reasons why a comfort bike is, well, more comfortable. What I can't figure out is what makes bike shorts almost a requirement, especially when it comes to the irritation I mentioned, on a road bike.
Michael: Yeah, I got the Volpe partly because it would be more practical for carrying things when necessary (I don't have a car). By "cycle racing kit", are you referring to clothing? Some time ago I tried riding to Waikiki with just the bathing suit and shorts on top like I did with the comfort bike. I hoped that since it was just 12.5 miles each way, it might work.
Well, going was fine, but as soon as I got on the bike to return, I felt like I had bruised my butt and as I started riding, I immediately could feel the irritation I mentioned. Both got worse as I went.
I don't always ride at max effort, but I do push some because it really matters to me to get to my destination quickly. Funny, but I don't much care about the return trip except when I have to meet a schedule.
I've wondered about toe clips, but I am concerned about the abilty to get out of them quickly, not to mention that they aren't as efficient as clipless. But what are SPD cycling sandals? They sound interesting.
I never thought about triathlon wear. I'll check that out for sure!
I think I know what you mean by MTB baggy shorts, but not sure about "padded inserts" unless you mean the ones that are simply built in. Also, since I wear swim trunks that are like shorts in design (IOW, not those real tight things), wouldn't that cause a problem trying to pull tight bike shorts on top? Even the baggy shorts I've seen have the inner part that is tight.
My original helmet I just left on the bike. It was cheap and after using it awhile, I wasn't worried about losing it. But I just got a Giro Pneumo and those are expensive! I'm not sure I would trust it with a thin cable.
I used to lock up my bike with a pair of those heavy Masterlock handcuff things PLUS a heavy cable to pull through the wheels. I also parked it in a place with many people around. Now I just use the cable (hope that isn't a mistake) because it cuts down on weight, especially when I ride 50 miles or so.
Bob