Originally Posted by
blickblocks
The greatest benefit of lycra, in my opinion, is the lower friction. In jeans or shorts, your legs are constantly rubbing the fabric and the fabric is constantly rubbing the saddle. In lycra, the fabric just rubs the saddle, and it's a very smooth action. I'd rather give up the shock absorbtion for non-chafed thighs.
Padded underwear isn't that much less than a cheap pair of shorts anyhow.
Padded underwear, I have just never found a set with the quality of lycra chamois' , nor does it seem they seat as well, to areas where you sense chafing.