Originally Posted by
7rider
Depending on the resiliency of your privates, you can probably just use compression shorts for your first rides, but as you bike longer distances, the chamois definitely helps. Many Ironman triathletes never seem to be wearing too much in terms of shorts when they're on their bikes, and they seem to be able to run a marathon afterwards without any problem. I wonder how they deal with a lack of chamois.
This would depend on what kind of compression shorts - the material used. The BIKE brand of compression shorts are made up of a fabric that while fine for running sports would be quite abrasive
if worn while riding a bike. I would compare it to sitting on a piece of sandpaper.
Dick's Sporting Goods has the entry level of Pearl Izumi's shorts, I think they're called "Quest" for around
$40.00 and they would be a good start or any of the Performance, Nashbar padded shorts. You can then
build from there if your saddle time increases.