Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,560
Likes: 44
From: Milledgeville, Georgia
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
There are many right ways to go.
When I ride more than 30 miles, I would not think of riding without padded lycra shorts or bibs, especially in warm or hot weather. The longer the ride and the hotter the weather, the better the pad needs to be. The padding is not so much for cushioning as for controlling moisture and abrasion. I would also stay away from gel.