Originally Posted by
Raleigh Chopper
Hi all,
Here's a question I've pondered - what is the point in lycra and other super-expensive "performance" articles of clothing for anyone other than (a) really serious competition riders and (b) people who want to look like the have a bondage fetish, or something like that?
In the winter I ride in a pair of skinny tracksuit bottoms with piping down the side and stirrups (i.e. the old 80's style ones) and a cycling fleece (total cost of about £30); in the summer I ride in a pair of shorts (yes, regular ASDA-Walmart shorts) and ... wait for it ... a regular ASDA-Walmart t-shirt! I just buy 'em a bit longer than normal. (Total cost of about £7!).
In fact my Helmet, SPD shoes and waterproof foldaway jacket (i.e. the three things that really do matter) probably make up 95% of the cost of whatever outfit I am wearing, plus I don't look like a wierdo and I seem to be able to go just as far and fast as the lycra brigade.
So ... why the hell lycra!? Lol!
You don't look like a wierdo in "skinny tracksuit bottoms with piping down the side and stirrups?"
Lycra shorts or more accurately, microfiber shorts, are incredibly comfortable... don't knock 'em until you've tried 'em. Back in the 70's I avoided bike shorts and rode in cut off jeans, running shorts, and just about anything I could find... all in an effort to be more comfortable... I was finally goaded into trying wool bike shorts... Oh My God... my nads had gone to heaven... no more bunching or frying the jewels...
Over the years I have shifted from wool and real chamios liners to the microfiber shorts with anti bacterial liners make by Pearl Izumi... in the latter, I feel like I am riding naked... the same wonderful feeling one gets skinny dipping. No way would I go back to anything that bunches up the boys and causes chafing.
Free yourself my friend and get thee to a decent pair of good riding shorts... your dangley bits will thank you.