Originally Posted by
tjspiel
You've decided for everyone that 20 miles is some magic number under which no one should need cycling shorts to be comfortable.
Check out some reviews of saddles online. For the same saddle you'll read about how one guy thinks it's the most comfortable thing he ever rode on while another guy will have found it complete torture. My point is that people are different.
There are many threads on these very forums about discomfort in the saddle and how to deal with it. If you go to an LBS you'll find all sorts of different saddles, gel seat covers, and other products designed (or at least marketed) to make riders more comfortable. Why? Because a lot of people get uncomfortable on a saddle after a while. And I'm guessing it doesn't take 20 miles. Actually, I know that for a lot of people it doesn't take 20 miles.
For me it all depends. The more intense the ride, the quicker I'll get uncomfortable in regular clothes. If I make sure to get out if the saddle a lot and mix the high intensity miles with enough low intensity miles, I can extend the range. But why? Why not just wear what helps me stay comfortable no matter how I decide to ride?
I Agree, you were telling everyone what should be appropriate (e.g. your random 20 mile number). It all varies by the person, terrain, speed, temperature, humidity, etc. I'm not about to throw on spandex for a 3 mile ride, but personally for 15 miles, wearing shorts with a chamois (even if it's under a normal pair of shorts) makes a world of difference for both comfort during the ride and after (i.e chaffing, soreness, and rashes in areas you'd rather not have chaffing, soreness, or rashes). Like any sport or activity, I like to wear what is comfortable and appropriate for that activity...and especially for biking, the right clothing can help keep ME from being uncomfortable or excessively sweaty.
But back to the point of the thread, bike commuting definitely varies by your location...where I live, it varies a lot simply by what side of town you're on (downtown vs. suburban hell area).