bds1168

I just started rideing about two weeks ago and am only rideind 15 mi. a day. My question is this is it allright to whear mnt bike shorts for road biking? I am about 5'8" 180 lbs. and the only 6 pack I have is in the fridg. I don't want to look like a fat man in a speedo but my butt is realy getting sore. Please help.

Tom Stormcrowe

No, it's not required, but it does make the ride a lot more comfortable, and who cares what anyone else thinks, anyway. By the way, I'm moving this to CLydesdales......a more appropriate venue than User Assistance

sooprvylyn

It's only required if you want to look COOL, but they must be covered in advertisements so you look like a real racer. If you dont wear spandex the "serious" cyclists will make fun of you.

steve0257

A log rambling discussion related to this topic

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...s-and-t-shirt-!

HIPCHIP

A good set of bib shorts and chamois cream will go a long way to making your ride more comfortable. If you haven't had it done, get a bike fit as that will definitely make a difference. They will also do saddle checks to make sure your saddle fits your "SIT" bones. In a few weeks, 15 miles will seem like nothing and you'll be much faster and going further, and your "Rear View" will change.

Just have fun out there!

bds1168

Thanks everyone I think there just might be alittle bike snobery going on where I am ( Peachtree City Ga.) but I will say the guys at the LBS not the tREKshop have been realy cool and helpfull. Thanks again I need all the help I can get.

sooprvylyn

There is bike snobbery in every city in the world, just ignore it

nivekdodge

and owning mirrors is a responsibility...... try them under what your wearing now like underwear.

Tom Stormcrowe

That's right.....the important thing is that you're out there on the bike. Just remember, most people are on their cans on the couch or in the office doing nada. You're out there livin' large and getting healthy......who do you tthink is having more fun? They're just jealous.

stringbreaker

Wear what's comfortable for you. If you don't want to wear the spandex padded bike shorts then by all means there is nothing wrong with the mountain bike shorts with the built in liners. besides when you get a few more miles under your tushy and blow by those snobby folks you can stand up on the pedals and give em a little shake of the backside as you go by. Have fun thats the main thing

Nola_Gal

and remember, a bad case of 'chafing' will cure you of the habit of worrying what others think! Seriously, they will make you much more comfortable. When I first started wearing them, I would put a pair of looser fitting capri pants over them. You could wear a pair of loose gym shorts or something over them as long as there is nothing between your skin and the bike shorts.

wstandis

Are you ****ing kidding? i wear mtn biking shorts on the road and if some ****ing spandex clad ******bag said a word to me I could and would smoke him. Been riding all my life and at 6'7" 220 i have long legs and speed. outfits are cheap........ put your money where your mouth is

Kneez

Wear what you find the most comfortable. I find cycling shorts quite comfortable for cycling. They took care of the chafing problem I had back when I used to ride in jeans or gym shorts. Try them out and see what you think.

Kneez

I don't think the poster was serious...

dscheidt

+1 to wearing what's comfortable. I can't stand cycling shorts, and will sneer at anyone who says they're required, or will make me more comfortable.

wstandis

my apologies .

toolbear

Mountain bike shorts work just fine and are far less revealing. Check pricepoint.com. I shop there a lot.

I like Hoss brand and have three pair. After a certain age and perhaps one or two too many donuts, it's smart to move from spandex to something a bit looser and easier on the eyes. (It's not fat; it's stored food reserves.) Leave the spandex to the 18 yr old studs and the ectomorphs. Some can wear it with style. I could at 20. Some look like the Michelin Man with advertising.

Ross - Dress for Less - has been a good source of wicking golf shirts and such which are an alternative to form fitting jerseys.

cyclokitty 

+1 for mountain bike shorts. And not only because they are less tight and form fitting but the material tends to be incredibely durable. I've worn Terry's mountain bike shorts for years and they still look brand new. I think most mountain bike shorts are made from a blend of nylon and spandex. It makes the outer shorts nice and stretchy, preventing the fabric from digging into your flesh while pedalling. And they have pockets -- hopefully roomy zippered pockets you can easy stuff a wallet, cell phone, keys, and a camera.

Kneez

I would say to try spandex shorts, no matter what your body shape may be. See if you like them. Wear what is the most comfortable. I prefer not to have a bunch of extra fabric to deal with but that's JMHO. Just wear what is the most comfortable for you, whether its mountain bike shorts or spandex shorts or a strapless evening gown. If other people can't deal with the choice, that's their problem.

As for the guys that look like the "Michelin Man with advertising," I say more power to them. I am sure that I look like this, sans advertising, but it helps me to ride in more comfort. If you can't handle that, I'm sorry. You're going to have to learn to deal with it.

mthayer

I am 5'8 and weigh 255 ish. I wear spandex, but I wear them under a pair of board shorts. I am kinda self conscious and that helps me feel better about it.
BTW, I think if I am going to wear a jersey with advertising on it, I should be paid for it. Its not everyday you see a rolling billboard.

boy scout 161

I wear bike shorts as underwear under baggy pants or shorts. If your hanging with folks that are snobs about what you wear, it's time to look for some other people to be with. Life is to short to deal with that junk.

love2pedal.com

OP--

Like everyone said mountainbike shorts (also known as baggy bike shorts) with a padded lycra liner should be fine for how much you are riding.

My guess is that your butt hurts more because you just started cycling than because of the shorts you are wearing.

Don't worry, after a few more weeks the butt pain will disappear and you get more used to cycling.

Dan

CliftonGK1

I only have one rule for myself regarding cycling shorts: Black only.
Trim racer guys can pull off the logos and bold colours look. I can not.

Kneez

I feel the same way. My bicycle itself is already plastered with marketing. I managed to take all the infantile stickers off my wheels but the name of the company that made my bike is present in eight locations. There is also some ridiculous text on my fork telling me how special it is. I wish I could remove that as well but I am afraid it is there to stay.

If I think about all the components, there must be dozens of logos all over my bike, large and small. It's hard to get away from it all.

cyclist2000

I got a pair of bibs last year with a logo on each leg. I didn't care since I got a $50 discount on them. Its more about saving a buck.

Don't worry about what other people think, the more comfortable you are, the more you will ride.