Commuting without a chamois
10-29-17 | 11:46 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
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Commuting without a chamois
Older dude here and would like to commute to work but don't want to "lycra up" every day (plus I look like a stuffed sausage = ugh). My jeans don't cut it and cant think of any pants / slacks, shorts that might work
Any ideas?
ps. I ride a road bike
Any ideas?
ps. I ride a road bike
10-29-17 | 12:18 PM
#4
Fork and spoon operator
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 577
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From: Hopkins, Minnesota
Bikes: 2013 Surly Crosscheck, 1990 Schwinn Impact, 1973 Schwinn Continental
I personally never use padded shorts. I think it's pretty easy to get used to it. I usually just wear regular shorts or rain pants.
10-29-17 | 01:18 PM
#6
running shorts
10-29-17 | 01:21 PM
#7
Senior Member
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
I've been wearing black golf/coaches shorts for years. WHen it's cold I wear thin, black athletic tights/pants over them.
10-29-17 | 01:58 PM
#8
Callipygian Connoisseur
Joined: Nov 2008
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Two words: Liner shorts. Wear 'em under your choice of cycling shorts.
Also, I second the "coaches shorts" recommendation. Typically they're a lighter weight poly which breathes well and stretches with activity. And they're most often basic black.
-Kedosto
Also, I second the "coaches shorts" recommendation. Typically they're a lighter weight poly which breathes well and stretches with activity. And they're most often basic black.
-Kedosto
10-29-17 | 03:41 PM
#11
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I've started wearing synthetic hiking pants. They seem to satisfy "business casual" at my workplace, and are a lot lighter and more durable than dockers or equivalent. Also, oddly enough, chain and brake goop washes off more readily than from cotton pants.
10-29-17 | 03:56 PM
#12
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From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Bike shorts under street clothes, with a change of underwear in a bag or pocket.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
10-29-17 | 05:01 PM
#14
ambulatory senior
Joined: Dec 2016
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From: Peoria Il
Bikes: Austro Daimler modified by Gugie! Raleigh Professional and lots of other bikes.
cargo shorts when its warm and dickey style slacks in a size too big when its cold. i am definitly not a fashion plate but it works for me. hell i wear the same thing with regular underwear to tour. padded shorts can be nice and i wont begrudge anyone wearing them but i find them completely unnecessary.
10-29-17 | 06:40 PM
#15
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From: Western, MA
Bikes: 2016 Felt Z85 105, 2016 GT Grade Sora
i really enjoy addidas Joggers. theyre tight around the calf and lower leg so they dont get caught up in the chain but they're baggy-ish near the man parts so i'm still decent when i show up to work.
10-29-17 | 07:15 PM
#16
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From: Toronto, CANADA
Bikes: ...a few.
Jeans are possibly the worst piece of clothing to wear for cycling more than 20 minutes at a time. There are too many large seams. If one doesn't get you another will.
You can get padded shorts, something like this:
https://www.aerotechdesigns.com/big-...ed-shorts.html
Not sure if they come in a long version.
You can get padded shorts, something like this:
https://www.aerotechdesigns.com/big-...ed-shorts.html
Not sure if they come in a long version.
10-29-17 | 07:16 PM
#17
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From: The banks of the River Charles
Bikes: 2025 Black Mountain Cycles Mod Zero, 2025 Surly Ogre, 2022 Salsa Beargrease, 2020 Seven Evergreen, 2019 Honey Allroads Ti, 2018 Seven Redsky XX
Athletic apparel with a saddle that is comfortable for your commute. Some prefer a Brooks (like me) while others like a sprung gel covered sofa cushion saddle.
10-29-17 | 07:54 PM
#18
ambulatory senior
Joined: Dec 2016
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From: Peoria Il
Bikes: Austro Daimler modified by Gugie! Raleigh Professional and lots of other bikes.
i prefer the brooks my gf prefers the "sprung gel covered sofa cushion saddle". thing is, she commutes every day!
10-29-17 | 09:33 PM
#19
Been Around Awhile
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From: Burlington Iowa
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
I can't even imagine what that looks like, got any pictures?
10-29-17 | 09:43 PM
#20
ambulatory senior
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From: Peoria Il
Bikes: Austro Daimler modified by Gugie! Raleigh Professional and lots of other bikes.
10-29-17 | 10:20 PM
#21
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From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
I've gotta agree with mcours2006. I stopped wearing (and even owning) jeans in my car free days. Now the Dockers of the '90s and '00s were quite rideable if you wore decent underwear. I like the UnderArmour jockey briefs (I think I got that right). They cost ~$19/pair but they last forever.
Ben
Ben
10-30-17 | 12:26 AM
#22
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Silicon Valley, CA
I recommend looking for cycling specific pants. You can find non-lycra clothing. Cycling specific clothing will have seams in the right places and the seams will be low profile. Liner things are good for having chamois for longer rides. I forgot to put my shorts on between my unpadded underwear and cycling pants without realizing it until I got to work. It explained why my 22 mile ride was a bit uncomfortable; I moved around the seat quote a bit. I see plenty of people riding in lycra who look like stuffed sausages. So what.
Search for "commuter pants bike". Something like these are good for cooler weather riding, but are kind of pricey. Best time to buy is at end of season: https://www.rei.com/product/119919/c...ell-pants-mens
Search for "commuter pants bike". Something like these are good for cooler weather riding, but are kind of pricey. Best time to buy is at end of season: https://www.rei.com/product/119919/c...ell-pants-mens
10-30-17 | 01:15 AM
#23
Thats "MISTER Poopypants"
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 73
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From: Tokyo
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac with Shimano RS81s and 105s
When I am just cruising through town on my day off, I wear grey or black hiking pants. They already repel water a bit, but with a coat of Scotch Guard they will keep your legs dry even in rainy weather. Something like these without the yellow.
