I was wondering that myself... Is that along the same lines as "All medicine has to taste yucky"?

;)

My now former - and blessedly so - bike mentor advised me "cycling is about pain." This seems to be roadie thinking; it's odd to read a like statement from a commuter.

There is good pain and bad pain.
The idea of not wearing lycra and the resulting saddle sores are not what I would call a good pain.
Cresting a mountain completely out of breath with every muscle screaming at you is a good one. Provided that the complaints are not those of torn muscles.

Agreed. I was commenting on the idea one shouldn't be "comfortable" on a bike.

Yes, that is a strange concept.
For instance, I have my bike fit such that I am comfortable on my bike for almost the entire day. Of course fitness level and clothing play a part. The funny thing is that I can remain comfortable in a car for a 1\3 that time.

If you don't choose to wear cycling clothing, that's OK by me. But I think it's kind of ridiculous to claim that jeans and other regular clothing are just as comfortable and aerodynamic as cycling specific clothing. I got over the awkwardness of wearing cycling clothing in public many years ago. I wear my gear into stores, coffee shops, work, etc., and rarely ever give it a second thought. Here are some of many advantages of cycling specific clothes:
-- Breathable fabrics that wick sweat away and dry quicker.
-- More aerodynamic, allowing faster speeds and/or easier cycling.
-- Available in bright colors that make you more visible in traffic.
-- More comfortable, particularly shorts and tights with padding in strategic areas.
-- Keeps you warmer in cold weather, and cooler in hot weather.
-- Convenient pockets in rear of jerseys to stow gear, ID, cleat covers, etc.

If you claim that regular street clothing is superior to cycling gear, my guess is that you haven't tried much (if any) cycling specific clothes.

I have padded shorts (PI ultrasensor) and sometimes use them for longer rides over 50mi, but I much prefer the unpadded (PI tri shorts) for comfort, the padding makes me feel a bit unstable on the saddle. Perhaps because of the Brooks ?

The key for me, even for short trips is a set of tight fitting undergarments to prevent the boys from being bashed around or squeezed between the side of the saddle and my leg. Since my non-cycling undergarments are all boxer shorts, I use cycling shorts for under (or only) garment when on the bike.

Al

About 12 years ago, I learned a valuable lesson.
Never wear baggy sweat pants and boxer shorts to ride a horse.
With the equine at a steady trot, I stood up in the stirrups. When I came back down, I thought I was going to pass out. My bag-o-beans had slipped under me and BANG! I sat on them.:eek: