ZManT

I've used them under cargo shorts with no problems. I tend to not ride in my work clothes (unless i'm off to an errand on lunch) so I can't say what it would be like to have some shorts on under my slacks.

If you have 2 years of 75 miles per week without the shorts, your backside is certainly conditioned. For me, I got some padded shorts for fitness riding, and after the first long ride, I decided that they make enough of a difference to use them commuting - you'll have to pull the trigger on some and give it a try for yourself. go for black, make sure there's a chamois (pad) and you'll see why they are so popular. I don't care for how they look on me walking around, but you can't beat the moisture wicking and padding on your backside.

EKW in DC

Nope. Just my favorite style boxer-briefs and athletic shorts or even regular cargo shorts. Base layerish tights between the two if cold enough. I also sometimes rock the swim trunks or swim trunk style shorts in the summer heat. Good ventilation and easy to rinse/wash/dry.

Don't have anything against bike shorts; I just don't have any.

groovestew

Do you like wearing really tight underwear all day at work? I would personally not wear bike shorts under work clothes if I didn't plan to change into normal underwear once I got to work.

wolfchild

I don't like shorts, I prefer to use knickers for my everyday commuting. For long distance rides I wear padded cycling shorts underneath my knickers. For running errands I will sometimes wear skinny jeans.

Doohickie

If you don't try it, you won't miss it. If you're content, save your money.

pallen

Commuting - bike shorts. Since I have to change clothes when I get to work anyway, I might as well be comfortable on the way in.

Errands, pub crawl, etc - street clothes. Whatever I have on. If its hot, maybe bike shorts with some thin shorts over.

Long rides, centuries, rando - always bike shorts.

The main advantage to bike shorts for me is dealing with sweat and long term comfort. When I get sweaty, regular underwear gets uncomfortable.

himespau 

I work in a hospital where management continually reinforces the idea that we're all in PR for the hospital whenever there's any chance we could come into contact with patients (whoops, excuse me "clients") to the point where maintenance, it, and us lab nerds, have to take the same customer service training as the doctors, receptionists and billing/scheduling folks and have to dress professionally. I take that to mean no visible bulgy bits before I change and wear mountain shorts over my bibs/tights and haven't gotten any complaints yet. I'll have to caveat that with that I mainly commute on weekends when patient and administration numbers are lower due to child care responsibilities. I've been thinking about getting some knickers for cycling that I've seen people wear that look more like regular pants until I get into work where I can change, but haven't been able to get over the idea of wearing what feel too much like girls' capris for me to actually pull the trigger yet.

Booger1

I wear regular clothes if I'm going 2 miles or 1000 miles.Money and keys in my front pockets,wallet in my back pocket,33 years and counting....

JanMM

Bike shorts? Like the recumbent bike shorts I've put a lot of miles in?

shouldberiding

The first year I did the bike commute I rode in jeans and it was fine. I think my position and riding style were a bit more relaxed then. I've tried a couple of times to ride in jeans since switching to bibs and the seam up the middle gives me a saddle sore even on short rides. Just a terrible feeling.

cyclokitty 

Definitely like wearing bike shorts on all my bike rides. I find it more comfortable but also having clothing for my bike means less wear and tear on my regular clothes. I hate shopping and only buy new stuff if I have to (or if my mom bullies me -- sad, but true).

Most of the bike shorts, mtb shorts, bike skorts, tights, socks and jerseys were bought on sale or I had a 20% coupon. Generally I like buying from Terry's, Team Estragen, and REI because the prices tend to be much better than at my lbs even with shipping and customs duties.

I was surprised at the general sturdiness of bike clothing. I have shorts and jerseys that have been worn and then cruelly thrown into the washing machine and dryer oodles of times over the last 6 seasons, and the only things that have fallen apart were the socks. Even those die pretty hard. Oh, and a pair of super cheap liner shorts I bought 6 years. The chamois finally curled up and died after I ignorned the washing instructions for the entire time I owned it.

CFXMarauder

Fox Mtb shorts with a minimal pad and Starter Poly/Spandex 9" boxers..For my off day 30+ miles rides Pearl Izumi padded cycling shorts under my Fox shorts..

NBYRDR

Yes, with some under armour shorts over them.

Just bought a new seat with a gel liner. Finally got it positioned correctly to prevent numbness and can ride without shorts comfortably.

gecho

I only started wearing bike shorts late last summer. Up until then I just lived with the chaffing. When I switched to a road bike the chaffing became unbearable, saddle sores etc. Now that I started wearing bike shorts I won't be going back. Not only is it more comfortable, it prevents being forced off the bike to recuperate.

When I'm on the mountain bike my full cycling shorts seem like overkill, so I just use liner shorts + regular shorts or jeans for upright riding.

fietsbob

Sweatpants under the rain gear, mostly.. got some new nylon shell fleece lined ones ..

AlmostGreenGuy

I wear Pearl Izumi triathlon shorts for long rides and hot rides. I prefer the thinnest chamois I can possibly get, so I don't have that 'load in my pants diaper' feeling. If I don't feel like I'll sweat to death, I like to wear a pair of Endura Hummvee 3/4 Shorts over the triathlon shorts. They look awesome, fit great, and have tons of useful pockets.

With that said, thus far this year, I haven't really needed anything cycling specific when using my Brooks saddle. I don't know why, but I can comfortably wear just about any clothing with the Brooks. Not sure why.

achoo

I always wear bike shorts, or I'd be in saddle-sore hell. And they have to be CLEAN bike shorts, too. When I commute I have to lug an extra pair of shorts with me, because if I ride home in the same pair I rode in on in the morning I'll not only wind up with saddle sores, I'll wind up with infected saddle sores.

RunningPirate

Tooling around doing errands on the SS or FG or Touring Bike: Jeans or walking shorts.
Commuting to work SS or Touring Bike: Gym shorts (short commute)
Longer Rides on the road bike or touring bike: Bibs.

I used to wear those Canari Weekend Warrior Padded Short Things under walking or gym shorts, but I found that a) I didn't like wearing two layers like that, and b) "normal" clothes have a seam that tends to chafe (me, anyway)

Johnny Rebel

I always wear bike shorts, unless my ride is under 8 miles or so. Although distance isn't the only factor. My commute is 18 hilly miles each way, so I definitely work up a sweat. If it was three super hilly miles I'd probably need to change! When my commute was five to seven flat miles I would just wear my normal clothes, maybe change my shirt if it was hot (maybe my boxers if it was sweltering!)

I also work at a school and I got a locker at the gym -- I shower there when I arrive and I always have some extra clothes and a towel waiting for me. I carry some nylon shorts in my pannier just so I can walk the halls without being in the lycra. If you wear them definitely change out of them asap!

A woman I work with rides in practicaly a full kit for her 5 mile commute -- the wraparound sunglasses, tights, jersey, clipless shoes, the whole nine yards! I chuckle, but I don't judge, that's how she feels comfortable I guess.

JeffS

I could ride in just about anything. I'm more comfortable with bib shorts on. Even if I'm just riding to the grocery store I still tend to pull on a pair of bibs underneath my street clothes.

Scooby214

Couple of newbie questions... I have been considering getting some moisture wicking undies. Does anybody have recommended brands/styles?

I would like to get a pair of cycling shorts for when I start doing some group rides in the near future. It appears that people do not wear normal undies under the cycling shorts. Is this correct?

Up to this point, I do my 27 mile round trip commute in cargo pants, t-shirt, and basic shoes. I have to gradually add things in to support my cycling habits, and cycling clothes are next on the list.

tjspiel

Cycling shorts are meant to be worn against the skin, so skip the undies with those.

If the cargo pants are working for you there's no particular reason to change. You might feel a bit out of place on group rides depending on the type of ride it is.

divtag

I never wear bike shorts. My weekend rides are between 35-50. With a Brooks and wicking boxer briefs (ex oficio, rei, etc.) I have never had the need.

bragi

I've never worn bike shorts, even for tours. I like "normal" clothes, and believe that bike shorts and other bike-specific dress makes it more difficult for car drivers and pedestrians to view bicyclists as legitimate road users.

Andy_K 

I wear something over them because they leave absolutely nothing to the imagination otherwise. I sometimes wear them under jeans, but you still need to take them off when you get to the office (unless you enjoy boils).