Bike Forums - Commuting and Spandex question

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- - Commuting and Spandex question (https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/746950-commuting-spandex-question.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLStout (Post 12862047)

If your commute is under 10 miles you really don't need bike shorts. Just get your buttskin toughened up a little. I go 7 each way and just wear boxer briefs and athletic shorts. No problem in the 100 degree weather.

Agree with you. Get some non-cotton boxers though.

All the money I save by cycling on used bicycles, I invest in top-grade underwear. :)

There are two issues here. One is the sweat managemant and the other is the seams in the contact area . When I had a 5 mile each way commute it didn't matter what I wore. I prefered sythetic undies in the summer but no real issues. Now that I ride 15 miles I need to change anyway, so I wear bike shorts. Mt. bike shorts work for me as I don't think my coworkers are ready for Spandex yet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bent-not-broken (Post 12867088)

My IO-Bio merino wool undies have flat seams and a gusseted crotch, as do the much cheaper poly Starter undies I get from Walmart. The great thing about the merino wool undies...they're dry by the time I get cleaned up and ready to dress in my work clothes.

Is there something wrong with sitting at your desk with lycra bike shorts? Is that why I'm getting those funny looks?

Quote:

Originally Posted by chipcom (Post 12845221)

if you need cycling shorts, try the Performance Ultra brand of shorts or bibs.

A recent convert here. Got mine at 50% off a couple weeks ago. Still worth the price at 20% off.

I bought the Performance spandex shorts a couple of years ago before I was fully committed to frequent commuting, and didn't want to spend a lot of money. I'm very pleased with them, and they are showing no distress from a heavy spill I took on concrete that left a bruise on my hip & thigh for many weeks.

1. where can I find good pairs that are inexpensive? LBS's really kill me on clothing.
- There are pros and cons when it comes to shoppin at your LBS. Pros = the fact that you can try them out. Cons = High Price. But if they have a clearance rack hit it up !
2. how many pairs do you need for a person commuting 3-5 times a week? I have one for commuting but I only use it for the rainy days.

3. how do you keep them clean for the commute? Using a Washer all the time seems like overkill..could I do quick washes in the sink at work? just hand wash them at home =)

Use the gentle cycle on washer and hang dry

So far I just have the one pair. Wash it whenever it needs washing.

I see people at both ends of the saddle position extreme on my commute. Some have it way too low and will probably get knee pain after a while. Some have it too high and are most likely getting really saddle sore due to their pelvises rocking around the saddle with every pedal stroke. If you're getting discomfort on a commute of 40 minutes or less, it's worth having someone look at your position on the bike. You don't want your leg to be completely straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke, especially with your toes pointing downward.

Quote:

Originally Posted by old's'cool (Post 12873744)

So far I just have the one pair. Wash it whenever it needs washing.

which is...after every ride, right? otherwise, ewww

Quote:

Originally Posted by SactoDoug (Post 12847114)

NEVER let them go through the drier. Take them out of the washer and hang them up to dry.

I've seen this mentioned a couple of times in this thread... what are the concerns with running your jerseys and shorts through the dryer? I've been doing this for the past year, and am wondering if there's a reason I should reconsider this practice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bomb Komodo (Post 12845146)

I have a nice saddle (sette turbo italia) but I have been ridding a lot in a small amount of time while I get back into commuting. To make it worse, I have just been wearing nike dry fit shorts (with liner) and no undies when I ride in. I can tell this is a bad idea due to the soreness I have experienced. I know I need to get some bike shorts to wear under some normal shorts just for padding. I have a few questions :

1. where can I find good pairs that are inexpensive? LBS's really kill me on clothing.
2. how many pairs do you need for a person commuting 3-5 times a week?
3. how do you keep them clean for the commute? Using a Washer all the time seems like overkill..could I do quick washes in the sink at work?

Just sorting it all out.

In deference to modesty and social acceptance I wear mtb shorts w/padded spandex liners for my 41 mile rt commute. I've got 4 pairs. While not uncomfortable myself w/full kit I'd rather avoid any situation where I'm spoken to regarding 'office attire'. When on a recreational rb ride I wear a pair of Pearl Izumi spandex shorts. During the winter I've got a pair of Craft winter tights worn for both disciplines. They're pretty thick and do a great job. For spring/fall I'll wear a combo of lined shorts, leg warmers or bib tights because often it's much warmer in the afternoon and less clothing is needed.

Afa decent pricing I'd second the post regarding Aerotech Designs. I've gotten some stuff from them and it's high quality for the money.