kiltedcelt

Okay, so ever since I started cycling seriously over 25 years ago I've always been a bike shorts and jersey kinda guy whether it was riding my road bike or bombing some singletrack on my mountain bike. Last year when I got heavier into commuting to work, I wanted quicker access to my keys and cell phone so I started wearing baggy shorts with attached liners or some with detachable liners, mainly for the benefit of the side cargo pockets. Another benefit was being able to walk into a store without showing off my junk to everyone as is pretty much the case when you're wearing bike shorts. My wife claims I have really nice legs so she was dismayed to see the baggy shorts phase of my cycling career. Now, after having biked with baggies for nearly 10 months, I'm ready to throw in the towel... err baggies. I have yet to find a pair of baggy shorts that are truly comfortable and where anything put in the pockets doesn't cause some occasional discomfort or distraction. I'm going back to my beloved 8 panel spandex/lycra shorts, and my colorful jerseys. In short, I shall embrace my inner roadie! So, anyone else wander this same convoluted path in selecting their best cycle-commute attire? For the record, I can always carry a pair of baggy shorts in a pannier if I'm going to be lounging around off the bike in polite non-cycling society for any length of time. Incidentally, I posted this same thread on a local cycling forum and kept getting replies from guys telling me to try this brand or that brand of baggy shorts because it worked for them. They kept missing the point. I am attempting through a modicum of humor to explain how I went from lycra to not looking like a bike geek, to back to lycra again. So, my final attempt to explain myself was as follows:
Guys, you don't need to try to change my mind or keep suggesting knickers or other shorts types that are comfy. I've tried several brands and have finally decided I just don't like the feel of the extra layer of outer fabric. I'm going back to lycra and none of you can stop me! All shall gaze upon my junk bulge and despair! (with apologies to J.R.R. Tolkien).

Sirrus Rider

I went roadie shorts no matter what the steed.. Why? I found MTB shorts have a tendency to snag on things like the horn of the saddle, frame pump, water bottle/rack. Sleek and slim works better.

dalegribble

Gross

clawhammer72

Running Shorts. Light and they dry quick. Stuff goes in handlebar bag, not my pockets. I don't like tight clothing and no one, not even my wife wants to see me in spandex.

jcorn427

For those of us just starting on a bike (like myself) and who aren't ready to show the world our spandex clad selves, what kind of clothes are ideal for bike riding? I'm going to be commuting 6 miles each way in AZ...

Zaneluke

Cargo type bike shorts. They look like standard cargo shots but have the liner and padding.

jcorn427

I hope some day (maybe a year from now?) That I would be comfortable in spandex, but no way right now. Not to hijack the thread for the completely opposite reason, but could anyone make a recommendation on brand of cargo type short? If this would be more appropriate in its own thread let me know and I'll move it...

Mondo734

All this talk about people wearing shorts....I started with the lycra shorts and am now considering moving to bibs. Now if you guys think shorts make you look rediculous then bibs are even worse.

As for the guy who is gonna commute 6 miles each way, unless you are riding off road, on fire roads, chipseal, or gravel, you probably dont really need bike shorts.

caloso

Running shorts are great.













For running.

dramiscram

Pics?!?

goalieMN

I am the opposite. My commute is only ten miles each way, and nobody at my work needs to see me in spandex.

You can do what you want to do, but I have been complimented by many of the nurses I work with on my choice of "non-biking" clothing. Usually something along the lines of "unlike Dr So-and-so, you could actually wear spandex, but we all appreciate that you don't"......

telkanuru

Can't beat these dudes
[underwear advisory]

AlmostGreenGuy

I'm a big fan of cycling knickers. My favorite is the Endura Hummvee 3/4 short. I tossed the included chamois, and use a tri short underneath. It's pure heaven. Lots of pockets. Fashionable off of the bike. Durable as hell. No diaper feeling. No sunburns just above my knees.

Burton

Bibs are actually more comfortable - and there's nothing that says you can't still wear a jersey top with them. Mtb shorts don't cut it for me - they flop around and anything in the pockets becomes a nuisance when pedaling. But in cooler weather full length cargo pants or full length mx pants are perfect.

daredevil

paragraphs are your friend.

Mondo734

What no full length thermo bibs? Thats how you can tell this isn't the road forum!

tjspiel

Sounds like some nurses need to grow up. They think the choice to wear spandex should only be made by those that they deem worthy? They are seriously lacking in class.

If somebody is getting off their ass and riding their bike to work then they are way ahead of most Americans in the fitness department. They can and should wear what works for them.

bigbenaugust 

Nope. MTB shorts for me, because I run enough errands on the way to/from work that I do not want to be the ****er in spandex at Ace Hardware/Sprouts/Target/wherever. Occasionally also the users will catch me right when I walk in. No one wants to see their server admin in road shorts even if he is 5'9" and 150.

lasauge 

Why choose when you can have the best of both worlds? I wear ordinary shorts with running shorts underneath, so I have the benefits of a seamless layer without the exposing qualities of tight, stretchy material. When I get to work I simply remove the outer shorts and replace them with a pair of pants.

Seano Hermano

What he said.^

I haven't all THAT been big into cycling (like actually getting bikie clothing and such) until recently. I haven't really looked into it...how much does a decent pair of lycra shorts run you?

But riding in cargo shots sounds annoying and awkward. I generally where polyester running shorts and a t-shirt or under-armor shirt.

Burton

Do full length thermal ice-climbing bibpants count? ... a little? They go great with studded tires!

storckm

I've never had a problem wearing ordinary clothes on my bike, although I don't like carrying anything in my pockets.

alan s 

At some point, I stopped caring what people might think about what I wear. Probably in high school. I wear what is most comfortable, which is padded shorts, bibs, tights, Lycra jerseys and bike shoes.

goalieMN

If you want to wear something to your place of employment that makes you look like an overstuffed sausage, feel free. But the argument that you NEED to wear spandex to commute is laughable. And don't be offended when your choice of clothing that you wear TO work is judged by your co-workers......just like the clothes you wear AT work.

RaleighSport

Ha! I'm right between you both, I prefer spandex for functionality but my girlfriend HATES just how much of my body the bike shorts show off, I compromise by wearing bike shorts under thin running shorts.. breathes and dries out well and no chafing issues.