AceFahrenheit

Hello commuters,

It is getting close to that point in sunny Minnesota where I will be able to start commuting to work! Hooray! I've done many things to prepare... bought a bike, a helmet, a lock, a pump, front and rear lights, etc...

My plan is to bring a change of clothes to work with me and I'm looking for your recommendations on shorts. I would like a pair of shorts that has padding, but is not form-fitting. Or even a style that has a form-fitting interior with padding and a looser fitting exterior without padding (does this even exist)?

I'm having trouble finding what I'm looking for on the internet and, when I do come across something, the links I find are broken or the item is out of stock.

Your suggestions and input are appreciated!

EnsitMike

Ive worn lycra under some shorts for longer rides. They don't have to be one assembled piece-- just layer.

e0richt

mtb bike shorts...look like real shorts but still have cycle specific benefits...

gregjones

^^^This^^^ Most "regular" casual look.

I wear running shorts over bike shorts.

no1mad 

+1 on layering. You could also go with cycling underwear/liner shorts and then whatever garment over that. Examples- Amazon.com: cycling underwear

brooklyn

You will limit your self by buying mtb/touring shorts with a built in pad. Buy a good pair of cycling shorts and layer them with a pair of normal shorts. For normal shorts I recommend going to Target and buying their black golf shorts for $25. I have 3 pairs that have lasted me for years.

megalowmatt

For mountain biking I wear a padded liner with lightweight Columbia hiking shorts. That way I'm not limited to just using those shorts for biking.

I also have a couple pairs of the Target golf shorts brooklyn mentioned. If your workplace is casual enough these are nice looking and I wear them all day.

For what it's worth I don't use any kind of padded shorts for my 5.5 mile commute.

Darth Lefty 

My MTB shorts have considerably thicker padding than my lycra, I figured this was to deal with the added seams of the outer shorts.

JamesRL

Mountain Equipment Co-op is a Canadian company known for good quality stuff, I've been a member for a long time.
They have shorts that are liners meant to be worn under regular walking shorts.

MEC Ace Cycling Liner Shorts (Men's) - Mountain Equipment Co-op. Free Shipping Available
DeFeet UnDBrief Commuter (Men's) - Mountain Equipment Co-op. Free Shipping Available

I haven't tried them yet, but there are reviews on the site. I intend to get a set for riding with my kids.
They do ship to the US, but it costs $19, so you may want to look for a few other items. Luckily they carry a lot of bike stuff and as a co-op they have some good prices. Check out the clearance items.

PaulRivers

"Or even a style that has a form-fitting interior with padding and a looser fitting exterior without padding (does this even exist)?"

Yes - look for either mountain biking shorts -
Endura Hummvee Shorts 2013

Or underwear short designed to be worn under regular shorts -
Endura 2013 Mesh Boxer Shorts

(I haven't used either of these specific products, just pointing out specific examples).

jrickards

My winter commute is about 1/2 of yours (4.5km) but I find that my regular underwear rubs on the inside of my thighs so, my point is, depending on your shape and the seam/stitching placement of your clothes, you may benefit from cycling specific shorts/underwear.

Go ahead and try for a bit with your regular clothes (shorts/pants/whatever) but be aware that you might need cycling specific shorts/underwear.

mstraus

Two simple options:

1) You can buy underwear with padded chamois and wear them under any shorts/pants (or even bike shorts under regular shorts, but they are probably longer then the underwear.
2) you can buy mountain bike shorts that are baggier and have pads...many brands make these, some are baggier then others.

fietsbob

How far is your commute?

once you are off work and not shopping on the company computer , drop by some shops ..

there are liner shorts with the 'shammy' (synthetic, no longer the hide of a particular goat species)
that may be as much as just getting cheap shorts as your underwear ..

I live in a fleeced tracksuit trouser , their jersey knit gives and flexes where woven Denim Wont

Russell athletics , black (hides chain schmuzz) fleeced poly inside , slick nylon outer , a compound knit fabric ,
so draws sweat out and offers some warmth too ..

the shorts With pockets outside is Good , bike shorts underneath ..

you should buy several pair of liners as you want a clean pair to put on daily ..

lostarchitect 

I sometimes wear Nashbar liner shorts under cargo shorts, but only on long rides. I don't really need them on my commute. I'm not really sure I even need them on long rides...

Rammer64

I tried padded bike shorts for the first time today. I will never ride without them again! I threw my jeans on over them and rode 15 miles today. I too will probably not just wear bike shorts without another pair of looser shorts over them.

David Bierbaum

I'm happy with my Bayleaf padded undershorts. I just wear regular cargo shorts or sweats over them. If I had money, I'd probably go with MTB or Touring shorts, but for penny-pinching, my combo works fine enough for me.

Mark Stone

Or, depending on the length of your commute, wear whatever you're working in and skip the expense. I ride about 15 miles round-trip and just do it in my regular clothes. Saves a lot of clothes-changing hassle at your job and (in my experience) is just as comfortable. Not trying to start a war, just adding a suggestion . . .

Motolegs

My local Wal Mart features a line of Schwinn MTB- road bike shorts. For the princely sum of $20 I got a set of MTB shorts to use for commuting. They are fine it turns out, have a padded seat, and front pockets. Look in their bike section.

BTW It's great that you are choosing to commute by bike. Your body and soul will thank you.