HiYoSilver

I tried on a pair of road cycling shorts just for fun and was surprised at the look.

It was not pleasant. Picture a michelin tire around the middle. The shorts seem to compress everything and make the beer belly about double it's size.

So what do you wear for bottoms? Do you go for trendy? comfort? good looks? first clean thingy you can find?

joeprim

I usually wear regular shorts. I have one mtb shorts - I wore them Sunday for my centur. They were comfortable enough the padding or all the training rides worked as I wasn't too sore at the end.

DnvrFox

You forgot bibs, which many of us wear.

HiYoSilver

Fox,

There's a limit of 10 choices.

rusht8205

Got several pairs of "cargo Shorts" at Sports Authority. I like them for their fit and the comfort and all of the pockets. Plenty of room for cell phone and otherstuff that might be needed for repairs.

Tom

DnvrFox

Don't tell me your troubles!

va_cyclist

Bicycling shorts aren't really flattering on anyone. They're all about function. The other day I drove past a rider in black bike shorts and a really garish jersey riding with another roadie. This guy had to be in the upper 200's in weight, and he was sweating buckets, but he was keeping up. That's all that matters.

Olebiker

I'm 54, 5'8", and weigh in at about 206. I wouldn't wear anything but Lycra shorts on the bike. Of course, if you had a butt as good looking as my wife tells me mine is, you wouldn't mind wearing them either. Of course my wife would never lie to me.

foehn

Come on, they are flattering on some people--there just aren't very many people that you see around that are flattered.

They are about function though, and that is why you find the baggy-style mountain shorts with the stretchy liners.

Ah, the white lies told to protect a relationship!

Make sure you never say to her, "Honey, do these make my butt look big?"

tom cotter

It's about what works. There are baggy type bicycle shorts that won't make that beached whale fashion statement. I'm 220 and have several that are comfortable.

Trsnrtr

We must be twins and married the same woman.

stapfam

You wear what you are comfortable in. For me that is mainly Bib Shorts, but I do have a pair of Roadie Shorts that are acceptable. I have only experienced baggies with a pair I bought to keep up with the fashion. They were not comfortable,Kept getting rucks of material in the wrong places, and they kept getting caught on the saddle.

Now the Vital question-- and that is What do you wear under the shorts? Going commando is the only way to reap the benefit of a snug fitting pair of Lycra shorts.

HiYoSilver

I'm also wondering why wear either road shorts or mtn shorts. If saddle isn't hurting with regular shorts or jeans, why bother for short rides?

FarHorizon

I wear bike shorts, but with a loose t-shirt on the OUTSIDE of the shorts. This way, nobody has to look at my belly roll, and I still get the benefits of the non-rub bicycle shorts. 200+ isn't a permenant condition - just a temporary one if you keep riding!

michaelnel

I wear whatever I feel like. Sometimes jeans and a t-shirt, sometimes lycra roadie shorts and a jersey, sometimes mtn bike baggies.

The nice thing about being my age is that I stopped caring what other people think a long time ago.

fmw

I don't dress for other people on the bike. I couldn't care less what others think. I wear what is practical to make my rides effective exercise and comfortable. Nothing works like bike shorts. The chamois is nice but, more importantly, the shorts stay out of harm's way and don't chafe against the sides of the saddle. I usually wear a T shirt to go with it and my road shoes and a helmet. I don't go fast enough to warrant the use of garish bike jerseys.

linux_author

Mt. Borah Plus

liners are a LOT less expensive and you can wear your own shorts...

Dchiefransom

What are these "shorts" you speak of? I wear bibs. When I'm below 200 pounds, or even below 160, I'll STILL be wearing bibs.

flatlander_48

I always wear riding short for rides of any distance. However, if I am riding a short distance to go shopping or to dinner, I will wear regular nylon shorts (eg. Columbia's) and a pair of padded briefs underneath. It's a good compromise for short rides and you look pretty much like everybody else.

CRUM

The best Bib shorts I can find. I enjoy creating a moving eyesore.

Bud Bent

I wear compression shorts. They look just like cycling shorts, but with no pad. Since I ride a bent, I need no pad. I wasn't too pleased with the way jerseys looked on me when I started riding last year, but now I'm 22 pounds lighter, the belly is almost gone, and they don't look that bad.

To me, function is the main thing. I ride hard; I don't want anything flapping or chafing, and I don't want to stay soaked from wearing cotton. Compression shorts and a fairly tight jersey (or similar shirt) work best for me.

webist

Bike shorts and jerseys all the time. Even on short rides I worry about chaffing. Yes indeed, I do have the stuffed sausage look most of the time, especially since I quit smoking. I'm losing weight again though and each day my clothing is more comfortable. My health and my comfort are what concerns me - not the opinions of others.

p8rider

I've never worn bike shorts. In summer I have Champion jersey shorts. They are about mid thigh and real comfortable. Tee shirts round out the outfit. With these shorts I will occasionally have to pull down on the right leg, but overall very comfortable. In winter I just wear plain grey sweat pants, long sleeve tee and sweatshirt. Not realy stylish, but at 5:30 am I don't believe the style police are out.

HiYoSilver

Where do you get them and why compression?

Bud Bent

I've found the best buys on them at Academy Sporting Goods. Target also has them. They are runners shorts, and serve the same purpose for runners that cycling shorts do for cyclists, being tight stretchy lycra that wicks away moisture and never chafes. Since I don't need the pads that cycling shorts have, the cheaper compression shorts are my choice.