I've seen countless posts from cyclists saying they wear the tight stretchy bike shorts and "don't care how they look", "don't worry about what other people think" etc Which tells me that of course they do care, and do feel a little weird in the shorts, but choose to go ahead with the stretchies anyway.

It's sort of a bind because ordinary shorts and underwear can in fact be uncomortable in hot weather. Those "mountain bike" shorts are absolutely the worst , just a big hot tangly mess of unnecessary material, liners and pockets.

Let's face it, the main reason cycling shorts are skin-tight is the same reason the jerseys are tight - to reduce air resistance, drag and flutter. About which I do not care.

I settled on light simple nylon shorts, not cycle wear but with a sufficient inseam. Under that I wear something like Andiomos - underwear with a minimal cycling pad. I feel comfortable physically and psychologically.

There's no right or wrong here. If you really like cycling shorts, of course wear them. But if they make you feel silly, they aren't in any way necessary.

I do not believe this is correct. That is but one of several reasons. Others advantages of tight, stretchy fabric for shorts include avoiding bunching up which can cause pressure points, better moisture transfer away from the skin and better muscle support.

But I agree with your point about there being no right or wrong. Wear what works for you, your needs and your preferences.

I did a big charity ride yesterday that had 42, 25, and 10 mile rides. A very high percent of the 42 group was wearing "tight cycling gear" and almost none of the short ride participants were. Since not all of the 42 group were attractive slender gazelles there must be something more than fashion involved. And +1..... it's not just aerodynamics.

This is not mockery, but simply an observation. This thread is six pages long and aside from me, there are posts by only two women. One was merely a comment on men's sinewy legs. I have not heard so many men comment on clothing since the last episode of Bravo's "Project Runway." Who would have thought. :lol:

miss kenton, are you suggesting the guys here should walk the runway? if so, I will be wearing my PI Elite bibs...

Heidi Klum needs shorter skirts.

Just sayin'.

;)

Is this a request for one of my infamous glamor pics?

A fashion thread in Clydesdales and Athenas died pretty quickly a few months ago from lack of interest.... but start talking about modesty and things seem to heat up and keep going...

Bring it. :p

Why, yes. Yes, it is.

sounds like a challenge!:D

I'm giddy with anticipation.

Guess I misunderstood the title of the thread, I thought it was fear of OTHER PEOPLE'S riding apparel...

Part of riding any distance is putting on bike gear and just telling yourself "looking silly is part of the price one pays for their health, so what?"

HOWEVER, and I say this from plenty of personal experience around Palo Alto:

If you spend $700 on Assos gear so that you can sit around the coffee shop with no sign of a bike or helmet hair or even a workout in the past five years, or if you meander pointlessly blocking the bike lanes with your Cervelo on the gentler parts of Sand Hill Road talking on the phone while wearing a TT helmet, YOU WILL BE MOCKED. Which is as it should be.

Dress comfortably, get good gear for the good tasks. I highly recommend SportWool and while I love Rapha's movies and stuff I also wear Torm. Don't be Fretentious Fred.

I figure one in bibs is appropriate for this thread, no? :twitchy:

http://www.chipcom.net/stuff/chipou7.jpg

My eyes are officially ruined.

I think I just had a cardiac event.:D

+1 - Neil B - I like your attitude!

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/y...DSCN0046-1.jpg

I never considered myself brave for wearing a bicycle costume.

This guy is BRAVE:

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/y...t/SAM_0018.jpg

Chipcom, Let me preface my comments by stating that I have nothing unkind to say about men that require a Bro-ssiere as I realize there is a limit to how much we can deflect Mother Nature’s whip. However, I have a firm set of …beliefs, and one of them is that men with heavy chests should, under no circumstances, flaunt the existence of their fleshy globes! I mean, REALLY! Have you no shame!?!

Furthermore, you should know that for the rest of my days on Bikeforums, this is the image that will snap to my mind whenever you post. Your words would have maintained a great deal more credibility if I were allowed to maintain the image of them flowing from Gomez Adams’ mind. Perhaps in time, this image will fade, I don’t know. I’ll keep you… abreast.

I'm calling you out on this one Chip. I've seen you race and have ridden with you in person, at the Red Flannel ride a few years ago, and I’m convinced the image has been photo shopped. Your hips are much wider than your enhanced glamour shot.

I guess that means you don't want to see my Playboy cover? :twitchy:

I think my moobs are perkier too

Lemme guess....Portland...

Lemme guess...Portland

I am not sure brave is the correct term there.....