Tombaatar

Those shorts are garbage. Certainly not intended to be cycling shorts, hence the word "underwear" in the name. Look for mtn biking shorts and leave the banana hammock at home.

RabiesVax

Gotta say, I was reluctant to go full kit (cleats, bib shorts, and jersey) for 6 months after I started cycling very regularly. And when I did, there was a learning curve (getting used to the lycra, SPDSL pedals, feeling exposed). Now it has been about a month and I don't know why I didn't try all of it earlier. Having the jersey pockets has been a real game changer for me and my rides are so enjoyable with the sweat wicking specific clothing.

I will say, it's definitely all more to do. Getting dressed in special clothing, having to get naked to use the toilet, walking is a pain with SPDSLs. So all of it might not be for you. Truthfully, life sure was easier when I was wearing sneakers and regular clothes - just hop on and ride whenever I felt like it. Certainly all of this extra stuff is fun if you are into it but many people see it all as extraneous and a hassle. But just remember, whatever you decide is right for you is just fine.

dkatz1

I've always found the wickable thing to be true...and that cotton, once I sweat a lot, gets soaked and sticks to my skin...so i don't wear it when riding. I don't wear cycling shirts, I get breathable wickable t shirts from places like Eastern Mountain Sports that are made out of synthetics.

Loose Chain

Then you should kit up. No argument. One thing Europe has over the US is climate is very different than what is expereinced in many regions of this continent. Plus, some people sweat eating, others could do a ten mile commute and not sweat a drop. But, your 9 mile one way commute is beginning to move beyond casual or easy. I would bet most of the bike commuters I observed in Europe did not commute 9 or 10 miles each way, maybe total ( I spoke to several and they were traveling less than three miles one way--maybe to a train depot). More densely populated, work closer to where people live, no mass suburbanization and the big thing---TRAINS.

The distances and type of cycling the OP is proposing is not really crying loudly for sporting cycling outfits. The five or even fifteen miles a MONTH is not even a warm up for many serious, sporting cyclists

dkatz1

I've bought used cycling shorts on Ebay....you wash them. No problem.
Most often, I think, they're sold by somebody that they didn't fit.

Loose Chain

Some of us wear underwear (I do) under our cycling shorts but you realize of course that at least 70% do not? Would you wear other peoples underwear? Oh, well, I guess, hopefully you use a lot of soap! Or something---.

livedarklions

And the best part is you don't have to be consistent. Sounds like you could go out kitted or in sneakers and street clothes depending on your mood because you appear to enjoy them both for different reasons.

winston63 

Logically, this makes sense to me - with proper laundering there isn't any health issue whatsoever. However, a slightly irrational part of me gets icked out by the thought of wearing used shorts/underwear so I'm not likely to go that route.

On the other hand, I've got some barely used, high quality bibs that I no longer fit after losing weight and I should try to find them a new home...

winston63 

Yeah I almost always wear bike shorts when I'm riding now, even over short distances where it's not 'necessary'. I'm just so much more comfortable in cycling kit.

I will sometimes hop on the AWOL in street clothes if I'm heading somewhere where cycling kit would be inappropriate or uncomfortable. But that's fairly rare - I stopped caring about what people thought of my attire a long time ago and don't mind going about my business in cycling kit.

I think a part of it is the fact that recreational cycling has become increasingly popular around here and seeing people out and about in kit isn't rare at all. Seeing people in kit in pubs, grocery stores and other businesses is so common now that I don't think anybody gives it a second thought.

marcoguzm

Yes, it's about efficiency!

Metieval

and the wash cloths at hotels have been used to scrub some persons nut sack before. But the was cloths have been washed, and then you use them to wash your face. unless 70% of the people don't wash their nut sack. etc.......

marcoguzm

Cycling shorts are very personal items...like a toothbrush.

ceebee4

Thanks for the tip. I'll check it out.

Maybe I just don't sweat up top when riding because I never notice my t-shirt sticking to me uncomfortably. Or it dries quickly from the wind? I dunno. Just thinking about it now. Regardless, guess I'm lucky it's not something I have to worry about. Now if I could just get around to sewing some pockets on the back of my fave riding tees...

FireMed

I'm new to cycling and the dress. I'm comfortable in my own skin, but just not ready to jump into the skin tight shorts with nothing over. I usually wear MTN bike shorts with padded seat.

SpinClassSara

OK. At some point I will have to leave my collection to someone. I guess it won't be either of you 2.

Fen

My kingdom for a pocket while on my bike. I wear MTB baggies over padded shorts or leggings, if it's cooler. The shorts over leggings is kind of a stupid look but I still want the pockets. I usually wear the same wicking t-shirt that I wear to the gym.

caloso

The typical jersey has 3 pockets.

Fen

Yeah, I know. I bought the MTB shorts years ago to hike and kayak. Then came the padded shorts. I’m ok with not buying a jersey. I will sometimes take the kids’ team jerseys but it makes them mad.