Bike Forums

Bike Forums (https://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php)
-   General Cycling Discussion (https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/)
-   -   Lycra (https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/320340-lycra.html)

SmoothRide 07-12-07 09:36 PM

Lycra Help
 
Well, I guess I'm in the market for Lycra shorts. I read a little article about Lycra (what would I do without Google) and found out that I pretty much need Lycra shorts. I also found out that decent ones cost about $100. But I can't find any sites that were selling cycling shorts for more then $50. I don't want to end up with junky shorts.... Where should I look?

Also, would you consider a cycling top a necessity?

Velo Dog 07-12-07 10:35 PM

I'm probably going to be in the minority here, but I haven't worn Lycra or a bike jersey in probably 10,000 miles. I have several of each, but I wear mountain bike shorts and T-shirts or something like an UnderArmour shirt for almost all my summer riding.
You do need bike shorts, but they don't have to be Sausageman tighties. Mountain bike shorts are just as comfortable and look a lot better on most of us. They're often on sale at Nashbar or Performance in the $40-$60 range, or at REI for about the same. and those low-end ones work fine for me even on centuries (my Brooks saddle may be a factor there).
Nobody needs a jersey, though a lot of people like them. I just don't--putting on the pro clothes to do an ordinary hour-or-so ride seems to me a lot like getting into pads to play football with your kids in the park. Also, there's some friction around here between cyclists and drivers, and we have a very large contingent of riders who act like @$$holes almost everywhere they go. They're all duded up like NASCAR Pontiacs, blocking traffic and yelling at motorists, and I don't want to be mistaken for one of them. FWIW, I've noticed that drivers give me more room and less hassle when I dress like a regular person rather than a cartoon superhero.

Machka 07-12-07 10:36 PM

I tried on every pair of shorts I could find in several different shops. I stood in them, sat in them, squatted in them, made pedalling motions in them, and checked where my sitbones were in relation to the edge of the padding.

After several days of this, I made my decision.

I bought the female version of these:
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1184301084689 -- $35

I'm an ultra-distance cyclist ... and those shorts have been GREAT!! Sadly, it looks like they don't have the female version anymore. I'm devistated. I don't know what I'm going to do.

And no, the more expensive ones are not necessarily better than the less expensive ones. I remember trying Louis Garneau and She-Beast and I almost ripped them off of me, they were so uncomfortable!!

You've got to look around and try a whole bunch of different ones on.

-----

Incidentally, you don't have to go with lycra ... on hot days, I like my cotton-lycra blend padded cycling shorts ... I find they breathe better.

filtersweep 07-12-07 10:54 PM

You serious? I usually cannot find them for LESS than $100. If money is no object, these sites would be more than happy to take your money:

http://www.worldcycling.com/
http://www.excelsports.com
http://www.coloradocyclist.com/

You can literally waste money at those sites.

I recommend bib shorts--- and avoiding anything containing cotton. Unless I am riding for "transportation" I consider a jersey a necessity.



Originally Posted by SmoothRide
Well, I guess I'm in the market for Lycra shorts. I read a little article about Lycra (what would I do without Google) and found out that I pretty much need Lycra shorts. I also found out that decent ones cost about $100. But I can't find any sites that were selling cycling shorts for more then $50. I don't want to end up with junky shorts.... Where should I look?

Also, would you consider a cycling top a necessity?


Nicodemus 07-13-07 12:38 AM

Love the spandex, hate the lycra.

SmoothRide 07-13-07 09:13 AM


Originally Posted by Nicodemus
Love the spandex, hate the lycra.

Care to elaborate?

I thought Lycra wicked away sweat, while Spandex absorbs it.

gear 07-13-07 09:24 AM

Pearl Izumi 3d microsensor shorts. +1

maddyfish 07-13-07 09:40 AM

I find a jersey to be nice, but not worth buying. If somebody gives you one great, but not worth money.

Nicodemus 07-13-07 09:55 AM


Originally Posted by SmoothRide
Care to elaborate?

I thought Lycra wicked away sweat, while Spandex absorbs it.

same diff.

Spandex sounds sexy.

Lycra sounds garish and ugly.

mmerner 07-13-07 10:08 AM

I have a few pairs ranging from $30-90. The ones that are more comfortable go on the longer rides, the not so comfortable ones for the shorter rides. I think the $40 one are the most comfortable.

DataJunkie 07-13-07 10:16 AM

velowear.com

ttopaz 07-13-07 10:46 AM

'Sausageman tighties'? 'cartoon superhero'?
How low one self esteem can go?:rolleyes:

Phantoj 07-13-07 10:55 AM

sierratradingpost.com has some good prices on good quality bike shorts. I just bought a pair of Canari Pro bibs (Eschler chamois) for about $35 after 30% off deal.

Machka 07-13-07 06:38 PM

About jerseys ... I used to cycle in a T-shirt, but then I started purchasing jerseys and I really like them. They are very comfortable, and they've got pockets, and I like the way they look.

Mine are either quite plain inexpensive ones which I wear most of the time, or ones I've purchased from the clubs I am, and have been, a member of, or for the events I've done. They are like souvenirs.

caloso 07-13-07 06:40 PM

Check out the specials at probikekit.com

flatlander_48 07-14-07 12:50 PM


Originally Posted by Velo Dog
I'm probably going to be in the minority here, but I haven't worn Lycra or a bike jersey in probably 10,000 miles. I have several of each, but I wear mountain bike shorts and T-shirts or something like an UnderArmour shirt for almost all my summer riding.
You do need bike shorts, but they don't have to be Sausageman tighties. Mountain bike shorts are just as comfortable and look a lot better on most of us. They're often on sale at Nashbar or Performance in the $40-$60 range, or at REI for about the same. and those low-end ones work fine for me even on centuries (my Brooks saddle may be a factor there).
Nobody needs a jersey, though a lot of people like them. I just don't--putting on the pro clothes to do an ordinary hour-or-so ride seems to me a lot like getting into pads to play football with your kids in the park. Also, there's some friction around here between cyclists and drivers, and we have a very large contingent of riders who act like @$$holes almost everywhere they go. They're all duded up like NASCAR Pontiacs, blocking traffic and yelling at motorists, and I don't want to be mistaken for one of them. FWIW, I've noticed that drivers give me more room and less hassle when I dress like a regular person rather than a cartoon superhero.

You can buy all black shorts and solid color jerseys, which sort of kills your theory. Also, I don't think the padding in mountain bike shorts is designed with the same purpose in mind. So far, I haven't seen any that I wanted to sit on for 3 or 4 hours. Plus, bibs are more comfortable than anything...

Personal recommendations would be Sugoi and Assos...

skiahh 07-14-07 01:12 PM

I just got a couple pairs of Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor Slice bibs and they're great. $99 from L.L. Bean, maybe a bit less elsewhere, $109 at most bike shops. Comfy, good padding and not to hot.

I've tried baggies for MTBing and keep getting them caught on my seat as I shift positions for climbing, descending or out of the seat pedaling. So I gave up on them. I don't particularly like the way I look in lycra, but they work and I buy for function over form (contrary to some).

As for jerseys, I prefer baggy jerseys but I do have a couple of roadie cut (relaxed roadie cut) jerseys that aren't NASCAR looking. Now that I've gone to the functional clothes riding (for any length of time) in "normal" clothes is a very unappealing thought.

Someone also suggested voler.com. I've got a couple pairs of their shorts and like them, too. Previous to these bibs, I wasn't a big PI fan. I have one Sugoi short which I like and it works well.

You may have to try a couple of brands out to see which are best suited for your particular anatomical geography.

soderbiker 07-14-07 02:23 PM

#1 get something that fits well .
#2 doesnt break the pocket book .
#3 and looks nice :)

easy or =?

Cheers T
go for the Craft gear http://www.craft-usa.com/ i swear by it .. but then again , i havent had anything else !?!?

v1k1ng1001 07-14-07 06:08 PM

I look hot in lycra so I wear it every chance I get.

Tom Stormcrowe 07-14-07 06:25 PM

Agreed on Sugoi

If you want a less expensive, but quality Shorts or Bibs, there's always
http://www.aerotechdesigns.com and they also make shorts for Clyde's! and Athenas!


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:35 PM.


Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.