Michael Novo

About two months ago I switched from a hybrid to my first road bike, Giant Defy. I swapped the seat out pretty quickly for an SMP Glider and have been pretty happy.

For riding I usually wear silky skin tight boxers and then a short pair of workout shorts over them.

Now I'm looking to get some cycling shorts and just ride with them and no boxers. The thing is that I've been riding with no padding currently and have been fine. Technically I do have two layers though so it's a wee bit of padding. My guess is I'd be just as happy with little or no padding. An average ride is 40-50 miles now and I did my first century over the weekend and felt fine after.

Suggestions on shorts or ever so slightly padded ones to look at? Other thoughts are welcome.

10 Wheels

Try a pair with a thin chamois.

WhyFi

I like thin, flexible chamois, too. I haven't seen/bought/used the latest version, but Giordana Silverline bibs are a pretty great value along those lines.

lupy

I agree w/ getting a pair with a thin chamois. My LG's are really thin and flexible, but my performance ultras are thicker and a little more rigid.

WhyFi

A lot of people swear by Performance as the budget short/bib brand of choice, but I hated mine; too thick and firm, which caused me some discomfort and numbness.

canklecat

You might not need or get any benefit from the chamois or faux-chamois padding, if your saddle is comfortable now. Padding might even cause problems -- more perspiration absorbed, more chafing, etc.

I switched from padded shorts this summer after chafing from soggy chamois. Switched to Champion boxer shorts, same wicking fabric but thinner, under baggy shorts. More comfortable for me.

If I rode fast enough for wind resistance to be a factor I'd look for tight cycling shorts with the thinnest possible chamois. Only reason I might consider thicker chamois is to compensate for an unyielding leather saddle that wasn't broken in yet.

Jakedatc

Look into Tri shorts.. they have thin padding that is flexible. It might work well for your needs

woodcraft

These have a thin, breathable pad- work OK under clothes too.

Men's Pro Bike Shorts for cycling comfort and bicycle riding

Michael Novo

Have you used these yourself? They seem to be a pretty good price too.

Drew Eckhardt 

Boure's PRO shorts and bibs use a traditional synthetic leather chamois.

If you're shaped differently than the average cyclist they'll do custom (different rise, inseam, bib suspender length) for 20% more.

I like mine a lot - they don't get uncomfortable after a few hours like contemporary designs with thick soft padding.

I also like Voler's Comp HP pad. While 12mm at its thickest, It's thinner in places, and has 120 kg/m^3 foam beneath your sit bones so you don't sunk. They're the one modern short I'll wear on rides over a few hours.

Drew Eckhardt 

They have a thin, squishy pad which is not what you want.

trailangel

These are good:
Men's Mary Jane Padded Bike Shorts - Six Panel Anatomical

woodcraft

Yes, they were my favorite with a saddle with a bit of cushion. Currently on an unpadded saddle, so like a little more in the shorts. Wear them on spin bike, around town, CX bike.

woodcraft

You might be thinking of something else- these have a pad about like a micro-fiber towel. Not squishy.

ltxi

If all's good, why change? Better is often the mortal enemy of just fine as is/quite good enough.

Michael Novo

The comfort is fine and this is my last part in becoming a bit more aero. While it often is of less impact, while riding on the Chicago lakefront the winds can be a bit detrimental to rides.

fietsbob

No. I've always worn bike shorts with a sweat absorbant liner patch , but not padded..

Like a Loaded Diaper.

10 Wheels

You remember What that feels like?

fietsbob

A fellow can Make analogies even though I refrained from any Child bearing relationships.

ltxi

Got it.