supahjew

I'd rather look like a casual rider while riding at this point, so I was thinking getting mid-thigh bike shorts and wearing casual shorts on top...will this cause any serious problems in terms of comfort? I usually go 30-50 miles, and regular shorts kill me. Maybe there's cycling underwear? :\

timwat

Yes, there are "cycling underwear" - Andiamo is one brand that comes to mind, which I bought at REI. Essentially a cotton brief with a cheap pad sewn in, similar to the pad you'll find on very low end bike shorts (think $20 Performance shorts).

If you use a very firm saddle, it may be comfortable for a 5-10 mile jaunt to the coffee shop, but for a 30-50 mile ride I think I would have major friction issues (between underwear and shorts)

Rather, I'd consider MTB specific shorts...I've never tried them, but maybe someone who has here can weigh in.

I guess my bigger question is why does it really matter that you look like a casual rider while on the bike? If I'm for instance riding to work, I'll often bring along a pair of shorts to throw over the cycling shorts for the sake of modesty, but no one on the bike trails and road cares if I'm in lycra or baggies.

Just self-concious?

rjg001

I wear the baggy mountain bike shorts and have no complaints. At 210 lbs., I don't think anyone wants to see me in tight lycra shorts. Also, I sometimes go to my office at the end of my ride and it is easier to just have the baggy shorts on than to carry some with me. I got my shorts at REI for $40 or $50 per pair.

supahjew

Yes, I just don't feel like looking like a 'rider' yet, and yes I know I shouldn't care.

TehArrow

i felt the same way and refused to get lycra for 3 years. got it this summer and realized i was stupid for not using it earlier

supahjew

Do you just wear the shorts, or include a jersey too?

4SEVEN3

I wear MTB shorts for now. They seem to do OK (although a bit big), but im not riding 50 miles at this point.

krazyderek

i used cycling "shorts" over my padded lycra when i biked 9k to work, just easier then putting on and taking them off. They where stretchy in the back and looked like normal shorts. They where comfortable for shorter rides, but there's wind resistance, and they move around a bit. For longer distance just skip the modesty try and get your a ss in some lyrca, if you're going 30-50 miles, i hate to break it to you, but you're a cyclist.

supahjew

yes sir, heading off to get them now

alanbikehouston

I like shorts with lots of pockets, so on longer rides where hiking shorts over biking shorts. I often wear a cotten tee-shirt under a biking jersey as well. The combination of layers is comfortable, especially in hot, humid weather, with the lower layer wicking away sweat, and the top layer staying dry.

Another advantage is when you end of sliding down the concrete, for any reason. The outer layer will get shredded, but the inner layer will survive. You get bruises, but no abrasions, in the areas covered with dual layers.

biketownblogger

I got a pair of cargo / mtb Pearl Izumi's and it had a sort of cycling short "insert" is the best way I can describe it. Mesh with padded chamois pad, and attached to the inside of the cargo's with two loops on each hip. I don't like the cargo's, so I just snipped the 2 loops, removed the mesh short "insert" and wear that under my regular shorts. It's very comfortable, with no undies and I think somewhat cooler on hot days than the regular spandex short.

TehArrow

i got the shorts and was using a t shirt for a while. just recently (last week) got a jersey since i was having problems with the lack of pockets. the jersey isnt tottally needed but it wasnt that bad. the shorts though are really not that big of a deal(as in what other people think of you wise)

pgoat

I too would rather wear 'regular' walking shorts - both with regards to pockets and also for modesty's sake. My m-f commute is only 6 miles, so while padded bike underwear is more comfy, with the right seat (slightly more mushy than I like) I'm fine with regular shorts and underwear.

On long rides, though, anything more than 20 miles or so I prefer bike shorts. Chamois will differ; my bike underwear (Pearl Izumi) are far less padded than most of my shorts or bibs. Not sure if that is true of all bike underwear.

I have tried doing these longer rides with cargo shorts over the bike shorts and it's drag - literally and otherwise.

my 2 cents - screw what other people think; I'd go with the mountain biking shorts (I assume this means 'normal' looking loose shorts with pockets, etc and a built in cycling padded brief) for short rides or where modesty prevails and the regular biking spandex shorts for a longer ride or where you want to ride hard/fast; the comfort and functionality will win you over.

Re: pockets, I just use a saddle bag and my jersey pockets. It helps keep down the amount of stuff I carry too - with the cargo shorts I was bringing the kitchen sink with me