I read as much of the thread on "wearing spandex" as I could take but couldn't find what I've been looking for: a lead on bicycling pants that are more like casual clothing. I do many rides where I'd rather wear something more mainstream. I have some "MTB pants" that are fine on cool days. But when it's 85+ degrees outside then I know why I wear lycra!

I really feel awkward standing in a line in a store or riding like a slacker wearing lycra. It's not so bad when I'm covered in sweat and it's plain to see that I've been busting it on the bike. But for long, easy rides (think base miles) I'd like some cycling pants that are built like MTB shorts but aren't hot, rugged canvas. I don't need that on the road. When I'm taking it easy I don't care about aerodynamics.

It seems like a no-brainer for the clothing manufacturers, but I can't seem to find anything of the sort in bike shops.

Rob

regular shorts?

theres a ton of athletic shirts to wear

im considering a cheap plain colored jersey just for the convenience of the rear pockets for snacks on long organized/charity rides

Merino wool and no it's not itchy

https://www.vintagevelos.com/clothing1.html

A good seat? I have an old body geometry seat that seems to work great with just some regular athletic shorts.

I'm actually tempted to get a fizik alianti seat.....because it looks sleek. But damn, this old body geometry seat is probably the most comfortable seat I've ever sat on.

I usually just wear regular shorts over my biking shorts. I have a pair made out of parachute-like material that I really like. They are also a tad on the stiffer side which seems to help spread the weight out a little better, and I have the bike shorts underneath so I dont chafe or anything. As far as being too hot, I havent notice a difference. -Paul J.-

how about just wearing cycling shorts that are designed for cycling and will protect you and make your ride more comfortable and not worry that you're going slow or if people look at you funny?

Lycra!!!!! Spandex is so '70s...

Put some regular shorts in a jersey pocket or camelbak(if you have one) and when you get off your bike to go into the store put the shorts on.

Wool is great even by today's standards.

Merino wool is what you see on active-wear, it is pretty soft. There are other kinds of wool and blends of wool and synthetic which might also be good. I've never seen anything exotic like cashmere cycling shorts, however.

In the really old days (circa 1900), people wore courdory shorts.

I'd like to add another vote for "put regular shorts on over bike shorts."

That, or they do make padded underwear like someone else mentioned. The main thing is that you don't want to wear regular underwear because the seams in it can lead to....well....something your boys wouldn't like.

Why not something like this?

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=

There are no alternatives, this is the road cycling forum. You need to be in BMX or MTB where baggy shorts, loose tops and body armour are de rigeur for alternate clothing

And no undies either! Lest you invoke the wrath of the Underwear Nazi!

Well, heck, I'm doin' my part to expose the average Californian to the rigors of standing in line with a guy wearing road cycling kit. It's a utilitarian uniform, and I don't see the problem with being out in the public in it.

Picture this: a normal US pizza parlor, in one corner a group of girls just in from playing in a youth soccer league, in another corner a boy's softball team. Do we, in our goal of banishing utilitarian sports gear from venues other than the actual spot of exertion, go over and tell the girls to change out of their silly striped socks, and then remind the boys that since they are indoors and no longer playing they should have left their baseball caps in the car? Obviously not. So why should cycling clothes be any different? The current configuration for road cyclists is the result of over 100 years of evolution. The tight fit, the material, and the like are there for very good reasons, not some accomodation for poser stylistic points. And it don't mean squat if the person wearing the gear is heavier than the whippet-like pros--the advantage of the gear is weight-blind.

Of course, I am often in public wearing a kilt, so of the two styles of dress, bicycle gear is certainly less remarkable!

Well said, UncaStuart. I once showed up at a company picnic in my cycling gear because I rode the 20 miles there and I even beat some of the people who left the same time I did (they must have taken a longer route). No one cared except for one of the salesguys who was jealous because he's also a cyclist and while like me was coming in from out of town, unlike me, didn't have a bike to borrow from another coworker. My wife had asked me earlier when I was packing my helmet, shoes, pedals and clothing if I was really going to show up in riding shorts and jersey and I told her I was planning on riding to the picnic. She exclaimed that it was a company picnic where my boss would be there and my boss' boss and the CEO... etc... I just shrugged and said, "so?"

I can't believe how often this comes up but I'll add my view.

Comparing cycling kits to other sporting gear like soccer isn't really fair...soccer uniforms don't hug and emphasize your crotch and buttocks. Ha ha, I'm so immature...but I guess you'd have to be if you're concerned these things OR you might simply feel modest. I think only guys care about this as I don't hear ladies complaining about spandex emphasizing their curves.

But you don't need anything special for cycling!
Wear your regular clothing, take your bike and enjoy.

Hmmm. do those cinzano girls come with the shirt?