New here! Cycling shorts & undies question

[trista]

Hey! I'm new to the forums and new to cycling - I've gotten into riding this season. I used to be a runner, but it became too painful and frustrating. So this spring I pulled out the hybrid that I got last year and up until then only used it to pull the kiddos in the burley around the neighborhood. Since spring, I've been riding 70-85 miles a week. Would love to ride more, but I work full time and have 3 kids 6 and under, so.....

I soon got frustrated with the weight of the hybrid and the limited hand positions on the flat bars. So last weekend, I got a road bike. LOVE it. Trek Madone.

Anyway, when i bought my bike I had it professionally fitted that day. The fitter told me to never ever EVER wear undies with cycling shorts (he was very adamant about this). Until then, I always had, never had a problem. Maybe b/c i wear microfiber undies with few seams.

So for 3 rides now I've tried this - going commando under the cycling shorts. So, about 60+ miles. and I HATE IT. It's very uncomfortable for me. The rubbing, the, um, dampness :o ....

Do you wear undies w/ bike shorts? Why am I not supposed to?

[BluOrchid2]

I always used to, too. Just never thought about going comanche, LOL. But one day I had no clean thong panties, and I hate panty lines so I didn't wear any. LOVED it. I'll never wear them again. Your bike shorts have a chamois padding in them, don't they? That should absorb any moisture. The chamois is very soft next to my skin, too, and no seams. I'm not sure where the "rubbing" comes in for you, I don't experience this.

[OakLeaf]

If you're getting chafing, then something doesn't fit - shorts, saddle or both. Lubricants (chamois creams) can help, but they shouldn't be your first line of defense.

It's pretty rare, but there are a few people who are comfortable wearing underwear with cycling shorts. But honestly, if you're okay wearing underwear when you ride, there's no reason to spend the $$$ on cycling shorts! The purpose of cycling shorts is to put a seamless, chafe-minimizing chamois between your tender skin and the saddle.

Are you on the same saddle that you had on your other bike? Do your measurements indicate that the saddle would be a good fit in a more aero riding position? Not that that would necessarily solve your problem, since a different riding position often necessitates a different saddle - but if I were you, I'd start with what worked for you before (whatever you wore on your other bike, and the same saddle with the same tilt) and work from there.

I think that IF you don't need a cut-out and IF you find a saddle that fits you perfectly, then in that hypothetical utopia, you'd be able to sit on as many seams as a seamstress could fit between your legs. :eek::p But many of us need a cut-out, many of us are still searching for the perfect saddle, and for many of us, no mass-produced saddle will ever be absolutely perfect. You just have to make a decision as to what's close enough for comfort, close enough to ride until the next try.

[indysteel]

No, I don't wear undies. I'd venture to say that most of us don't. The conventional thinking is that underwear is liable to bunch up or otherwise chafe you when worn underneath cycling shorts.

Have you tried wearing underwear underneath your cycling shorts on your new bike? I'd venture a guess is that your discomfort has more to do with the stock saddle (assuming you haven't changed it out) that came on your Trek and/or your shorts themselves. Many of us end up having to change saddles to find one that works for our particular anatomy. It pays, too, to invest in quality cycling shorts. You don't need to blow your entire budget on them, but in my experience, there is a difference between a cheap pair of shorts and higher end shorts in the quality of the lycra and of the chamois. TE has a wonderful selection, and if you need help choosing, just give them a call. They've road tested many of them.

As for the dampness, it's never really bothered me. Again, a good quality chamois should be absorbant. I use chamois cream on most rides, so my shorts get kind of, uh, goopy anyway. :rolleyes: While I don't want to sit around in them for very long after a ride, while I'm on the bike, it don't notice it.

[Crankin]

Yea, you're sweating, so of course it is going to feel damp. I mean, you're working, so you *should* feel sweaty. Just make sure to change out of the damp shorts as soon as you get home.
+1 on what everyone else said. Many new riders choose shorts and/or saddles with way too much padding. More padding does not equal more comfort and can make chafing worse in many cases. Also, some shorts have more lycra or venting than others. Defer to the wise women at TE and get some opinions about what you should buy.
I know there's a few on TE who ride wearing underwear, but I can't imagine it. I don't wear it for any outdoor activity and when i went to a gym, I never wore it under my workout clothes, either. It just causes pain and bunches up. I had to break down and buy some Ibex boy shorts for warmth while x country skiing in temps below 25. Above that, it's just my nice, seamless long underwear under my tights.
Can you tell that I hate underwear?

[trista]

Interesting thoughts! "Rubbing" not really being the right word.... it's not chafing, just annoying. And I don't mean in the saddle - I just don't like the way the shorts feel against my crotch. The saddle itself is actually pretty comfortable. Maybe you're right I might need to try some different shorts. These shorts have worked for me for 6 months though - with panties - in every saddle I've used (I've done indoor spinning for quite awhile, plus 2 different saddles on my hybrid). Without panties though, they feel scratchy to me. Yes, they have a chamois lining.

I'm going to try indysteel's suggestion and try undies on the new bike - I haven't done that yet. I suppose that will tell me if it's the saddle or not.

[blumensh]

I'm new to cycling too and I made the mistake of wearing underwear on my first ride...never again...ouch!

[PamNY]

I wear underwear with bike shorts sometimes. For longer rides, I usually don't because it's more comfortable after X number of miles.

It's a really individual thing. For some reason, underwear rubs against my hip bones -- which is not the area of anatomy most people complain about, but it drives me nuts.

I'd say do what makes you feel best, after you've done enough experimenting to make sure that underwear is the deciding factor.

[OakLeaf]

I cracked up my club the other day...

I was having one of those really scattered days when I showed up for the club ride. First I locked my car and walked a few yards over to where the club was assembling. "Helmet?!" they reminded me. :eek:

So I walked back to the car, got my helmet, locked the car and walk back. "Are you going to ride with one glove?" :rolleyes:

This time one of them held my bike for me. One more walk to the car, finally completely outfitted, I walked back to the group and said, "Dangit! I forgot my underwear!" :p

[trista]

LOL oakleaf, that is a funny story!

Well, now given that i have ONE pr of cycling shorts and have EVER had one pr of cycling shorts, it is quite possible (likely, actually) that the shorts are the problem. I just felt the insides of hubby's shorts and his are WAY softer than mine.

I'll order a few new shorts today...

[tulip]

trista, if it works for you, that's great. Don't change unless you are having issues.

[annielynn]

It could be the shorts. I have several pair and some are way more comfy than others. I have never worn panties under my shorts but that is the way that hubby said that I should. I don't think that I ever will. I don't seem to have any issues.

Could it be just the fact that you sit differently on the saddle between your hybrid and your road bike? I had a big issue going from a mountain bike to a road bike.

I agree with tulip though you need to do what is most comfy for you. I ride with some ladies that wear panties and they will never change. But the majority of us do not.

[MommyBird]

My first pair of cycling shorts 25 years ago had a "revolutionary" new synthetic chamois. Someone had the bright idea that it had to look like the real deal. It was tan and had real short fuzz. Kind of like a thick crew cut.
It was like riding on sand paper!

From the comparison of your shorts to your husbands, I think you will be much more comfortable with a new pair. I don't think you will miss the undies once you do not need the protection from your bike shorts.

I know you will not miss the pantie line. The fabric on a good pair of shorts is very supportive and will not leave you feeling exposed.

[Zen]

I always used to, too. Just never thought about going comanche

umm...that would be commando, not Comanche :p

[PamNY]

umm...that would be commando, not Comanche :p

According to the Urban Dictionary (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=comanche), "comanche" is the female version of "commando."

[tulip]

According to the Urban Dictionary (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=comanche), "comanche" is the female version of "commando."

Yow. I'm not hip to urban hipspeak, but that just sounds so not right to me. I'll stick with commando, personally.

[KnottedYet]

"To wear, or not to wear, that is the question...."

Undies, chamois, lycra, liners, baggies, knickers, skirts, and on ad infinitum. Some people do, some people don't. All that matters is that whatever you wear works for you.

If the oog factor is ruining your ride, wear undies. If panty-lines or seams bother you but you still want something on under the bike shorts, try wearing compression shorts (no chamois, more like undies with long legs) as undies.

Grant Peterson gets pretty over the top about bike clothes, read this rant for amusement: http://www.rivbike.com/article/clothing/special_clothes_for_riding

There are enough options in this big wide world that somewhere is the perfect one for you. Don't be afraid to try anything that sounds appealing!

[tiva]

Trista, if wearing underwear under your bike shorts feels better to you, don't worry about what other people do. We all have different anatomies.

[Zen]

According to the Urban Dictionary (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=comanche), "comanche" is the female version of "commando."

Urban Dictionary is wrong.

[trista]

LOL, I think the urban dictionary is wrong too.... after all, anyone can put a definition of anything in the urban dictionary. Try looking up your name and see what it says - you'll get some funny definitions.

Well anyway, I DIDN'T go commando this morning, and it was more comfortable than without, but not perfect. So I do think it's the shorts/undies. The saddle doesn't seem to be an issue.

Off to buy shorts.... I just wish bike shorts weren't so 'spensive. There's no way I can afford to buy one for each day in one shot, not that i would, since I need to find THE PERFECT PAIR. I guess I could wash them by hand?

[KnottedYet]

You can certainly wash them by hand, even without a spin cycle they'll dry pretty quickly. If you want to speed them up roll them in a towel and stomp on them to get more water out.

When they get smelly wash them by hand in dandruff shampoo. The chemicals in dandruff shampoo cut the odor in man-made fabric. Another TE'er mentioned this, I tried it, and it really works.

The UnderArmour shorts I ride in are $27 a pair (women's ultra compression shorts with 7 inch inseam) and I'm quite thrilled that as I've been gradually building my collection over the years I have enough now that there's one for every day of the week.

[PamNY]

When they get smelly wash them by hand in dandruff shampoo. The chemicals in dandruff shampoo cut the odor in man-made fabric. Another TE'er mentioned this, I tried it, and it really works.
.

Which dandruff shampoo do you use? There are several different active ingredients.

[trista]

You can certainly wash them by hand, even without a spin cycle they'll dry pretty quickly. If you want to speed them up roll them in a towel and stomp on them to get more water out.

When they get smelly wash them by hand in dandruff shampoo. The chemicals in dandruff shampoo cut the odor in man-made fabric. Another TE'er mentioned this, I tried it, and it really works.

The UnderArmour shorts I ride in are $27 a pair (women's ultra compression shorts with 7 inch inseam) and I'm quite thrilled that as I've been gradually building my collection over the years I have enough now that there's one for every day of the week.

Interesting! I have the same question as Pam - dandruff shampoos vary in ingredients i think...DH uses head & shoulders, maybe I'll try that. For years I've used Oxyclean on my running clothes, and it takes out the stink.

Thanks for the advice on UA shorts - I will check out some of our local sporting goods stores and look for them.

[zoom-zoom]

Interesting! I have the same question as Pam - dandruff shampoos vary in ingredients i think...DH uses head & shoulders, maybe I'll try that. For years I've used Oxyclean on my running clothes, and it takes out the stink.

We're big fans of Tide w/Febreeze and borax (which also helps soften our horribly hard water). I have found no combo that cuts the stink better than this.

[indysteel]

Thanks for the dandruff shampoo tip. I usually don't handwash my cycling stuff, but when I'm on a week-long tour, it's sometimes necessary. In the past, the lasting "stink," has grossed me out, but I'd be happy to try your suggestion.

[Rebecca19804]

We're big fans of Tide w/Febreeze and borax (which also helps soften our horribly hard water). I have found no combo that cuts the stink better than this.
+1 for Febreeze coupled with a good laundry detergent, whether you apply each product to your gear separately or use a detergent with Febreeze already added to it. (In the UK, you can get Ariel liquid gel w/Febreeze added.)

I'd just add, don't bother with store-own-brand odour neutralisers that claim to be equivalent to Febreeze -they just don't cut it.

[OakLeaf]

One of the things I really noticed when I started using the crystal deodorant is that my clothes don't retain odors any more.

Something to think about....

I do put some baking soda in the wash. It boosts the detergent as well as neutralizing odors.

[trista]

Vinegar in the rinse cycle can also really help.

[Crankin]

I have never had an issue with odor staying in my cycling clothes. Nor has my DH, or either of my sons. I wonder if it's the detergent I use, Arm and Hammer Free and Clear. It's interesting to read about all the different things people use to wash their clothes.
I did use Febreeze spray to get the smell out of my younger son's room when he was in HS and he would leave his dirty cycling clothes in his laundry basket too long, necessitating de-fumigation.

[KnottedYet]

Which dandruff shampoo do you use? There are several different active ingredients.

I can't find the thread. It was a TE'er whose SO worked for J+J, and had been working on a de-stinkifier for manmade fibers. The active ingredient was the same one as is used in Head And Shoulders shampoo. I bought a store brand shampoo with the same ingredient, it worked great. (I'm at work right now, so I can't look up what the ingredient was)

[PamNY]

Thanks! Head and Shoulders' active ingredient is pyrithione zinc.