Do I -have- to wear those silly shorts? [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

run it, ride it

07-13-2006, 08:36 PM

I commute 25km round trip to work 5 days a week. Up until yesterday, I did this on a clunker road bike from the 70s. The trip was 35-40 minutes each way and took everything I had to make it up the hills. I've cut the time down on the new bike (Trek WSD 1000), and it's actually a -pleasant- and easy commute. Save the 18-wheelers that nearly suck my weightless aluminum frame underneath them.

I wear lycra/drifit running short shorts with a cotton thong (thong is non-negotiable. Normal underpants just don't ever stay!). I was getting some swelling on the outer girly bits in the ancient saddle--and I'm sure it doesn't help that halfway through the commute I stop to ride my narrow horse in my narrow Dressage saddle. I thought the magical 'women specific design' seat would help my problem, but honestly, I'm not sure where/how I should be sitting in the saddle. Help a Dressage rider out, here. This whole cycling thing looks like more of a hunt-seat.

-Should my seatbones be right at the back of the saddle or more in the middle?
-Do I want to open my hips and tilt my pelvis forward (the pain and swelling is occurring toward the rear of my girl parts--in relieving that pressure will I just be creating new unwanted pressure toward the front?)?
-Should my toes have to point slightly down to reach the pedals or does this mean my seat is too high?
-Do I really need to get those god-awful-looking cycling shorts for relief? I'm only riding an hour a day! And the short-shorts tan is far more flattering. Are there bicycle short shorts, or just the really long ones? if not, WHY not? As long as the shorts clear the nose of your saddle, isn't that long enough? And do they all go up to your ribs, or are there low-on-the-hips shorts (I've the same grievance for equestrian riding pants.. what about the short-torsoed of us?!)?

Okay, so this turned into a bit of a rant. But all comments are much appreciated!

spazzdog

07-13-2006, 09:28 PM

Yes... silly shorts, no thong. Your grrlie parts will be oh so much happier.

spazz

Kimmyt

07-14-2006, 03:34 AM

Am I the only one that feels incredibly sexy and athletic in a pair of cycling shorts?? :eek:

hibiscus09

07-14-2006, 04:09 AM

I can't imagine going without my kotex shorts! :D There are shorter cycling shorts. Plus, if cycling shorts really bother you, just get cycling skorts. If you go to the products section of this website and google skorts you can see what they look like -- they're cute (bicycling shorts with a skort over them).

Trek420

07-14-2006, 05:13 AM

Kimmyt "Am I the only one that feels incredibly sexy and athletic in a pair of cycling shorts?? :eek:"

no, you're not the only one! We all look incredibly sexy and athletic in our cycling shorts :p :rolleyes: ;) :cool:

...Or capris, I'm wearing those right now! I don't think I'll bike to work though, got going too late, but in the capris very easy to pop in on a spin class at lunch.

and the cycling shorts don't have to be spandex variety, you can wear MTB shorts, they look like....well, shorts.

Thongs on a bike? No way.

Grog

07-14-2006, 05:15 AM

Cycling shorts of course. Skirt over shorts are an idea, but I really like showing off my thighs (I'm with you KimmyT) and I hate the idea of the skirt over the shorts getting caught in my saddle as I stand up or move around. Useless for me. Can work for you.

Some of them are made shorter, PI Sugar come to mind, but if you search around this forum you'll find an answer to that (personally I prefer longer shorts because they cause less chafing on my inner thighs).

You should indeed tilt your hips and sit on the back of the saddle, on your sitbone.

Women-specific saddles don't work for all women. They certainly don't work for me when they are short and bulky. I love a sleek, narrow saddle (130 mm) with a long nose and a cut-out. If yours doesn't work, find another one...

One hour on the bike is pretty serious time. Be nice to your girly parts... :)

Tri Girl

07-14-2006, 05:18 AM

They make low rise bike shorts (short in length). Look on the TE website, or Terry makes some also. I would definitely do the bike short thing (and ditch the thong- really- your girly bits will thank you). Even tho you're only on your bike an hour a day, that's like 6 hours in girly-bit time.
If you have a store near you, go try some on. If you don't want a very big chamois, then buy some triathlon shorts (they come in very short lengths, and the chamois is very thin- thin enough for padding support, but not big and bulky like cycling shorts designed for longer rides).

DeniseGoldberg

07-14-2006, 05:19 AM

-Should my toes have to point slightly down to reach the pedals or does this mean my seat is too high?

You should not have your toes on the pedal at all - the balls of your feet are the contact point. But based on your description of your toes pointing down to reach the pedal, I suspect that your saddle is too high. I highly recommend taking your bike to your LBS for a fitting.

On the shorts front, I wouldn't dream of wearing anything other than long cycling shorts. To me, the odd tan lines are a badge of honor, and the shorts provide both comfort and protection. (And yes, in spite of using a lot of sunscreen, I still end up with lines). That said, there are shorter versions of cycling shorts out there. Take a look at the large selection on the TE site.

--- Denise

Pedal Wench

07-14-2006, 05:49 AM

When everyone above said 'no thong', what they really meant was 'no nothing'! No granny-panties either. Nothing. Nada. Zip. The chamois is designed to be right up against your skin, and anything else will (well, can, there are exceptions!) cause problems.

chartman64

07-14-2006, 06:09 AM

Am I the only one that feels incredibly sexy and athletic in a pair of cycling shorts?? :eek:

Not any more. :D

I used to feel incredibly fat and ugly and stupid looking in my bike shorts... that is until I dropped 30+ pounds. Took a lot of miles, a lot of self-control and hard work but hey, now I feel pretty good about how I look, in bike shorts or almost anything else.

mimitabby

07-14-2006, 06:15 AM

-Should my seatbones be right at the back of the saddle or more in the middle?
-Do I want to open my hips and tilt my pelvis forward (the pain and swelling is occurring toward the rear of my girl parts--in relieving that pressure will I just be creating new unwanted pressure toward the front?)?
-Should my toes have to point slightly down to reach the pedals or does this mean my seat is too high?

. what about the short-torsoed of us?!)?

Okay, so this turned into a bit of a rant. But all comments are much appreciated!

As a former wannabe dressage rider, I think i can help you. Riding a bike
you actually use different muscles, you don't want to stretch the insides of your leg, you want to have as much power in your strokes as possible.
Your sit bones should be to the rear of the saddle and you should not have to move your butt to pedal at all.
We dont know what kind of saddle you are sitting on, but chances are it would be better used as a book end. Lord knows how many seats we have shredded on this forum. The seat might not be right for you.
your HEELS should be down, not your toes. if your heels aren't down, you need to lower the saddle. the saddle should be as close as horizontal as you can stand it too.

Please read the favorite saddle posts for more info.
Why on earth are you wearing a thong?
if you don't like the spandex shorts, there are lots of other kinds to wear that
will also protect you. I have some blousy ones and some gals wear skorts.
good luck. I am glad you are still riding your horse.

pooks

07-14-2006, 06:17 AM

Why do people always have to bring up the self control? Sheeeesh! I do look forward to feeling sexy in biking shorts, though, so maybe self control will raise its head before long.

This morning I rode w/o biking shorts for the first time, a very quick ride to Starbucks. It's not awful but I wouldn't want to do a long ride that way!

run it, ride it --

If you're TRULY not wanting to try biking shorts, I'd try going commando with what you're wearing now and see if that helps your girly bits. But honestly, the biking shorts aren't that bad and they do have short ones!

KSH

07-14-2006, 07:08 AM

Am I the only one that feels incredibly sexy and athletic in a pair of cycling shorts?? :eek:

Yes, I think so.

My butt is already huge... without extra padding added to it...so I don't feel sexy in them. I feel like I have a super-huge-booty in them.

Tri Girl

07-14-2006, 07:27 AM

Am I the only one that feels incredibly sexy and athletic in a pair of cycling shorts?? :eek:

I don't quite feel sexy, but strong. I like wearing my spandex like a badge of honor- especially in a race. It's the only place where modesty goes, and everyone looks like an athlete, regardless of their state of physical fitness.

snapdragen

07-14-2006, 09:44 AM

Yes you do. Buy a pair and wear them. Do it now.

:D

Nanci

07-14-2006, 09:46 AM

KSH you do not have a huge butt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nanci

pooks

07-14-2006, 10:11 AM

Is KSH's avatar a pic of KSH? If so, I'm having trouble imagining a big butt on that torso!

mimitabby

07-14-2006, 10:13 AM

Is KSH's avatar a pic of KSH? If so, I'm having trouble imagining a big butt on that torso!

boy, some of these discussions really do go downhill fast don't they?

:D :D :D :D :D

pooks

07-14-2006, 10:17 AM

Aren't you supposed to go downhill fast?

Nanci

07-14-2006, 01:47 PM

I know! She's got like a six pack!! My butt's probably twice the size of KSH :-) (Well of her butt, not the whole her) and I don't think I have a huge butt...

I vaguely remember, when I first got my MTB, I rode mostly with this guy, who was a 6'ish guy, maybe 180 or something, so little bit overweight. (Not a BF). We both started out with baggy shorts. Then he switched to lycra shorts, and he looked _hot_. And he _raved_ about them- how they were so much better. So I got a pair, and OMG, what a difference. I don't think I ever put my baggy shorts back on.

I agree with those of you who say it makes you feel sexy and athletic! You guys have seen my pics- you know that's a joke- but that's how I perceive myself! It's all in the lycra!!

Not to drift too much, but since there are some horse people in this thread- pretty sad news about Barbaro, huh? I hate to say it, but he's a goner now that he's deeloped laminitis. Poor guy- there was the cutest picture of him in the paper today, cuddling with a vet tech. At least they tried. At least it wasn't, oh, here I am at my last race, oh, my leg is broken, oh I'm PTS immediately. At least he got a ton of pampering and all before the end. (No, he's not PTS yet, but he will be).:(

chickwhorips

07-14-2006, 02:40 PM

Aren't you supposed to go downhill fast?

i try but i dont do well. i do better with conversations going downhill. :cool: and i doubt if KSH has a big butt on her at all, specially now with all the running.

Not to drift too much, but since there are some horse people in this thread- pretty sad news about Barbaro, huh? I hate to say it, but he's a goner now that he's deeloped laminitis. Poor guy- there was the cutest picture of him in the paper today, cuddling with a vet tech. At least they tried.

yes i agree. very sad. i hate when there isn't much you can do either. the old mare i use to ride had to be put down because of something similar. very sad.

pooks

07-14-2006, 06:17 PM

I ordered a pair of baggies that came today (TE rocks -- talk about fast service) but they are TOO baggie. I'm an apple shape with normal legs (no heavy thighs) so even though the waist/stomach MIGHT be okay, the rest of it looks like I'm wearing a square dance skirt or huge bloomers with my legs swallowed up by the voluminous folds of fabric! I could have easily worn a smaller size (even in the liner), even though the hip measurements for the size I ordered were perfect.

I'm going to have to send them back.

OTOH, I've also ordered a pair of boure shorts and I'm holding my breath about them, hoping they fit AND don't look too horrible with my shape. Sigh.

As far as the road shorts go -- how stretchy are they? Are they so tight that if you're a size larger you'd never squeeze into them? Or are they pretty stretchy? I'm asking because if the boures are anything like the baggies I just tried on, I may have ordered wrong again (even though I went by the measurements).

Nanci

07-15-2006, 03:10 AM

I think I bought my Primal shorts when I weighed about 140#. They fit me all the way up to 178, and all the way back down, and some of the way back up!! They are pretty adaptable. When I buy shorts, I go by the hop measurement, not the waist, because I'd have to have about 60" hops to match my wiast size! :-) They are supposed to fit snugly, or the chamois will shift around and bunch, and friction is BAD. I think the shorts made with thicker lycra are more flattering for those of us worried about holding in bulges, and the longer the legs, the better, too.

Nanci

Kimmyt

07-15-2006, 04:38 AM

Different pairs of shorts are going to feel differently stretchy. I have a pair of cheapo Performance shorts that i like because they are very stretchy and don't leave lines on my stomach (which is not quite a sixpack, or maybe it's a sixpack of jello jigglers?). But then I have a pair of Trek shorts that are much less stretchy and I like them too because I feel that they really 'hide the bulge' and they make me feel great.

I have a short torso as well, haven't tried any lowrise shorts but find that some shorts have waistbands that are more friendly to my stomach than others, so I tend to just look for those when I shop.

mimitabby

07-15-2006, 05:43 AM

run it, ride it

07-15-2006, 06:29 AM

Even tho you're only on your bike an hour a day, that's like 6 hours in girly-bit time.

Okay, that made my day. And yeah, you guys are starting to win me over on this whole bike short thing. Us runners are just so used to our super-duper short shorts: as the boyfriend classifies, 'ten inches higher than expulsion from Catholic school'. In fact, I'm sure once I see the boyfriend next weekend he'll be vying for friendlier shorts tenfold what I am.

It's good to know there are shorter, lower rise shorts to ease me into this thing! The thongs will be sad, but I think they'll understand.

Thank you so much, everyone, for all the replies! I'm also starting to figure out where I should be sitting in the saddle and how to use these girl-hips to their fullest power.

run it, ride it

07-15-2006, 06:35 AM

As a former wannabe dressage rider, I think i can help you. Riding a bike
you actually use different muscles, you don't want to stretch the insides of your leg, you want to have as much power in your strokes as possible.
Your sit bones should be to the rear of the saddle and you should not have to move your butt to pedal at all.
We dont know what kind of saddle you are sitting on, but chances are it would be better used as a book end. Lord knows how many seats we have shredded on this forum. The seat might not be right for you.
your HEELS should be down, not your toes. if your heels aren't down, you need to lower the saddle. the saddle should be as close as horizontal as you can stand it too.

Please read the favorite saddle posts for more info.
Why on earth are you wearing a thong?
if you don't like the spandex shorts, there are lots of other kinds to wear that
will also protect you. I have some blousy ones and some gals wear skorts.
good luck. I am glad you are still riding your horse.

The Dressage transition explaination made a lot of sense to me (if no one else); thank you! I'm wearing a thong because I have no butt and normal underwear just will not stay. And don't get me wrong--I wouldn't have anything BUT spandex! My non-existant butt makes anything else look baggy!

And yes, I'll ride that horse as long as the vet clears him! Nine years and counting. He's an old arthritic man now but still in the best shape of his life--jumping for the first time in years. Couldn't sell him if I wanted to!
(photos, since I heard rumour of horse people in this thread.) http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/transfusions/Sahs/?start=20

fatbottomedgurl

07-15-2006, 09:12 AM

I would mention the Sugoi Evolution short has a fairly low rise-- hits me below the naval... but my derriere is certainely NOT non-existent, so my experience may not count. I love the Ricaro chamois in them. PI sugar knickers/ shorts ar low rise but the chamois is daiper-buttish.

PS I am a thong girl too for panty-line purposes but the thought of a thong on a bike...OUCH:eek:

Nanci

07-15-2006, 12:58 PM

I tried to get into the thong thing, because they were trendy and looked cute on the Victoria Secret models. My French ex BF (yes, the same one who didn't understand why it was so funny/insulting when he told me I smelled like tuna [after eating it]) said I looked like a sumo wrestler...I don't think he meant it in a bad way, but now thongs and Sumo wrestlers are inseparably linked in my mind...

The hop measurement is when you measure around the widest portion of your bitt.

(Sorry- my nails are getting too long...)

I think bike shorts are trending toward a lower rise, which is good for us short people!!

I love the rise of the Sugoi RS Flexes, BTW. About one inch below my belly button.

Trashy Cats are nicely low rise, and don't go halfway up your back, either. Good luck finding any though.

pooks

07-15-2006, 01:05 PM

And if you're not short torso, are the jerseys long enough to cover low rise waists, esp in back?

annie

07-15-2006, 03:43 PM

I recently bought a pair of Loius Garneau shorts. I love them! They are the shortest shorts I have ever found; they are low-rise; and the pad is cushy. I thought it might be too thick, but its very comfortable while riding. I just checked the tag inside the shorts, tho', and it doesn't say which short they are. :( So I can't tell anyone looking for shorter shorts which particular LG short to look for. But I can tell you they're out there! They weren't cheap, $90, if I remember right, at LBS. I was lucky and had a 20% off coupon. I will be buying another pair soon, before they change the style. Mine are black. I think they came in a light blue, also? Yikes! Very pretty color but I can't imagine being seen in them. Or what they'd look like, full of sweat, road dirt, and probably hand prints. :eek:

annie

chickwhorips

07-15-2006, 04:57 PM

Or what they'd look like, full of sweat, road dirt, and probably hand prints. :eek:

ya light blue might not be so pretty at the end of the day.

but now are those your hand prints or are you just that popular out riding? ;)

Diggles

07-16-2006, 01:52 PM

i have to admit that after the bit i just handed over for my bike & helmet, there was nothing left for such luxuries as shorts! i'm not a fan of shorts, period. But running in the summer requires it so I've just been wearing those.

I found the shorty shorts for anyone interested though. I think I'd be more inclined to wear these than the longer ones I've seen. I don't like my legs but if I'm gonna do it...I'm gonna just do it.

Shorty Shorts Clicky (http://www.veloclothes.com/cat2.aspx?Mode=52&Brand=All%20Brands&SID=1&Category_ID=71)

run it, ride it

07-26-2006, 07:12 AM

Alright, alright. I got the shorts. They're Sugoi's. Just as much padding as I need. I got them on sale for eighty bucks. I figured my lady bits were worth at least that.

I can roll them down so I don't feel silly pairing them with a bra top (next topic: do I -really- have to get one of those silly cycling jerseys?), and they're as short as is practical.

The swelling is gone--thank god. But even with thong seams gone, the chafing is bad as ever. I thought, maybe shaving more often would help (the little prickly hairs exacerbate the friction problem). Then we moved on to razor burn. And well, I'm thinking some of that tingly topical cream is next on the list.

Again, thanks for the help and encouragement! I thought I'd be a freakshow, but I DO feel sexy and athletic in the cycle shorts!

Tuckervill

07-26-2006, 09:29 AM

This morning I rode w/o biking shorts for the first time, a very quick ride to Starbucks. It's not awful but I wouldn't want to do a long ride that way!

Try riding a mile or two with just your swimsuit on. eek.

The aquatic center is just a little ways away. Makes sense to ride the bikes, right? Put on the old LL Bean skirted suit and hop on...uh that feels weird. Sweaty thighs touching the saddle, girly parts getting intimate, too. Then when you come out and you're still wet....:eek:

The dressing rooms at the pool are not sanitary, so there's no changing when I get there. I even ride home to use the potty!

But that's better than firing up the Beetle, eh?

Karen

roshelleuop

07-26-2006, 09:29 AM

I can't give you any advice about the shorts problem becuase I love my biking shorts and am blessed to have never had any chaffing problems.
:D :D :D :D :D
As for the jersey, you don't HAVE to get one because there are plenty of things out there that work, but they are definitely nice to have. I was initially hesitant to get one becuase I didn't want to try and "look like a professional biker" when I'm really not, however, when I finally did I loved it. The material is great for keeping moisture away from the body, they don't flap in the wind, and the pockets in back work great for my cell phone and GU gel. It was such a pain having to stop and get stuff out of my bag each time. Bento boxes are nice, but my cell wouldn't fit in it. Plus, you can buy one that fits your personality, anything from pretty bright pink flowery print, corona or miller lite beer print, or sponge bob square pants print. Good luck!!!
:D :D :D :D :D
Hope this helps!
Roshelle from Milwaukee

chickwhorips

07-26-2006, 09:35 AM

Plus, you can buy one that fits your personality, anything from pretty bright pink flowery print, corona or miller lite beer print, or sponge bob square pants print. Good luck!!!
:D :D :D :D :D
Hope this helps!
Roshelle from Milwaukee

only someone from milwaukee would bring up having miller lite for a jersey. ;)
(i only say this because i was born in wisconsin and i'm still branded a cheese head)

SadieKate

07-26-2006, 09:41 AM

I assume you Wisconsin girls know about Team America's Dairyland?

Waterford even custom paints their bikes to match.

http://www.teamamericasdairyland.com/

roshelleuop

07-26-2006, 09:47 AM

chickwhorips - you crack me up!! Yes, I'm definitely a Miller girl and I also love my cheese!!! It's so funny anytime I leave Milwaukee I have to bring a stash!!!! ;) ;) ;)

SadieKate - I did not know about this team, I'll take a look at their site. Not sure if I'd want to ride around with cow spots on my jersey though!!!! LOL LOL :eek: :eek: :D :D

-cheesehead-

SadieKate

07-26-2006, 09:51 AM

I just found out that A&W stands have fried cheese curds.

SadieKate (who is married to an Idahoan who loves his cheese turds and is friends with cheeseheads living in Oregon and always on the lookout for said delicacies)

chickwhorips

07-26-2006, 10:02 AM

I assume you Wisconsin girls know about Team America's Dairyland?

Waterford even custom paints their bikes to match.

http://www.teamamericasdairyland.com/

omg! i love it! i didn't know about that. now i want a jersey specially bc it has pink on it besides cow prints.

mtbdarby

07-26-2006, 10:52 AM

Chickwhorips - I knew there was something about you I liked:p

I have the American Dairyland waterbottle and cow bell (mandatory at races!).

Run it ride it, I used to feel the same way about jerseys. Your pocketbook will thank you now but hey, you'll come around:D May the force be with you....

Nanci, I was typing like that too. Just cut my fingernails and never thought I'd be able to say that, lol.

Nanci

07-26-2006, 11:10 AM

I'm originally from the Gopher State, right across the river from the Badger State. The Minnesota State Fair features corndog-like cheese on a stick _and_ turkey on a stick. MMMMM!!!

Bikingmomof3

07-26-2006, 01:24 PM

I was born and raised in the Gopher state, then went to grad school in the Badger state. :) I have enjoyed mnay fine foods.:D

chickwhorips

07-26-2006, 01:27 PM

and the bonding of all of us continues.

Luci

07-26-2006, 04:30 PM

Who would have guessed? I sure didn't expect to see other dressagites on this forum. It's so hard to have time for both! Riding to the stable? Please tell me you are 25? I'm going to feel soooo guilty!

I posted a thread about where I'm supposed to be on the saddle and then read this one where some similar things are being talked about. Haha! Leave it to the dressage folks to wonder about proper position. :D Too funny. Dressage does warp our minds! I was watching to be sure I was peddling evenly and sitting evenly on the bike so I don't bring bad habbits over to my riding.

I don't have an official biking jersey yet, but do have a variety of coolmax type tops, tees etc. My fav actually came from a golf top sale rack. Those cotton tees I used to wear just sealed the heat in. I photograph horse shows too and wear cool max fabric or I'd die out there in the sun. In my MTB chick days I just wore my sports bra. I miss that body. Hope this new wave of riding will help bring that body back!

roshelleuop

07-26-2006, 06:31 PM

Luci--

That's so funny that you say that becuase when I started riding (bike), my husband kept asking me why I push my heals down so far and I told him becuase it has been pounded in my mind for so many years!!!!!

I do think that riding horses has helped me alot with my balance!

Take care!!!!
Roshelle

mimitabby

07-26-2006, 07:34 PM

What riding horses did for me was get me used to my sitting bones. For years I thought i didn't get saddle sore on my bike because I'd ridden horses. That all changed when I got a new bike that did NOT have a brooks b66 or b67 saddle.

I Suddenly became just as tender as everyone else.

but as you all know, the happy ending is this one; i have put a brooks saddle on all bikes that i ride.

run it, ride it

07-26-2006, 07:56 PM

Riding to the stable? Please tell me you are 25? I'm going to feel soooo guilty!

Well, the barn is on my way to work. It only makes sense. Will it disappoint you if I say I'm 20? I can play 25, just get me a few degrees and a nice job (goodbye poopy campground toilet-cleaning!) so I can afford the horse without living off of protein powder and bread in a basement furnace room complete with unlevelled concrete floor, no insulation, and a prime view of the aged exhibitionist from the crack house next door (I only wish I made all that up). Oh, student life.

PS, ladies, I'm completely not sold on the jerseys. I thought there was a particular reason to endure them aside from the material. You know, like protection in case of wipeout, super-human strength, ability to cause traffic collisions with blinding patterns, &tc. Safety wouldn't sell me anyway; I've got the indifferent scars from falls off horses in tank tops to prove it. No pain, no sweet racerback tan! I'll stick with my skimpy running tops, thanks! (Sleeves? What are sleeves?).

All this talk of cows and beer reminds me of home here in the farmland boonies of Southwestern Ontario. I go to a university affectionately known as "Moo U" and you'd better bet anyone with a pickup uses it for hauling (what is this suburban obsession with purposeless commuter trucks? Waste of a perfectly good vehicle that could pull me a horse trailer.)

My jumping instructor used to tell me to keep my heels down at all availible times. Especially during bike-riding. My Dressage instructor could care less about my heels. My horse thinks feet taste good.

Luci

07-27-2006, 05:56 AM

Hehe, run it ride it I have a good job and still can't afford my horse addiction. I'm now headed to law school in a year.

One of these days I'm going to run into someone with a Brooks on their bike and beg them to let me gently sit on it for just a moment paleeessss. I have yet to hear someone who bought one and didn't like it.

mimitabby

07-27-2006, 06:55 AM

Hi, it's me here, the one with 3 brooks saddles on my 3 bikes.
We did have a brooks we didn't like, it came on our tandem. It was brand new, It was one of the racier models. It was hard as a rock and didn't soften, with all the proofhide we could bake onto it both top and bottom.
We sold it on ebay to a 250 lb man who loved it. He probably didn't have any trouble breaking it in because he was so heavy (twice my weight actually).

It's actually a good thing to keep your heels down on a bike too, just not so far because it keeps your hamstrings in good form and maximizes your pedal stroke.

Kimmyt

07-27-2006, 07:10 AM

Runit, if you don't want the traditional jersey look but still want something with pockets, they do make tank top style jerseys that are actually really cute, and they have little pockets in them too. I just bought a very cute Louis Garneau one that has a racerback and you would think it was just a regular workout top except for the pocket and the brand. It even has boob cups in it! Which amazed me, cause I figured it would just have a sports bra in it, but there were actually cups for each of my girls... pretty cool, though a tad expensive!

K.

Nanci

07-27-2006, 07:40 AM

chickwhorips

07-27-2006, 07:49 AM

That's so funny that you say that becuase when I started riding (bike), my husband kept asking me why I push my heals down so far and I told him becuase it has been pounded in my mind for so many years!!!!!

and here i thought i was the only one that had that pounded into my head. i still hear those screams in my head sometimes.

pooks

07-27-2006, 07:58 AM

http://tinyurl.com/jrach

This top went from "not sure if I like it that much" (before I wore it) to my all-time favorite. And I have a LOT of cycling tanks. No back pocket, but I don't use those anyway. I have the black, (which doesn't get hot in the sun!!) but seriously covet the red...

http://tinyurl.com/j78d6

I have four of these, and love them too. I can't bear to put on a sports bra _and_ jersey right now- it's just too hot and humid.

http://tinyurl.com/ejosx

I have one of these, and don't like it as much as I thought I would. It covers a lot in the front, and is a lot warmer than the others because of that. But it is comfortable and pretty. The pocket is so long, though, that I have accidentally tucked it into my shorts without knowing it...

http://tinyurl.com/z9utv

I have two of these- very comfy, like them a lot, but they show any tummy bulge you have, if you care.

http://tinyurl.com/g9cb5

I have one of these, Cabo Tanks, not a plus, though, and like it a lot, but it doesn't have a bra.

And sleeveless jerseys are nice, too, if you're trying not to show cleavage, or keep bugs out!

I only have one jersey -- I'd love more, but the only ones I've tried so far have been way too tight. I notice most of those looked form-fitting, and I'm the apple-girl who has no waist and form-fitting doesn't work at all. Maybe after I lose some weight....

Any suggestions?

I did order a couple from REI and they are at the local REI waiting for me to pick them up. (Duh -- I'd forgotten that until I typed it -- will go today and check them out.) But I'm not very hopeful about them. Sigh.

BleeckerSt_Girl

07-27-2006, 09:18 AM

Can someone explain to me why the prints in all these biking jerseys look like drug-induced flashbacks of bedspreads from an old Brady Bunch episode??

chickwhorips

07-27-2006, 09:25 AM

Can someone explain to me why the prints in all these biking jerseys look like drug-induced flashbacks of bedspreads from an old Brady Bunch episode??

all the styles always come back around full circle.

i just got my victoria's secret fall preview catalog and i swear everything in that looks like the 80s.

Nanci

07-27-2006, 09:27 AM

To cover up fat rolls. It works very well.

http://tinyurl.com/s3thk

Me in psychodelic Shebeast Tank. As you can see, my waist and hip measurements are virtually the same. Whatever!!!

But try that Cabo tank- it's a looser fit. I love mine.

(Edited to fix spelling- and to add I even like _running_ in the Cabo tank- it's a great material.)

pooks

07-27-2006, 09:32 AM

Oh thanks -- that's helpful. I almost ordered that Cabo in the Cantonese, just because I love the mandarin collar! But I need sleeveless right now.

chickwhorips

07-27-2006, 09:35 AM

its not the waist part that causes a roll that gets me, its the leg part where it cuts in. specially when i wear leg warmers. my legs seem to look a bit squggly.

AuntieK

07-27-2006, 09:41 AM

i just got my victoria's secret fall preview catalog and i swear everything in that looks like the 80s.

Tell me it's true! I loved the 80s and have anxiously awaited their return. :p
I'm tired of all the retro 70s stuff. (Can you tell when I was in HS? :D Am I aging myself?)
Although, I have enjoyed the flare jeans much more than I ever would have cared to admit (I thought I was going to die when I saw they were coming back).

chickwhorips

07-27-2006, 09:44 AM

Tell me it's true! I loved the 80s and have anxiously awaited their return. :p

here ya go: http://www2.victoriassecret.com/catalogue/view/cover.cfm?ctlg_cde=WA&rfnbr=3127

pooks

07-27-2006, 09:45 AM

Well, if it means anything, there's a new (at least to me) alternative rock group out called Rock Kills Kid. I saw them on Letterman and then bought their album off iTunes.

They are straight out of the 80s, people. Retro is now 80s, I guess.

I feel so old.

Time to go get my new jerseys so I can feel fat, too!

cherinyc

07-27-2006, 09:58 AM

Yes, I think so.
My butt is already huge... without extra padding added to it...so I don't feel sexy in them. I feel like I have a super-huge-booty in them.

KSH - thank you for being one who doesn't feel sexy in your bike shorts. Maybe it's something that comes with time, or the "right" short, or the "right" body shape. For me, any type of clothing that presses into a part of my body that otherwise would not be pressed (and causes that bulge on either side) is no friend of mine.
For instance, I have had a belly ring for 13 yrs now, and wear everything "low-rise" and loose (hate the feeling of something touching my belly button - it's like I am being choked:eek: )
Most bike shorts come way up high - and make the part above the waistband bulge out - and then the grippers on the thighs cause all kinds of weird bulges.
Of course when I try to go up a size (to be looser) then there is movement/chafing, etc. Not good. Neither option make me feel sexy. Just being honest.:(

chickwhorips

07-27-2006, 10:05 AM

For instance, I have had a belly ring for 13 yrs now, and wear everything "low-rise" and loose (hate the feeling of something touching my belly button - it's like I am being choked:eek: )
Most bike shorts come way up high - and make the part above the waistband bulge out - and then the grippers on the thighs cause all kinds of weird bulges.

i try to get bike shorts and other stuff so it doesn't get stuck on my belly ring either. had some bad instances where i thought the ring was going to be ripped out. also anything higher than my navel makes me feel fat.

SouthernBelle

07-27-2006, 10:09 AM

I have 2 jerseys that are strappy. One is a racerback, the other is skinnier straps that cross in the back. They both came from REI Outlet where I have had great luck with cycle clothing.

BTW, I'm built straight up and down, no waist. But I don't care. :D

mtbdarby

07-27-2006, 10:15 AM

Here are the castelli shorts I was talking about! Look at the waistband - aren't these the sexiest shorts you've evern seen (at least on this model?)>

I can't believe how excited these shorts have gotten me, lol. But I can't justify forking over $150 for shorts right now either, so I dream...

chickwhorips

07-27-2006, 10:19 AM

i do like the waist on it. i try to look for those like that too.

mimitabby

07-27-2006, 01:52 PM

Tell me it's true! I loved the 80s and have anxiously awaited their return. :p
I'm tired of all the retro 70s stuff. (Can you tell when I was in HS? :D Am I aging myself?)
Although, I have enjoyed the flare jeans much more than I ever would have cared to admit (I thought I was going to die when I saw they were coming back).

I often ride my bike to work and in the morning it is cool enough that i just wear my work clothing. Flare jeans are really annoying on a bike even if you have good ankle straps. It's a lot of extra material.

Nanci

07-27-2006, 03:10 PM

Just got the new Patagonia Panties from UPS. I am THRILLED to have found $120 worth of panties for $40...Going to test them out as "sleeping panties" tonight! (That means no going up the butt by the panties for them to pass that test!)

I hate it when anything touches my belly button ring. I keep my cycling shorts just below it. The one I have right now is a circular barbell, or something, meaning it catches easily on the edges of things.

run it, ride it

07-27-2006, 06:18 PM

My only piercings are well above the belt, safe in the bra top. No trouble there except distraction to motorists when it's pouring and I only had a white shirt left. Eeeeah.

Some of those tops are cute, aside from the terrifying patterns.

Also, bulges come at ANY weight. Even when I was an underweight varsity athlete with no boobs left, I still had love handles. Can't win!

emily_in_nc

07-27-2006, 07:05 PM

Also, bulges come at ANY weight. Even when I was an underweight varsity athlete with no boobs left, I still had love handles. Can't win!

Ain't it the truth - I am around 105 lbs and still get bulges on either side of my waist in cycling shorts (and pants). I'm only 5'2" and am curvy. I do have hips, love handles, and a butt - and plenty of cellulite in back! I ride with a TALL gal who has not a pinchable bit of body fat anywhere, and I feel so self-conscious in my bike clothes around her! She wears tiny little tanks and has no back fat, minimal boobage, no belly/hip fat, and I have all of the above. My friend is just one of those naturally skinny people who can eat anything and not gain an ounce...lucky gal!

Emily

fatbottomedgurl

07-27-2006, 07:59 PM

Okay Emily~ 5'2" and 105# complaining about bulges? Hee Hee. Well, everyone will be so busy admiring your new bike new Artemis that they won't even notice. That bike makes you sexy!!!

Nanci

07-28-2006, 03:46 AM

That is a great bike. I love Titus. And what a sweet deal!!

Crankin

07-28-2006, 04:56 AM

It's true, ladies. Just because one is petite does not mean you don't have bulges. i am about the same size as Emily and no matter what I do (save heavy duty weight lifting and maybe performance enhancing drugs) my @$$ will never be firm. It's as flabby as it could get, even though it's smaller now. When the season started, i had the love handles over the tops of my new shorts. Now, after 3 months of riding, that's gone, but I'm sure to return next winter. I exercise all year round and ride as much as i can and my thighs are still not firm. I have friends like Emily's who have not one ounce of fat on them. And, they eat whatever they want. I have to watch everything and if i ever stopped riding, I would gain 20 lbs. instantly. It's just the way it is.... I would never NOT wear all of these cycling clothes because they make you comfortable and i don't really care if my legs look like sausages when I put leg warmers on...

cherinyc

07-28-2006, 06:54 AM

chickwhorips

07-28-2006, 07:51 AM

I had an ex boyfriend who, when I would pinch the (:rolleyes: inch? or 2?) on my stomach - he would say "what? that's skin! you can't do anything about skin!"
Um, ok. So does anyone know how to go about losing that extra tummy skin? Maybe we've just been going about this the wrong way?

well on the up side, at least he wasn't pinching it.

i got ride of my skin (and pooch) after loosing a bunch of weight though it had to do with a scar revision that included a tummy tuck.

i'm just under 5'3 and curvey. i have learned to love my curves. i got down to the skinniest i've ever been and still had some love and lots of curves. i still want not to have things cut in on certain places, but i've come to terms with the fact that it will never happen (well on most days, exclude fat days). if i can wear a very skimpy bikini to do a contest out in public then i have got to love my body (on those good days).

BleeckerSt_Girl

07-28-2006, 08:09 AM

Just another viewpoint...
My older daughter (in her late twenties) told me that she thinks a slightly rounded belly on a woman is much sexier and appealing than a flat stomach. I have to agree. I see some women who are flat as a board tummies and all sinewy and boney and I think they look like nothing I'D want to get cozy with if I were a man.
My husband loved me when I was thin, when I was 30 pounds heavier, and again now that I've lost 20 pounds again. He convinced me that i was beautiful at any weight or age. He got me to stop shaving my legs and underarms too, saying that razor stubble was ugly and artificial and felt awful and why would I want to get rid of my "cute animalistic fur tufts"? He got me thinking about my own definitions of fit and of beautiful, and I sure feel like both now- without fretting about tummy pooch, leg hair, and love handles like I used to. ;)

Tater

07-28-2006, 10:13 AM

[QUOTE=Lisa S.H.]Just another viewpoint...
I see some women who are flat as a board tummies and all sinewy and boney and I think they look like nothing I'D want to get cozy with if I were a man.QUOTE]

Mr. Tater sees these types and grumbles, 'Give that girl a sandwich or two!' :D

run it, ride it

07-28-2006, 01:51 PM

I grabbed a handfull of side to demonstrate to a male friend during a bike tour last year that I did indeed possess love handles. He said, "Those are hips. You're a girl. Girls have hips. It's so you can make babies."

Sure... but how come I get -just- the hips and no *** to back them up? Pun clearly intended.

fatbottomedgurl

07-28-2006, 05:40 PM

I have a friend I love dearly who said to me " You know if you had b**bs your a** would make sense." I still love her.

RoadRaven

07-29-2006, 03:10 AM

Just another viewpoint...
I see some women who are flat as a board tummies and all sinewy and boney and I think they look like nothing I'D want to get cozy with if I were a man.

Mr. Tater sees these types and grumbles, 'Give that girl a sandwich or two!' :D

LOL... the immmortal and irreverent Frank Zappa had something to say on the subject...

A line from one of his songs goes...

"Who wants to ride on an ironing board?"...