Shorts with no chamois

I am currently riding in a pair of Sugoi RSE bibs that are fantastic, but I am hoping to find something with less padding. I know tri shorts are definitely an option, but wanted to know if anyone rides in something like the Under Armour shorts, or something without even chamois. Is this a bad idea? I am worried that if I ride chamois free that my shorts will be see through when I sweat or some other problem I am not thinking of. Any opinions?

I also prefer bibs. If I were to go the tri short route, I am thinking that bibs would not be an option. Is there such a thing as a tri bib?

Me. All the time.

I much prefer UnderArmour shorts. (the plain ol' compression heat gear shorts that come in 4 inch and 7 inch lengths and are $25-$28 or so) I've got several pairs, and my oldest ones are about 6 or 7 years old and still doing fine. They look a little scruffy, so I use them under other clothes.

I don't generally ride in "bike clothes" for short rides under 50 miles or so, but I'll wear my wool Ibex capris (which has a chamois) when it's raining or cold. Not because I like the chamois (I don't) but because I want the wool.

Thank you! I wear the Cold Gear tights over my bibs when the weather is cool and love them, but have never used them solo. You can't beat that price either. I am assuming they are seam free in the crotch area? You have no issues with them being transparent when they get sweaty?

I love rowing shorts. Tiny bit of "modesty" chamois.
This brand is a little more expensive than many others, but I think worth it
http://www.jlrowing.com/woshcuttr.html
I like their unisex trous.

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Originally Posted by greenbeanvw

I am currently riding in a pair of Sugoi RSE bibs that are fantastic, but I am hoping to find something with less padding. I know tri shorts are definitely an option, but wanted to know if anyone rides in something like the Under Armour shorts, or something without even chamois. Is this a bad idea? I am worried that if I ride chamois free that my shorts will be see through when I sweat or some other problem I am not thinking of. Any opinions?

I also prefer bibs. If I were to go the tri short route, I am thinking that bibs would not be an option. Is there such a thing as a tri bib?

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I personally, have not ever seen a tri bib...however, there are various types of tri suits which have a tri chamois in them. I suppose if you didn't want to wear the tri suit alone, you could always throw a cycling jersey over it and nobody would ever know that you had a trisuit on underneath it. It would make bathroom stops a bit trickier, though...with having to literally undress in order to go. I have the DeSoto Forza Trisuit...I wore it for 2 triathlons that I did back in 2008, and the minimal padding chamois worked fine for me for those events. Although, I'm not sure I could go that minimal on rides longer than 60+ miles...for that, I would need a bit more substantial chamois in my shorts.

I had no idea they made rowing shorts. Thank you for your input ladies!

I did find a men's tri bib, made by DeSoto. I am thinking they might work because if there is no women's specific, paneled pad, it would just be a flat chamois.

All things to consider. Hmmmm. Thanks again!

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Originally Posted by greenbeanvw

I had no idea they made rowing shorts. Thank you for your input ladies!

I did find a men's tri bib, made by DeSoto. I am thinking they might work because if there is no women's specific, paneled pad, it would just be a flat chamois.

All things to consider. Hmmmm. Thanks again!

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Wondering if the DeSoto men's "tri bib" that you found was actually the 400-mile bib? It is a cycling bib, per se, but according to many folks on the tri forum...the chamois is thin enough to be used in a triathlon...so I guess that bib should work fine for you.

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Originally Posted by nscrbug

Wondering if the DeSoto men's "tri bib" that you found was actually the 400-mile bib? It is a cycling bib, per se, but according to many folks on the tri forum...the chamois is thin enough to be used in a triathlon...so I guess that bib should work fine for you.

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It was indeed the 400 mile bib... and I didn't notice the price tag earlier. Wowza. I'm trying to cut costs so I am thinking I will end up with the Under Armour Heat Gear after all.