Hi! and Question about Bike Shorts "au natural"

Hi - I thought I'd introduce myself. I just bought my first bike a week ago and I'm loving it! Yesterday I got the pedals you clip into and I rode around learning how to use them this morning - so much better than sliding around on wet pedals (it hurt yesterday when I slipped off as I was standing up going over some bumps - ouch!).

I have a question about bike shorts - I keep reading that you're supposed to ride them "au natural" but I have never ever worn anything au natural. Is this really necessary and/or at what point does it become necessary?

hi, and welcome to the tribe. Don't forget to pedal over to the "getting to know you" thread where you can find out more than complete strangers should know about us and we get to know you too.

It becomes necessary *now*.

Both for better comfort on the road and to reduce friction and chafefing.

And from a fashion standpoint you don't want to be pulled over by the bike fashion police for VPL :rolleyes: :cool: :)

Welcome Ann_77! Yes, you will want to go commando with your bike shorts. Panties underneath can cause chafing and the dreaded saddle sores. Believe me, you want "your bits" as comfy as possible when you start going longer and longer distances!

thank you for the advice.. i guess i'll have to try going commando next time i'm out. i just got back from my longest ride yet - a whole hour - and i'm utterly exhausted but in a good way (yes, i'm out of shape!).

I hate to possibly state the obvious, but you are wearing a good bike short that had a built in chamois/pad, correct? And not just a lycra gymt short that does not have padding?

just making sure

Irulan

Also, make sure that you wash your bike shorts after every ride. Bacteria can grow and thrive otherwise, and that can do all kinds of bad stuff down there!

So, that means you'll need at least two pairs of shorts so you'll always have a clean pair, and if you're like a lot of us addicted gals here (and you will be, someday, just wait!), you may eventually end up with five or ten pairs! :D

Emily, who has at least 8 pairs of road shorts, a couple pairs of baggie mtb shorts, two skorts w/built-in shorts, and two pairs of cycling tights.... :D

Yes, I'm wearing bike shorts with a chamois. I picked them up at the shop where I bought my bike. And I am washing them each time but obviously that's getting old so I was going to order a couple others this week. I figured I'd try out a couple different brands so I can compare.

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I figured I'd try out a couple different brands so I can compare.

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Excellent idea! It's a trial-and-error process to find the right shorts. So once you find a pair that you're happy with, try to get a few pair, because they're just like bras, once you find the perfect shorts they stop making them, or perversely change them for the new season. :rolleyes: :p

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i just got back from my longest ride yet - a whole hour - and i'm utterly exhausted but in a good way (yes, i'm out of shape!).

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Well, believe me when I tell you, if you keep at it, someday you'll read this and marvel at how far you've come along. That's exactly what I was doing, reminiscing how only a couple of years ago a 45 minute ride was a huge undertaking for me. :D

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Originally Posted by anne_77

Yes, I'm wearing bike shorts with a chamois. I picked them up at the shop where I bought my bike. And I am washing them each time but obviously that's getting old so I was going to order a couple others this week. I figured I'd try out a couple different brands so I can compare.

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anne 77 - make sure you get the right size too. I got some bike shorts when I bought my bike and they seemed to fit ok. But now I realize after buying some others that they really were a bit big. The smaller size puts the chamois in all the right places. Now I know why I kept snagging my shorts on the saddle. :D

I measured by hips and waist to try to figure out what sizes to order. But they're never in the same category (I guess I have too much blubber around my middle). Should I go by my hip or waist measurement when determining my size?

I've also noticed a lot of people commenting on how sheer some riding shorts are. I'm terrified of the idea of someone being able to see through my pants. Any tips on which brands to avoid?

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Originally Posted by anne_77

I measured by hips and waist to try to figure out what sizes to order. But they're never in the same category (I guess I have too much blubber around my middle). Should I go by my hip or waist measurement when determining my size?
I've also noticed a lot of people commenting on how sheer some riding shorts are. I'm terrified of the idea of someone being able to see through my pants. Any tips on which brands to avoid?

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ann_77 - is there any bike shops near you that you can go to and try some shorts on? This way you can try a few different brands and a few different sizes. You can still order off the net if you find them cheaper but at least you will know exactly what size is best for you.

I wear Sugoi flex and I dont think they are too sheer. Mind I ride on my own and cant see my own behind but I havent had any leers or nasty comments. Also I dont think my husband would be letting me out of the house if they were indecent. :D

it's usually the older, washed-n-worn quite a bit, or the lighter weight shorts that get sheer. Stick with 6-8 oz shorts, they're much denser.

and I wear mine au naturale too, I don't use Chamois Creme and I've never had problems except with cheap shorts.

Right now I"m wearing Sugoi (which I just tried for the first time and LOVE), Performance Centurys and I've got some Terrys to try.

Hi Anne,

I go by my hip size, since until recently my waist size was almost the same, and of course no size chart reflects that. Luckily, bike shorts stretch.

Trashy Cat Sunflower shorts are too sheer for you. Trashy Cat Black Satin shorts, my new favorite, are not too sheer. Primal shorts are a _very_ thick (in a nice way) lycra- they used to be my favorites. They come _way_ up the back, and quite a way up the front, so you may or may not like them because of that.

PS, I am the only person in the world who unrepentantly wears panties under some of my bike shorts. (Nice, technical, seamless panties, like Patagonia) I wear the TC Sunflowers without, _because_ they are so sheer, I don't want obvious underwear. I wear the TC Black Satins without, because they are comfortable. I have a pair of triathlon-specific shorts, though, that I have to wear panties with, because, and no one tells you this, if you have a fat belly, and you don't wear panties, in certain shorts, your belly and thighs can touch each other while pedaling, which is VERY distracting. They like cling to each other. Ok, gross but true!

Have fun shopping!

Nanci

You crack me up. :) Thank you so much for the advice.

Trekhawk - there is a bike shop in town but its attention to female customer is minimal. (For instance, they only carry men's bikes, no wsd, and all the employees are men.) I have a pair of Trek shorts I got there - they're comfortable but very bulky and the shop doesn't carry any other brands. I order most of my clothing over the internet because I'm about two hours from a city.