Confused About Cycling Shorts-Tights-Knickers.

I am relatively new to cycling and have decided that my bad cycling shorts from a local sporting goods store need to be upgraded. To give you an idea how bad they are, they only cost me 20 dollars. :o

So where do I begin? I have been overwhelmed by the choices! I live in Connecticut and the weather is getting slightly chilly (and I tend to be cold a lot) so I thought I may want Knickers. However, my boyfriend is suggesting I get a decent pair of shorts and some legwarmers. What would you suggest? Also, I have no idea the difference in padding and good or bad brands.

I have noticed that some cycling bottoms come with leg-grippers and others don't. I feel they would be nice to have on shorts, but what about knickers and tights?

Sorry that these may be dumb questions, but I really have no idea and am very confused. Thanks for your help.

I don't like leg warmers- they create "Michelin Man" lumps on my thighs. When it is cool I wear capris, when its cold I wear capris with knee sox. You can also start with a good pair of shorts (I am a Sugoi fan), and when it is cold wear a pair of tights over them- they don't have to be "cycling" tights.

I think most shorts have grippers, if you don't like the feel of them on your skin just roll them up.

Hi nsandz! I'm in New England, too. I wear knickers all fall and winter long, with tights or legwarmers over only if it's below freezing. I like them better than shorts, but that's just my personal preference.

I've been wearing Terry knickers for years, but I just decided to try a different brand this season. I got my first pair of the highly recommended Shebeest pedal pushers this week (thank you TE for the speedy service!). I wore them for a 35 mile ride the day before yesterday and loved them even more than my old knickers. They're a little sleeker and the chamois is a little thinner.

I recommend you try some on and see what feels comfortable. I know the fabric of both the Terry and Shebeest will be warm enough for our weather.

Thanks! This helps a lot. I especially thankful that I was informed about the "Michelin Man" legs while wearing leg warmers.:p I would say I am a "full figured woman" so that would be a concern. I was looking at Shebeest and Terry as well this really helps me decide. Also am very excited about being able to wear long socks or leg warmers with knicker, never thought about that!

This is great, I am actually getting excited about new cycling bottoms instead of overwhelmed!!!:D

I admit to looking a little silly, but I wear knee high striped socks with my knickers so no skin is exposed once it's below 60º. Then, I add fleece socks over those in a contrasting color and pattern (I have harlequin print and polka dots) when it's a little colder. I look so much like I rode out of the circus tent that small children wave and smile, but I'm warm!

Guys who wear full kits would go with the leg warmers and shorts, but they all hibernate through the winter around here, so I don't worry about looking goofy to them. I'm sure when they drive by me, they're thinking I'm a brute to be out there.

I really aspire to be my avatar. :p

Most shorts have grippers, but many don't also. I'm pretty sure Susan put up a list of the shorts TE offers without grippers, a couple of months ago - try searching either in the store or on the forums. Shorts without grippers are usually longer, so they don't ride up on your adductor muscles.

If they're not super-tight or super-short, a lot of people fold the hem of gripper shorts toward the outside, exposing the gripper and taking it off the leg. Some brands incorporate their logo into the grippers, upside-down, so that it's right ways up when you do that.

When the temperature will be cool all day, I prefer tights without a chamois worn over regular shorts. That way I can wear the tights several times before they need to be washed, and I also don't need different tights for running and cycling. Leg/knee/arm warmers are great for days when the temperature changes a lot during a ride.

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Originally Posted by redrhodie

I really aspire to be my avatar. :p

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Oh, and I love your avatar! Always loved Pippi.

Quality: you want flatlock panels. 8 are the best, 6 intermediate, 4 not so great (probably your $20 cheapies). It is harder to find good deals on shorts than on jerseys, but rei-outlet.com and backcountryoutlet.com are two good places to try. You should be able to find $80-100 shorts for half off... more expensive shorts don't seem to go on sale. I have two pair of longer shorts with grippers (Sugoi) that are comfortable that I adore - $90 and I paid $40 at rei-outlet. If you want to try thinner padding, go with a triathlon short.

I prefer purchasing shorts that I like, and wearing non-chamois knickers or tights over them. This means that I am not tied to bike-specific warm overclothes, either - I also have tight-fitting soft-shell and breathable rain shells. Shorts are the cheapest, and you'll build up the largest collection of these.

I use knee warmers when I am starting out and the temp is below 50 degrees F; it is important to keep your knees warm, since both the sinovial fluid (lubrication in the joint) and tendons must be warm to work effectively and protect the cartilage from wear. Knees are a weak point genetically on both sides of my family, and I still have problems flare up occasionally with a decade-old IT band tendonitis, so I want to protect them as much as possible. I like arm warmers as well... but haven't found legwarmers to be useful for me. (Like many people, I prefer long wool socks to warm the lower leg.)

This is great, I am glad I asked for advice before my purchase! I didn't realize that they made knickers without padding (I'm naive). Okay, so I think I will buy my first pair of GOOD shorts with 8 panels (can't wait to feel the difference!) and some non-padded knickers to go over them and then some knee high socks, either polka-dotted or stripes! I think however I will pass on the pigtails, for now...;)

While they aren't originally inteded for bike riding, I have found that my english riding pants work great for riding my bike on colder day. If I am doing a short ride I am fine with them as is, if I am doing a longer ride I just wear a pair of padded underwear underneath. Riding breeches are great for biking because they fit nice and snug and are made with lots of give and stretch.

Riding breeches come in a lot of different styles from a regular pull-on with zipper type to riding tights which just pull on. I am looking into getting a couple pairs of the riding tights for me to use for this fall and winter.


Oh, nsandz not sure where in CT you are but I am in Berlin, if you ever want to get together for a ride let me know. I'm usually stuck riding by myself but it would be nice to have company once in a while!

I think I might be looking for some of those big thick bright colored knit leg-warmers and rock the 80's look!

You mention that you are "full figured". Not sure what that means to you, but I'm pretty heavy for a cyclist. Size 18 in street clothing. I've been road biking for 13 years, at an average of 2,500 miles per year, so I've been through a LOT of shorts. You're going to find they are as personal a decision as is a good saddle. There's a different short for every bottom! But the advice to always buy 8-panel construction is spot-on.

My favorite is the Pearl Izumi Short-Cut Short, size XL. They are VERY hard to find, so I've got a good supply on hand. I like my chamois substantial, and the leg length at no more than 7". Too short & my chubby thighs rub my saddle bag, too long & I look like a stuffed pork sausage. I, too, roll back the gripper on the bottom edge of the leg. Mostly I don't want a tanning line that is lower than my street shorts & skorts, so 7" crotch length is my limit.

I used to wear Sugoi's, but found the chamois wore out in just 2 years or so. I wash bike shorts in warm water/cold rinse and ALWAYS line dry them. Other brands have lasted much longer. I found Shebeest to be the thinnest, least serious shorts, made mostly for fashionable Spinning classes.

I always tell women who are reluctant to spend $$ on good shorts "honey, I don't know what your "specials" are worth, but I think mine are worth protecting!".

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Originally Posted by mrhughes

I found Shebeest to be the thinnest, least serious shorts, made mostly for fashionable Spinning classes.

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Not my experience at all. I've got probably 2000-2500 miles each on two of my five pairs of SSS shorts and they show no sign of wearing out. I don't like the leg grippers, they give me a rash, but I tolerate them (and usually roll them up) because I haven't found a more comfortable chamois in a multi-panel short. It's a little bit thicker than is comfortable, but I haven't found better. Except for the unpadded fleece in my ancient (vintage about 1992) four-panel Terry shorts.

Actually, if the legs weren't so short, most "spinning" shorts have a minimalist chamois that is SO much better for road cycling than most of the diapers they put out there. I so wanted a pair of expensive shorts this summer, I was willing to spend $200 and really loved the construction of at least one pair I tried on, but I couldn't find a pair with a chamois that even looked comfortable.

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Originally Posted by redrhodie

I wear knee high striped socks with my knickers so no skin is exposed once it's below 60º. Then, I add fleece socks over those in a contrasting color and pattern (I have harlequin print and polka dots) when it's a little colder. I look so much like I rode out of the circus tent that small children wave and smile, but I'm warm!

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ME TOO! I love knickers and kneesocks just round it out. If it really gets hot, i can roll my socks down.

I have found all my cycling clothes on Sierra Trading Post online. After you order once they send you emails with 20% to 30% off on that day above their already reduced prices, so I now wait for a coupon before I look in their cycling section. I got a $100 pair of Pearl Izumi shorts for about $30, and just got a really nice pair of Descente shorts that retails for $65 for $25. I've also gotten $60 jerseys for about $20.

Since I haven't been riding all that long (since Feb.), I cannot speak of how long they will last. I wash them in the machine with everything else and then line dry.

I bought a pair of Adidas knickers at Ross, and have a pair of black exercise tights that I bought many years ago for the gym, that I resurrected to wear over the shorts. It really doesn't have to be that expensive to buy the clothes. I do my bike purchasing at the LBS, but not the clothes.

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Originally Posted by featuretile

I bought a pair of Adidas knickers at Ross, and have a pair of black exercise tights that I bought many years ago for the gym, that I resurrected to wear over the shorts. It really doesn't have to be that expensive to buy the clothes.

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You find that purchasing regular (I guess jogging/exercising) kickers or tights and wearing them over cycling shorts is okay? They stay in place and everything?

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Originally Posted by nsandz

You find that purchasing regular (I guess jogging/exercising) kickers or tights and wearing them over cycling shorts is okay? They stay in place and everything?

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I haven't worn compression tights over cycling shorts and it doesn't seem like a good idea to me. But regular thermal or stretchier lycra tights are fine. If your chamois is in your shorts, then the tights don't need to "stay in place," they just need to not pull the shorts out of place.

In the winter, I wear regular, unpadded "running pants" over my cycling shorts and I have no problem with them staying in place. The legs of running pants aren't as tight as "tights", there's a bit more room but not so much that they flap in the wind!

I also have a couple of pairs of cycling pants with built-in chamois. I don't have a preference - either solution keeps me warm. The running pants are more versatile - can wear them for running, yoga, weight work, etc.

The athletic knickers need to be form fitting, not loose. The exercise tights are also form fitting. There is no problem wearing them.

I like to wear padded tights or knickers, as wearing any garment over shorts puts more sweat and pressure around my middle.
In very cold weather it is necessary to layer bottoms though.

I just spent some time today checking out bike shorts...my old ones are worn out. PI have been my brand so I tried several styles.Of course I tried them on with undies and not only could I see the underwear line, I could see right through to the undies and my white skin on my thighs. Thought perhaps going up a size would help. Not better and they are tooo big on legs,too. I looked though the selection of other brands but it is easy to see straight thru them on legs and bottom. Guy at the shop says they are made thinner these days for better wicking. I wonder if that's the case or if it's cheaper that way.
This issue was brought to my attention as I noticed many bottoms and butt cracks as I did Bike Va and other group rides.
Anyway any suggestions about 'decent' bike shorts??. I have used a padded liner with 'old' shorts or just baggy nylon shorts as a cover but in the summer that gets HOT!

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Originally Posted by easterbird

I just spent some time today checking out bike shorts...my old ones are worn out. PI have been my brand so I tried several styles.Of course I tried them on with undies and not only could I see the underwear line, I could see right through to the undies and my white skin on my thighs. Thought perhaps going up a size would help. Not better and they are tooo big on legs,too. I looked though the selection of other brands but it is easy to see straight thru them on legs and bottom. Guy at the shop says they are made thinner these days for better wicking. I wonder if that's the case or if it's cheaper that way.
This issue was brought to my attention as I noticed many bottoms and butt cracks as I did Bike Va and other group rides.
Anyway any suggestions about 'decent' bike shorts??. I have used a padded liner with 'old' shorts or just baggy nylon shorts as a cover but in the summer that gets HOT!

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I noticed there's been a change in design as well. After spending a small amount on my first shorts, I decided to get more expensive and better designed, and they had PI Short Shorts (and there was a LOT of them here...so I'm wondering why the previous poster said it's hard to find) at LBS. I went to check it out, I liked it, then I bought it. When I wore it for the first time on the bike, I only went 2 miles before I said that I absolutely hated it. The grippers were driving me CRAZY! It was fine in the store, but when your legs are moving a lot, it does get annoying. I could FEEL the damn plastic stitching (which I think has been changed as well). I've tried to roll them up, but they seem to flop back down when I rode. So I returned it, thanks to REI's wonderful return policy!

I know a lot of people in my groups that swears by them. After the experience I looked at their shorts - and they look better in them than me since I am thicker around my thighs, but I checked out their grippers - it is obvious that PI changed their designs. The newer ones seem to use PLASTIC stitching and more "grip". The older ones seem to have just some sort of gripper tape, with cotton (? whatever, it's not plastic!) stitch, hence why it's probably more comfortable.

I'm very picky about how things feel on my skin, I'm just so sensitive. If there's something that feels weird, it will stick in my head for the rest of the time and I can't just "ignore" it. I don't like 'tolerable', I like "Perfect".

I think I'm just going to buy shorts without grippers. My shorts now is starting to get really uncomfortable for longer rides - the padding is not even a chamois. My girly bits don't hurt at all, but the inner part of my thighs get irritated - due to the extra stitchings in that area. That stinks - I really like PI's padding, it's perfect. I'm a big padder girl.

I ditto the bike shorts with tights over the top. I wear Shebeest bike shorts. The leggings are moisture wicking tights left over from my running days. Check out some clearance racks at your local sporting good store. I have one pair of capris for spring and fall.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mrhughes

You mention that you are "full figured". Not sure what that means to you, but I'm pretty heavy for a cyclist. Size 18 in street clothing. I've been road biking for 13 years, at an average of 2,500 miles per year, so I've been through a LOT of shorts. You're going to find they are as personal a decision as is a good saddle. There's a different short for every bottom! But the advice to always buy 8-panel construction is spot-on.

My favorite is the Pearl Izumi Short-Cut Short, size XL. They are VERY hard to find, so I've got a good supply on hand. I like my chamois substantial, and the leg length at no more than 7". Too short & my chubby thighs rub my saddle bag, too long & I look like a stuffed pork sausage. I, too, roll back the gripper on the bottom edge of the leg. Mostly I don't want a tanning line that is lower than my street shorts & skorts, so 7" crotch length is my limit.

I used to wear Sugoi's, but found the chamois wore out in just 2 years or so. I wash bike shorts in warm water/cold rinse and ALWAYS line dry them. Other brands have lasted much longer. I found Shebeest to be the thinnest, least serious shorts, made mostly for fashionable Spinning classes.

I always tell women who are reluctant to spend $$ on good shorts "honey, I don't know what your "specials" are worth, but I think mine are worth protecting!".

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Just an FYI...you can find your favorite shorts here:

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/item/PEAWAS5R

On cooler rides, I wear cycling shorts (usually PI) with a pair of Under Armour Cold Gear tights on top. This combo keeps me warm...sometimes almost too warm. I also have a few pairs of New Balance running tights that I use as a top layer over shorts. I've been searching for a decent pair of padded long cycling tights, as I would like to try a cooler ride with just 1 layer (I get warm easily)...but I haven't been able to find a pair that I'm happy with. I've tried the PI Thermafleece padded tight...but I felt it didn't sit high enough on my hips. I really prefer my cycling bottoms to come up a tad bit higher in the back, as I tend to have problems with the waistband sliding down in the back...drives me nutty! I also tried a pair of Performance Bike Radiator padded long tights, and they were awful. I wore them for one ride, and they've been collecting dust ever since....anyone want them? I'd be happy to give them away, because I know I'll never wear 'em again.

In the cold cold, I wear wool unders with two layers of tights. The outsidest ones are biggerish, because I bought them when I first started riding. :)

I have a pair of shorts & a pair of knickers that I like other than the grippers. I found that if I use Body Glide where the grippers hit me, they are just fine...as long as the Body Glide doesn't wear off before the end of my ride.

For days in the 50's to lower 60's, I like to wear knickers. When it gets into the 40's, knickers w/ wool ski socks (I like the extra fabric up front, and thiner fabric on my calves) or cycling tights w/ chamois. Below that, it is winter tights (no chamois) over either shorts or knickers with the ski socks...this has left my lower half pretty comfortable into the upper 20's.

Hi,

I would suggest buying one or two high quality pairs of cycling shorts, and then also investing in some UNPADDED tights and/or knickers/capris. If you also want knee warmers and/or leg warmers, go for it. I find that I prefer tights to leg warmers, just because I haven't found leg warmers that truly stay up!

Layering cycling shorts (with chamois) under tights has several advantages ...

• if the weather warms up, you can just strip off the tights and still be comfy (and vice versa)
• you can use the unpadded tights/knickers for other sports (running & xc skiing come to mind, also as a baselayer for hiking or adventure racing), and that saves both space in your closet and $$$. I sometimes layer tights on really cold days.

Monica

I'm new here, and this thread is very timely for me. I was trying to figure out what to wear now the weather is colder. Thanks for all the great ideas!

I wear Shebeest shorts. They've spoiled me for any other kind. I'd rather spend the money on good shorts I can wear year-round. I'm not as picky about the tights. Over bike shorts I layer wool tights, and sometimes wind pants. I usually just wear street clothes for my commute unless it's really cold or really hot.

Deb

I agree with putting whatever you want to wear over good cycling shorts. Someone here advised me to get Shebeest shorts and I did. They are great and I can put anything I want over them.

For cold weather I found I had to experiment a bit to find what worked for me. My outfit varies depending on the level of exertion I expect.

Pam

I found these on another thread and ordered some. I'm crossing my fingers they fit. I figured 8 panel shorts for $15.00 were worth a shot. Anyway, they are on clearance so you may want to check them out.

http://www.blackbottoms.com/BBCW2010...nsBottoms.html

I ordered some too. For $15 it seemed worth a shot. Found a rain jacket for $11 there, and another pair of short for my husband.... I'm guessing they'll get here next week.