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.

Terrybicycles.com

Makes great bike shorts. My all around favorite and made with women in mind.

Hi Ladies,

I'm a new biker and was told by a seasoned athlete that Au Natural was the way to go. So I did! And one week later, I ended up with a yeast infection...YUCK! I haven't had one of these since I was a teenager! Is this a common problem associated with biking? Could it have something to do with my biking shorts (PEARL iZUMi)? Help. How can I avoid this going forward.

Thanks.

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Originally Posted by Biking Mama

Hi Ladies,

I'm a new biker and was told by a seasoned athlete that Au Natural was the way to go. So I did! And one week later, I ended up with a yeast infection...YUCK! I haven't had one of these since I was a teenager! Is this a common problem associated with biking? Could it have something to do with my biking shorts (PEARL iZUMi)? Help. How can I avoid this going forward.

Thanks.

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I wear PI shorts too, and I haven't had a problem...

Did this happen after a single ride? Or multiple rides? If multiple, are you always wearing clean shorts?

I change out of my cycling shorts as soon as possible after my rides (OK, if I've driven somewhere I usually drive home first, unless it's a very long drive), and I wash my shorts after each use.

--- Denise

Wearing cycling shorts is not a cause of yeast infections. However, providing a nice, wet, warm environment for the yeast (which is always present in the body) to flourish will. Yeast infections can also be triggered by hormones (ie around that time of the month) so all maybe coincidental. Bottom line, with or without panties under your shorts, you should change out of wet clothing as soon as possible. That also means making sure everything is dry and clean. Bike shorts should only be worn once than washed. I suggest in a washer (but hang dry - NEVER put shorts in the dryer). Also, watch your diet. Eating lots of yeasty foods, such as bread, will cause the yeast in your body to grow out of control.

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Originally Posted by Biking Mama

Hi Ladies,

I'm a new biker and was told by a seasoned athlete that Au Natural was the way to go. So I did! And one week later, I ended up with a yeast infection...YUCK! I haven't had one of these since I was a teenager! Is this a common problem associated with biking? Could it have something to do with my biking shorts (PEARL iZUMi)? Help. How can I avoid this going forward.

Thanks.

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are you sure it's a yeast infection and not an allergic reaction to something? Not sure what your allergy state is, but I couldn't wear PI shorts coz I'm allergic to something in the shorts: either the chamois itself or the antibacterial they use in the chamois. I had even prewashed the shorts. I also know of at least one other person on the board that had the same problem with PI shorts - it could be the shorts.

and welcome to the board! :) If you get a chance there's a thread under open titled "getting to know you", gives you a chance to get to know us and - if so inclined - tell us something about you!!

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Originally Posted by bcipam

I suggest in a washer (but hang dry - NEVER put shorts in the dryer).

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My shorts go in the washer AND the dryer. No problem.

But I would suggest following the manufacturer's recommendation about the dryer. My PIs and the dryer get along just fine.

I had ridden several times over the week, before symptoms of an infection began. What symptoms appear if it is an allergic reaction to the PI shorts?

Hey there Mama

Before you decide its an allergy, are you ensuring you get out of your sweaty clothes asap? Pref have a quick shower, or if you can't, a cat-wash with a flannel, because sweaty nooks and crannies will breed infection... also shaving leads to ingrown hairs and you add that to constant friction of riding and this again can lead to infection...

Good luck with getting your girly bits ok again...

I'm thrilled to find so many wonderfully helpful women athletes willing to help us newbies!

Take care to all.

Biking Mama

Update on the biking shorts:

Well, I ordered Butt'r and tried the shorts au natural. I waited for the Butt'r because I don' t want to take any chances :)

I'm still not brave enough to abandon my undies at the gym in spin class though (i'm doing spin class at the gym to try to improve my endurance and strength when I can't ride outside - lots of rain lately). It's embarassing to say but I'm worried my pubic hair might stick through the fabric - I trim but I'm paranoid. So it's undies at the gym for now.

I also ordered a couple pairs of shorts. The Sugoi ones were too small so I had to return them. (Always a depressing event). The Shebeest ones had a see-through panel at the top which I didn't like so I also returned those. But I kept the Shebeest pedal-pushers. I'm going to try those today under the nike tights I just bought at my LBS. I love my nike tights. They are SOOOOO comfortable. I'll let you all know how the Shebeest pedal pushers work out. I have to say the chamois in them looks 100% more impressive than the one in my Treks.

I did pick up another pair of Treks - they're cheap and I was deparate for a second pair so my roommates don't kill me when they get the water bill!

I'm also beginning to look into wind gear for the winter. It's in the 40's/50's here now. Unfortunately my LBS doesn't have any wind pants/jackets for women. However, the LBS makes up for their lack of clothing selection with cute salesmen :) I guess you have to have priorities!

Oh - I did make a "trek" out to another LBS about an hour away (=2 hour round trip) to see what they had. Their selection was even worse so I'm staying in town from now on!

And lastly - thanks for the weblink to TerryBicycles. Their stuff looks cool. I'll have to try them next!

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Originally Posted by Biking Mama

I had ridden several times over the week, before symptoms of an infection began. What symptoms appear if it is an allergic reaction to the PI shorts?

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very raw, very red, itched like crazy, very swollen. Wearing Anything like underwear or jeans for the next few days after it happened was awful.

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Originally Posted by anne_77

The Shebeest ones had a see-through panel at the top which I didn't like so I also returned those.

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Was this the pair with the mesh on the back just below the waistband? I have a pair (are they called the Elite Distance?) and like them because not as much sweat pools on my back. It doesn't go down far enough to show anything.

Anne_77 AU CONTRAIRE to what everyone else is saying here on this thread, I am going to tell you that I in fact DO wear LINERS in my shorts. These can be found at REI- and probably other bike shops. The ones I have are made by Andiamo and I have been using them for as long as I've been riding (2+ years) with NO AFTEREFFECTS!!!!!!

Two things are important- the liners must fit correctly and so must the shorts! I finally switched to Gel Chamois shorts and have been very happy. I also use Chamois butter with them.

To make my point- this year (2005) I have ridden OVER 6000 miles of varied terrain done many century and metric century rides . Yesterday (Sunday) I did a double metric (125 miles)century and I'm a happy camper today!!!! I was a bit worried as I had forgotten to put on chamois butter, but it turned out just fine!

So, I think, although most women don't use these liners, I wouldn't be without them. After wearing them, they get machine washed and hung out to dry.

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Originally Posted by Bike Goddess

So, I think, although most women don't use these liners, I wouldn't be without them. After wearing them, they get machine washed and hung out to dry.

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Hey Bike Goddess can I ask out of interest why you wear them and not go free snaking it (as my husband would say about men and no jocks) ?
:D

SadieKate - yes, those are the shorts. I know the mesh is supposed to be up far enough not to show anything, but if I'm going to go bare I don't want to take any chances. I live in a small town and the last thing I need is everyone and their mother knowing I mooned someone on a road in the middle of nowhere.

On a more positive note, I absolutely loves the chamois in the pedal pushers - so so so so so much better than the one in the Treks. Definitely a good underlayer for long rides. I might try to find a different pair of Sheebest shorts that don't have the mesh at the top - do they make those?

Bike Goddess - holy cow! You do a lot of riding! I'm impressed.

The Shebeest knickers are awesome! The chamois is the best I've yet encountered and the fit is perfectamente! My 2 cents. ;-)

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Originally Posted by Trekhawk

Hey Bike Goddess can I ask out of interest why you wear them and not go free snaking it (as my husband would say about men and no jocks) ?
:D

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Since this works for me, why should I change? Never had any chafing, rash, etc. And I have certainly heard of others who do have allergic reacations to the chamois.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it! :) :) :)

Hi, anne....and I had no idea about going au naturale under bike shorts, either! And to think, all this time, I could've been more comfortable!

I have several pairs of baggy shorts (comfy shorts with a built in liner and chamois), and my favorites are made by Bellwether. I like to bike around town and run errands, and I prefer to go into stores NOT wearing skin-tight spandex. Plus, they have pockets for wallet, keys, etc, since I don't want to leave them on the bike while I'm in a store.

I have discovered, much to my delight, that going "commando" is SO much more comfortable. I hope you've had the same luck!

Cheers,

Kate

Hi TexasKate, welcome to the forums! There's a thread called "Getting to know you". Drop on by and say hello. :)

BTW, where in Texas are you? I live in California now but I grew up in Garland (suburb of Dallas). :)

Mel