First Pair Biking Shorts!

[wildhawk]

O.K. so I am not a fashion plate, never was. But today I got my first pair cycling shorts - I had ordered them from TE - great service, fast delivery. When I pulled them out of the envelope I thought, “No way my big overweight butt is gonna fit in those!” But I thought, well I will just wait until I have lost some more weight and try them then. But after our ride tonight, I went into the bedroom and tried them on and they fit great!! I was shocked. One thing about being overweight is you do not have a very realistic image of yourself when you lose alot of weight (I have lost over 55 lbs.) I can’t wait to wear them on our training ride tomorrow - they feel very comfy and while not being the best ones out there, at least they are a start. Hopefully I will be able to afford a decent cycling jersey as well later in the fall. Just wanted to share my joy!!

[chicago]

congrats on losing over 55lbs, that is a great accomplishment!!

and congrats on your first pair of biking shorts too

now you just need some Chamois butter... don't forget that... you do not want chafing

[Aggie_Ama]

Which ones did you get? I don't wear super expensive ones either, they work for me. And the ones I have that would be expensive, I got on sale.

[pardes]

I haven't taken the plunge yet with biking shorts or any "real" biking apparel for that matter.

I must be a kneeaphobic. There is something about exposed knees that I find distasteful. Not that my knees are weird or anything.....

You should see my bathing suit that stretches to my ankles.....

just kiddig.

[wildhawk]

I got a pair of Cannondale shorts - they were only $29.95 and S&H was another $5.95. The chamois seems good in them, although I know they are not the top of the line shorts. I just couldn’t afford anything more expensive. They seem very comfortable too and are black with the Cannondale logo on the lower left leg. The can be machine washed in warm water too - yay. The legs are comfortable on them too and my DH says I look great in them - he is even brave enough to wear his biking shorts again tomorrow! Thanks for the reminder on the chamois butter - what brand or does it matter? And should it be used for short rides or only for longer events?

[Jiffer]

Thanks for the reminder on the chamois butter - what brand or does it matter? And should it be used for short rides or only for longer events?

HUGE CONGRATS ON 55 POUNDS LOST!!! That's so awesome. I lost about that much ten years ago and kept it off. I know how it feels. Life changing.

Regarding the chamois butter .... Chamois Buttr (spelled like that) is actually a brand name. There are several "lubricants" out there and everyone has a different favorite. I have been using Chamois Buttr for a couple of years, but just bought Nubutte to try.

You don't necessarily need to try anything until you are on the bike long enough to realize you're getting a little sore down there, which may be never if you're lucky. It's different for everyone, but maybe around a couple of hours on the bike or more. Not sure how long you're on the bike right now, but at 16 miles, probably not necessary yet for any lubrication. I would maybe use something on a 15 to 20 mile ride if I were already sore and having issues from previous longer rides.

The other thing I wanted to suggest was that you try cycling shorts on in a store before spending big bucks on any. A good fit is important. I read somewhere that the "poochy" stuff in the butt should stick out a little when you're standing, but smooth out when you're in "cycling position", so stand in front of the dressing room mirror as if you're cycling to see if that pooch goes away. If there is no pooch to begin with, they are probably too small.

Congrats on the pounds lost, the new shorts and the joy of riding!!! Now ... go ride your bike!!!

[bikerchic]

Yay for you hawk!

I remember my first biking shorts, I remember feeling like I was wearing a diaper but once I wore them on a long ride I loved them and could have cared less how they felt or how I looked in them they were so comfy!

I do think my first pair were from TE, way back in the olden days.....ya know I even got a personal thank you note from TE I think I still have it. They were just starting out, I wonder if they still do that? Heck I still have those shorts, wonder if they fit? Ugg!

Anyway I really remember the first time.......special it was thanks for sharing yours with us.

[luvmypwds]

losing 55 lbs is no small feat!!!! Congratulations!

Yay on your new shorts! I have never found biking shorts comfy (hate the waistband), but apparently nowadays, they are more high-tech and comfy. Mine are all quite old and I haven't bothered buying new ones. I bought them b/c I used to do spinning classes religiously. I've never had to wear them on my bike b/c I used to only have very comfy commuter bikes. But now that I have a road bike, I will also have to start wearing biking shorts methinks!

Those shorts of yours sound like a great deal - let us know how you like them after a few rides!

[lph]

Oh yeah, biking shorts make all the difference There are some really nice-looking below the knees ones too. And wow! on the 55 lbs!

[violette]

Way to go girl!!!

Those shorts are great. The first time I wore a pair, it felt like Iwas wearing a diaper, but you'll feel great in them as you ride. Make sure you go comando, don't wear underwear, been there;done that, won't do it again!!!

[Aggie_Ama]

I love Cannondale shorts, very comfy and durable. My most expensive pair of Cannondales was only $59.

Don't fear commando, nothing worse than chafing from panty seams. Some people do wear undies but not me, you get over it REAL quick.