Padded bike shorts

[Melalvai]

I suppose this should go in "cycling apparel" but most of my cycling is for transportation so I'm posting it here.

After three years of commuting, I got my first pair of padded cycling shorts. Boy do they look stupid. I pride myself on not caring what I look like--the reflective orange road vest and walgreens safety goggles don't bother me at all. But I just can't stand the diapered butt look. And I've got a brooks saddle--what more do I need?

I thought I wouldn't mind trying them out, but they are expensive to buy a pair just to try!

My parents have both gotten padded shorts, and sing their praises. And the chaffing of my regular shorts and jeans was getting to me. So I bought a pair on Monday and wore them on Tuesday.

Now I'm singing too! I'll wear these on any ride over ten miles, even if it means changing when I get there. I recently ripped two pairs of pants, one that was fairly expensive, and I suspect that was due to my expanding posterior, but I also blame wear & tear because they weren't designed for cycling.

I kind of wish I'd had them on that crazy bike trip last spring.

[uforgot]

Holy Cow! You did that tour without cycling shorts? I was impressed before, but now...

[blackhillsbiker]

I swore I wouldn't be caught dead in a pair. But that was before I tried some. Now I hate to ride without them! A good friend went on a ride with us and refused to wear them. She was miserable. I think she'll take me up on the offer of liner shorts the next time we go.

Deb

[indigoiis]

I hate the look of them, too - out of context, anyway. Like, on a long group ride it's one thing, but on a shorter commute I feel dopey. So I found a pair of very lightweight (like, parachute material) hiking capris one size up from my size at a consignment shop, and I will sometimes slide those over my shorts for city riding.

[divingbiker]

I usually wear padded shorts while commuting, but this summer I tried an experiment. I wore lightweight nylon capri pants (not tight) over my shorts and my chaco sandals so I didn't look like I was trying to be fast or cocky (or whatever non-cyclists think). Cars treated me much more respectfully when I was dressed more like a regular person.

Not sure how this will play out in the winter when warm tights are necessary.

[Becky]

Not sure how this will play out in the winter when warm tights are necessary.

I have some XC skiing pants by SportHill that are perfect for cold commutes. Warm, pretty windblocking, but look like ordinary black pants otherwise. The ankles are tapered enough that they don't get caught while I'm pedaling.

I rock the lycra for longer rides. On my commute through urban neighborhoods, I prefer to be a little more incognito. DH and I draw enough attention on our bikes as it is...don't need to draw any more with a shiny lycra bum!