Lrg caboose-tights,shorts, or skort??

[Wannabe]

I'm a bit larger in the caboose than your average cyclist, but I need a new pair of something to wear for my road rides. I am pretty selfconscious in the tight riding shorts, so I don't know which would be the better choice of attire for me. Loose fit shorts?? or a skort?? Any ideas out there?? LBS doesn't have anything but the regular tight road shorts, so I'll have to order from a catalog or online. Thanks in advance!! Also, any not so tight jersies??

[Nanci]

I'd still vote for regular bike shorts- I know there are manufacturers who make them in large sizes (Terry?). Trouble with anything else is your shorts get hung up getting on the bike, on the front of the saddle, plus bike shorts are just so comfortable! Buy a mens jersey in a looser fit- (I think the not-so-tight fit is called "club") and let it hang down to cover you up a bit. I don't know how big your caboose is :-) but until recently I was 178, (I'm 5'2") and the lycra shorts made me feel skinnier, or at least more athletic-looking.

Nanci

[Surlygirl]

Hi Wannabe, I'm short and stocky so the shorts alone never look good on me. I wear primal wear lycra shorts and then a tennis skirt over them. they pull on so no zippers or buttons to hassle with. I also like the skorts. I've never had a problem with them catching on the saddle and I just feel better going into stores or cafes with them.

[DirtDiva]

I've never had any problems with my mtb baggies getting caught on the saddle of my mtb. The only problems I have had have been with liners that got all old and stretched and stuff (which will happen to pretty much anything evetually). Maybe it would be more of a problem with the less upright position on a road bike? I don't know, and I guess I don't know what kind of bike you are riding either. Anyway, I'm pretty sure they have some plus-size mtb shorts right here on TE, if you think you would like to go that way.

Yep, here they are: http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=14891

[Deborajen]

When I first started riding, my husband gave me a pair of cycling shorts for my birthday. I looked at them and thought there was no way I'd wear something that tight on my big rear end, so I wore them under hiking shorts for two or three rides. Loved them so much I pitched the cover-up - just wore a longer and more loose fitting top. I've seen other women do that and it does seem to look good, regardless of how big or small they are. You see more than just a butt on a bike when you're following them. Plus, it's still comfortable and the loose fabric is out of the way where it needs to be.

It helps to remember that cyclists come in all shapes and sizes. In the September issue of Bicycling magazine, there is a picture of a 5'10'' 290 lb. man in spandex on his bike. He's cycling to get in shape. Good for him - good for everyone to ride. Be comfortable - and keep riding.

Deb

[Kimred]

I like Mens InSport Cycling shorts they are a bit roomier in the leg. I also wear loose Running T-shirts and tanks that wick away sweat during long hot rides.

[Trekhawk]

I'm a bit larger in the caboose than your average cyclist, but I need a new pair of something to wear for my road rides. I am pretty selfconscious in the tight riding shorts, so I don't know which would be the better choice of attire for me. Loose fit shorts?? or a skort?? Any ideas out there?? LBS doesn't have anything but the regular tight road shorts, so I'll have to order from a catalog or online. Thanks in advance!! Also, any not so tight jersies??

Hi Wannabe - Im with the girls go the cycling shorts. Dont worry about how you think they look because Im sure if you are like the rest of us you are your most severe critic. I was also a bit concerned when I started cycling (those old legs sure dont look like they use to) but if you have been to the local pool lately you will see that hey bike shorts hide a lot more sins then some of those bikinis.

[bcipam]

Best profile, regular cycling shorts with Chamois (Terry makes shorts in many sizes and lengths) and a longer fitting jersey. Buy a man's for a longer length to provide ample coverage. I like skorts and mountain bike shorts but I think they make me look even hippier plus its more bulk under the jersey. A proper fitting jersey makes all the difference in the world and 'sides, you are cycling. Don't worry about what folks think - you are out there exercizing.