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.