shorts?

[Grog]

Can anyone in the UK recommend a good pair of inexpensive bike shorts?
I'm beginning to find it uncomfortable to ride in normal clothes and am slightly dreading going into my LBS or local fitness store incase they fleece me and sell me what i don't need.

The only thing you probably don't need is a pair of bib shorts, but in any case they're super expensive and extremely rare.

Otherwise, it's probably better not to go too low on the cheap side for shorts. I have found cheap shorts to be more uncomfortable than wearing normal clothes. Under about $50 (GBP 20-25?) I would have concerns for quality.

Beyond that, it really depends on your tastes and preferences. I have a pair of $52 shorts that I like best, more than all my $100+ shorts.

I am sort of medium-sized and whenever I try bike shorts I only find only one pair that fits me, at best. So it's unlikely the bike store people will be able to sell you something you don't need. Just make sure they don't pressure you into buying a pair that doesn't fit you well.

Make sure the shorts are almost too small for you. In other words, buy the smallest pair you can fit yourself into. I know modesty will make you feel weird and into buying a bigger size, but it's a bad idea: the short would shift around as you pedal and cause chafing.

And remember to at least try a few times to wear them without underwear (after you buy them!!!).