decent men's inseam

[riderXY]

Hello happy people of TE! In the name of all things wholesome and decent, I would like y'alls opinions on the shortest acceptable inseam for men during training/or charity rides.

I'm primarily a tri-athlete accustomed to the shorter tri-length shorts (Zoot 4" for racing; 6" for tri-training; sugar shorts for bike-training). I've recently started going on charity bike rides to sneak in some distance training. Being a tri-guy (and tan-conscious, I suppose), I just can't do the 9" inseam, which is what 99% of the men use. I've gotten heckled by my male cycling club mates, most recently for using PI Sugar shorts on our last century...those are really good shorts, BTW.

I know a few pearls of wisdom: (1) Wear what is comfortable, (2) With shorter shorts, make sure the inseam clears the saddle tip, (3) Be leary of 'sausage effect' of the thighs...

So now it's y'alls turn--opinions, advice, 'cautions'...on inseam length during charity rides? I can take the heat from my mates (it's all in good fun), but I don't want to appear 'inappropriate,' especially on these 'family events'!!! The wife of a club mate directed me here. Nice place, but don't worry--I won't stay long

Thanks, and happy riding!

[lph]

sorry, no opinions from here, just had to say that your post made me laugh I never thought about this particular "problem" before.

Good luck finding a "decent inseam"

[Batbike]

after reading your post, i can't help but think you need to be writing to STYLEMAN at Bicycling Magazine -- i am positive he would have a few choice words to aid in your predictament!

as for TE, i can only speak for myself in saying that what you wear is up to you ... if you look good in what you wear and feel comfortable, than that is what you should wear.

On a less serious note: if it is a charity event, you could base your wardrobe on how much money you earned: little $ (don't let anybody know you really can cycle)-- t-shirt, gym shorts, no gloves, and tennis shoes; medium $ (hide yourself from the group for not earning more money by covering yourself up)-- go for longer shorts, long-sleeve jersey, full finger gloves, and riding boots; lots $ (be proud of your manly-self and prove you can ride without the aid of lots of apparel!)-- now is the time to wear short shorts, sleeveless top, go bare-handed, and shoes are optional.

[Pedal Wench]

Is it just me, or do phrases like "(2) With shorter shorts, make sure the inseam clears the saddle tip, (3) Be leary of 'sausage effect' of the thighs..." just make you wanna giggle? Saddle tip - never heard it called that, but whatever

Seriously, wear what's comfortable. In reality, no one really cares what you wear or what you look like in it. Really. If you only knew how little people thought about you, the less you would care what they think...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Can't see as it would make much difference, as long as you keep your valuables safely out of sight.

[GLC1968]

My husband and I have commented to each other about some cyclists attire at big charity events. The first year, we knew nothing and were too focused on getting through the miles to even notice. The second year, we had more experience, and were apt to look around more. Boy...did we see variety!

Basically, if we saw a guy with short shorts or a tight sleeveless jersey/tank, we figured they were tri-guys and didn't really give them a second thought. Now, if it were cold, rainy and the guy was dressed like that, we'd wonder. We'd also notice if he happend to be dressed like that while riding a Rivendell or a touring bike with racks...that would seem odd. But dressed as a normal cyclist on a road bike but with shorter shorts? Nah...wouldn't give it much thought. I'd figure that his buddies would be razzing him enough anyway.

[Dianyla]

Can't see as it would make much difference, as long as you keep your valuables safely out of sight.

What she said. Also, the shorts must not be so worn out that they are no longer opaque, if only for the sake of the person drafting behind you.

[teigyr]

I concur re the importance of opaque, that is more important than length. I'd also say to be leery of certain colors that, er, seem to not conceal as much as good old black.

Just me though!