Shorty-shorts?

[CorsairMac]

I've never had a problem with bike shorts riding up. Now baggies - whole nother story. Once again there wasn't an option when I first started riding bikes, I bought mens shorts. I'm interested in trying the shorty shorts but I usually just roll my shorts up a few turns and achieve the same thing. Since I don't swim, tan lines aren't really something I think about anyway.

[Irulan]

I don't like the shorties because they have a tendency to crawl up around the little soft part on my inner thigh ( sounds so much nicer than "flab")

As for tan lines, I relish them. Flaunt them. Wear them proudly: after all you are out on the bike!! What is the point of biker legs if not to show you are a biker?

Irulan

[Dogmama]

The P.I. sugar shorts have a 4 inch seam & the attack shorts have a 5 inch seam. The sugar shorts are 6 panels & don't look like the padding is all that great, but the attack shorts are 8 panels & more substantial. The best part - TE has the attack shorts on sale @ 20% off! The bad part -they only have L and XL left. If L or XL is your size - they are a great deal.

[doc]

The P.I. sugar shorts have a 4 inch seam & the attack shorts have a 5 inch seam. The sugar shorts are 6 panels & don't look like the padding is all that great, but the attack shorts are 8 panels & more substantial. The best part - TE has the attack shorts on sale @ 20% off! The bad part -they only have L and XL left. If L or XL is your size - they are a great deal.

I have both. The attack shorts are great and tons of padding but the sugar shorts are wonderful too. The padding is thin for those who like it that way or as I mentioned in my other note, an hour in spin class. Plus for those worried about the sausage look where the elastic hits the leg, PI's elastics are gentle.

I'm with Irulan. I have heard men rave about women in lycra. I've never heard them complain about it.

[Irulan]

Plus for those worried about the sausage look where the elastic hits the leg, PI's elastics are gentle.

"the sausage look".

Is that better or worse than "inner thigh flab"?

~Irulan

[photosRphun]

i live at the beach so tan lines are a big part of my life. i spend a lot of time outdoors in the warmer months - walking at the beach after work, boogie boarding on the weekends, etc. and this year i will be riding my new bike outdoors!

after reading about the baggie shorts riding up, i sent back a pair that i ordered and had just received! that is one thing that i can't tolerate - creeping shorts!

lol, irulan - reread about the "flab" - i can totally identify with that!

[slinkedog]

If you REALLY don't want tan lines, Zoot makes those swim briefs with a very tiny chamois in them for triathletes. They sell them here on TE. Here's a link:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=14527

Zoot also makes a 3" inseam tri short, but again, the chamois is very thin.

[pedalfaster]

Another "no" vote for short shorts. I think if 90% of the women who wear them could see a back view while they pedal they would give them up. The bend in the knee while cycling is just, uhm, not very flattering.

I think they have their place:a) triathlons b) short-legged women c)women under the age of 20 who have not given birth and have body fat of less than 12%.

For me, cycling shorts are gear. Gear is driven by function. Bike shorts are designed to support and warm the big cycling muscles; longer shorts cover and protect the quads and hamstrings.

[photosRphun]

well, i think pedalfaster just about settled THAT dilema for me.

[SadieKate]

Not only do short shorts hit you on the inner thigh where it ain't so flattering, but your skin is then exposed and can chafe on the saddle or brush the poison oak or get owies during unexpected appts with the ground.

[Jennifer Gallow]

Of course, I'd rather have NO tan lines -- the sun is very unsafe! -- but it cannot be avoided if I want to ride in the daylight.

I never had problems with the shorties riding up, nor do I much care what I look like from the back when I'm pedaling (look at your own risk!). My legs are so long the 7-inch inseam shorts hit above mid-thigh, and the shorties are almost like the boy-short bikinis. I just can't find a pair that's comfortable, although I suspect I bought the Terry's a size too large.

Warm muscles aren't much of an issue in spring / summer as they are in the fall and winter -- I've already packed away the thermal jersey and tights. And if I'm in poison oak at all I've got bigger problems than the length of my shorts.

Thanks for all the input everybody! I think I'll try the Performance Ultras and maybe the Sugar Shorts. I like most of my PI stuff so they've earned a trial spot.

Happy weekend and happy riding!