Shorts under Shorts trouble

[coyote]

The problem is this....the sun is brutul here, its now about 107 when I ride home. I've been wearing long pants to keep the sun off my legs. They are not comfortable...chafing, seams, ect. I bought bike shorts and put them under a pair of long shorts. Well, I'm building heat and moisture so it is not working. I came really close to giving myself a really bad rash. I wore the bike shorts by themselves this morning and they performed well but the sunscreen is hard to wash off of my legs. The long shorts I've been wearing are nylon should I try some other fabric? Or do I need a different under short? I thought about the Padded Bike Briefs on TE but one of the reasons I'm not wearing underwear is because of the elastic leg openings. I do not know if any of the liner bike shorts would be a good idea...or just the same problem I have now.

Any thoughts and experience on this would be greatly appreciated.

[spokewench]

Buy some light weight leg warmers or knee warmers might just do the trick. Your lower part of your calf and ankle would get some sun, but you might be able to live with that with knee warmers.

The castelli knee warmers are pretty light weight, they might work for you. I know they make cool arms to keep sun off your arms, but I have not seen the equivalent in cool legs.

The leg warmers just go under your short at the very bottom, so they do not affect your shorts in any way up top where you really need the comfort.

spoke

[RoadRaven]

Do you remember in the late 80s to mid 90s (I think) leggings were all the craze? With or without stirrups?

Well, I used to make them for myself, and now I use the old ones to wear over my bike shorts on cold days on training rides, but am contemplating making myself some for next summer... and cutting them "on the fold" so the seam runs down the outside of the leg...

Its gonna take a bit of creative thinking, but I might be able to swing it...

Nevertheless, my old leggings (with stirrups of course ) are loose - I didn't want them skin tight - so I don't have any chaffing issues...

Maybe my post is all waffle... maybe something is of use?

[coyote]

hmmm RoadRaven, if you did figure out how to do it, you may have a marketable item on your hands. I have a pair of polypropel tights, maybe I'll put them on and see how hot they are and if I get burnt thru them.

[indysteel]

What kind of sunscreen are you wearing? Admittedly, I have never been to Arizona and have no idea how well the same sunscreen that works for me here in Indiana would work there. It sounds like you'd rather cover your legs entirely, but perhaps a different sunscreen would suffice. I love Neutrogena Dry Block w/ Helioplex (I think that's what it's called). I use the SPF 50 and haven't had even the slightest burn during long rides. It rubs in very easily and is not at all greasy. You won't even notice you have it one. I like it a lot more than Coppertone Sport.

You might also try Shebeest Pedal Pushers. They're a padded knicker that hits midcalf. That plus some sunscreen would give you pretty good coverage.

[coyote]

I'm trying to avoid using sunscreen. I'm alergic to a lot of it, its sticky, and clogs my pores. I like the Shebeest tops. I've got one of those that is UV protected and it is more reliable then my sunscreen. I am actually getting a tan line where the sleeves end. I thought I had a good sunscreen but from another post I checked out a sunscreen rating database and found the names of some better ones.

This shouldn't be so hard.

The sun here is like acid rain...you go out in the middle of the day, into the full sun and you can feel it burning your skin. By the time I am on my way home, the rays are not as intense but this time of year the heat is incredible. It is like living in a blow dryer. We have a reverse culture here....summer time hybernate winter time play.

[Deanna]

Maybe the padded liners would work better under light pants. I expect they will be lighter-weight so you won't heat up so much.

[ladyicon]

I noticed on the TE apparel site that they had a pair of "arm coolers" in the closeout section $14.99 I think.

[Torrilin]

I'm trying to avoid using sunscreen. I'm alergic to a lot of it, its sticky, and clogs my pores. I like the Shebeest tops. I've got one of those that is UV protected and it is more reliable then my sunscreen. I am actually getting a tan line where the sleeves end. I thought I had a good sunscreen but from another post I checked out a sunscreen rating database and found the names of some better ones.

This shouldn't be so hard.

If you're not sure which sunscreen components you're reacting to, try a titanium dioxide or zinc oxide sunscreen. They are less likely to cause irritation. If the sunscreen is clogging your pores, try a different one. I promise you there are ones that won't irritate your skin or cause pimples. If you have bottles of sunscreen around that didn't work, going over the ingredient labels can help you pin down likely troublemaker ingredients for you.

Even if I'm using a very good sunscreen at high SPF, I'll tan under it with prolonged sun exposure (defining "prolonged" as 6-10 hours out in the sun at northern latitudes... down your way IIRC 2-4 was enough). If I'm being outside and active, I *must* have a waterproof sunscreen and I need to reapply every 2 hours or so. I figure tanning under the sunscreen is ok... *burning* under it is not. And yes, I'm pale enough that I have burned despite having sunblock on. Sweat is a good solvent :-/.

It's good to have protective clothing too, but there are limits when you're dealing with that kind of heat. The knickers sound like a good idea. If you look around you might be able to find long sleeved sun protective shirts. I've always found loose clothing is more comfortable in that kind of heat. Skintight things like a swimsuit are uncomfortable unless I'm in the water.

[onimity]

Hi Coyote,

It's only in the mid-90s here but I've been dealing with the same issue. I've come to the conclusion that the only way I am going to be comfortable is in shorts. I have a UV shirt that is nice and thin but haven't seen anything for the legs like that. The shorts + liners are a nightmare to me, I haven't found a pair of liners to fit comfortably. I wore knickers when it was cooler but they are too hot for me now.

Do you know what you are allergic to in sunscreens you've tried? I use an SPF 30 Alba sunscreen and love it (I have very sensitive skin) and a sunscreen from MyChelle dermaceuticals for my face. Both are reasonably priced and available in most health food stores or online. I haven't been burned yet (very fair skin), though I've got a bit of a tan, complete with the funny sock/shorts/gloves lines.

Anne

[coyote]

Hi Anne,
Thanks, I'll look around and see if I can find those sunscreens. I use a zinc oxide one but it has a couple of other ingredients in it to. I may be alergic to the base or one of the other active ingredients.

It turns out that the shorts I wore over my bike shorts are made of a material that makes wearing them like wearing a plastic bag. The outer shorts were retaining all the heat and moisture.

It really is easier just wearing the bike shorts and using the sunscreen. The bike shorts are great at wicking moisture. There is a health food place close to work, I think I'll head over there during lunch.

[pll]

Hi Coyote,

If you need to wear pants, have you looked into some of the Ex Officio ones (http://www.exofficio.com)? They have pants that are lightweight and UV protection, including one with mesh inseam. Perhaps pairing one of those with a good quality padded liner would do the trick.

I don;t belueve I'd survive at 107!