A first for me today

[RolliePollie]

The shorts thing still makes me squirm. But I look around at other people and realize I don't look any worse in the shorts than they do! I hate the "sausage leg" look created by the wonderful elastic band and the hem, but oh well. It's so worth it to be comfortable on the bike!

I think I'd be much more uncomfortable in bike shorts if I were a guy. I mean, you can basically see exactly what they've got "down there." Sorry if that's too much information...but gee whiz (no pun intended), I think I'd be a little self concious about showing that off. Wait, these are men I'm talking about...maybe they're proud!?!?!

[Kristi]

I have to agree with all of you. I was pretty embarrassed standing in my living room wearing my first set of bike shorts. My BF is a mountain biker and wears baggier shorts. But after riding for an hour or so, I understand. They were so much more comfortable. It's worth it.

[Zen]

I think I'd be much more uncomfortable in bike shorts if I were a guy. I mean, you can basically see exactly what they've got "down there." Sorry if that's too much information...but gee whiz (no pun intended), I think I'd be a little self concious about showing that off. Wait, these are men I'm talking about...maybe they're proud!?!?!

I admit it was an enjoyable part of the TdF.

[sundial]

Well, now that I'm a member of the 40+ club, I don't give one hooey about how I look in shorts. Well, unless there's a hole somewhere.....

Skorts are a nice compromise for hot weather. On the bike you hardly know you are wearing them until you stop for a break, then you are covered and no one has to know what you look like in shorts.

[boy in a kilt]

I think I'd be much more uncomfortable in bike shorts if I were a guy. I mean, you can basically see exactly what they've got "down there." Sorry if that's too much information...but gee whiz (no pun intended), I think I'd be a little self concious about showing that off. Wait, these are men I'm talking about...maybe they're proud!?!?!

Actually, bike shorts kinda suck. I don't like tight shorts of any sort. If you don't get things set just right, life can be miserable. Things shift and move of their own volition, sometimes into positions you would prefer they not move into. I don't know how many times I have sat up on a ride and stuck my hand down the front of my bibs to adjust things into a more comfortable position.

As for everyone seeing your business, you just deal with it. I suppose it's kind of like womens' nipples standing up when they are cold or exercising. There they are, so what?

[Starfish]

I suppose it's kind of like womens' nipples standing up when they are cold or exercising. There they are, so what?

Yep, I got over this as a mortified high schooler on swim team. Guys and girls were all horrified at what they had to show (or not show!) in public. You get over it.

[li10up]

That's the reason I took up cycling...all the fit guys in tight lycra shorts with their muscular shaved legs. Wait....did I say that out loud???

I'm self-conscious around non-cyclists when I'm wearing my cycling clothes, ie. leaving work for a ride. I wear baggy shorts over the lycra. But I've noticed that I get more "strange" looks when a cyclist sees me in my baggies than when I'm just in lycra. It's like you only get noticed if you AREN'T in lycra.

You'll never go back to riding with anything over your bike shorts. Good move!