Cycling Shorts, love em or hate em?

[Kano]

I like my bike shorts too

They're NOT flattering. My ample thighs are not ample from muscular-ness yet. It's in there, but there's still lots of the other stuff covering the muscles. That's okay -- there's not as much as there was, and the "sausage-look" isn't quite awful, except:

Now the top half of the shorts -- the really important part -- is too big.

So, the other day, I tried on the next size down of my current favorites, and was pleased -- though they were even less flattering, they felt really good, and they weren't nearly as tight as the originals were when I purchased them. I didn't buy the new ones yet, but soon, probably, cuz I'm down to one mostly comfortable pair these days!

Anyhow, one of the things I really like about wearing lycra: it stops the jiggles on the parts of me it covers!

Karen in Boise

[Starfish]

OK here's a little twist on this topic. Anyone else where their bike shorts to tod other workouts in the gym? Not just spinning, but elliptical or cardio classes?

I do, but I feel a little dumb. I know I could buy lycra gym shorts, but, without the chamois, with my level of fat...well, I'm afraid they might be a little too revealing in the crotch area...

Thoughts?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well I wore my Terry Spinnaker knickers in a swimming pool last year, with a supportive black tank top...why the heck not? They have a very thin chamois pad that adds modesty without bulk. They end at just below the knee. I don't own any bathing suits anyhow. Don't want to shave or fuss. I felt like one of those 1910 bathing beauties. It was fun!

[VeloVT]

IMHO: People at the gym who have time to worry about what you're wearing are NOT busy enough exercising.

Of course, that's not to say that I haven't on occasion decided this or that outfit over-accentuated some flaw that I didn't want to go around flaunting at the gym. But still.

[Starfish]

Well, first, I need to investigate more types of shorts. I have found my PIs VERY comfortable for the bike, but the chamois is huge. The times I have worn them on the treadmill, etc, I do feel a little bit diapered!

Really, rather than a flaw to cover, I was sort of thinking about reducing the risk of, well, I'll just come out and say it, camel toes!

[kjay]

Camel toes? I've never heard of them (other than those on a live camel).
What are they?

[VeloVT]

Well, first, I need to investigate more types of shorts. I have found my PIs VERY comfortable for the bike, but the chamois is huge. The times I have worn them on the treadmill, etc, I do feel a little bit diapered!

Starfish,
you might try some of the Shebeest shorts/knickers with the hourglass chamois, like the shindigger:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=25899

or the sprint short:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=25767

I have and like both of these.

The chamois is there, and would provide coverage, but is very thin and flexible. I think the Nirvana short (no leg grippers) and their skort also have this chamois.

[Starfish]

Starfish,
you might try some of the Shebeest shorts/knickers with the hourglass chamois,

Yes, that does look great. Thanks!