Capris? Pad? Help...

[Nava]

Kinda new to 'serious' biking. I am looking into buying a pair of capris or tights but I am a bit nervous about this no underwear thing. I feel like the pad would be good for me (sometimes after long rides i feel like my pelvic bones are gonna fall off) and I also think the cotton capris I wear just make me too sweaty. I see what a difference the bike shirt makes as opposed to a typical t-shirt in terms of sweat control - so I guess the same is true for pants. The pants seem to be so expensive and I am nervous I'll spend all this money and not like the way they feel. I just saw a pair of Nashbar capris on sale - should I go for the cheap one and see how it goes or are the cheap ones - just that - cheap. Any one else grossed out by no underwear (I just keep on thinking of the Seinfeld 'commando episode') and then loved it?!

Thanks
Nava

[lph]

If I were you I'd buy a cheap pair and try it out. Just think of them as underwear and wear another thin layer over if the idea of no underwear grosses you out. Or try first with underwear (no cotton underneath though!) and then without, some people are fine with underwear underneath. I was for years, until I suddenly got some nasty boils.

The big difference is having padding vs no padding. The quality IMO is more about how well they fit and how long they last. And if you're going to be riding more you can get a better pair later and switch, saves washing.

[KnottedYet]

I bought a few different cheap pairs of shorts from Nashbar's clearance section when I started wearing shorts. It let me try different things without spending a lot of money. Some of those shorts lasted a long time! (I still have a pair that is about 10 or 12 years old!)

I like wearing bike shorts under "normal" capris for some of my rides, kinda like the bike shorts are padded underwear.

[SouthernBelle]

I've never been clear why the underwear Q seems to freak people out so. Some do ride with, but undies provide extra seams giving you more chances for extra sores.

Do you wear underwear with a swimsuit? Are you freaked out by that concept?

[KnottedYet]

Nobody knows I'm naked under my clothes...

[indigoiis]

I was not freaked out about shorts with no undies, but I WAS freaked by the gobs of vaseline my DH put in his shorts. Ew.

I think of my shorts as long underwear.

I use a water based gel on the pad.

Sometimes I'll wear a pair of workout pants over the shorts if it is cold. But on long rides it's just the shorts, with (for cold weather) thigh high socks.

Whoo hoooo!!!

[Zen]

Any one else grossed out by no underwear (I just keep on thinking of the Seinfeld 'commando episode') and then loved it?!

I haven't worn underwear since 1972 so obviously it doesn't bother me. What's the point? so you can wear your pants an extra day? i just wash my pants

[RoadRaven]

Chamois is underwear, shorts are overwear... hehe, easy to "kid yourself" if it will help.

Knotted... are you really??? You risque little bike chick, you!

And Zen... I'm with you. The only time I wear underwear is at work and sometimes when I go to town. First thing that happens when I get home is knickers are kicked off into washing pile...

[indysteel]

I would suggest spending a little extra and getting a decent pair of shorts/knickers. I know it may seem like a gamble, but in my opinion, a cheap pair of cycling shorts can almost be as bad as not wearing a pair of cycling shorts. Cheap chamois + cheap material often equals bad fit. It's one area where I definitely think you get what you pay for. Instead, look for a good deal on eBay or for a sale on Campmor.com, REI or Sierra Trading Post. There are lots of good brands, but you might start with Pearl Izumi or Terry.

And, no, the no underwear thing doesn't gross me out. If it saves me from a saddle sore or chafing, then I'm all for it.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Again we have the no-underwear vs underwear debate! Oy.
Everyone should just try both ways and then do what they like about that.

I wear regular cotton underwear under my biking shorts or capris. I never have chafing or sores or problems with seams. I use plain ol' unscented hand lotion to avoid chafing, instead of gooey vaseline-y stuff. Washes out easily.

Capris with chamois?- I love my SheBeest "Pedal pushers". You can get them on TE, too.

[blueskies]

You don't feel bad going without underwear in a swim suit do you? It's the same thing...

[Zen]

I have yet to be introduced to a pair of underwear that doesn't want to hibernate in my butt cleavage.

[KnottedYet]

I have yet to be introduced to a pair of underwear that doesn't want to hibernate in my butt cleavage.

that's why I like women's boxer-briefs so much! (and the Patagonia silly expensive undies who's name I can't remember)

Ibex and UnderArmor boxer-briefs stay where I want them! (Smartwool, Jockey, New Balance, and Ex Officio wander whither they will... grrr!)

Your mileage may vary.

[teigyr]

Victorias Secret boy shorts and womens shorts are very comfy.

While I ride without undies, I can't imagine going through life without them in normal circumstances. Jeans? Wouldn't they chafe?

[Zen]

Wouldn't they chafe?

Ain't but one way to find out