First Pair Biking Shorts!

[wackyjacky1]

Big congrats on the weight loss! That's how much I would like to lose, although I'd settle for 30 lbs.

I am not quite there as far as wearing cycling clothes with confidence -- I'm afraid I'm too self-conscious -- but I recently purchased from the TE store a pair of Mt. Borah "underliners" that go under regular shorts. I haven't worn them on a ride yet, but I tried them on and they seem extremely comfortable.

[jsdilks]

Congratulations on your loss, too! It will take awhile to figure out how to assess how you look with the weight gone. My clothes are a lot smaller now, but I still feel like I did when I weighed more. I wear small sizes of things and I'm still a pear, but there's lots less of me too. Give yourself some time. Some of my issue is the thin world that seems to be all around me - I am not a part of that, so it's hard to calibrate just where I fit in

But you'll love the shorts, I bet. Like the bar ends, they'll make a big difference in your comfort.

Shelly

[Kano]

Wildhawk -- Congratulations! (on both) You'll likely find you want more pair of shorts soon, cuz, you know, how many times do we want to do laundry? Regarding chamois butter -- I don't, and don't seem to miss it! Perhaps ride distances make a difference?

On the other hand, different chamois-es make a difference in my comfort, I know. AND when the shorts are getting too big, oh, that's a difference, let me tell you! The shorts need to be snug enough so that they're not shifting around when you're riding. Now, here's the thing about modesty -- you'll see guys riding around, or walking around, with their naked beer bellies hanging out, so what's the big deal if our big butts, actively working, are hanging out in lycra?

Pardes -- Shebeest makes some great just below the knee pants -- I love the fit of the Shindigger -- though the hourglass chamois is not for me! (the shelastic one in the SSS shorts is much more to my butt's liking) I haven't tried their Pedal Pusher model yet.

Today feels a bit like it's going to be a "long pants" kind of evening, and I'm going to have to find a new pair after losing bunches of weight since last winter too!

And, Wildhawk, as has been said, after 55 pounds, you DEFINITELY deserve, no NEED, a whole new wardrobe, right down to the skin! (had my rings resized, then was surprised that gloves were too big. And, as was mentioned, yes, even glasses fit differently!)

Karen in Boise

[TrekTheKaty]

Congrats on the weight loss! I understand not being able to envision yourself thinner. I still buy clothes a size too big and have to exchange them! Good luck on your ride :-)

[deeaimond]

congrats on the great weightloss wildhawk,

yeah, make sure yr shorts are really snug, otherwise if they shift around you can get blisters. some kind of oil or butter is important down there especially for longer distances.

besides, you will probably keep losing weight, so just a little on the tight side, soon it will fit like a dream next thing you know, you'll need smaller shorts !

Happy Riding!

[skhill]

Way to go, Wildhawk!

How weird-- I have lost 50 lbs, and got my first pair of bike shorts this week, also! Felt absolutely ridiculous in them in the house, but once out on the bike, I didn't care how weird they looked or felt... And yesterday, when I got off the bike at a little rural church to stretch and eat a bite, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in a window, and was flabbergasted at how little my butt was (that couldn't be me?!?) So now I love my bike shorts!!!

[wildhawk]

Thanks for all the nice comments and encouragement everyone! DH and I have been riding every day this week and have so far logged nearly sixty miles. Yesterday was the first ride in the new cycling shorts - what a difference!! The only thing that stopped me was the sun going down and the park trail closing!! We managed to get in a 16.5 mile ride and I managed to get some decent sprints - built up to 18.5 mph - not bad for an overweight chick on a hybrid!! I wish I had cycling shorts before! DH dusted off his old Nike bike shorts and said he had a better ride also. And you are right, I was so comfortable I didn’t care how I looked - I FELT so much better!! Actually DH said I looked pretty good too - I will order another pair when I feel these getting too big for me. One splurge that DH got me yesterday at our LBS was a pair of Sock Guy socks - they are very comfortable too and I found out that 50% of the purchase price went to an organization that purchases bikes for the folks in Zambia, so YAY! It was for a good cause too, not just making my feet happy! We are going out again today on the Pinellas Trail since the rest of the week will be crappy due to Hurricane Ike. Got to log those miles when we can!!

[Jiffer]

Thanks for the reminder on the chamois butter - what brand or does it matter? And should it be used for short rides or only for longer events?

HUGE CONGRATS ON 55 POUNDS LOST!!! That's so awesome. I lost about that much ten years ago and kept it off. I know how it feels. Life changing.

Regarding the chamois butter .... Chamois Buttr (spelled like that) is actually a brand name. There are several "lubricants" out there and everyone has a different favorite. I have been using Chamois Buttr for a couple of years, but just bought Nubutte to try.

You don't necessarily need to try anything until you are on the bike long enough to realize you're getting a little sore down there, which may be never if you're lucky. It's different for everyone, but maybe around a couple of hours on the bike or more. Not sure how long you're on the bike right now, but at 16 miles, probably not necessary yet for any lubrication. I would maybe use something on a 15 to 20 mile ride if I were already sore and having issues from previous longer rides.

The other thing I wanted to suggest was that you try cycling shorts on in a store before spending big bucks on any. A good fit is important. I read somewhere that the "poochy" stuff in the butt should stick out a little when you're standing, but smooth out when you're in "cycling position", so stand in front of the dressing room mirror as if you're cycling to see if that pooch goes away. If there is no pooch to begin with, they are probably too small.

Congrats on the pounds lost, the new shorts and the joy of riding!!! Now ... go ride your bike!!!