Unmentionables

[Pedal Wench]

If you're that 'attached' to your undies, you could always wear them over the bike shorts.

I'm just saying...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

The whole reason for underwear is (1) under a skirt or loose shorts, so you have something between your parts and the fresh air and prying eyes , and (2) under pants, so you can wear them more than once before washing. Neither of those is true for cycling shorts!

Well, i must respectfully express a different view-
1) I've read plenty of threads on TE over the years which complain about being able to see right through black biking shorts to one's 'crack'. Or even worse, the front parts! The fact is that some shorts use fairly thin material even before they get well worn.
2) I don't sweat that much (mostly just on my head and neck), and by wearing panties I only need to wash my chamois bike knickers/tights/shorts about 1/4 as often as i would without panties. For shorts that cost $100, that can add up to 2 or 3 times longer shorts life.

I definitely can see not wanting to wear panties on 100 mile century rides, but everyone is indeed different. I have no chafing or problems whatsoever wearing cotton panties on rides from 5-70 miles long. I do apply a water-based hypoallergenic hand lotion as a lube before every ride however- if I skip that it gets uncomfortable.

To each their own- do whatever works for you and don't feel weird about it!

[Kerry1976]

For me it was easy to go commando under bike shorts because I learned quickly in my running life that wearing underwear under good running shorts leads to horrible chafing, especially at longer distances. However, making the transition to no underwear in running took a little getting used to!

[SadieKate]

I wonder what kind of undies Dara Torres wore at the Olympics.

Or Kara Goucher at the Boston Marathon.

Seriously, what is going to show under decent quality black lycra (except a very unclassy and uncomfortable VPL)?

[jessmarimba]

Now I have to worry about looking classy on the bike? I'm doomed.

[Sky King]

I am a Terry fan and they offer all sorts of options in shorts and liners www.terrybicycles.com Do not skimp on shorts or liners!! Life is to short to miss out due to a sore you know what!

Consider a good lubricant creme too. I really like Pura Care Active sports cream. I use it not only on my private parts but also where my sports bra band hits my chest and when it is really warm I even put in on my feet. Isn't heavy or sticky or smelly.

[susiek]

No one has mentioned chamois butt'r, helps on the long rides.

Under Armor compression shorts (5 or 7" length) are great alternative to undies for the gym, skiing, running, etc.

[amb]

I'm fairly new to cycling (2+ mos) and I recently picked up Chamois Butt'r.....quite possibly the most disgusting feeling substance going on but once you're on the saddle, it's quite nice!