Observations...

[Velocivixen]

@tspoet, so are you suggesting (per your non-cycling friends) that you can "see everything" even with new shorts? If so that's good to know. Do they mean that the fabric is actually see through? Or that the spandex is so tight that you see all the contours of the body (on men this might be more noticeable given their frontal "package"). I regularly wear spandex capris to the gym and to run and you can see every ounce of fat on my body, but you definitely cannot actually see through the fabric.
Fortunately for me I wear plaid mountain biking shorts when I ride. Lol

[TsPoet]

@tspoet, so are you suggesting (per your non-cycling friends) that you can "see everything" even with new shorts? If so that's good to know. Do they mean that the fabric is actually see through? Or that the spandex is so tight that you see all the contours of the body (on men this might be more noticeable given their frontal "package").Lol

The latter!
Since I ride a bent, I, too, usually cover up my shorts. I didn't used to wear cycling shorts, but even without a pad, they really are more comfortable than looser shorts.

[OakLeaf]

are you suggesting (per your non-cycling friends) that you can "see everything" even with new shorts?

Depends on the brand. It does happen, but not universally.

[marni]

around here it always seems to be the very well padded bikers of a darker complexion who choose the white shorts and kits and then wear them to excess. It seems to be equally divided between women and men.

You'd be surprised how much you can see.

[Velocivixen]

Oh goodness. This is good to know for sure. Heck, I'll even keep my eyes open for it! Could be some fun, free entertainment.

[TsPoet]

hopefully not a hijack -
22 European riders came over this summer and rode across the country on velomobiles. I went down to Umatilla to meet them. It was very hot and they spent the day in the gorge with little shade and a lot of miles to ride. The first one in (Stephen?) pedaled up and hopped out - wearing very small very tight underwear. He and I chatted for 45 min before the next rider pulled in. He emptied the cloths that he'd been shedding over the day's ride - shorts, T-shirt, etc. as we chatted. He never did anything to cover up, just chatted and hung out and ate the watermelon I brought the guys...
The European mentality is very different and I think perhaps not wrong. Of course in a velo, you can't see the rider below the neck at all. So, stripping down to your undies on such a hot day was probably a good idea. The not covering up as soon as you get into camp and chat with a new woman you've never met is definitely European.

(BTW - here's one of many links on the subject of ROAM..
http://web.mac.com/josef.janning/Rol...ica/Media.html )