[captain204mike]

so i just started biking again,, what are the advantages of wearing the bike shorts i hear people talk about
i have never wore a them so i just didnt know what the advantages to the skin tite shorts

 

[2ndgen]

Well, I prefer shorts to a skirt because they don't get caught up in my chain and there's none of that whole "upskirt" issue when I really get movin' on a bike!

LOL!

Here's some good reading for you: http://forums.mtbr.com/search.php?searchid=6922020

 

[Qatarbhoy]

they wick moisture away from your skin, and usually they have some sort of padding ('chamois') to cushion the ride - useful unless your rear is amply cushioned already.

 

[Sideknob]

They pad your ass, they don't bunch up and chafe and they don't tend to get caught on the front and back of the saddle if you have to move around a lot.

 

[captain204mike]

oh ok,, i wasnt aware that they had pads in them

 

[EnglishT]

Padding is important, especially on longer rides (or everyday rides)...


At the same time, removing sweat is also important - though you still sweat in lyca inner (padded) shorts, its less than in cotton shorts, and the added comfort is well worth it on longer rides.

I guess you could equate it to riding a wider, more padded saddle - just without the chafing issues after a few miles.
More comfort, but without the disadvantage of rubbing the skin off the inside of your legs.

 

[Bikinfoolferlife]

oh ok,, i wasnt aware that they had pads in them

If a lycra short doesn't have a chamois pad I don't consider it a cycling short at all, just something someone might wear for another type of exercise. Baggy style bike shorts come both with chamois and without, as some prefer either no chamois or to wear a regular lycra cycling short underneath. A good quality chamois can make a long ride much more enjoyable, a cheap one that is little more than a wad of padding can make your ride miserable. A good bike short also has the seams positioned and/or sewn in a way that don't interfere with you and your saddle.

 

[EnglishT]

A good bike short also has the seams positioned and/or sewn in a way that don't interfere with you and your saddle.

Good point, doesnt matter how things are done - if you have a seam down the gooch, its gonna hurt before too long

 

[Wherewolf]

Baggy shorts

You do not have to wear the skin tight lycra shorts. Many mountain bikers prefer so called baggies, which are more like real shorts, but they also have a chamois pad. Aside from the different style, many have several pockets, which I like. Take a look at Hoss Ponderosa shorts. Very comfortable, good padding, and reasonably priced. Many different colors too. There may be even cheaper places but try here: http://www.treefortbikes.com/190_333222338867__Ponderosa-Baggy-Short.html

Uncomfortable shorts and/or a sore butt can severely diminish your desire to ride.

 

[Qatarbhoy]

I wear padded lycra shorts under a pair of baggy shorts (so as not to scare innocent bystanders).

 

[JonathanGennick]

You do not have to wear the skin tight lycra shorts. Many mountain bikers prefer so called baggies, which are more like real shorts, but they also have a chamois pad./QUOTE]

+1

I rock a pair of Specalized Demo shorts. The chamois is removable -- I can wear it, or not, as I please. The legs come down below my knees, which I prefer. (I have never liked short shorts).

 

[EnglishT]

I wear padded lycra shorts under a pair of baggy shorts (so as not to scare innocent bystanders).

Same - also provides extra pockets for energy gels, mars bars etc. While still giving you the comfort of a lycra short.

Endura make some really good ones

 

[captain204mike]

awesome, thanks for all the info here