Bike Shorts....

AliciaBeth78
AliciaBeth78 Posts: 437 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I bought this bike today (see profile pic) and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! It's my first REAL bike so the guys at the local bike shop were showing me things that I should eventually consider buying: bags, lights, helmets, etc.

Then they showed me the bike shorts.... NOT CUTE. Probably comfy but again NOT CUTE! They remind me of a 1980s aerobics class except they aren't neon green! But it made me think, could I just wear normal shorts and use a maxi-pad? Wouldn't that have the same effect?

Thoughts?
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Replies

  • cbeutler
    cbeutler Posts: 667 Member
    Get bike liners, 20-30 bucks and wear your own shorts.
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    I suggest that you swallow your pride and buy the shorts! They look pretty daggy but they really do make a difference.

    They are pretty close fitting so if you are self conscious about your rear end you can wear looser shorts over the top - or I've seen some online marketed as "shy shorts" which have the padded lycra underwear and a looser fitting short over the top.
    Or you could add a cute skirt (skirtsports.com) over the top.

    I always giggle when I go riding with my husband because his shorts are "Giant" brand, and he has "GIANT" written in very large letters across the back of his shorts. Surely, they would never sell ones like that for women, I certainly don't need to point out how big my backside is!
  • redhousecat
    redhousecat Posts: 584 Member
    you won't think they are so ugly once you start riding 20+ miles. The padding does more than offer saddle comfort. It keeps bacteria from building up, helps wick sweat, etc.

    Why not shop around? What are you looking for? Booty shorts? I hope not.

    shop around. just google cycling shorts under google shopping.


    edited to say
    I see you have a mountain bike. There is not much need in trying to be cute on the trail. Most folks are dirty, muddy, and sweaty after a good ride. Plus, if you at biking hard, you don't want alot of dirt and mud up your crotch and *kitten*.
  • AliciaBeth78
    AliciaBeth78 Posts: 437 Member


    I always giggle when I go riding with my husband because his shorts are "Giant" brand, and he has "GIANT" written in very large letters across the back of his shorts. Surely, they would never sell ones like that for women, I certainly don't need to point out how big my backside is!

    This made me laugh... I'm wearing shorts right now that say "JUICY" right across my butt!
  • Katbaran
    Katbaran Posts: 605 Member
    Buy the shorts. Do not use a maxi-pad. It will shred and fall out of your shorts in little, bitty bits. Trust me. I didn't do that and learn the hard way. I just went for a bike ride when I was about 15 and happened to be using a maxi-pad. Not a good idea. The shorts are made to withstand friction. You will be happier with the shorts.:flowerforyou:
  • tbresina
    tbresina Posts: 558 Member
    I must not be a real biker cause I just use my regular workout shorts and have been doing so for a few years!
  • Crochetluvr
    Crochetluvr Posts: 3,327 Member
    Buy the shorts. Do not use a maxi-pad. It will shred and fall out of your shorts in little, bitty bits. Trust me.

    I knew there had to be ONE good thing about going through menopause. :laugh:
  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
    You can get baggy mountain bike shorts. They look like regular shorts over liners with the pads. This is what I wear. The pads (chamois) are MUCH more effective than a maxi pad. Also make sure your bike seat fits you. The pressure should be on your sit bones and not your crotch.

    I have some really cute Fox ones that fit like crap (but they are cute) and some not as cute but better fitting Pearl Izumi ones.
  • pen2u
    pen2u Posts: 224 Member
    Shop around til you find a style you like. I love my bike shorts! REI, if I remember correctly.
  • rdennisjr
    rdennisjr Posts: 402 Member
    It's a nice looking bike - you should have lots of fun on it. Go with the shorts - they are made for a reason! Also - not trying to read too much in to what you wrote - but you mentioned 'helmet' under something you should buy some day. Please, Please, Please do yourself a favor and make that something you buy and use on EVERY bike ride you take. The results of even a small bike accident without a helmet (ie - just falling over if you do it wrong) can be catastrophic, even if you don't happen to just die. I know I would have been laughed off the block if I wore one as a kid, but now that I work with folks who have neurotrauma, I realize that a helmet is a critical item!
  • Merrysix
    Merrysix Posts: 336 Member
    i love my bike shorts -- keeps everything cushy -- Terry is a company that makes great bike clothing for women. you can find it on the web.
  • eddie8131
    eddie8131 Posts: 600 Member
    I've never worn biking shorts (I.e. black spandex) but that's only because I'm too fat to fit into them. With regular shorts the trick is the proper choice of underwear. After 40 miles ye ole nether regions start heating up if things are too tight....REI does sell the liners which can be worn underneath. Also they do sell mountain biking shorts which look way cooler and have padding I think.
  • Marmitegeoff
    Marmitegeoff Posts: 373 Member
    Buy the best shorts that you can, they are much more comfortable and last for years. Cheaper ones do not last as long and are not as comfortable on longer rides
  • kimbelder
    kimbelder Posts: 23 Member
    I have a couple of pairs of bike liners - great choice to use with shorts of your choice or longer pants if biking in colder weather. Not a big investment but a big help!
  • tlnurse
    tlnurse Posts: 229 Member
    I bike 15-20 miles....and I have used the "maxi-pad" trick for padding...it does NOT shred into pieces and does help on the bumps....and I can still wear whatever cute shorts I want to with it!:blushing:
  • jallison12
    jallison12 Posts: 83
    The best shorts I have are Sugoi, were about $80. Thick heavy spandex, contour shaped for when you are in riding position and serious padding on the bum. But they were worth every single penny. I look like a prat walking towards my bike, but once I am riding they are perfectly designed.
    My rides are about 90 mins so I need *something* back there. Have you see the size of those road bike saddles?
  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,293 Member
    Get bike liners, 20-30 bucks and wear your own shorts.

    My hubby used to wear the baggy mountain bike shorts, but now he prefers the liner with his normal gym shorts overtop. It's all a matter of preference.
    But everyone, please, PLEASE be aware that white cycling shorts, which can be see through, may ruin someone's enjoyment of the landscape... I'm glad I am a runner when I hear about these things...
  • Marmitegeoff
    Marmitegeoff Posts: 373 Member
    The best shorts I have are Sugoi, were about $80. Thick heavy spandex, contour shaped for when you are in riding position and serious padding on the bum. But they were worth every single penny. I look like a prat walking towards my bike, but once I am riding they are perfectly designed.
    My rides are about 90 mins so I need *something* back there. Have you see the size of those road bike saddles?

    You canalways get the saddle changedto a more gender specific one, a little wider, and with a pressure relief cut out
  • redhousecat
    redhousecat Posts: 584 Member
    But everyone, please, PLEASE be aware that white cycling shorts, which can be see through, may ruin someone's enjoyment of the landscape... I'm glad I am a runner when I hear about these things...

    what do you mean by "see through"? I live in a cycling city and if, just if, I happen to pay attention to another rider, I haven't seen anything "see through".
  • AliciaBeth78
    AliciaBeth78 Posts: 437 Member
    Get bike liners, 20-30 bucks and wear your own shorts.

    My hubby used to wear the baggy mountain bike shorts, but now he prefers the liner with his normal gym shorts overtop. It's all a matter of preference.
    But everyone, please, PLEASE be aware that white cycling shorts, which can be see through, may ruin someone's enjoyment of the landscape... I'm glad I am a runner when I hear about these things...

    Sounds like this may be an awesome story!!!! :drinker:
  • jmberg57
    jmberg57 Posts: 1 Member
    First, get a helmet and NEVER ride without it. I have fallen twice in the last couple of weeks - no injuries, but glad I had my helmet on. If you do not have clipless pedals, you probably won't fall. Second, spend the $$ on a good pair of well padded shorts. No matter how bad you think they look, you WILL be sorry if you don't. Once you start riding 15+ miles, you will notice a difference and probably have some pain if you do not have good bike shorts. Well padded with chamois lining is the best - no underwear as it will cause chafing and it won't wick the moisture away. Lose the pride and buy the shorts.
  • xcmtnracer
    xcmtnracer Posts: 426 Member
    Check out my profile pics, bike shorts can be cool, just don't walk around in the grocery store with them on, not cool.
  • tammyj83
    tammyj83 Posts: 159 Member
    I just dusted off my bike, over the weekend, for the first time in over 2 years. I dislike my bike shorts, so I purchased a cushion to put over my seat. Haven't tried it yet, but hoping it will be an acceptable substitute for the ugly shorts.
  • AliciaBeth78
    AliciaBeth78 Posts: 437 Member
    Check out my profile pics, bike shorts can be cool, just don't walk around in the grocery store with them on, not cool.

    What about walking around Walmart in them... now THAT must be cool :)
  • xcmtnracer
    xcmtnracer Posts: 426 Member
    Walmart is ok, that a requirement for fun power point presentations, but only if you have no shirt, underwear hanging out of the shorts, and a pink and yellow wig that is on backwards.
  • Skonch
    Skonch Posts: 4 Member
    At one point I was like you, SPANDEX !!!! NOO WAY !!!! Eventually, after swallowing my pride and giving them a try I will not wear anything else when cycle. Esepecially if you will do long rides. You butt will love for it. Just make sure you apply some butt butter to avoid chaffing. GOOD LUCK
  • TDGee
    TDGee Posts: 2,209 Member
    If you haven't picked up the message yet, BUY CYCLING SHORTS! They will transform your riding. It doesn't matter if you by road bike shorts and cover them with gym shorts (I do it) or wear Mountain Bike shorts. You will be able to go further and faster for longer because you will be more comfortable. Good ones are worth every penny. Also, the only ones that are see-thru are worn out ones, or ones made out of cheap materials.
    Your butt will thank you.

    ETA: Nice Bike!
  • redhousecat
    redhousecat Posts: 584 Member
    If you haven't picked up the message yet, BUY CYCLING SHORTS! They will transform your riding. It doesn't matter if you by road bike shorts and cover them with gym shorts (I do it) or wear Mountain Bike shorts. You will be able to go further and faster for longer because you will be more comfortable. Good ones are worth every penny. Also, the only ones that are see-thru are worn out ones, or ones made out of cheap materials.
    Your butt will thank you.

    Thank you. I was beginning to think I take cycling too seriously.
  • redhousecat
    redhousecat Posts: 584 Member
    At one point I was like you, SPANDEX !!!! NOO WAY !!!! Eventually, after swallowing my pride and giving them a try I will not wear anything else when cycle. Esepecially if you will do long rides. You butt will love for it. Just make sure you apply some butt butter to avoid chaffing. GOOD LUCK

    +1
  • TRHuston
    TRHuston Posts: 69 Member
    Some people prefer padded shorts, others are fine w/o. Either way, DON"T USE A MAXI PAD as a substitute. The chamois in bike shorts is intended to add extra padding between your "sit bones" and your saddle. If you are riding for an extended period of time, you will eventually get sore. It really helps keep you comfortable and on your bike. There is nothing like not being comfortable to make you not want to ride. There are all types of fun stuff created to alleviate any possible discomforts associated with bicycling.
    If you've ever had the pleasure of wearing a skirt in muggy weather and your thighs rub together with everystep, you know how great that feels. That can happen on long rides too. They also market a skin lubricant for those areas to further decrease friction. When sweat evaporates, it leaves a salty residue on your skin. Salt crystals + friction on delicate skin = saddle sores.
    Don't get scared of all this information, but as you begin to ride more, you may encounter some of these hurdles. Congratulations on your new bike. I hope you stick with it and fall in love with cycling.

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