Newbie: buying bike shorts?

[Allan]

Could someone point me in the direction of a decent guide to buying bike
shorts. I've started to take up biking, as a parallel to walking. I
pretty much know where I am with walking gear. I walked into a bike
shop t'other day, and the choice of bike shorts is over-whelming.
Short/long, gel/foam, baggy/tight, material etc etc.
I used to do it the hard way, and use running shorts for biking (no
pain, no gain?), but I'm getting too old for that sort of lark, and
think a level of protection/comfort is called for...
TIA
Allan

[Peter Clinch]

On 14/05/2013 10:06, Allan wrote:
> Could someone point me in the direction of a decent guide to buying bike
> shorts. I've started to take up biking, as a parallel to walking. I
> pretty much know where I am with walking gear. I walked into a bike
> shop t'other day, and the choice of bike shorts is over-whelming.
> Short/long, gel/foam, baggy/tight, material etc etc.

Partly it'll depend on what sort of cycling you want to do. if you're
planning on sportives or similar then lycra will cost you a lot less in
terms of air resistance so makes a good deal of sense. Beyond that the
general style is down to personal taste.

Baggies have the plus points that people who wouldn't be seen dead in
lycra can wear them, and you get some pockets. Personally I prefer to
keep pockets upstairs for serious riding (touring in my case) so I'm not
moving stuff around unnecessarily every pedal stroke, and I'm only in
cycle shorts if it's reasonably serious (I just wear whatever I'd
generally be wearing for shorter journeys) but if you like pockets in
your trousers baggies generally have them and lycra doesn't. The minus
points are they catch the wind more and there's more /stuff/ to
potentially chafe.

Lycra ones are typically worn with no underwear (less stuff to chafe),
though quite a few folk do wear pants underneath. You'll need pants on
to try them on, and do try them if you can. Different folk are
different shapes, and so are different brands and models of shorts.
While lycra stretches, if it's the right basic shape to start with it'll
be more comfortable as a rule. And different pads are different shapes
and may work better or worse according to how close they are to you.

Another option is padded underwear worn with other legwear of your
choice. Rightness of fit will again be significant, though again ( a
bit like swimwear) you have to try them on with pants inside. Hey ho,
that's better than hoping they're right and should give you some idea.

Worth trying on baggies too, as they have a padded insert which again
will vary for fit.

Rohan do a "Bumper liner" which goes in your (everyday) shorts as the
padding bit. Not tried it, reports vary from great to apalling. Maybe
call in at a Rohan shop with your bike and see if it's credible for you.

Or you can get a recumbent, and remove all the need for contrived padded
clothing. Quite an expensive way to do that though!

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net p.j.c...@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[Dr Zoidberg]

"Peter Clinch" <p.j.c...@dundee.ac.uk> wrote in message
news:aveelv...@mid.individual.net...

> On 14/05/2013 10:06, Allan wrote:
>> Could someone point me in the direction of a decent guide to buying bike
>> shorts. I've started to take up biking, as a parallel to walking. I
>> pretty much know where I am with walking gear. I walked into a bike
>> shop t'other day, and the choice of bike shorts is over-whelming.
>> Short/long, gel/foam, baggy/tight, material etc etc.
>
> Partly it'll depend on what sort of cycling you want to do. if you're
> planning on sportives or similar then lycra will cost you a lot less in
> terms of air resistance so makes a good deal of sense. Beyond that the
> general style is down to personal taste.
>

What sort of percentage difference are we talking between Lycra and some
baggy mountain bike style shorts?


--
Alex

[Sam Wilson]

In article <aveelv...@mid.individual.net>,
Peter Clinch <p.j.c...@dundee.ac.uk> wrote:

> [snip]
> Lycra [shorts] are typically worn with no underwear (less stuff to chafe),
> though quite a few folk do wear pants underneath. ...

I have two pairs of lycra bib shorts, a pair of older EBC ones and some
newer Protective ones. The EBC ones are fine with nothing underneath,
the Protectives chafe a little if I dispense with underwear - different
kind of foamy/gelly pad.

Sam

--
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in
Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

[nm...@cam.ac.uk]

In article <kmt3t2$uvs$1...@dont-email.me>,

Probably no more than 10%, and usually much less.

[Peter Clinch]

% I have no idea (looking back at what I wrote that "a lot" shouldn't
really be there, I suppose), but if you're in to performance then the
mantra is "marginal gains" and flapping material isn't going to help.
To quite some degree it'll be a uniform issue ("I'll wear what
Wiggo/Cav/Trottie etc. wears!"), but the pronounced lack of baggy shorts
seen on sportives probably has some routes in practicality.

I go for lycra, not because it means less effort but I just don't like
flapping and rustling if it can be avoided. I'll do my hillwalking in
Tracksters rather than "walking trousers", for example.

[mrc7-...@cam.ac.uk]

In message <aveelv...@mid.individual.net>

Peter Clinch <p.j.c...@dundee.ac.uk> wrote:

> On 14/05/2013 10:06, Allan wrote:
> > Could someone point me in the direction of a decent guide to buying bike
> > shorts. I've started to take up biking, as a parallel to walking. I
> > pretty much know where I am with walking gear. I walked into a bike
> > shop t'other day, and the choice of bike shorts is over-whelming.
> > Short/long, gel/foam, baggy/tight, material etc etc.
>
> Partly it'll depend on what sort of cycling you want to do. if you're
> planning on sportives or similar then lycra will cost you a lot less in
> terms of air resistance so makes a good deal of sense. Beyond that the
> general style is down to personal taste.
>

I'm more into short commuting, leisure riding and touring so for short
journeys I often wear my everyday cloths (usually Rohan trousers or
shorts) whilst for longer rides I'll wear a pair of baggy Altura MTB
shorts over a pair of DHB padded cycling underwear.

The advantage of the dedicated cycling shorts is that they shouldn't
have seams in uncomfortable places.

Mike
--
o/ \\ // |\ ,_ o Mike Clark
<\__,\\ // __o | \ / /\, "A mountain climbing, cycling, skiing,
"> || _`\<,_ |__\ \> | caving, antibody engineer and
` || (_)/ (_) | \corn computer user" http://www.antibody.me.uk/

[Owen Dunn]

mrc7-...@cam.ac.uk writes:

> I'm more into short commuting, leisure riding and touring so for short
> journeys I often wear my everyday cloths (usually Rohan trousers or
> shorts) whilst for longer rides I'll wear a pair of baggy Altura MTB
> shorts over a pair of DHB padded cycling underwear.

I tend to ride in ordinary everyday clothes as well. Wearing random
M&S trousers and a shirt on my first 50km+ ride did draw some comments
along the lines of `you're a bit poshly dressed for this'...

(S)

[Rob Morley]

An easy start might be to get some padded lycra liners to wear under
your lightweight walking gear. Something like this
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=59915
should be enough to get you comfortable on a mountain or hybrid type
bike. I often wear them under baggy shorts in the summer. Don't make
the mistake of wearing anything under them. If you're riding a road bike
(drop handlebar) you may find bib shorts are more comfortable, and
you'll benefit more from cycle-specific top base-layer and outerwear,
because of the more crouched position.
Alternatively the tracksuit-like Bikester trouser, not padded but cut
for cycling comfort. I often used to wear unpadded tights and for
shorter distances didn't miss the padding. There again, if your saddle
isn't the right shape for you then no amount of padding will make it
comfortable.

[Adam Funk]

What, no tweed?

[thirty-six]

Jump in the time-machine, go back to 1990 and buy a pair of Santini CX
6-panel (genuine chamois pad) racing shorts. Cost about �40 then so
comparable today will be �80+ Use them with a pair of clip-on braces
over a short sleeve vest (covers hip bone and shoulder). Wash only
with pure soap.

[thirty-six]

On May 14, 10:44�am, Peter Clinch <p.j.cli...@dundee.ac.uk> wrote:
> On 14/05/2013 10:06, Allan wrote:
>
> > Could someone point me in the direction of a decent guide to buying bike
> > shorts. �I've started to take up biking, as a parallel to walking. �I
> > pretty much know where I am with walking gear. �I walked into a bike
> > shop t'other day, and the choice of bike shorts is over-whelming.
> > Short/long, gel/foam, baggy/tight, material etc etc.
>
> Partly it'll depend on what sort of cycling you want to do. �if you're
> planning on sportives or similar then lycra will cost you a lot less in
> terms of air resistance so makes a good deal of sense. �Beyond that the
> general style is down to personal taste.
>
> Baggies have the plus points that people who wouldn't be seen dead in
> lycra can wear them, and you get some pockets. �Personally I prefer to
> keep pockets upstairs for serious riding (touring in my case) so I'm not
> moving stuff around unnecessarily every pedal stroke, and I'm only in
> cycle shorts if it's reasonably serious (I just wear whatever I'd
> generally be wearing for shorter journeys) but if you like pockets in
> your trousers baggies generally have them and lycra doesn't.

SOme of the sport shorts have a small pocket, enough for a front door
key, credit card, identification and a few notes.

> The minus
> points are they catch the wind more and there's more /stuff/ to
> potentially chafe.
>
> Lycra ones are typically worn with no underwear (less stuff to chafe),
> though quite a few folk do wear pants underneath.

If you are to wear underpants then polycotton is better than cotton,
rayon is better yet.

> �You'll need pants on

> to try them on, and do try them if you can.

Yep and bend to touch your toes and make sure that the waistband is at
your waist, not revealling 2" of butt-crack. Start large and work
down the sizes so that there is some fit. The leg need to be closed
if you are nervous about bees and wasps. If you fall in a stream,
don't worry, the leeches will get you anyway.

> Different folk are
> different shapes, and so are different brands and models of shorts.
> While lycra stretches, if it's the right basic shape to start with it'll
> be more comfortable as a rule. �And different pads are different shapes
> and may work better or worse according to how close they are to you.

And how little room is left for your dangly bits to dangle.
Unfortunately it seems that many current designs expect one to have
them all squeezed-up in a tiny pouch. Asians designing sporting wear
for Saxons can't be right.

>
> Another option is padded underwear worn with other legwear of your
> choice. �Rightness of fit will again be significant, though again ( a
> bit like swimwear) you have to try them on with pants inside. �Hey ho,
> that's better than hoping they're right and should give you some idea.
>
> Worth trying on baggies too, as they have a padded insert which again
> will vary for fit.
>
> Rohan do a "Bumper liner" which goes in your (everyday) shorts as the
> padding bit. �Not tried it, reports vary from great to apalling. �Maybe
> call in at a Rohan shop with your bike and see if it's credible for you.
>
> Or you can get a recumbent, and remove all the need for contrived padded
> clothing. �Quite an expensive way to do that though!
>
> Pete.
> --
> Peter Clinch � � � � � � � � � �Medical Physics IT Officer
> Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 � Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
> Fax 44 1382 640177 � � � � � � �Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK

> net p.j.cli...@dundee.ac.uk � �http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[thirty-six]

On May 14, 11:37�am, "Dr Zoidberg"
<AlexNOOOO!!!!!...@drzoidberg.co.uk> wrote:
> "Peter Clinch" <p.j.cli...@dundee.ac.uk> wrote in message

Ask someone who has had their scrotum stung by a wasp (not me).

[Dr Zoidberg]

"thirty-six" <thirt...@live.co.uk> wrote in message
news:eafd7441-f759-4ade...@dl10g2000vbb.googlegroups.com...

> On May 14, 11:37 am, "Dr Zoidberg"

>> What sort of percentage difference are we talking between Lycra and some
>> baggy mountain bike style shorts?
>>

> Ask someone who has had their scrotum stung by a wasp (not me).

Mine have a couple of layers, with an elasticated cuff on the inner one to
stop just such an ingress :0)
--
Alex

[David.WE.Roberts]

Lots of good advice, but very different from the advice I was given when I
started cycling again in the 1990s.

Then, the vast majority of shorts were Lycra with a chamois (or imitation
chamois) liner where your bum and bits are.

Wear them with nothing between yourself and the padding.
For comfort on longer rides, cover the pad in baby lotion (I understand
there was a proper chamois cream for posh riders, but baby lotion which
keeps little bottoms nice and fresh and free from chafing seems to do the
job, and is very cheap!).

More depends on your bike.
Unless of course you have a fully enclosed chain, shorts avoid the problem
of keeping the cuffs of full length trousers away from the chain and are
fine spring to autumn.
They are also generally the cheapest option for padded cycling wear.
There are more expensive options which cover legs and there are also bib
and brace versions which stop the problem of longer legs dragging the
shorts down.
Think Lycra dungarees :-)

You can also wear layers over the shorts, with the usual caveats about not
flapping, falling down, or tangling in any moving parts.

IMHO if you aren't worried about the style police and the need to look
cool, casual, but stylish at all times then the old style cycling shorts
take a lot of beating.

Of course, if you are commuting you then need to change at the far end
unless you and your companions are VERY laid back.
Lycra has its place but that tends to be on the cycle not in the
restaurant.

Oh, and I'm told that hard core long distance cyclists put a mashed banana
down their shorts because the enzymes are very good at preventing chafing
and associated woes.
I trust they aren't also an emergency carb supply.

Cheers

Dave R

[Peter Clinch]

On 15/05/2013 16:51, David.WE.Roberts wrote:

> You can also wear layers over the shorts, with the usual caveats about not
> flapping, falling down, or tangling in any moving parts.

Another alternative is leg-warmers (made of the same stuff as the
shorts, rather than inna 80s "Fame" Stylee), which have a disadvantage
of being relatively expensive and specialised but the advantage that
there aren't any extra layers around the moving parts to chafe.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK

net p.j.c...@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[Zebee Johnstone]

In uk.rec.cycling.moderated on Wed, 15 May 2013 17:28:27 +0100

Peter Clinch <p.j.c...@dundee.ac.uk> wrote:
> On 15/05/2013 16:51, David.WE.Roberts wrote:
>
>> You can also wear layers over the shorts, with the usual caveats about not
>> flapping, falling down, or tangling in any moving parts.
>
> Another alternative is leg-warmers (made of the same stuff as the
> shorts, rather than inna 80s "Fame" Stylee), which have a disadvantage
> of being relatively expensive and specialised but the advantage that
> there aren't any extra layers around the moving parts to chafe.
>

There's an online shop in oz/nz (torpedo7) that often has such things
at say A$10 a set.

There has to be a blighty equivalent?

Admittedly "warmers" around here are not often used and if I could
get reliable "coolers" for that price I'd be very happy.

I have often used armwarmers though, mainly for the first 10km or so
of a ride.

I've also used them on cool winter evenings on the way home especially
as I have a set of armwarmers in flouro green. Much better for hand
signals than my usual dark long sleeved shirts.

Zebee

[Danny Colyer]

On 15/05/2013 17:28, Peter Clinch wrote:
> Another alternative is leg-warmers (made of the same stuff as the
> shorts, rather than inna 80s "Fame" Stylee), which have a disadvantage
> of being relatively expensive and specialised but the advantage that
> there aren't any extra layers around the moving parts to chafe.

My 11yo daughter recently chastised me for wearing my leg warmers pulled
up, rather than bunched up around my ankles as they are, apparently,
meant to be worn.

(It's worth mentioning to anyone thinking of trying leg warmers for the
first time that they should be put on before the shorts, so that the
tops of the leg warmers end up under the shorts. Otherwise they /will/
end up bunched around your ankles).

--
Danny Colyer
"I'm riding a unicycle with my pants down. This should be every boy's
dream." - Bartholomew J Simpson

[thirty-six]

Conscientious decision when the alternative is oil of babies. (you
really meant mineral oil, see comment on pet jelly [made from the anus
of dogs] ;-) ).
I used chamois grease for a few years and now wish I had not. It's
not good as it generally contains petroleum jelly which is an immune
suppressant, it helps to stagnate the lymph fluid. Like all
symptomatic treatments, it's a suppressant so that which should be
seen at the skin, is instead locked inside one's body.
As an alternative to banana, avocado is very good at opening and
lubricating pores so that that which causes boils and cysts can easily
flow out, and you wont have a sore bum and stiff leg(s).

[thirty-six]

On May 15, 5:28�pm, Peter Clinch <p.j.cli...@dundee.ac.uk> wrote:
> On 15/05/2013 16:51, David.WE.Roberts wrote:
>
> > You can also wear layers over the shorts, with the usual caveats about not
> > flapping, falling down, or tangling in any moving parts.
>
> Another alternative is leg-warmers (made of the same stuff as the

Or heavy long-johns. Go to a marine chandler, darn sight better
than playing with wimmins skimpy tights.

> shorts, rather than inna 80s "Fame" Stylee), which have a disadvantage
> of being relatively expensive and specialised but the advantage that
> there aren't any extra layers around the moving parts to chafe.
>
> Pete.
> --
> Peter Clinch � � � � � � � � � �Medical Physics IT Officer
> Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 � Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
> Fax 44 1382 640177 � � � � � � �Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK

> net p.j.cli...@dundee.ac.uk � �http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[thirty-six]

On May 15, 11:05�pm, Zebee Johnstone <zeb...@gmail.com> wrote:
> In uk.rec.cycling.moderated on Wed, 15 May 2013 17:28:27 +0100
>

> Peter Clinch <p.j.cli...@dundee.ac.uk> wrote:
> > On 15/05/2013 16:51, David.WE.Roberts wrote:
>
> >> You can also wear layers over the shorts, with the usual caveats about not
> >> flapping, falling down, or tangling in any moving parts.
>
> > Another alternative is leg-warmers (made of the same stuff as the
> > shorts, rather than inna 80s "Fame" Stylee), which have a disadvantage
> > of being relatively expensive and specialised but the advantage that
> > there aren't any extra layers around the moving parts to chafe.
>
> There's an online shop in oz/nz (torpedo7) that often has such things
> at say A$10 a set.
>
> There has to be a blighty equivalent?
>
> Admittedly "warmers" around here are not often used and if I could
> get reliable "coolers" for that price I'd be very happy.

Huh? Wear long cotton socks and keep them wet from your water
bottle.

[Scion]

Danny Colyer put finger to keyboard:

> On 15/05/2013 17:28, Peter Clinch wrote:
>> Another alternative is leg-warmers (made of the same stuff as the
>> shorts, rather than inna 80s "Fame" Stylee), which have a disadvantage
>> of being relatively expensive and specialised but the advantage that
>> there aren't any extra layers around the moving parts to chafe.
>
> My 11yo daughter recently chastised me for wearing my leg warmers pulled
> up, rather than bunched up around my ankles as they are, apparently,
> meant to be worn.

Give it a couple of years, she'll be chastising you for *anything* you
wear!

[Stanley Daniel de Liver]

On Wed, 15 May 2013 16:51:02 +0100, David.WE.Roberts <nos...@nospam.net>
wrote:
[]
> Oh, and I'm told that hard core long distance cyclists put a banana
> down their shorts
[]

> I trust they aren't also an emergency carb supply.
>

I think they're just boasting.


> Cheers
>
> Dave R


--
It's a money /life balance.

[The Luggage]

On May 16, 9:04�am, Danny Colyer <news2...@colyer.plus.com> wrote:
> On 15/05/2013 17:28, Peter Clinch wrote:
>
> > Another alternative is leg-warmers (made of the same stuff as the
> > shorts, rather than inna 80s "Fame" Stylee), which have a disadvantage
> > of being relatively expensive and specialised but the advantage that
> > there aren't any extra layers around the moving parts to chafe.
>
> My 11yo daughter recently chastised me for wearing my leg warmers pulled
> up, rather than bunched up around my ankles as they are, apparently,
> meant to be worn.

I think she was just getting her bit in before you start saying,
"You're not going
out dressed like that!" in a couple of years time!

TL

[Peter Clinch]

On 16/05/2013 09:09, thirty-six wrote:
> On May 15, 5:28 pm, Peter Clinch <p.j.cli...@dundee.ac.uk> wrote:
>> On 15/05/2013 16:51, David.WE.Roberts wrote:
>>
>>> You can also wear layers over the shorts, with the usual caveats about not
>>> flapping, falling down, or tangling in any moving parts.
>>
>> Another alternative is leg-warmers (made of the same stuff as the
>
> Or heavy long-johns. Go to a marine chandler, darn sight better
> than playing with wimmins skimpy tights.

Cycling legwarmers are nothing like "skimpy tights", they're reasonably
windproof and designed specifically for cool weather cycling. Long
johns, even the thick ones, generally aren't windproof worth a damn as
they're designed as under-layers.

And unlike long-johns, there isn't an extra layer to chafe the
undercarriage, and when used for a cool start to come off later they
don't leave you at something of a loss for removal if you've chosen
pants-free and have spectators... (why my son picked some up having been
using long-johns, so he doesn't have to totter off to the pavilion half
way through a track session at the local velodrome).

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK

net p.j.c...@dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

[Dave Larrington]

On 16/05/2013 09:04, Danny Colyer wrote:
> (It's worth mentioning to anyone thinking of trying leg warmers for the
> first time that they should be put on before the shorts, so that the
> tops of the leg warmers end up under the shorts.

I'm not sure about this - I did it on the opening night of PBP in 2007
and ended up with my thighs being chafed raw. Mind you, it /was/
chucking down for much of the night :-(

--
Dave Larrington
<http://www.legslarry.beerdrinkers.co.uk>
Posh types belted on the nut.

[thirty-six]

On May 16, 7:55�pm, Peter Clinch <p.j.cli...@dundee.ac.uk> wrote:
> On 16/05/2013 09:09, thirty-six wrote:
>
> > On May 15, 5:28 pm, Peter Clinch <p.j.cli...@dundee.ac.uk> wrote:
> >> On 15/05/2013 16:51, David.WE.Roberts wrote:
>
> >>> You can also wear layers over the shorts, with the usual caveats about not
> >>> flapping, falling down, or tangling in any moving parts.
>
> >> Another alternative is leg-warmers (made of the same stuff as the
>
> > Or heavy long-johns. � Go to �a marine chandler, darn sight better
> > than playing with wimmins skimpy tights.
>
> Cycling legwarmers are nothing like "skimpy tights", they're reasonably
> windproof and designed specifically for cool weather cycling. �Long
> johns, even the thick ones, generally aren't windproof worth a damn as
> they're designed as under-layers.
>
> And unlike long-johns, there isn't an extra layer to chafe the
> undercarriage, and when used for a cool start to come off later they
> don't leave you at something of a loss for removal if you've chosen
> pants-free and have spectators...

I did that, once. Seemed a bit obvious after that, put the tights or
long-johns outside with another pair of braces. Laid off the
chocolate bars that week so I could buy the braces. Didn't do so well
at the next TT. The chocolate was certainly helping me, saving my
modesty wasn't.

>(why my son picked some up having been
> using long-johns, so he doesn't have to totter off to the pavilion half
> way through a track session at the local velodrome).

Saves getting hauled off the track for "dangerous activities
" (standing at the bottom) or whatnot I suppose. So, do they allow
one-legged riding during a training session?

[thirty-six]

On May 17, 9:15�am, Dave Larrington <nos...@interllama.org.uk> wrote:
> On 16/05/2013 09:04, Danny Colyer wrote:
>
> > (It's worth mentioning to anyone thinking of trying leg warmers for the
> > first time that they should be put on before the shorts, so that the
> > tops of the leg warmers end up under the shorts.
>
> I'm not sure about this - I did it on the opening night of PBP in 2007
> and ended up with my thighs being chafed raw. �Mind you, it /was/
> chucking down for much of the night :-(
>

So you believe there was something wrong with the water falling from
the heavens or perhaps with your washing detergent. Use pure soap
on clothing which shall not be constricting, else it causes
difficulties with lymphatic flow. It's why the sporting cyclist uses
braces, buttons or pins (bib or all-in-one) and not a belt to hold up
his shorts. If your shorts hold up your legwarmers, the cuff of your
shorts is too tight. This in itself will be causing lymphatic
restriction and the evidence is a rash where the constriction is
applied. When this happens, rub the area with castor oil or avocado
(flesh or stone). It's not a trick, it's God given.

[Roger Merriman]

I ride after work so some can be seen in t-shirt and black trousers
looping though park or Surrey Hills can't say it's much of a problem
even for 50 miles, unless you get very hot, and/or wet.

ie more likely to do this spring/autum than winter/summer.

Roger
--
www.rogermerriman.com

[Zebee Johnstone]

In uk.rec.cycling.moderated on Mon, 20 May 2013 14:42:29 +0100

Roger Merriman <NE...@sarlet.com> wrote:
>
> I ride after work so some can be seen in t-shirt and black trousers
> looping though park or Surrey Hills can't say it's much of a problem
> even for 50 miles, unless you get very hot, and/or wet.
>

It's to some extent a climate thing.

I have a short hop of 5km to the train station on the Brom and in
summer I do that in shorts and t shirt (normal shorts not cycle
shorts) and change at work. NO way would I not change when you are
talking 28degC and 80%+ humidity at 8am...

In winter it's cool enough that I cycle in my work clothes. I often
use a woolen t-shirt and change to a more work like shirt though as
the t-shirt is less restrictive.

When I was riding 20km on the 'bent I wore cycling kit to do it. I
was going to shower anyway so why not?

Sydney is sub tropical so always going to be warmer than the UK and
usually a lot more humid. There are days here even in autumn where
you sweat standing still.

Zebee

[thirty-six]

On May 14, 1:01�pm, Sam Wilson <Sam.Wil...@ed.ac.uk> wrote:
> In article <aveelvFmev...@mid.individual.net>,
> �Peter Clinch <p.j.cli...@dundee.ac.uk> wrote:
>
> > [snip]
> > Lycra [shorts] are typically worn with no underwear (less stuff to chafe),
> > though quite a few folk do wear pants underneath. �...
>
> I have two pairs of lycra bib shorts, a pair of older EBC ones and some
> newer Protective ones. �The EBC ones are fine with nothing underneath,
> the Protectives chafe a little if I dispense with underwear - different
> kind of foamy/gelly pad.
>
> Sam
>
> --
> The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in
> Scotland, with registration number SC005336.

whatever athletic shorts you wear, wash them just in pure soap such as
Simple bar soap. Morrisons have their own, which is very similar,
except for the branding. and possible some of the other
spewpamarkets. If you ever see the yellow bar Sunlight soap (which
last I remember was made somewhere in N.Africa) then grab that, ir's
unsurpassed (of commercial products) for washing cycling shorts. If
you can get genuine borax then that may be used in addition to the
soap (at least when the pad is not leather) and is certainly good for
other sportswear, including socks..