Girls shorts questions. Also, pants or no pants?
Gettingthere
Posts: 11
I am new to this cycling malarky. I have some shorts but they don't have padded bums. I figured that mine wouldn't need additional padding!! What I have are fine for me at the moment, (don;t go out for more than an hour) but I am assured that I will need extra padding sooner or later.
I really don't want to spend a fortune, but will spend more if its necessary. Any recommendations? I am a size 12 if that makes any difference.
Also, I have read on other threads that no pants is the way to go. REALLY??? Is that for boys and girls? Or are there special pants that I need too? SDo;t get me wrong I'm not averse to no pants
but it sseems wrong somehow when sitting on a bike.........
Thanks
I really don't want to spend a fortune, but will spend more if its necessary. Any recommendations? I am a size 12 if that makes any difference.
Also, I have read on other threads that no pants is the way to go. REALLY??? Is that for boys and girls? Or are there special pants that I need too? SDo;t get me wrong I'm not averse to no pants
but it sseems wrong somehow when sitting on a bike.........Thanks
0
Posts
Any pics?
Think how stupid the average person is.......
half of them are even more stupid than you first thought.
Best combo is some good padded shorts and some chamois cream.
You tend to get what you pay for with shorts and a good pair is a very good cycling investment!
Seriously, NapoleonD is spot on - a decent pair of shorts (this is one area not to scrimp on) and some chamois creme, and away you go. Pants will move around when you're cycling and cause chafing and possibly saddle sores, which are really unpleasant and may stop you riding for a bit while they heal.
It's only you that is going to know that you've gone commando anyway.
I presume some shorts have chamois inside them?
And no, no pics, strangely!
See here:
Chamois cream / creme is a lotion that is applied either to the chamois itself, or directly to your "parts" before riding. Assos do a great creme at £10 per tub, but other people use Sudocrem, etc.
Chamois cream (or you can use sudocrem or vaseline although I don't find it as effective for chafe prevention) helps reduce chafing further and helps prevent saddle sores.
Chamois cream such as Assos's' own is a blend of moisteriser, astringents and antiseptics that keep the area fresh and, um, lubricated. Just follow the instructions on the jar.
Sizes and fit vary quite a bit so it is worth going to your local bike shop and trying on some pairs. I find them more comfortable if they are a little lower at the front and the pad is well fitted. Also, as with saddles, thicker padding doesn't necessarily mean more comfort. I now have addidas and club (Kalas) bib shorts which I find even better but standard shorts are a good starting point.
Plus, I am not sure chamois cream is that good an idea for girls, though I could be wrong...
There is nowt saying don't on the packaging of the stuff I use, it should work just as well for ladies.
As I understand it, girls have bottoms too?
I'd tend towards more importnat for us girls than it is for boys (we have more nooks and cranies down there)
Having said that, all it really is doing is reducing the friction between your skin and either other bits of skin or your shorts. Sweat can increase the friction, as can repeated contact like you might get on longer rides. But If you don't get any friction (and you would know if you were) then i wouldn't feel the need to use it.
P.s in reply to the original post - try here for a nice range of shorts for women (and of course check out the sale bin too: Minx Girl
I think I'm way off needing cream but will check out the site and makes metioned, its good to have a starting point. I tried a cheaper pair on recently, and while they were generally ok, the legs had elestic round the bottom which was very tight and looked awful.
Had to clear it up so I could stop blushing :oops:
You can also get female specific saddles. Not sure if that would help along with the shorts.
Your backside will get used to sitting on the saddle after a wee bit.
No pants is always the way to go on a bike (unless you're wearing a skirt without shorts underneath, although that would pretty much guarantee that everybody would let you go...)
Be prepared to feel like a massive heifer for being a size 12, cyclists are all apparently extremely skinny.
Of course it depends on what kind of a size 12 you are (I'm a short and carrying some extra pounds size 12, rather than a tall but fairly slim size 12) - the most comfy shorts I have are by Briko in a medium, but they're hard to find these days.
Definitely shop around and try stuff on if you can, as always clothing sizes are a bit hit and miss.
Definitely...
Clothing sizes vary by manufacturer.
Plus, when trying on, remember to lean forward as though you are in a riding position if trying bibshorts and jerseys etc on as they may feel uncomfortable whilst stood up and put you off, yet are dreamy-comfy in a cycling position.
As for shorts, I find Nike very comfortable (I'm a size 14). I got mine from evans, but I'm not sure if they still carry them
Well, I hardly use the little fella to stir the pot before using it myself... ...it may be fun, but it would delay the ride somewhat.
Trek 1.7 compact 2009
Tank race elite 2007
Marin Alpine trail 2007
Specalized Langster 2010
Kona Jake the Snake
Also remember that the no pants rule does not apply until you've purchased your spandy new cycling kit!
Definately me too Janet
Not my bum.
Just for the record, I've done a fair amount of cycling in my time and never used any type of chamois cream. So as far as I'm concerned it's completely unnecessary.
Ruth