Anyone else eschew padded shorts?

davis

This might mark me out as a bit of a suspect individual, but I actively dislike padded shorts. From reading on here, most people seem to be grateful for their existence. I find the padding doesn't really help, and it makes ...umm... everything sweaty, and that creates nasty chafing problems.


I've been on a few longer rides of around 50 plus miles, and I still seem fine.

Is it just me?

roger_merriman

if it works, then keep at it, I find shorts very comfy, no need for smearing with creams.

Radioactiveman

I agree I prefer a banana skin dipped in sand, wait what am I saying ? I sound almost as crazy as you !!! I couldnt survive the 12 mile work commute let alone 50 without padded shorts.

You do know you are meant to wash them dont you?

PS are you one of those masochist wierdo's ?

davis

roger merriman wrote:

no need for smearing with creams.

Ugh. Don't get me started on creams. Any day that I have to start with a solo re-enactment of Last Tango in Paris I dearly hope I'll be doing something a great deal stranger than cycling...

gbsahne001

davis wrote:

roger merriman wrote:

no need for smearing with creams.

Ugh. Don't get me started on creams. Any day that I have to start with a solo re-enactment of Last Tango in Paris I dearly hope I'll be doing something a great deal stranger than cycling...

always_tyred

davis wrote:

This might mark me out as a bit of a suspect individual, but I actively dislike padded shorts. From reading on here, most people seem to be grateful for their existence. I find the padding doesn't really help, and it makes ...umm... everything sweaty, and that creates nasty chafing problems.


I've been on a few longer rides of around 50 plus miles, and I still seem fine.

Is it just me?

To a certain extent, if it 'aint broke, don't fix it.

But not all chamois... what is the plural of chamois? or is it like sheep?

Not all chamois are the same. A good one is suppose to be absorbant and a bit stretchy in all directions so that it doesn't rub. A bad one is little more than a thick bit of cloth.

Jay dubbleU

Not for the commute - 5 miles - but I do for longer runs - can't say I've had any issues with sweating or chafing

Zombie_donkey

This is a topic l need to know about

Are these any good?

http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/Products/107/ccuk-3style-cycle-shorts-with-coolmax-pad.aspx

davis

Always Tyred wrote:

But not all chamois... what is the plural of chamois? or is it like sheep?

Chamoix.. Chamoises. Chamoisesseseses... oh I don't know.

Always Tyred wrote:

Not all chamois are the same. A good one is suppose to be absorbant and a bit stretchy in all directions so that it doesn't rub. A bad one is little more than a thick bit of cloth.

Hmm, I did try a couple of them (not Assos-level, granted), but now I just end up ripping the things out.

Radioactiveman wrote:

PS are you one of those masochist wierdo's ?

Well....
Nah, it just doesn't really hurt.

suzyb

Does the absorbency improve with cost. I got a cheap pair of shorts off ebay (cheap + my size = miracle) and I'm going to get another pair...it's annoying having to wash them after every ride

But I'm wondering whether my comfort would be improved getting a more expensive pair as now the weather is warmer I'm *cough* sweating *cough* more.

Stevo_666

Not sure as never really needed them ! Tried the padded lining that came with my baggy shorts when I bought them; it felt a bit odd so rode without and never looked back, even on 3hr + rides. Maybe I'm odd?

gbsahne001

suzyb wrote:

Does the absorbency improve with cost. I got a cheap pair of shorts off ebay (cheap + my size = miracle) and I'm going to get another pair...it's annoying having to wash them after every ride

what, you're meant to wash them :roll:

antfly

Eschew, there`s a good word, but try saying "eschew" a lot and it just sounds silly.

merkin

It would sound like you need some lemsip :?

Cafewanda

suzyb wrote:

Does the absorbency improve with cost. I got a cheap pair of shorts off ebay (cheap + my size = miracle) and I'm going to get another pair...it's annoying having to wash them after every ride

But I'm wondering whether my comfort would be improved getting a more expensive pair as now the weather is warmer I'm *cough* sweating *cough* more.[/quote

Suzyb, I've got a few cheap ones (Lidl/Aldi) and one I bought from the Specialized concept store in Ruislip. Chalk and cheese. The cheap ones I use for commuting and yes, I do sweat in them (but then I sweat as a general rule anyway :roll: ). Today (Saturday) I wore the Specialized one under leggings for about 6 hours. Dry and very comfortable.

Money is very tight right now but I'll still try to get at least one more Specialized or equivalent later in the year.

Edit: Yes, I do wash them after every wear

meanredspider

I never used to bother on the MTB but the road bike is a different story with 120psi in the tyres - my nether regions are very grateful. Some shorts are rubbish though. The Endura shorts I had somehow felt like a nappy but perversely seemed to make riding even more uncomfortable - Assos, DHB and others have been fine. As for creams, the Assos stuff is fantastic and not entirely unpleasant to apply...

PBo

[geek] chamois is both plural and singular.[geek/]

UndercoverElephant

Yes, the padding does get better and more comfortable with cost, sadly. I recently moved up from Aldi shorts, which were OK, to a brand called Biemme. I've managed to find their stuff quite cheaply, but the quality is superb. Very comfortable.

suzyb

Cafewanda wrote:

Suzyb, I've got a few cheap ones (Lidl/Aldi) and one I bought from the Specialized concept store in Ruislip. Chalk and cheese. The cheap ones I use for commuting and yes, I do sweat in them (but then I sweat as a general rule anyway :roll: ). Today (Saturday) I wore the Specialized one under leggings for about 6 hours. Dry and very comfortable.

Money is very tight right now but I'll still try to get at least one more Specialized or equivalent later in the year.

Edit: Yes, I do wash them after every wear

Specialized is not really an option for me. Only place I've found that sell shorts big enough is Corinne Dennis and cycle clothing (but they're out of stock).

Think I'll try padded undies from Corinne Dennis. See if they're better.

jthef

Started off with cheap padded shorts now using some Lusso bib shorts (just starting 4th year and now in need of changing) and a pair of Nike bib shorts as well as some other 3/4 as well. The move from cheap shorts to reasonable bib short was good as shammy is so much better but after 3 days commuting I was a bit sore so started using the cream :oops: now and no problems. I prefer the bib short to short as my back is so much warmer.

DonDaddyD

I love me some padded shorts. The antibacterial pad absorbs the sweat. I have used Vaseline as a cream. I also like a little talc down there at all times, even off the bike.

I did do 63miles in unpadded tights things were rubbing, got real sore. Not the kinda sore you kinda like because something good caused it...

Padded all the way.

I also assume the pad protects the 'pre-children-storage-facility' and helps prevent any infection.

Paul E

I did some commutes when I was living in birmingham on unpaved towpaths pre padded shorts and never again, I could hardly sit when I got to work and the next few days on the bike I had to keep standing, never going unpadded again

Cafewanda

suzyb wrote:

Think I'll try padded undies from Corinne Dennis. See if they're better.

Those would come in handy for my 'social' rides. Let me know how you get on.

Cafewanda

DonDaddyD wrote:

I also assume the pad protects the 'pre-children-storage-facility' and helps prevent any infection.

gbsahne001

or go unpadded and use that as a means of birth control?

lost_in_thought

Cafewanda wrote:

suzyb wrote:

Think I'll try padded undies from Corinne Dennis. See if they're better.

Those would come in handy for my 'social' rides. Let me know how you get on.

I bought some from Wiggle - a company called 'Craft' and they were really good - subtle enough to wear under jeans, but still pretty comfy.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Craft ... 360042758/

AndyManc

I bought my first padded shorts (I prefer 3/4) from Aldi, they were ******* awful.

I've bought a number of pairs at the £40-£50 mark (usually on sale, marked down from £70 - £80) and most are very comfortable, Trek being a favourite.

My commute is 6 miles so I just wear a normal pair of shorts or my ron hill running longs ...... padded gear for 6 miles seems over-kill, and I don't won't the hassle of changing. :roll:


Shop around and don't buy cheap, you will find a pair that you like, trying them on is shops is essential ( though I'm surprised most shops let you do just that ).

.

suzyb

Can women wear men's shorts or does the specific gender shaped pads make it uncomfortable.

AndyManc

suzyb wrote:

Can women wear men's shorts or does the specific gender shaped pads make it uncomfortable.

My cross dressing days are over :roll: so I'm no expert, but shorts are gender specific and I'm sure they would cause problems.


.

davis

gbsahne wrote:

or go unpadded and use that as a means of birth control?

With my face it's not the absence of padded shorts acting as birth control.

Edit: Add the word "padded", 'cos it was just wrong without.

Zombie_donkey

I've just ridden a bike for 10 miles for the first time in 15 years and my arse hurts.

I am pro padded shorts.