Cycling shorts

Robbie1958

I was speaking to someone today who is going to do a 100 mile sportive. Him and his pals often do long rides of 50 miles and more. I said the only things that stops me from doing longer runs is that my bum still aches. He says that on runs over 30 miles he always wear two pairs of cycling shorts and so do his pals and others he has spoken to.

Is this the norm for some people or he he pulling my chain?

ALaPlage

I have come across this too but personally not for me. Correct saddle and short choice plus time in the saddle to get the body used to it and no problem. 80+ miles not any complaint from the posterior.

One local club rider told me he wears padded undershorts with padded bibshorts but his defence was that his team bibshorts padding was pretty poor hence why he had gone for the additional padding. So in that case I suppose I get it but I think two padded shorts on would be overkill and uncomfortable in itself.

Also worth noting that more padding does not necessarily mean more comfort - look at the threads on bibshorts and varying opinions regards padding.

Trial and error but a good saddle that is sized right for your sit bones along with the right cut of short and pad for your build/personal preference then you will be fine.

JAGGY

Apply a combination of Assos chamois creme and vaseline. Works wonders on long rides.

Cheers

Rich Hcp

I use Shutt VR Standard Bibs, with Udderly Smooth cream, Did 70 miles on Sunday, no probs

Hals1967

On the other extreme I did 70 miles on Monday in a pair of cheap Karrimor shorts & no cream, not the best padding but no complaints backside-wise either, which was a bit of a surprise as I expected a little soreness which never came. Again, I think good saddle fit and getting yourself used to the saddle is as important as the padding in your shorts.

rdt

I've a theory about shorts/bibs comfort...

We see a lot of people discussing spending major dollar to find ones that a comfy, with the primary factor seemingly being the pad design.

I've got a bunch of different bibs and shorts costing varying amounts, but the pad comfort is never an issue, even on the very cheapest. I've ridden 100 miles in the Alps in el cheapo bargain shorts without any issues re comfort.

My theory is it's to do with saddle design. I use a Specialized Alias, which has a massive cut out down the middle so that you're forced to support yourself on your sit bones alone. Before that I used another similarly designed Specialized BG saddle with large cut out. Consequently, the contact points are in just two positions (the sit bones), and your shorts/seat just need a spot of basic padding there (if that, once your sit-bone area has manned-up) and in other areas (i.e. perineal) nothing really is needed at all since there's no significant contact. Even unpadded shorts would probably be fine.

If folks are using saddles more conventionally or dome shaped (like Fiziks for example) then it seems they're likely to have a larger and differently shaped contact patch between them and the saddle, and the shaping and construction of the padding in the perineal area (especially) is likely to be far more critical. In that case, cleverly shaped and constructed pads for example, could have a big part to play in comfort.


nb my only gripe with shorts and bibs is they're all seemingly made for short-ar*ed midgets not lanky whippets!

Rich Hcp

I agree, in fact the saddle is more important than the short padding.

I have a Spez BG on my MTB and have changed from the standard fit saddle on my Allez to a Brooks Team Pro, once broken in, which takes about 100 miles, its brilliant.

Having said that, what suits one man, may not suit another.

I'd rather spend £60 on a saddle and £30 on the shorts, rather than the other way aroound, a saddle last for ever, so even expensive ones are good value overall

CiB

+1 on the cheap shorts. Comfort is never an issue on any shorts that I've used and still do, from cheapies up to Assos. 2 pairs is overkill. Your backside should be used to ti, and should cetainly be able to cope with 100 miles in the saddle. Stop wussing about.

Robbie1958

oh was i wussing?

Ive only had my road bike for about five weeks and averaging about 120 miles per week. It is getting more comfortable and my BRC (bum recovery rate) seems to be getting quicker. SO i am sure it is only a matter of time. My saddle is a Selle Italia Gel. Weather it is suited to me is going to tell in time, but after speaking to this chap about wearing two pairs of shorts i did wonder if it was the norm.

bobtbuilder

Another vote for the saddle being the key. Find the right one that places your weight on your sit bones correctly and even cheap shorts will be fine.

danowat

I am going to have to say saddle, rather than shorts, however, I do think that there are a few hundred miles of discomfort to go through to break in a saddle (and your ass).

It took about 200-300 miles for my backside to become friends with my saddle, and can now do 4-5 hours in the saddle without discomfort, and all using cheap (Decatlon) shorts and no cream/s.

If you are still experiancing discomfort after 600 miles on it, I'd be looking for a different saddle, rather than trying to mask the issue with another pair of shorts, or wearing two pairs.

oldwelshman

WElk they may just have a crap saddle and crap shorts.
Invest in a decent saddle and good shorts.
In winter I wear padded shorts beneath non padded tighst but never two pair of padded shorts !!

father_jack

Buy a decent saddle...more important than shorts. btw I don't use chamois. Lots of pain with stock saddles, no pain after buying brooks

Han2130

Saddle for sure. I've got a brooks and dont wear any padding. Fine for 8 hours at a time.

Robbie1958

Han2130 wrote:

Saddle for sure. I've got a brooks and dont wear any padding. Fine for 8 hours at a time.

I have heard that the Brooks saddles are really comfortable once worn in. do you mind me asking what model you bought? I don't mind if it is a little heavier, as long as it will become comfy. I aim to do a few sportives over the next year so it's miles not speed i need.

mattward1979

I use cheapo el crappo shorts from Halfords on an Outland el Rey saddle and it doesnt cause any pain at all...

I find that when donning your shorts, pulling your knackers as far up to your chin as possible helps to reduce chafing!!

Rich Hcp

Robbie1958 wrote:

Han2130 wrote:

Saddle for sure. I've got a brooks and dont wear any padding. Fine for 8 hours at a time.

I have heard that the Brooks saddles are really comfortable once worn in. do you mind me asking what model you bought? I don't mind if it is a little heavier, as long as it will become comfy. I aim to do a few sportives over the next year so it's miles not speed i need.

I've got a Brooks Team Pro

It takes about 100 miles to break in and get the Proofride to put on in this time

MeatyLegs

What do people wear under their shorts? I've just got a pair of Lycra shorts, and wore boxers under them them. :oops:

Wasn't the greatest idea, nearly boiled my balls! But then on the other hand I did beat my PB to work 11miles in 33mins!

Was wondering what you guys wear?

danowat

Nothing.

Learnt the hardway by running in tights with boxers underneath, the old hampton looked like a belisha beacon.

Bobbinogs

Go commando:

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12688071

CarleyB

Yes go commando

father_jack

MeatyLegs wrote:

What do people wear under their shorts?

A couple of ferrets come in handy.