A Question for the Ladies...

[HelsBells Cambs]

Another question for the ladies....how snug a fit should your base layer be? Skin tight, or a bit on the looser side?

 

[vickster]

How do you like it to fit? What are you wearing it under? Something loose or skin tight?

 

[HelsBells Cambs]

How do you like it to fit? What are you wearing it under? Something loose or skin tight?

Until now just under a cycling top but I've just bought my first pair of bib shorts and it all just feels a bit bulky around the back end and the shoulder areas.

 

[vickster]

Under bibs, probably tight from what you are saying

Personally I don't wear anything skin tight other than shorts (waist not bibs)

 

[HelsBells Cambs]

Under bibs, probably tight from what you are saying

Thanks! Always nice to go down a size in something....!!

 

[jefmcg]

Base layers do two things: provide insulation (by keeping a layer of warm air close to the body), and wicking away sweat. To do both those tasks, it should fit snugly. But if that is unpleasant/uncomfortable, then get it to fit as you like, and have it a tiny bit less functional.

There are even base layers that act as compression for preventing muscle soreness and injury, but the science behind that is a bit iffy, if I remember correctly.

 

[Mrs M]

I have my base layer skin tight to try and hold in the fat

 

[jefmcg]

I have my base layer skin tight to try and hold in the fat

 

[seraphina]

Um, this may be vTMI but differing amounts of undercarriage hair caused different amounts of chafing here...

I can recommend Waitrose Bottom Butter (found in baby isle) is a much cheaper alternative to Assos cream and M&S seamfree pants as great options for under shorts.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

@seraphina you're supposed to go commando (wear nothing) under cycling shorts

 

[HelsBells Cambs]

@seraphina you're supposed to go commando (wear nothing) under cycling shorts

I can't get my head around this yet!!

 

[vickster]

No other way for more than a couple of miles

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I can't get my head around this yet!!

It works: I don't wear padded often, always command if I do
Also stay clear (on the bike) of running leggings with seams down below
I found riding jodpours (spelling? ) very comfy on the bike.

 

[Batgirl]

Jodphurs (as no seams under the crotch area)

Interesting comments on here, and remind me to get some cycling tights as I cycle in general running ones.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Jodphurs (as no seams under the crotch area)

Interesting comments on here, and remind me to get some cycling tights as I cycle in general running ones.

I am not particularly fond of the "central heating effect" down below: only use padded if distance and terrain require it.
Has to be at least a 50 miler on the rough canal