Alternatives to Lycra?

[JtB]

Now that the weather is turning cold again, my wife gets annoyed every time I go out on my bike wearing shorts (not sure why ). I've always cycled in shorts, even in the middle of winter so I'm looking for suggestions. Since returning to cycling my BMI has reduced to a smidge over 22, so I thought now might be a good time to switch to lycra. Anyway I went to the local sports shop and tried on some long lycra trousers and there was no way I'd even leave the changing cubicle, let alone go out onto the roads looking like that! So, are there any alternatives to lycra? What I'm looking for is something that still hugs the body so the clothing doesn't get caught up in the chain, but is made of a thicker material so you don't end up looking like a ballet dancer with padding sticking out your backside (sorry if I've just offended 90%+ of the forum ).

 

[marinyork]

Ron Hill bikester/trackster.

 

[betty swollocks]

Something like this?

 

[gavintc]

I cannot see what is so wrong with bib tights. They are made for the purpose, many cyclists wear them. Do you think they really look so different to bib shorts and knobbly knees?

 

[ianrauk]

I cannot see what is so wrong with bib tights. They are made for the purpose, many cyclists wear them. Do you think they really look so different to bib shorts and knobbly knees?

+1. You could always wear a pair of baggies over the top of bib shorts.
and +1 to Marin's suggestion to Bikesters

 

[RedBike]

You could just wear your shorts with legs lycra leg warmers or buy the fleese type baggy cycling trousers?

Alternatively you could go for a spandex zentia suit. With the hood up nobody would know it was you.

 

[mr_cellophane]

 

[henshaw11]

>You could always wear a pair of baggies over the top of bib shorts.

More than a few mtbers take that approach, but I've always been an xc-jeyboy and not felt the need...plus it's two lots of washing


>but is made of a thicker material so you don't end up looking like a ballet dancer with padding sticking out your backside

Silly question, but did you have the correct size ? - if you'd tried a size too big that might have the same effect. If the fit's too loose to (mostly) snug the pad up against your nether regions, you might look like you'd filled a nappy

Bikesters are ok in the dry, but I really wouldn't want to wear them in the wet - with lycra you get wet but your body heat keeps things warm 'cos it's the lycra's next to the skin.

As suggested, bib tights would be worth checking out - I can certainly recommend the Lusso offererings, either coolmax (heavyweight lycra - ideal for the temperature we've got down south at the mo', or colder) or roubaix (heavier and fleeced, for when it gets a bit closer to zero). It's more like a double thickness of material, rather than a chamois-style pad, so they just look close-fitting without much rearward protruberence (tho' there's the stitching where the seat's doubled-up).

FWIW, if you've not worn lycra before you may well feel like a bit of an idiot, but you'll get over it, or get used to it...eventually you'll wonder why some people give you funny looks. Or mebbe that's just me

 

[jayonabike]

Bib tights all year round for me, i don't like lycra shorts. I have 2 pairs, a normal pair for summer & a 'roubaix' fleece lined pair for the winter. I was a bit self conscious at first but don't give a flying **** now!

 

[ianrauk]

Bib tights all year round for me, i don't like lycra shorts. I have 2 pairs, a normal pair for summer & a 'roubaix' fleece lined pair for the winter. I was a bit self conscious at first but don't give a flying **** now!

Well that's it... very few people actually take notice these days anyway.

 

[dellzeqq]

Now that the weather is turning cold again, my wife gets annoyed every time I go out on my bike wearing shorts (not sure why ). I've always cycled in shorts, even in the middle of winter so I'm looking for suggestions. Since returning to cycling my BMI has reduced to a smidge over 22, so I thought now might be a good time to switch to lycra. Anyway I went to the local sports shop and tried on some long lycra trousers and there was no way I'd even leave the changing cubicle, let alone go out onto the roads looking like that! So, are there any alternatives to lycra? What I'm looking for is something that still hugs the body so the clothing doesn't get caught up in the chain, but is made of a thicker material so you don't end up looking like a ballet dancer with padding sticking out your backside (sorry if I've just offended 90%+ of the forum ).

Wives are like that. They care about your legs getting cold. Just explain gently that the public has expectations, and you have to satisfy them. And no sane person would cover legs like yours.

 

[jimboalee]

These are Monveir Sport nylon fronted longs. 100% acrylic with a padded chamoix patch. They are somewhat fantastic.

These are AGU Sport training longs. No patch and are worn over lycra padded shorts.

These are Inceni training longs. Double thickness gusset. Worn over lycra padded shorts.

To wear any of these garments, you MUST have these...
http://www.menswearstore.co.uk/rainbow-braces-147-p.asp

 

[Jakey Rowling]

I've been wearing full length Endura Humvees since early September (sounds wimpy I know, but my excuse is that I live in chilly Scotland!) and I am very pleased with them...they are probably the best piece of bike clothing I have bought. And with velcro ties at the ankle and calves there is no danger of them catching in the chain. I wear a pair of padded undershorts underneath them.

 

[- Baz -]

... Bikesters are ok in the dry, but I really wouldn't want to wear them in the wet - with lycra you get wet but your body heat keeps things warm 'cos it's the lycra's next to the skin

Ronhill DXB bikesters/trackers have a water repellent treatment. Even the ordinary ones are good in the wet for the same reason that you've given for lycra! Another advantage is that the bottom of the leg sits on the tops of your shoes and help to prevent water ingress down socks. They're warm in cold weather - wet or dry - and if they do get wet they dry in no time, especially the DXB flavoured ones..

YMMV, but bikesters for me every time.

 

[tigger]

+1 for Ronhill bikesters with padded shorts underneath. Less than £20 too