First daft question

[GentlyBenevolent]

Newbie lycra story: I was cycling in a synthentic wicking top (not lycra) and cotton shorts (well, the zip-off trouser leg shorts/trousers). I was finding the edge of the shorts were rubbing on my knees, and on 10+ miles it was getting raw.

I plucked up the courage and got a set of lycra shorts (funkier 7 panel basics from CRC - £18, check out funkier's website for their sizing guide or go to your LBS for sizing help). The rubber-ish grips round the ends of the short-legs stop any chafing, the pad is far more comfortable, and even though I'm still wearing them under more conventional shorts I can feel them wicking. They make cycling more enjoyable, so much so I ordered another pair.

Once there's a few more lbs of pie-storage sorted out I may have the courage to go lycra-only.

 

[Pikeman]

Never thought of wearing them under normal stuff, that could be a good starting point

 

[Mo1959]

Never thought of wearing them under normal stuff, that could be a good starting point

Works fine. I wear mine under Ronhill tracksters.

 

[MrJamie]

I wear baggy mtb shorts, which are very very stretchy so dont interfere with pedalling at all, over the top of padded undies/cycling shorts. Top half sometimes a cycling jersey, but mostly a general technical sports tshirt. Maybe theres slightly more drag, but im not in a competition so if it takes me a few extra seconds and calories to get around im not complaining

It's also more fun when I do manage to overtake slower guys in their full lycra on their Defys etc (Defys are more popular here than Tribans are on CC ) especially if im out on my "gaspipe special" MTB Equally I think id look "all the gear and no idea" in lycra at the speeds I go up steep hills.

 

[vickster]

Comfort

 

[Deleted member 20519]

Here's some of the top listed reasons -

It's comfy. Padded shorts are better than jeans.
It's more aerodynamic. You'll cut through the wind better than if you were flapping about like you had a parachute on.
You look silly riding a road bike without it.
You feel pro and if you feel good, you'll cycle better.

 

[flatflr]

Newby here but i wear cycling shorts for the padding which is fantastic, but also wear a pair of long shorts over the top to stop any laughing as i go by.

 

[CopperCyclist]

Comfort - padded shorts are nice but not a necessity. Non chafing shorts in the bit in between thigh and leg are definitely needed for long rides!

That said, I didn't dare wear any until I'd lost enough weight that I felt 'beach ready'

 

[vickster]

Black is slimming...red shorts are not a good look (Polish team photo anyone )

 

[Deleted member 20519]

Red shorts are not a good look (Polish team photo anyone )

for the curious.

Black is slimming...

Black is slimming you say? Got to fill my wardrobe with black stuff!

 

[vickster]

Black is slimming you say? Got to fill my wardrobe with black stuff!

Or black leads to delusion

 

[Primal Scream]

I'm old, overweight and I don't even look good in jeans and T-shirt. How will Lycra help me?

Loose some weight then, easy to say but not to do but if an old lazy couch potato like me can do it then so can you.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

What's it matter, I know I look a wally, but f'd if I care what others think, but at least I am not to sore when sat.

 

[MrJamie]

for the curious.

That image always appears to stop us forgetting it

On an F1 forum where i lurk, they had a similarly unattractive image of a fat ex-team boss in a thong that still haunts my mind

 

[RWright]

That photo cracks me up. I am still laughing. I hope that has been photochopped.