Lycra or MTB shorts for beginners?

[Globalti]

Snug-fitting clothing is preferable for road cycling because it's more aerodynamic, which matters at road speeds and because it doesn't flap annoyingly.

 

[screenman]

Not trying to provoke, but why does anyone not wear lycra?

 

[snorri]

The idea of lycra still seems a bit outlandish to me as a beginner. Is this something that will change over time as my biking experience grows in time?

There is no need to feel you should wear lycra, it is totally impractical for my type of cycling, depends what sort of cycling you intend to do .

 

[BigonaBianchi]

I pretty much live in lycra these days...I have no problems walking around tescos in it for example...even been known to wear it on a bike.

 

[woosey]

Coming from running i just go with running tights and a pair of shorts over the top (i'm a modest one )

 

[vickster]

Shorts over tights looks a bit superman, most wear shorts under tights I'd say - probably better for protecting that manly modesty too

 

[guitarpete247]

On road bike I wear Lycra (bib shorts or longs depending on the weather). The GF has banned from going into her office, though so on the rare occasions, I go over there, I have to put on baggies over the top.
As others have said bibs are the way to go for more comfort. Only problems arise at the call of nature time .

 

[SamC]

I like both. If I'm just cycling I wear full length lycra padded leggingy thingies (proper cycling term, that). If I'm cycling and then doing - going to the pub or whatever, I like lycra shorts with a looser short over the top. I attract enough attention without sitting in the pub in head to toe lycra.

 

[Devonshiredave]

I started off with a tee shirt, pair of shorts, pumps and ankle socks on my old MTB. Progressed on to a pair of Endura Humvee shorts with the padded liner (great shorts-well comfy!) and then went for a pair of DHB bib tights and cycle jersey with a pair of Spesh Tahoe Sports shoes when I moved on to the road bike. I felt a bit "awkward" first time in the bibs but now I feel right wearing it on the road bike. I'm now looking at matching jersey and shorts for the roadie. It does get you like that!

 

[gavintc]

How did you start off?

The idea of lycra still seems a bit outlandish to me as a beginner. Is this something that will change over time as my biking experience grows in time?

Are there any advantages to lycra? Must admit though the birds look pretty hot all dressed in lycra - but blokes??? urgghhh

I used to commute by train between Edinburgh and Glasgow wearing lycra with my bike and would cycle at either end of the train journey. You just get used to the looks and the regular commuters ignored you.

 

[flatflr]

I started off with a tee shirt, pair of shorts, pumps and ankle socks on my old MTB. Progressed on to a pair of Endura Humvee shorts with the padded liner (great shorts-well comfy!) and then went for a pair of DHB bib tights and cycle jersey with a pair of Spesh Tahoe Sports shoes when I moved on to the road bike. I felt a bit "awkward" first time in the bibs but now I feel right wearing it on the road bike. I'm now looking at matching jersey and shorts for the roadie. It does get you like that!

What he said, except I have moved onto the coordinated bib shorts and jersey.

 

[screenman]

If you are proud of your body then Lycra is the way, if not so proud na! sod it still Lycra. In our club we have a saying about men who wear baggies

 

[themosquitoking]

I started off with a tee shirt, pair of shorts, pumps and ankle socks on my old MTB. Progressed on to a pair of Endura Humvee shorts with the padded liner (great shorts-well comfy!) and then went for a pair of DHB bib tights and cycle jersey with a pair of Spesh Tahoe Sports shoes when I moved on to the road bike. I felt a bit "awkward" first time in the bibs but now I feel right wearing it on the road bike. I'm now looking at matching jersey and shorts for the roadie. It does get you like that!

I now won't buy any kit that doesn't match my bike.

 

[Devonshiredave]

If you are proud of your body then Lycra is the way, if not so proud na! sod it still Lycra. In our club we have a saying about men who wear baggies

Reminds me of Rule #18

 

[SWSteve]

Lycra shorts, I think I've only ever worn baggies once, and that was because nothing else was clean. I'm basically Ned Flanders...Feels like I'm wearing nothing at all, nothing at all, nothing at all, nothing at all