Cycling shorts girls or guys?

[ciel]

So I want to buy some cycling shorts, and there are some really nice "girls" cycling shorts that are really cheap, but, how do I put this,

apparently your not supposed to wear underwear whilst cycling? but instead your supposed to just wear the shorts, so I am kind of concerned that everything isn't going to be-or look- right, *ahem* down there.

If any here has some knowledge of cycling apparel that they would be willing to impart I would be ever so grateful.

Also to the Admod, if this post is inappropriate or is not in the correct part of the forum, please feel free to move it or delete it at your own discretion. Thank you.

[Guest Kaylee]

Well,

I can say from experience that it very much depends on the type and quality of the shorts (pad liner) wether you should wear underwear or not, and that even quality shorts can still chaff a bit.

After a bad experience, I started wearing nylon underwear, which helped in the groin area... but caused other issues at the same time.

I've also been wearing womens shorts for years (pre-transition) with no issues. They are generally cut a little shorter... but the insert didn't seem problematic

I would say though, if you intend to ride for any distance, or often... DON'T SKIMP! Blisters down there ssssuuuuuuuuuuckkkkkkk!

Hugs,

Kaylee

[ciel]

well, these are the shorts in question:

they are only a few dollars so even if they don't have much padding it's not a big loss, and of course they could be used for other purposes too.

But I am going to end up doing some longer rides, and like you say blisters down there don't sound like a lot of fun, (eek).

Maybe it may be best to spend on some shorts with a little extra padding.

[Charlize]

I found some cycling shorts with a padded bottom at Bike Nasbar. Helps with any bulge problems.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest Kaylee]

Nashbar has aome great stuff Charlize. Theres another catalog company too... but I've been out of riding a while... and don't remember the name :\

[StephanieVikingGirl]

Technically I am a professional bicyclist, I lead tours of wine country California on bicycle. However, we advertise our rides as casual, so I don't ride fast. Typical distances for my tours are roughly 18 miles of relatively flatish riding in the Napa Valley, including visits to three wineries for tastings. Not too hard, but it keeps me in shape. I put gel seats on the tour bikes, and that way we don't need to have bicycle shorts. I have a bunch of tennis skirts, running skirts, skorts, or whatever you prefer to call them for work, and I have nice legs so it is cool to show them off with these miniskirts. I do wear panties underneath the skort, and I also wear a bra to support the girls. Just my experiences, and probably worth $0.02.

hugs,

Stephanie

[tracy_j]

Interesting subject as I have been wondering what to wear for a while now although have not been out on my bike for some time as this winter has, as yet, been so wet and miserable. Previously I have only been out in male mode, the last time being quite a while ago. Shorts for me are probably a no no as I burn very easily, even with our climate. I have been thinking about leggings with a tee shirt top and short skirt but may go similar to other enthusiastic female riders wearing Lycra. I'm just not sure that the sporty image is me lol.

Tracy

[ciel]

thanks for the replies everybody, i'll be certain to check that charilize brand.

Also I submitted this to a Cycling forum, and apart from shock and surprise, the people and the forum also said that they wouldn't advise it.

Of course one could also wear them when cd'ing, so I think i'm going to buy them and test them out, i'll let ya'll know how they fare.

[JemmaCaroline]

I am far from a professional cyclist, but I ride between 200-250 miles a week and would not contemplate riding on standard road saddles without bib shorts with quality padding. You can go a stage further with chamois cream to provide a tad more comfort. Womens cycling shorts are shorter in the leg and the padding is set slightly differently......you may find these uncomfortable.

If you are planning on cycling often you will find it uncomfortable for a while on any of the saddles but after a while the seat bones will adapt and the discomfort disappear.

Their are differences between the male and female saddles, as the former has a narrower sit bone and women's are broader for obvious reasons. You can get a padded saddle but they do wear after a while.

Just my tuppenth.