Cycling Gear Padded Shorts

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Jane

Veteran

I am doing okay for my training for my bike ride.

I am nearing the stage where I am almost certain I will do it, so feel ready to commit to buy padded shorts.

Please do you have any wise words as to whether I buy the ones that are shorts or the ones that have straps (bibs?)

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7 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from Jane

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Mine are all non bibs, I find them more versatile. Think bathroom isues... ;).

Get the shorts! Even if you don't train, they are so much more comfortable to ride in for the odd pleasure ride. You can always throw capris or shorts on top, if you feel self conscious. Or if Lycra clad is not the look you want.
I had to go to a work event recently that included a 10 km ride, I wore mine under the Zella capris. No one knew, and I was comfortable.

Good luck with your ride!

7 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Sorry no advice but I just had to say ... that's a beautiful dog pictured in your avatar! Is she/he some sort of Retriever? This is my girl Maggie, she's 9.

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7 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

Too bad you're living on another Continent. I have three unused bike shorts that I could send you, if they fit. I have a great road bicycle too. I don't use it. I'm afraid to ride around here because too many people I know have been injured. When I get time, I plan to sell the bicycle.

7 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have never tried the bib style -- the regular shorts work fine for me!

7 years ago

MTBGirl

Veteran

Kudos on your training! I'm so excited for you! I've never used the bib kind. Once you ride with pads you probably won't go back to without
When I mountain bike I wear tough shorts over them and when I road ride if it's cool I do the same, but if it's warm I just wear the pad. (I have a thicker one that I feel comfortable with just that-like find in black) I also have a skort/pad which is very nice but it's easy to get it caught on your seat. Good luck to you!

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7 years ago

Murph11

Veteran

Another vote for the shorts. Cycle on!

7 years ago

ClaraT

Veteran

Shorts for sure. I like sugoi. i don't seek out that brand but the always end up fitting me best.
Also: the first few rides with new shorts feel so weird with the padding. Like you are wearing a diaper or something. Don't worry, this feeling wears off as the shorts mold to your shape and soften up. No undies necessary--the point being to prevent chafing. Yes, that means you have to wash them each time but it is worth it.

7 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Shorts - and I'm another Sugoi fan. I've got thin pads (for short rides, triathlons, and spin classes) and thick pads for longer rides and Fondos.

7 years ago

Laurinda

Veteran

Get the padded shorts. I wear mine for any ride > 20 minutes.
I've had good luck finding pairs on sale at Bike Nashbar -- but don't know how they are on international orders.

One possible 'catch' - be careful the padding does not catch on the front of the seat when you get on the bike (as you lift your seat onto the seat).

7 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Re: the pad catching on the seat -- in my experience, this is less likely to happen if you have good, tight-fitting shorts.

7 years ago

Jane

Veteran

Ladies, thank you all so much. You have been so kind in sharing your thoughts.

I went out this morning, just after I wrote the above post and did a good ride, 16 miles, in a quick time, with a biggish long haul hill for round here, called Ditching Beacon. It was beautiful and I felt energised all day. I have just over 4 weeks now until the big ride, 100 miles. So, every bit counts!

Okay so I will go with padded shorts and no bibs! Wise words indeed Elizabeth.

I will order some on line. Runcarla, thank you for your tips, I will go thick I think. By the way, what is a Fondo?

Staysfit, that must be frustrating. I am envious of places like Holland, where cycle paths are readily available.

ClaraT, thank you for the tip on the no undies.

Cocolion, Maggie looks lovely. We have two labrador retrievers, Porridge (red) and Truffle (black). Both much loved! They are so kind and good natured.

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7 years ago

approprio

(website)

Veteran

I favour a bib. I find them far more comfortable on long rides, but bathroom breaks are awkward.

The deal breaker is the padding, or chamois. I'm a big fan of Rapha's Classic bib shorts, but they are pricy. Check some of the women's cycling blogs for reviews, and try for a comfortable fit before you buy. Your nether regions will thank you!

7 years ago

Jane

Veteran

Ohh! Interesting to hear a review in favour of a bib! Thank you approprio.

7 years ago

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