OT warning: Cycle shorts (was Re: [CH] Underwear? Very OT)
Dana H. Myers (dana.myers@gmail.com)
Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:58:56 -0700
Sandy Olson wrote:
> Okay, guys...
>
> I'm going out on a limb here and will probably get a ton of wise-guy/gal
> answers but here goes anyway:
>
> Are you supposed to wear underwear under those Spandex biking shorts?
That's a great question, because there's really one correct answer
and yet many people are afraid to ask. So, first, kudos to you
for asking in the first place.
The answer is "you do not wear underwear under cycling shorts".
There *are* people that do, but there are always exceptions.
Good cycling shorts are designed to minimize chafing and provide
reasonable ventilation; adding in more layers of fabric can
thwart these advantages or create chafing where there was none
to start with.
Next part of the answer - you'll probably want to invest in
a tube of chamois cream, especially if you go on longer rides.
Performance Bike's house brand is not terribly expensive and
really does enhance comfort. Just squirt a little on the
chamois and wipe it around, use just enough to make chamois
slightly slick.
The first time or two you ride in those shorts, it'll feel
a bit odd, but you'll soon grow used to increased comfort
and wonder how anyone can go cycling without them.
Dana
P.S. On October 5, I'll be one of 1000 cyclists racing up
Mount Diablo, an 11-mile, 3300+ foot climb in a charity event.
If anyone is interested, I'd be happy to send my fund-raising letter
if contacted off-list.