Anyone shed some light on the mysterious world of cycling clothes..

[Rivriv]

Hello!

I feel a bit silly for asking this. But you guys all know your stuff!

As I say, can anyone shed some light on cycling clothes? What I am after is some shorts, but I don't really understand the difference between shorts for wearing as shorts (over shorts??), and under shorts...

Ideally want some "over shorts" (not sure if that would be the technical word) that are relatively cheap, but are still pretty good (cheeky mix of both). Any advice on these? Also worth noting that I'm a male with what can only be described as a bit of a booty . So advice with this in mind would be doubley handy.

Cycling tops are easier for me to go with, but any tips on this would be equally as helpful.

Cheers guys!

 

[Col5632]

You want shorts that are not boxer shorts basically, padded shorts would be best but don't wear any underwear under the shorts as it will only cause discomfort tbh

 

[Spartak]

Endura Zyme 3/4's.

Great shorts, not cheap but last well, so eventually good value IMO !

 

[Kestevan]

The DHB range at on-line retailer wiggle are probably the best trade off between quality and price. Decathlon also do a decent range of reasonably priced kit.

Personally I'd avoid the really cheap stuff from aldi or sports direct as quality can be variable to say the least.. ...

 

[vickster]

Endura Hummvee is another option - shorts or 3/4 with padded liner - between £43 (shorts at Tredz) to £48 (3/4 at Chainreaction)

They are more of a baggy MTB fit

 

[Rivriv]

Cheers guys. Helpful as ever! How do I tell the difference between under shorts and the standard ones? Do they have different names or abbreviations?

 

[mickle]

What sort of rides are you riding?

 

[mickle]

What sort of bike are you riding?

 

[Rivriv]

At the moment relatively short mainly around town whilst I'm at uni, but looking to go further afield through the country etc when I'm back at home. And I'm riding the trusty Triban 3!

 

[FreeFlow Bikes]

+1 for the Endura Hummvee shorts. Have 3 pairs of these.

 

[Cubist]

The alternative view would be to wear a pair of comfortable bib shorts. These can be worn as either undershorts or on their own. Not everybody is comfortable with appearing in public in a tight pair of snug fitting shorts, but trust me, they are the comfiest thing you can ride in. The bib part helps to do away with waistband issues, and are flattering for those afflicted with a bit of a muffin top. Look at DHB sold by Wiggle, or Endura, or SPEG at Cycle-Clothing Uk. (look via the shopping sponsor links on the site here)

If you can't bring yourself to wear bibs on their own (and remember, these are designed to be worn commando for maximum comfort) you can wear a pair of baggies over the top of them. Cycling specific baggies have panelling designed to be comfy on a bike. The Endura Humvees mentioned above are supremely comfortable (I have two pairs) and come with a detachable padded liner, or undershort. These go well enough with the outer shorts, but I much prefer to wear bibs under them when I'm off road. Have a look on Chain Reaction for bargain Royal shorts. Other folk save a bob or two by wearing boardshorts over bibs. TK Maxx is your friend there!

In time you will realise that you are most comfortable in just the bibshorts, so get a decent pair of those. If you want to ride off road or go shopping by bike, then a pair of baggies won't go to waste. BIb 3/4 are also great for keeping your knees a bit warmer.

 

[danjanoob]

What trousers would be comfy and warm over some padded under shorts for early morning cold commute of 15 miles?

 

[P.H]

What trousers would be comfy and warm over some padded under shorts for early morning cold commute of 15 miles?

I use cheap jogging trousers over bib shorts. Jogging trousers from Sports Direct for around a fiver, just choose a pair that are nor to baggy and of a material that will dry quickly. I used to wear Ron Hill Bikesters, but prefer these for rides of any distance. The more I cycle the less cycling gear I seem to be wearing, the only exception to this is good quality padded shorts where you really do get what you pay for.

 

[danjanoob]

Cheers thats what I was thinking but thought it was a bit tok obvious and was worried i was missing a trick haha

 

[oldfatfool]

What trousers would be comfy and warm over some padded under shorts for early morning cold commute of 15 miles?

Alternatively wear legwarmers and bibs/ padded shorts, more versatile and lighter to carry