xpc316e
Veteran
- Location
- Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, UK
I have recently returned to riding conventional bikes after a spell of exclusively riding recumbents for a few years. I have proved to myself the wisdom of huge, padded saddles not being the most comfortable in the long term, despite their appearances and initial luxury.
However, my cycling wardrobe consists of bib shorts and tights with the padded inserts removed as they were both unnecessary and uncomfortable when riding a 'bent. I haven't bought any new clothing yet as I have had a strange experience: I did a 50 mile ride a couple of weekends ago and a 30 miler yesterday in unpadded shorts on a fairly minimal Selle saddle with no discomfort whatsoever. I was commando underneath unpadded bib shorts, and it was a very hot and humid day. The lack of padding made life a lot less sweaty.
So why are padded saddles considered a 'bad' thing, but shorts come with plenty of padding and are considered a 'good' thing? I have reached the conclusion that padding in shorts is not for me: it is hot and sweaty, and the alleged comfort it provides does not seem to exist. In normal life I cannot get along with boxer shorts and wear briefs, so the large nappy feeling and the lack of support for my 'bits' when wearing padded shorts is not my favourite feeling. I would put up with that if there was a comfort bonus, but it doesn't seem to exist for me.
Am I missing something, or have others made similar discoveries?
However, my cycling wardrobe consists of bib shorts and tights with the padded inserts removed as they were both unnecessary and uncomfortable when riding a 'bent. I haven't bought any new clothing yet as I have had a strange experience: I did a 50 mile ride a couple of weekends ago and a 30 miler yesterday in unpadded shorts on a fairly minimal Selle saddle with no discomfort whatsoever. I was commando underneath unpadded bib shorts, and it was a very hot and humid day. The lack of padding made life a lot less sweaty.
So why are padded saddles considered a 'bad' thing, but shorts come with plenty of padding and are considered a 'good' thing? I have reached the conclusion that padding in shorts is not for me: it is hot and sweaty, and the alleged comfort it provides does not seem to exist. In normal life I cannot get along with boxer shorts and wear briefs, so the large nappy feeling and the lack of support for my 'bits' when wearing padded shorts is not my favourite feeling. I would put up with that if there was a comfort bonus, but it doesn't seem to exist for me.
Am I missing something, or have others made similar discoveries?