Does anyone still wear underwear under their padded clothes?

[e-rider]

All 3000 miles last year I wore underwear, not sure why, just a habit and never had any problems.
This year I spent some Xmas money on some more expensive bib tights and shorts (£25-40 stuff) and have been rolling with the whole no underwear thing as recommended by everyone and have nothing but chaffing and saddle sores every single time.
It's getting to the point I don't fancy riding my bike as I know it'll be uncomfortable and thinking to switch back to wearing boxers.
Are there other things I should think about? Are there any other changes I can make?
I use Assos chamois cream and that seems to improve things a bit- but not perfect and not practical to use before the commute home (I get sore even after 10 miles such as this evening).

your problems stem from buying £25-40 shorts - this is essentially 'toy' clothing! Buy decent shorts in the correct size and a decent saddle too - you'll be sorted then. I once bought some Endura shorts (cheapish) and thought that going straight out and riding 100 miles in them would be a good idea - the pain was like nothing I'd experienced before or since!!!

 

[helston90]

your problems stem from buying £25-40 shorts - this is essentially 'toy' clothing! Buy decent shorts in the correct size and a decent saddle too - you'll be sorted then. I once bought some Endura shorts (cheapish) and thought that going straight out and riding 100 miles in them would be a good idea - the pain was like nothing I'd experienced before or since!!!

Perfectly valid point- HOWEVER before Xmas my most expensive pair of shorts cost £7 from lidls, I did 3000+ miles last year and not a problem- nothing at all. Then bam! Exactly the same kit/ person/ bike and I've had problems! I wore my new Tenn ones on a 40 mile sportive on Sunday and didn't suffer at all (apart from the obvious tired legs), hoping moving the seat slightly forward to move my position back a bit has solved it (for now...!)

 

[alans]

Padded shorts worn commando & no cream works for me upto 200km providing I've not had a long absence from the (Brooks) saddle.

 

[e-rider]

Perfectly valid point- HOWEVER before Xmas my most expensive pair of shorts cost £7 from lidls, I did 3000+ miles last year and not a problem- nothing at all. Then bam! Exactly the same kit/ person/ bike and I've had problems! I wore my new Tenn ones on a 40 mile sportive on Sunday and didn't suffer at all (apart from the obvious tired legs), hoping moving the seat slightly forward to move my position back a bit has solved it (for now...!)

not sure how moving the seat forward will move your position backwards? If you move the seat forward your position will also move forward - this will possibly add stress to your shoulder and neck depending on your starting position and stem length. Get the bike fit sorted first. Bike fit and short comfort should not be linked.

 

[sheffgirl]

I started wearing padded underpants under my thermals and cycling tights in the winter, so I doubled up on the padding, nice comfy warm bottom . Might stick with the padded pants in the summer, then I can wear regular shorts on top, or running shorts?

 

[LimeBurn]

I also go with the no underwear under padded shorts theory but have never felt the need for chamois cream, as for someone saying that a pair of shorts for under £40 will be the op's problem then I dont agree at all, I've had £10 shorts from decathlon that were ok for upto an hour, £100 bergamo bibs that were good for slightly longer rides and dhbs that were very good at £80 but just to throw in a curveball I bought some of the planet x clubmans and they so far have given great comfort all for the measly sum of £25. I do agree however that one pair of shorts might not work with someone else's nether regions.

 

[Leaway2]

Now I am older, the incontinence keks, double up as padding.

 

[numbnuts]

Now I am older, the incontinence keks, double up as padding.

Tena or Molicare ?

 

[Dan B]

"Of course it is". You might well be right, I have no way of knowing. I doubt it though.

Lycra is a wicking fabric designed to channel sweat away from the body and onto the outer layer of the clothing where it can evaporate. Thus, temperature regulation and no uncomfortable moistness. Wearing cotton or other "non-technical" fabrics underneath it would seem to defeat the purpose on that basis

 

[sazzaa]

I wear underwear for the commute (and take fresh underwear to work), mostly because I have to ride home again. And because I don't own 5 pairs of padded shorts, and don't want to do washing every single night.

 

[JasonHolder]

Buy better shorts. Lydl stuff are cheese graters against your nuts.

Pearl Izumis are good. What I use. 200mile good.
Any bib above 60 is gonna be decent.
No underwear ever.

 

[JasonHolder]

Perfectly valid point- HOWEVER before Xmas my most expensive pair of shorts cost £7 from lidls, I did 3000+ miles last year and not a problem- nothing at all. Then bam! Exactly the same kit/ person/ bike and I've had problems! I wore my new Tenn ones on a 40 mile sportive on Sunday and didn't suffer at all (apart from the obvious tired legs), hoping moving the seat slightly forward to move my position back a bit has solved it (for now...!)

Moving from £7 to £30 makes no difference. They are super Chinese cheap and not very well made using not very good stuff.

In reality, this is a lifestyle you might say. Some people spend more time riding than sitting on there £700 sofa. Why not- not buy the sofa and invest a 10th of that to save your sanity as well as your nads in a good pair of shorts.

 

[jefmcg]

Lycra is a wicking fabric designed to channel sweat away from the body and onto the outer layer of the clothing where it can evaporate.

Actually lycra is a stretch fibre that makes up 5-10% of "lycra" fabric. The qualities you describe come from the other fibres in the fabric - that could even be cotton </pedant>

 

[davdandy]

I wear nothing under the padded shorts and have never had any issues.Make sure you get a decent pair though.

 

[sackville d]

The OP asked if anyone still believes in Santa and the answer is yes.

Now write him a letter asking for some Santini shorts from Prendas