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HNT - Bicycle Shorts or Diapers?

Wed, 2008-11-12 21:55 — figleaf

So this summer I got a bike that actually fit me and wound up riding it quite a lot. Now that winter’s setting in I started taking a “spinning” class at a nearby gym. Spinning is where a bunch of people ride stationary bikes while an instructor blares intolerably loud, fast techno-bump and runs you through a structured set of exercises that simulates a bike ride over variable terrain. The main benefits? It’s indoors and it’s excellent exercise for your heart, lungs, and legs.

But enough about that, what I really wanted to talk about are bike shorts. Getting pounded on my ischial tuberosities bugged me a little last summer, and because you “ride” a lot harder in class I was winding up even more sore. So I broke down and bought a pair of bike shorts.

Now bike shorts are interesting little devices. Because bicycle seats, even the ones that claim to be padded, are so notoriously uncomfortable they sew padding into the seat of the pants instead. They’d always looked as though they were probably pretty comfortable while you’re actually on the bike. But they always looked kind of awkward on people who are just walking around.

And I discovered that, in fact, they are comfortable on the bike. So that’s pretty cool.

I also discovered, however, the first time I put them on, that they also trigger almost pre-verbal-childhood memories.

Of toddling around in a diaper.

Eww.

Consequently, except for biking, I think bicycle shorts are better off, well… off! :-)

Happy HNT (or Half-nekkid Thursday!)

Wed, 2008-11-12 23:24 — 2499 (not verified) #permalink

I am just going to have to agree with you there. :)

[Thanks, Ms.I. I’m glad you’re doing HNT even though I appreciate the risk. Happy HNT. —fl]

Thu, 2008-11-13 04:06 — 2499 (not verified) #permalink

I’ve posted pictures of people doing Naked Bike Rides under the heading of “Things I never want to try” I can’t imagine anything more uncomfortable! Looks like you have found a solution. :-) Happy HNT.

[I don’t think I’ve actually ridden naked, although sometimes I think about participating in Seattle’s annual summer pre-solstace-parade ride. I have ridden home from swimming in just a speedo, though, and I think practically speaking riding naked wouldn’t be that much different from that. Thanks, LR. —fl]

Thu, 2008-11-13 06:00 — 2499 (not verified) #permalink

good decision….

HHNT

[Thanks, Jenny. Happy HNT to you too. —fl]

Thu, 2008-11-13 06:56 — 2499 (not verified) #permalink

Hey now!!! You’re swaying everyone in the wrong direction!!

I imagine you look wonderful in them…and out of them.

Ok, they’re dorky, but you DO get used to them. Really. Plus, the padding doesn’t stay that bulky after a few wears and washes.

[Actually I discovered I do cut a dashing figure in black shorts and a black t-shirt — a combination I don’t ordinarily wear. And I’m sure the padding, which I wore for the first time yesterday, will break in properly. Finally? I was just grousing about my particular class, not the concept of spinning. From some of your posts it sounds like you’re actually a pretty conscientious instructor. Thanks, Biscuit. —fl]

Thu, 2008-11-13 07:36 — 2499 (not verified) #permalink

Bike saddles are a funny thing. The padded ones are marketed as comfortable, but that’s only the case for casual riders. On longer rides, the padding in the seat causes pressure points and numbness. So the longer your typical ride is, the more likely you are to prefer a hard, narrow saddle. Concerns about numbness are also one reason you’ll see saddles with channels cut in the middle.

(Also, if you’re riding mountain bike trails, you need a saddle narrow enough that you can get your legs behind it for some downhill terrain.)

Ideally, your sit bones are the only part of your body that should be supporting weight. If other parts of your butt are touching, your saddle is probably not right for your body.

Every time I’ve been off my bike for a few weeks and then ride again, I’m surprised by the sit bone pain. It’s not so much the first day’s ride — it’s the next ride that kills. But if I ride it out, in two or three miles it just kind of fades.

Bike shorts aren’t just about padding — in fact, a lot of people prefer a less-bulky chamois, as bulk can bunch up and cause chafing. The pad is there to absorb sweat and prevent chafing, because it should be pretty much molded to your body.

I’m curious, figleaf — you mention that you were in pain. Did the pain go away after you started riding regularly, or did it get worse?

[Thanks for the concerned question and the good information, Monique. The pain goes away — I only noticed it this time because I’ve gotten back in the… well… saddle. And yes, it’s only on my sitting bones. I’m obviously also a little sore, and tight, in various pelvic and leg muscles from exercising so aggressively so quickly. But that too ought to pass once I get used to it. —fl]

Mon, 2008-11-17 23:33 — 2499 (not verified) #permalink

Well, if you can ride a bike in a Speedo, you probably don’t need my advice, but if you’re not riding over 50 miles, tri shorts are a more comfortable alternative to biking shorts. More flexible, less padding. More attractive in my opinion, too.

[I’d never heard of tri shorts (triathlon shorts?) before. But it sounds like a great compromise. Thanks for the tip, DN. —fl]

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