Padded shorts yay or nay??

moving_home

Are padded shorts really necessary? I'm a beginner cyclist for recreational purposes so will be doing duathalons and the An Post series. Have cheap lidl padded shorts. Are the €50 ones from outdoor shop worth it??

Surveyor11

Yes, decent padded shorts are worth spending a few bob on - lidl shorts will suffice for short distances, but for some comfort would recommend better quality padded shorts. They don't have to cost the earth - / chainreaction wiggle / evans cycles on-line usually have deals in decent priced brands (Endura, DHB are good examples). Also keep an eye out on the cyclesuperstore website - they do deals on Bicycle Line shorts, which I particularly like. You're looking more like 60 - 70 Euros online for something decent, unless you can bag a bargain.

kerry4sam

moving_home wrote: »

Are padded shorts really necessary?...

Yes! Spend any decent amount of time on a bike and you'll be glad of the padding on the shorts and even the gloves

Morrisseeee

Something like these (link), I have a pair & they're very good for the price.

Zyzz

Try 50 or so Km without pads on a hard enough saddle and report back..

ford2600

Just got two pairs of team kit shorts on prendas for 70. Nice gear. End of line. Very few sizes

I've no problem buying the odd lidl thing, but for comfort, you need quality kit where you are in contact with bike; good shorts, gloves and shoes

Surveyor11 wrote: »

Yes, decent padded shorts are worth spending a few bob on - lidl shorts will suffice for short distances, but for some comfort would recommend better quality padded shorts. They don't have to cost the earth - / chainreaction wiggle / evans cycles on-line usually have deals in decent priced brands (Endura, DHB are good examples). Also keep an eye out on the cyclesuperstore website - they do deals on Bicycle Line shorts, which I particularly like. You're looking more like 60 - 70 Euros online for something decent, unless you can bag a bargain.

ednwireland

what length an post rides are you doing if its the 60km ones then you might get away with the lidl ones - otherwise get decent shorts. as for the duathlons you will need some tri specific ones you can run in (cant imagine running in regular cycling shorts)

but i dont do running so someone else can rubbish me on that one

ghogie91

Definitely yes to padded shorts!

I have the Trek brand Boranger, or whatever you call it, shorts, they cost me 55 quid and there class! Could knock out 120km easily with no discomfort! They have like thick padding thats very comfortable and have the rubber elastic bit around the ends of the legs so they stick to your thighs and dont go up your leg!

I havea cheaper pair of Muddyfox full lengths with a little less padding in them which i find great for shorted distances like to work or somewhere within 10/20km, I havnt even tried wearing them on longer distances because I know they wont be comfortable! Its all about what you are going to do on the bike!

Briando

moving_home wrote: »

Are padded shorts really necessary? I'm a beginner cyclist for recreational purposes so will be doing duathalons and the An Post series. Have cheap lidl padded shorts. Are the €50 ones from outdoor shop worth it??

I don't use padded shorts and have no pain. I think you need padded shorts if you have a saddle that does not work for you.

I'm on an Ism Adamo saddle and its awesome. It feels wrong when there is padding in my shorts on that saddle.

Raam

Get bibshorts, they are more comfortable to wear and there is less of a chance that people behind you will get a view of your arse crack.

trad

To quote Billy Connolly who was a keen cyclist "Nappy Rash at my age is no joke"

Get the good shorts your butt will thank you.

MB Lacey

definite yay on padded shorts

Captain Havoc

Trikotexpress.de have older ones for around €40 which is good as it's functionality over fashion you're going for at the moment (not that they look bad).

Icyseanfitz

ednwireland wrote: »

what length an post rides are you doing if its the 60km ones then you might get away with the lidl ones - otherwise get decent shorts. as for the duathlons you will need some tri specific ones you can run in (cant imagine running in regular cycling shorts)

but i dont do running so someone else can rubbish me on that one

Funnily enough I actually like running in my cycling shorts, about the only things I can run in for distance without causing pain

petethedrummer

Icyseanfitz wrote: »

Funnily enough I actually like running in my cycling shorts, about the only things I can run in for distance without causing pain

You can get lycra running shorts without a pad. I received a pair as a present when someone meant to buy me cycling shorts. Great job for running in. But wear loose shorts over them, noone needs to see your junk bouncing.

Zyzz

petethedrummer wrote: »

You can get lycra running shorts without a pad. I received a pair as a present when someone meant to buy me cycling shorts. Great job for running in. But wear loose shorts over them, noone needs to see your junk bouncing.

Or do they?

charlieIRL

I am new to road cycling and would highly recommned padded shorts. Have a lot of miles up on a MTB but when I started on the road & for longer spins they are well worth it

shaka

Jaysus ya need padded shorts or da meat and two veg will be mashed meat and veg... Lidl/aldi padded stuff isn't great so LBS is best bet starting out IMO

Seaneh

If you don't want to spend an arm and a leg for top end stuff Wiggles own brand dbh is good kit for the price. There are also brands like Altura which are good quality buy pretty cheap. I got a pair of Altura bibshorts for €34ish and they are great!

moving_home

Just said I would revert back - That's a big yes to the padded shorts from us. Went out Wednesday for only 10k with no shorts and the pain, holy crap!! Have done 40k in padded shorts and felt nothing so definite yes!!

Wishbone Ash

moving_home wrote: »

Went out Wednesday for only 10k with no shorts

:eek: You could get arrested for less!

Briando wrote: »

I don't use padded shorts and have no pain. I think you need padded shorts if you have a saddle that does not work for you.

I'm on an Ism Adamo saddle and its awesome. It feels wrong when there is padding in my shorts on that saddle.

How far do you go? Spend 7 or 8 hours in the saddle and you might feel different.

I often do the short 16km commute without padding as I've a Brooks B17 saddle.

moving_home

:D:D:D:D

liam7831

What brands do ye recommend guys, need to upgrade my pair as Im starting to do spins over 50k now.

moving_home

my husband is using Altura and finds them great, around €50 for a pair.

Ole Rodrigo

DHB from wiggle are good value

Darkglasses

I have a few pairs and find Adidas my favourite, followed closely by Altura.

MrCreosote

The Rapha bib shorts are the best.

Look good, comfortable and best of all, will get you respect from other riders for your discerning clothing choice.

Wishbone Ash

MrCreosote wrote: »

Look good, comfortable and best of all, will get you respect from other riders for your discerning clothing choice.

You'll get much more respect when you pass with such speed that other riders can't tell what you're wearing.