Do Bicycle Shorts really aid in comfort?

Question

I commute every day to school and my seat is ok, but was wondering if bike shorts help in making the ride more comfortable. I was thinking about wearing them under my regular shorts.

Answer 1

well if you only use your bike for riding to school its no big deal, but if you got 80$ to burn do it!!!! they are amazing

Answer 2

Yes they do make your ride way more comfortable. I've been competitively racing on bikes for 3-4 years and trust me, they do help a whole lot. and yes they might look dorky, but better wear them now than wait for the after pain.

Answer 3

At 3.5 miles I suspect it's not so much the padding but the seams! If you're wearing street clothes they have seams where uhm err you don't want them to be.

Options include there are cycling liners, Andiamo is one, worn like briefs under street clothes so you have light chamois but wear whatever you want.

Or get some gussetless pants like

www.gussetjeans.com

If you don't want the look of lycra try mountain bike style shorts, aka "baggies". They look like regular baggie shorts and they are great for commuting because most have pockets!! Whoopee, somewhere to put your keys and change from the coffee shop.

Answer 4

Yes! they hold everything in and don't get hooked on anything

Answer 5

It depends on your seat, your bike, your style of riding and your length of ride.

When I used to go mt biking, I didn't wear them but most of the time I was standing up and not in the saddle.

On a road bike, I am typically going out for 20-40 mile rides and the compression helps and the padding is good for your but as well as your perineum.  

If you have a short ride and you don't peddle really hard, you won't need them.  You also probably wouldn't want to wear them all day in class either since they will be a little snug.

Since your ride is 3.5 miles, I wouldn't bother.  I'd probably look at a more comfortable seat.

Answer 6

if its just to school i say just change the seat a gel seat

Answer 7

Absolutely!!  Not only do they help with overall soreness from contact with the saddle, but they help prevent chafing by eliminating having sweaty underwear rubbing against your skin.

Answer 8

I wear my bike shorts all day at work underneath my business attire when I bike to work. I never feel uncomfortable. They are really that comfortable, especially when riding. For your trip to school, it seems pointless to wear a pair because it's so close. You'll hardly break a sweat unless it's really hot outside. If you do decide to get them, you can wear them comfortably under your shorts. No problem there

Answer 9

well it helps comfort wise but its an eye sore... they look really awkward

Answer 10

I'm a believer in padded bike shorts, but I don't think you need them for a 3.5 mile ride. If you are having any discomfort, it will go away as your bottom gets more accustomed to cycling. You just aren't on the bike long enough to make it worth the inconvenience of taking the shorts off when you get to school and putting them back on when it's time to ride home.

HTH