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I've got a very long ride coming up soon and the last time I did it, by the end it was the feeling of sitting on razor blades that persists as a memory. Partly this was due to getting wet on day 2 of 4 and the extra chaffing as a result.
But also simply time in the saddle and I'm never sure how much difference various factors make - chamois cream and liner shorts. On the liner shorts, I'm sort after recommendations but in a sense of are they much of a muchness and you get what you pay for? For example, Patagonia come out top of reviews and they're relatively pricey for it. Which is fine if they do the job - but they're classed as MTB liners, is there much difference between road and mtb?
Also, I have 2 pairs of thin liners including the 7mesh shorts which I wouldn't consider wearing on their own for this occasion, but is layering up an option? Is a pair of thin plus regular shorts going to make a difference?
Overthinking it?
Proper bib-shorts, chamois cream & separate baggies. If you need 2 pairs of any kind of padded cycling shorts, you've got the wrong ones imo.
I would just wear bib shorts and no baggies, it's a lot more comfortable and there's much less chance of chaffing.
Not a fan of actual bibs. What's the benefit - are they held in place better for reduced chaffing?
As above, good quality bibs sit better on longer rides without moving. A chamois cream (I have only used on a couple of multi-day rides), and a saddle that is both forgiving to you AND set up properly on a bike that FITS.
If you are doing anything under 100km or multi-days in a row and your saddle is *that painful* rather than uncomfortable, then you need to look at basics like overall bike fit, saddle type and tilt, your shorts etc.
Go watch Bike Fit James...
Benefit of bibs is that they are securely held in place (reducing chafing) and there is no elastication around your waist, which is more comfortable.
I would second what was said above about just wearing decent bibs (with no outers). Less sweaty, and less chafing.
I've done multi-day rides with / without baggies, and definitely prefer without.
I'm never sure how much difference various factors make - chamois cream and liner shorts.
You're missing the important bit, the saddle. After that it's chammy cream. Padded shorts can be comfy but not essential imho, maybe just a sign of the wrong saddle or thinking it's what we need as cyclists, part of the uniform. I've not used padded shorts for ages and I ride a fair bit. Chammy cream can be good for the longest rides or on multi-day trips.
Saddle is comfy, bike has been fitted etc Its just the sheer amount of time sat on *something* and moving. I don't expect padded shorts to be the panacea of undercarriage comfort, just a component part in making things as comfy as poss.
YMMV, I just found they actually made things worse. But because I'd used them for years and everyone else used them I didn't think to eliminate them as a possible cause. It was counter-intuitive and it is all very subjective/personal. If you do stick with them there is a difference in breathability and wicking where dearer pads are better and more comfortable over time, but I do think that time is the enemy of padded short comfort for some of us. They're fine for up to 6-8hrs maybe but not so fine when worn longer or for multi-day (assume cleaned!).
I don't do epic rides, but I've switched between padded and without pads in the past - I never wear padded shorts now, can't stand them
Not a fan of actual bibs. What's the benefit - are they held in place better for reduced chaffing?
Much as I hated to admit as I transitioned from NTB to Roadie, turns out those pesky roadies do know what kit to wear for long roads.
I'd also say that unless you are used to long rides, then your arse is going to suffer, regardless of shorts, saddles and chamois cream. Did my first 100 miler at the end of August, despite riding 2-3 times a week I was rarely doing more than 50 miles and my arse wasn't happy. Did a tougher century a couple of weeks later and my rear was much more comfortable.
Sudacrem on the (potentially) sore bits overnight. It’s not just for cats you know!
I have a pair of the Patagonia liner bib shorts - they are very nice, they are the older model with a high front that does make wee stops entertaining. I’d avoid double-layering on tight-fitting shorts - they’re likely to crease and cause discomfort. Loose over shorts over a tight-fitting liner is fine. Chamois cream help alleviate friction plus acts as an astringent/keeps the skin clean and bugs at bay - important for multi-day rides.
I haven’t worn non-bib shorts in decades - bibs don’t cut across your midriff and stay in place, more important on road bikes where you are more doubled-over in the saddle.
Comfiest shorts I have arse some DHB bib shorts. I don't even notice them on long rides. Don't know if it's the pad or the bibs but they're very good. I don't know if DHB kit is the same quality now though. There's another thread on the go just now and Galibier get a lot of recommendations, looking at their range the vast majority are bibs but the non bib ones get good reviews.
your arse is going to suffer, regardless of shorts, saddles and chamois cream.
Fully onboard with this, just want to give myself the best chance.
Sods law would have it the options I'm keen on are all sold out. Bibs ... What about wild weeing?
Anyone's tried Rab cinder liners?
What about wild weeing
I just pop it out the bottom of the shorts leg, doesn't everyone?
I’ve just got a pair of Patagonia padded shorts. Can definitely tell the difference from my old fox/Leatt pairs but might just be because they’re new
Seem well made and didn’t notice them during a two day BPW/Fod trip
What about wild weeing
I just pop it out the bottom of the shorts leg, doesn't everyone?
The Great Unfurling
I’ve just got a pair of Patagonia padded shorts.
They seem to fit the bill. They did a couple of months ago when I looked, and delayed. Now they have none in stock anywhere, except bibs (one issue) at nearly twice the price (second issue).
... in a sense of are they much of a muchness ...
Definitely not. I persisted with the standard Clikfast liners that come with Endura shorts for ages, but felt uncomfortable after a couple of hours. Got some of the expensive ones, (cost about the same as the full shorts IIRC) and they're night and day different.
If you have shorts or bibs that already suit you, I'd use those. And fresh ones every day, especially if you can wash and dry them as you travel.