You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I’ve always assumed Lycra shorts are padded as padded saddles don’t look very fast.
I ride everyday so that means a clean pair of shorts everyday which can get expensive.
Is there a pair of baggies with a padded bum that you could then wear non padded Lycra shorts under?
Non padded Lycra shorts are dirt cheap in decathlon and the 3/4 ones are a lot more comfy than bike ones with those grippers that are always too tight.
Or is there a genuine reason we have the padding in the Lycra?
Never understood chamois pads. They don't seem to make any difference to comfort to me.
I just wear my non-padded MTB shorts and go commando. Very comfortable for multi all-day rides. Don't chafe ever because I don't sweat down there - 'cause no pants, no pads, no lycra...
Well chevy you are extremely lucky. If not for padding either in undershorts or in normal lycra, I would only ride once a month while I waited for my nethers to heal. I am not particularly fat but must have a sensitive region, the only one according to my wife.If on holiday I forget padded shorts I really suffer.
Padding only became "necessary" in recent years; before that shorts were lined with chamois or a felt-like material, which was stiff enough to resist rucking up and creasing. My most comfortable ever shorts were some early dhb 3/4 bibs, which had just a thin felt seat area. Padding makes your bottom sweat and transfers the weight to soft tissue, whereas a well-shaped saddle takes the weight on the sit bones where it's designed to be.
They would be better for multi day rides as they would take up less room in your bags and would be easier to clean and dry.
It's true what globatli says! The padding has got too thick and nappy like in recent years. All I used to wear were the old Endura MT500s which had a thin chamois and never felt uncomfortable. the most comfortable shorts I still use are Lab Gear ones which have a thinner pad than all the others.
Newer Enduras are the sweatiest things ever! I still wear em a couple of days commuting before washing.
Scott Pro shorts from (that cheapie online place whose name escapes me at the mo!) are worth a try.
To do what you sugest in your OP, you'd just need to get some lycra running shorts and try them under your padded ones!
I tried padded shorts once and couldn't stand them.
I can understand the need in professional riders who are on the saddle all day, day after day, but can't see a need for my recreational riding.
I prefer minimal to no padding on my saddle either. Padding seems to distribute the pain evenly, whereas you can shift any discomfort around on a hard saddle.
People used to ride long distances before padded shorts, and many still do. It just needs a decent saddle and clothing with no chafe seams.
Having a bottom like a Sarlac Pit due to IBS/Gluten Intolerance a padded lycra short is a must for my tender bits. Over the years I've tried various shorts but breathability is a must, the last few years I've had Endura padded shorts which caused horrendous arse rot issues (being thick it took a while to put 2 and 2 together to work out the aggravating factor). Currently using Castelli padded shorts which are not cheap but are very comfy and well ventilated.
Ming... 8-0
How far are you riding. I commute in normal underwear. 6 miles each way, never a problem.
You could go for cheap shorts. The likes of decathlon, wiggle (dhb) and tenn all have offers that wouldn't break the bank.
As for padding I think it serves two purposes. The first is obvious, the cushioning. The second I is fit and friction. A bit like hiking socks the shorts stay static against your arse so the padding is always in the right place. Any small slips are between the lycra and the saddle. Not having things rub your skin on long rides is a benefit.
I agree though, there is a balance, super thick padding can be really sweaty and uncomfortable in some situations. I generally find it is more about fit of the shorts and saddle for long ride comfort.