Question about Road Biking..

[FleshLight]

Do I really need the cycling pants and shorts? Or can I get away with a lighter breatheable shirt and regular gym shorts? I'll just be using the bike for exercise for about 45 minutes each ride.

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

its all about minimizing chafing. I commute for about 25 minutes in regular shorts and sometimes my generals not happy when I get home.

 

[BoldAsLove]

I work at a bike shop, and would highly advise getting some shorts and a jersey. Jerseys are a lot lighter and allow for a more comfortable fit with maximum cooling. Shorts will prevent chafing as HomeBrwerDude said as they have a chamois on the inside. They will also free up your legs (pants can get caught in the chain). The $100 you will spend for both combined will be well worth it.

 

[silverpig]

Need? No. Are good to have? Yes.

You don't need clip in shoes, but they're better than baskets.

You don't need a road bike, but it's better than riding with a mountain bike.

I have the shorts and they're worth it. I don't have a jersey but want one.

 

[S Freud]

Where do you guys buy your road biking gear from? Any special place or do you just shop around for deals and such?

 

[Mardeth]

Shorts are must, jerseys optional, in my opinion.

 

[Turin39789]

Jeans or slacks, a t-shirt. It'll get you there.

 

[ISAslot]

I have bib shorts and jersey and omg they are nice. It's like i'm biking naked, as far as sweat control, just evaporates right through, i don't even get wet.

 

[Dirigible]

Originally posted by: silverpig
Need? No. Are good to have? Yes.

You don't need clip in shoes, but they're better than baskets.

You don't need a road bike, but it's better than riding with a mountain bike.

I have the shorts and they're worth it. I don't have a jersey but want one.

I just rode around town a long time without fancy pants and jersey. Eventually I started longer rides and discovered my nether regions were not happy. Cycling shorts made a huge difference. If you want to get into cycling and do longer rides, they make a huge difference in your comfort level. 45 minutes to an hour is my limit for riding without them, and I'd rather ride with them when riding that long.

Jersey is less important. I rode for years just wearing t-shirts. I finally got a jersey because I wanted the pockets they have in the back. The jerseys are nice. Not only the pockets, but sweat seems to evaporate faster and keep me cooler when going uphill. On the downhill, they don't retain my sweat (see previous sentence) and make me freeze like cotton does.

 

[LS20]

<30 miles... dont need them.. athletic shorts and shirts are fine
>30 miles... HUGE comfort difference. no drag no flopping no cold sweat etc

i get my stuff from Performance Bike sales. they are cheapest.

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: ISAslot
I have bib shorts and jersey and omg they are nice. It's like i'm biking naked, as far as sweat control, just evaporates right through, i don't even get wet.

Bib shorts are a wonderful thing. The chamois actually stays where it's supposed to. I'll never buy a pair of non-bib shorts again.

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: silverpig
Need? No. Are good to have? Yes.

You don't need a road bike, but it's better than walking.

Fixed.

 

[pontifex]

my dad used to road bike regularly, i think he would go about 60 miles on a mountain bike.

he wore jean shorts and regular t-shirt. i never heard him complain about it.

 

[LS20]

Originally posted by: pontifex
my dad used to road bike regularly, i think he would go about 60 miles on a mountain bike.

he wore jean shorts and regular t-shirt. i never heard him complain about it.

so?

my dad walked to school barefoot in the snow. up hill. both ways.

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: LS20

Originally posted by: pontifex
my dad used to road bike regularly, i think he would go about 60 miles on a mountain bike.

he wore jean shorts and regular t-shirt. i never heard him complain about it.

so?

my dad walked to school barefoot in the snow. up hill. both ways.

i was just offering input into the discussion...

 

[Brutuskend]

Originally posted by: BoldAsLove
I work at a bike shop, and would highly advise getting some shorts and a jersey. Jerseys are a lot lighter and allow for a more comfortable fit with maximum cooling. Shorts will prevent chafing as HomeBrwerDude said as they have a chamois on the inside. They will also free up your legs (pants can get caught in the chain). The $100 you will spend for both combined will be well worth it.

Yup, and you can ALWAYS wear other shorts OVER the Lycra so people won't think your a poser.

 

[JRock]

Originally posted by: Brutuskend

Originally posted by: BoldAsLove
I work at a bike shop, and would highly advise getting some shorts and a jersey. Jerseys are a lot lighter and allow for a more comfortable fit with maximum cooling. Shorts will prevent chafing as HomeBrwerDude said as they have a chamois on the inside. They will also free up your legs (pants can get caught in the chain). The $100 you will spend for both combined will be well worth it.

Yup, and you can ALWAYS wear other shorts OVER the Lycra so people won't think your a poser.

That's what I do for training then come race day I just wear the bike shorts.

 

[mercanucaribe]

Road biking is so unpleasant.

 

[JRock]

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
Road biking is so unpleasant.

It's actually very relaxing... once you get a good cadence going you can ride for hours...

 

[TheKub]

Originally posted by: pontifex
i never heard him complain about it.

But I'm sure those around him after the trip had something to complain about!

 

[Rapidskies]

I just use voler bike shorts: www.voler.com and wear shorts over them with a regular t-shirt. A pair is about $50 or so shipped.

 

[KMc]

It's all about convenience and comfort. You can ride in whatever you want and still get the exercise benefit of cycling. If it doesn't bother you when you ride, don't feel obligated to spend money for no benefit.

Cycling shorts will make longer rides and daily riding much more comfortable because of the additional padding for your sit bones and to reduce chafing in your nether regions.

Cotton shirts are fine, but they absorb sweat and take time to dry out. Cycling-specific jerseys are cut to be more comfortable in a riding position (zipper front for ventilation, longer tails, pockets in back, etc.) and are made of synthetic fabrics that are lightweight, moisture wicking and fast drying.

Cycling shoes are designed to have no flex in the sole so that all the energy your foot puts into it gets to the pedal. It also eliminates pressure points on your foot from the pedal that can result in toe numbness and hot spots.

Being attached to your pedals is all about pedaling efficiency. This way, when you pedal, in addition to pushing down with one foot during the power stroke, you can also pull up with the other foot. This is the key to developing a nice efficient spin. Clipless pedals are just a way of making it easier to get in/out of the pedal vs. the old toe clip/strap days.

Hope this helps.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Getting shorts is a must in my opinion. I got my first pair a few weeks ago and I thought it wasn't going to feel that much better but boy was I wrong. I did a 45 mile ride in sport shorts, and then the next week I did 45 miles in bike shorts and damn, you barely feel like you are even sitting your butt on anything! I don't have a jersey yet cause I am fine with a shirt for now and don't want to spend the money. I do have shoes tho, and those are a huge huge help. Going up hills and really trying to pick up speed is much easier on clipless pedals because you can pull up as you push down, you also just feel a lot more in sync with it all.

Have fun riding.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: FleshLight
Do I really need the cycling pants and shorts? Or can I get away with a lighter breatheable shirt and regular gym shorts? I'll just be using the bike for exercise for about 45 minutes each ride.

I would...and do. Cycling shorts are padded and fit snugly so they don't chaff and a jersey is cut longer in the back to keep from riding up and exposing skin when you're hunched over the handlebars. Jerseys also have pockets in the back that are great for stowing arm warmers, gel shots, clif bars and/or keys/cellphone/ID. Plus, cycling clothing dries quickly and wicks moisture away from the skin.

I have a few pairs of bib shorts from Voler.com and that's what I usually wear for weekend rides/commuting. They have decent prices and their stuff is decent quality. Sure there is better stuff but you'll pay more for it.