Are riding shorts totally necessary for going long distances on a bike?

S

samhandwich22

New member
I love riding my bike and Im slowly working up to longer distances. I can comfortably do 15 miles now without a break. One of the best things I like about riding my bike is that by working up to long distances, I can substitute this for use of a car. I will soon be riding to and from work everyday.
However, it seems that expert riders all wear those stupid looking shorts and other athletic gear on on a bike. I like being able to just go to and from places without having to change clothing. Yet it seems since I am increasing my distance, at some point these riding shorts will become necessary. Using my bike in a practical manner for everyday purposes is ruined if I have to carry around special clothing along with my casual or workday clothing. For this same reason I refuse to get a bike that requires clipped shoes; having to carry around an extra pair of shoes all day is annoying.

Whats the alternative to needing riding shorts and other accessories when riding long distances? Cant I just get a really comfortable gel seat? By the way, I am moving to Portland, OR, where the climate is nice for bike riding year round and I wont have to worry about too much heat and sweating in my regular clothes that I wear while riding.
 
I would invest in a comfortable seat for sure but as for shorts, it's a personal preference. Your butt will eventually get used to the distances that you ride, it will just take some time. My husband and I rode in a 150 mile 2 day ride and the padded pants were really worth it but for every day rides, I don't think they are necessary. Find shorts that won't chafe and shoes that have good air flow and you should be set.
And if you do go on a really long ride and you are willing to wear padded shorts, just wear loose ones over the top so you don't feel so dorky:) That's what my husband did.
 
nope, their not absolutely necessary, you sound like your getting to be a pretty passionate rider though so I would recommend them. They have vents for when you get really hot and pads in the crotch area for comfort.
 
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