So are white lycra bib shorts out then? (sorry Nick)
Bike Forum
Why do people wear lycra shorts?
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Posted 8 months ago #
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Those demanding an additional level of abrasion resistance should consider the Endura MT500
Posted 8 months ago # -
is daft
Like this entire thread then!
Posted 8 months ago # -
I really do, but to doubt those wearing Lycra, which is a better choice for riding in every respect except modesty and (perhaps) abrasion resistance, is daft.
Please why, no really why?Posted 8 months ago # -
Aerodynamics will come into affect at any speed, but yes you're quite right that it'll be far more noticeable at higher speeds.
There will be no noticeable aerodynamic benefit below speeds of 30mph or so. You're talking tiny percentages of aero improvement, and quite frankly at the 'normal' speeds most mtbers travel at, loads of other things will have a far greater effect on speed/performance than aerodynamics; stuff like tyre rolling resistance, power to weight ratio, fitness, etc. A podgy MAMIL will not have any real advantage over someone in baggies, he'll just look more repulsive.
The most significant benefit of lycra type clothing is in keeping you cool/sweat wicking/drying, stuff like that really. If it feels comfier, than go for it.
A late joiner to this thread, but have I misunderstood or do some people intentionally go on bike rides of any description (road, mtb etc) without having a chamois pad between them and their saddle?
I mostly ride in just normal pants and unpadded shorts/trousers, without issue. TBH, I find such a combo cooler in hot weather, than wearing padded baggies. Only use padded shorts on really long rides, but done the odd inadvertent 50+ miler without padding. Might be a little 'tender' the next day, but nowt too serious. I'm very careful and fussy about saddle choice though, which is a point many people overlook, thinking it's the padding in shorts that helps. Big mistake.
Posted 8 months ago # -
Please why, no really why?
Sorry, was I being a bit too rational on an otherwise totally pointless thread?Posted 8 months ago # -
Posted 8 months ago # -
I wear lycra on the road bike, baggies on the mtb unless I'm racing.
My baggies are basically lycra shorts with a pair of normal (ish) shorts sewn on top. The normal shorts do NOTHING AT ALL except make me look a bit more casual on the MTB. So it's pure vanity, and anyone who argues otherwise is w r o n g.
I realise that the fact I wear baggies on the mtb is heavily influenced by what others wear. I wore lycra on the MTB for years after most people were wearing baggies.
Posted 8 months ago # -
@kimbers, why not ask them? next time you spot them wearing lycra shorts, just ask!
Posted 8 months ago # -
I've been riding a "Gravity Enduro" today. In the pissing wet. Because it was a "Gravity Enduro" I wore baggy shorts, although I couldn't stretch to a piss-pot and goggles, which are de rigeu in "Gravity Enduro" circles.
Anyway, it was quite wet. 3/4 length bib-tights, jersey, arm-warmer and a gilet would have been much comfier I think. But I wouldn't have looked very "Gravity Enduro", so it would've been stupid.
I'm 33 tomorrow, and I'm starting to develop a belly. Because I generally wear lycra this (a) is getting rather obvious and (b) will have to be dealt with.
I don't care what anybody wears. Unless they're doing a "Gravity Enduro", when I really need to see goggles and a pisspot.
Posted 8 months ago # -
Lolz @ stupid sexy Flanders.
Happy birthday for tomorrow Jon.
Posted 8 months ago # -
There will be no noticeable aerodynamic benefit below speeds of 30mph or so. You're talking tiny percentages of aero improvement, and quite frankly at the 'normal' speeds most mtbers travel at, loads of other things will have a far greater effect on speed/performance than aerodynamics; stuff like tyre rolling resistance, power to weight ratio, fitness, etc. A podgy MAMIL will not have any real advantage over someone in baggies, he'll just look more repulsive.There will be no noticeable aerodynamic benefit below speeds of 30mph or so. You're talking tiny percentages of aero improvement, and quite frankly at the 'normal' speeds most mtbers travel at, loads of other things will have a far greater effect on speed/performance than aerodynamics; stuff like tyre rolling resistance, power to weight ratio, fitness, etc. A podgy MAMIL will not have any real advantage over someone in baggies, he'll just look more repulsive.
Agreed, but my point was just that Lycra is faster. Agreed it is not noticeable on an MTB unless you're hooning down fireroads (how dull), but I didn't quantify it, just disputed the OP's point that Lycra is no faster. Which is wrong. It's not appreciably faster to the masses, but that's not the same! I suspect it's hundreds of a mile per hour quicker, but it is quicker
Posted 8 months ago # -
Tell you what; you do what no-one else has ever done, and do a study on how much faster Lycra is for MTBing, then come back with the results.
Lycra's 'better' for racing in I spose, but then; I'm a regular top ten finisher in international mountain bike races, and I wear baggies with normal pants underneath to race in.
S'all down to image really though in't it? Most of us don't want to look spoddy when we're out for a bimble, as we might need to stop at the pub without the locals jeering and pointing and laughing in a cruel and unkind manner.
One thing is true though; Lycra looks disgusting on 99% of STWers. Fact.
Posted 8 months ago # -
Tell you what; you do what no-one else has ever done, and do a study on how much faster Lycra is for MTBing, then come back with the results.
Be biased though as the quicker riders already wear Lycra
Posted 8 months ago # -
No they don't. I beat loads of people who were wearing Lycra.
Posted 8 months ago # -
Tell you what; you do what no-one else has ever done, and do a study on how much faster Lycra is for MTBing, then come back with the results
You don't set the toughest challenges. I did a proper academic study of the fastest riders in the world at the highest profile mountain bike event in the world and 100% of the riders on the podium at every single running of the event were wearing lycra.Posted 8 months ago # -
Yeah, but only cos it's comfier, faster drying/wicking and that, not cos of it's aerodynamic properties ffs!
But we're talking about 'normal' mtbers here, not mentalists. Most of us don't want to look like spods out on the trails, frightening sheep, dogs, children and old ladies.
Posted 8 months ago # -
Most of us don't want to look like spods out on the trails
So stay at home - problem solved. Do sheep, children and old ladies pay the least bit of attention to what you're wearing? More to the point, why are you so worried about what the sheep,children and old ladiesthink of you.Posted 8 months ago # -
Do sheep, children and old ladies pay the least bit of attention to what you're wearing?
Yes they do. And although I myself am well buff, I think others need to be responsible and considerate of others.
So stay at home
No you stay at home.
Posted 8 months ago # -
No you stay at home
But that won't solve the problem of you looking like a spod out on the trails Posted 8 months ago # -
I don't look like a spod on the trails though. Whatever I wear.
You do though.
Posted 8 months ago # -
Be biased though as the quicker riders already wear Lycra
Well the second wasn't, shame I can't remember what was the first wearing.Posted 8 months ago # -
Be biased though as the
quicker riderssocial inadequate wannabees already wear LycraFTFY
Posted 8 months ago # -
Are we supposed to just know what you're talking about?! Presumably the National Baggy Wearing Championships?
Posted 8 months ago # -
You two still at it?
Posted 8 months ago # -
You two still at it?
Yup it amuses mePosted 8 months ago #
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