First question, why did you go off
riding in the horrible big padded monkey bum pants that most cycling shorts are like.
Were they causing issues, is it a style thing (under baggies, who sees them) etc? Just a case of not having found the right pad yet?
The vast majority of distance cyclists whether pro or recreational use shorts with a pad – but I make that distinction because it’s not for padding, it’s for them being seamless and wicking and whatever. I know we’d also argue that millions of Dutch mums and schoolkids don’t kit up specifically and ride bikes every day but that’s why I draw the distinction between ‘sport cycling’ and doing 3km to school.
After that – I guess it’s just a case of going to a shop and looking at a few pairs. In STW style of recommend what you have I get on well with Sundried and also some PX/Carnac ones but they are both bibshorts (don’t rule them out, they do hold a pad in place better) and neither would I say were minimal, but that is personal taste, neither do I find them over padded.
Also – you say 3/4 by preference – harder to find, don’t rule out normal length lycra shorts and a pair of knee warmers – some stuff roadies just get right.