- This topic has 130 replies, 76 voices, and was last updated 12 years ago by juan.
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Why do people wear lycra shorts?
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mrmoFree Member
so you want to try a kilometre Lance in baggies then?
or maybe dirt is more your style.
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4_xlFtcPLk[/video]
njee20Free MemberCan’t remember the last muddy field I rode around strangely.
You really can’t argue that Lycra is more aerodynamic. As I said in my first post that’s the one fact around Lycra/baggies. But then you have to argue with everything because you’re just so awesome, and ‘hilarious’, well done 🙄
Changing braking style etc may make more difference, but all things being equal you WILL go faster in Lycra, how on earth can you argue against it? Very basic aerodynamics. Do you think we’ll see F1 cars with random appendages because their cornering skill makes more difference. What do you think wind tunnels are for? Hilarious jowel flapping antics?!
Maybe if you wore Lycra you’d be able to manage more than 1000ft of climbing per hour, surprised your boast wasn’t more impressive. Presumably you did ride it all one handed on your back wheel. And rode some 50ft drops while you were at it!?
MidlandTrailquestsGrahamFree Memberseems like most of lycra wearer are only capable to ride their bike around a muddy field for a couple of hours
juanFree MemberYou really can’t argue that Lycra is more aerodynamic.
No I can’t, however it’s funny how you cling on that. Although I am nowhere as good as you (I mean if you can feel the difference you’re too awesome for me) it make no difference to me. Plus looks to me that a lot of people have the wrong assumption about baggies “dry slower”, flap around etc etc.
Maybe you should try a baggy/short that has been properly designed for cycling? Chamois take ages to dry. I may only make 1000 ft of ascent per hours (actually “rando” like it’s more 600 m look like someone need to work is math a bit better) but you know what I am not bothered. Once again I’d like to know where do you fit map + bars + sandwiches + pump + spare tube + mutli tool + spare mech hanger + jacket + fleece and 3 litre of water in your lycra and your 3 back pocket.donsimonFree MemberWhy do people feel that they have to a)justify what they wear and b) criticise what others wear?
MidlandTrailquestsGrahamFree MemberBecause it’s the internet and they’re anonymous and they know that if they did it in real life everyone would laugh at them.
mrmoFree MemberNo I can’t, however it’s funny how you cling on that. Although I am nowhere as good as you (I mean if you can feel the difference you’re too awesome for me) it make no difference to me. Plus looks to me that a lot of people have the wrong assumption about baggies “dry slower”, flap around etc etc.
Are you saying that a Baggy short will not flap around more that skin tight clothing?
Maybe you should try a baggy/short that has been properly designed for cycling? Chamois take ages to dry.
As for the Chamois taking longer to dry? longer than what? like most things different products dry at different rates.
I may only make 1000 ft of ascent per hours (actually “rando” like it’s more 600 m look like someone need to work is math a bit better) but you know what I am not bothered. Once again I’d like to know where do you fit map + bars + sandwiches + pump + spare tube + mutli tool + spare mech hanger + jacket + fleece and 3 litre of water in your lycra and your 3 back pocket.
and for what your describing carry a camelbak throw in the bits and pieces. If i am going out for the day fine, still wear lycra shorts because i find it more comfortable.
for info 1000ft is around 300m.
nick1962Free Membermrmo
Somewhat ermm “interesting” shorts sported by Eric Barone in that 2nd vid as he climbs the mountain.Makes even Lycra look modest 😯juanFree MemberAre you saying that a Baggy short will not flap around more that skin tight clothing?
Nope I am saying I never encounter the problem. Chamois, dry slower than just a pair of sport pants and a pair of cycling shorts. To be fair you can wear whatever you want, just don’t assume I don’t wear what you wear just over fashion. Have a look at the urge videos and tell me what all these pro are wearing for a whole day on the bike.
RealManFree MemberCBA to read all replies but
doesnt make you go faster
Yes it does.
And because it makes me look fabulous 😉
13thfloormonkFull MemberRandom contributions that everyone will probably ignore but I’ll feel better for typing:
I tried the ‘freeride’ look. Big freeride Shimano MP66 shoes (the stormtrooper ones) and baggies. Hot and uncomfortable was the abiding memory.
For ‘really’ riding singletrack, i.e. not slowing down as soon as it gets flat or uphill, non flappy, non snaggy, non extra-useless-weighty lycra wins hands down. In the wet/mud, even more so.
People who don’t understand it or think its stupid maybe just started the sport too late, I started when lycra was the norm so it was much more obvious to me when I started wearing baggies that they were basically dumb.
Juan: lycra does not automatically mean bibs. And even if it does, peeing is easy just looks funny, and pooing? Who seriously stops mid-ride for a poo?! (anyone suffering a medical condition excepted).
I couldn’t imagine riding with things in my pockets, surely every pedal stroke they swing around and bang against your leg? Would drive me mad after 5 minutes…
juanFree MemberWho seriously stops mid-ride for a poo?!
It happened to me a couple of time.
When I started lycra was the norm too, I still have a few bib in my wardrobe each time i try then I found them to be so uncomfy.
Any bagyy design to ride will have the pocket put in such way that the map or the bars inside won’t drive you mad._tom_Free MemberBaggies are annoying to ride in if you have heavy stuff in the pockets. I tried a few days where I carried a tube, levers and other tools in the pockets and it was too annoying (and kept pulling my shorts down).
donsimonFree MemberAnd because it makes me look fabulous
But from that photo RealMan, lycra is baggy.
njee20Free MemberNo I can’t, however it’s funny how you cling on that. Although I am nowhere as good as you (I mean if you can feel the difference you’re too awesome for me) it make no difference to me.
You did though you moron, that was the point. My sole contribution in my first post (and I’ve not said much else since except in answer to direct comments) was that the OP said Lycra is no faster and that is not true. You disputed that. You’re wrong. If I were carrying all the items you list I would far rather have them in a bag. As I said somewhere I’ve worn overshorts with pockets and would never use them.
I have not passed comment on what others wear, as I said, I just pointed out the OPs error. And your maths is wrong.
atlazFree MemberAny bagyy design to ride will have the pocket put in such way that the map or the bars inside won’t drive you mad.
Rubbish. I have several pairs of baggies designed for cycling and when I ride anywhere with stuff in my pockets it’s as annoying as hell. How could it not be with something bouncing around on your legs or next to them. Unless you happen to have skin-tight baggies… you know… like lycra. Anyway Camelbak or jersey pockets for me.
ElfinsafetyFree MemberWunundred! 😀
Got to be really though in’t it?
Loving the argument between Juan and Njee20. You pair of Silly Billies! 😆
Having rided with the both of you, I’d say Juan is yer freeridey jumpy expert with skilz dem, while Njee20 is a fast whippety bugger. Both evenly matched in terms of individual ability I’d say though. Njee20 loses points for resorting to personal abuse though I’m sorry. 😐
As for what you wear; up to you, innit? I worse lycra shorts (yes it’s true) for a 50-mile road ride through some bumpy stuff in North Wales the other day, and for that sort of thing, lycra shorts are more comfy. But I wore baggy shorts on the London to Brighton Offroader Wunundred a couple of months ago. With all kinds of paraphernalia in me pokkits. 🙂
As for aerodynamics; only ever going to come into play over speeds of 30mph, surely? Can’t see there being any advantage for bimbling around in’t woods or oop on’t moors or at a trail centre really.
druidhFree MemberLet me get this right, falling off your bike wearing lycra will be worse than falling wearing baggies with pockets full of keys and multitool?
njee20Free MemberI lose points for a light hearted insult?! That saddens me 🙂
Aerodynamics will come into affect at any speed, but yes you’re quite right that it’ll be far more noticeable at higher speeds.
Druidh raises an excellent point!
headfirstFree MemberA late joiner to this thread, but have I misunderstood or do some people intentionally[/i] go on bike rides of any description (road, mtb etc) without having a chamois pad between them and their saddle?
Jesus, they must have nether regions resembling the soles of Gandhi’s feet. Callouses on your perineum (sp?) or nut-sack can never be good.
pypdjlFree Memberwith pockets full of keys and multitool?
No worse than falling on jersey pockets, you want to put your stuff in a nice, safe camelbak.
13thfloormonkFull MemberNo worse than falling on jersey pockets
…which are in the small of your back. I’ve landed on my back occasionally, but not nearly as often as on my side/hips/legs, where pockets generally are.
Anyway, I understand why people would want to wear baggies, 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.
druidhFree MemberThose demanding an additional level of abrasion resistance should consider the Endura MT500
juanFree MemberI 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?
ElfinsafetyFree MemberAerodynamics 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.
13thfloormonkFull MemberPlease why, no really why?
Sorry, was I being a bit too rational on an otherwise totally pointless thread?
molgripsFree MemberI 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.
rainbowFree Member@kimbers, why not ask them? next time you spot them wearing lycra shorts, just ask!
BigDummyFree MemberI’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. 😉
KINGTUTFree MemberLolz @ stupid sexy Flanders.
Happy birthday for tomorrow Jon.
njee20Free MemberThere 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 🙂
ElfinsafetyFree MemberTell 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.
njee20Free MemberTell 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 🙂
ElfinsafetyFree MemberNo they don’t. I beat loads of people who were wearing Lycra.
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