is lycra really necessary
Discussion
i've already started a topic to seek advice on a new mountain bike. i'm no expert and i haven't ridden a bike for quite a few years.
so if i get a new bike soon i'll probably need some gear - is there anything wrong with a t-shirt and a normal pair of shorts? the vast majority of cyclists i see are all lycra'd up and it's pretty upsetting on the eyeballs (unless they're hot women, which i'm not)...
also - why specialised cycling shoes? - what's the advantage over trainers? bearing in mind i'm not an expert..
so if i get a new bike soon i'll probably need some gear - is there anything wrong with a t-shirt and a normal pair of shorts? the vast majority of cyclists i see are all lycra'd up and it's pretty upsetting on the eyeballs (unless they're hot women, which i'm not)...
also - why specialised cycling shoes? - what's the advantage over trainers? bearing in mind i'm not an expert..
2seas said:
i haven't ridden a bike for quite a few years....
...is there anything wrong with a t-shirt and a normal pair of shorts?
Plain and simple your arse needs padding, especially if you've not been near a bike in years...is there anything wrong with a t-shirt and a normal pair of shorts?
2seas said:
also - why specialised cycling shoes? - what's the advantage over trainers?
Dedicated cycling shoes will have stiffer soles which helps with transforming the energy from your pedalling into forwards momentum. They are much more efficient. If you don't want clipless pedals then stick to riding in trainers, it's entirely up to you.Dedicated shoes will also have proper ventilation for keeping your feet cool on hot days as well.
Edited by itsnotarace on Wednesday 12th May 16:18
Mountain bike clothing tends to be on the baggy side whereas road clothing tends to be lycra based. Obviously there's exceptions on both sides, plenty MTB riders will wear lycra and I'm sure loads of people go out on their road bikes in baggier clothing.
I wear baggier stuff no matter what I'm doing, I just don't like the tight stuff and I'm not racing anyone so don't need that extra couple percent efficiency in the aerodynamics department.
A decent pair of undershorts is probably a good idea if you're not going to be wearing tight stuff. Some cycling specific ones with padding in the right places can make a long ride more comfortable and enjoyable.
I've never really tried cycling specific shoes although if you are planning on running SPDs or similar then they are the only option. I use flat pedals with sort of skate style shoes as the thick soft sole lets the pins on the pedal get a good grip, and they are nice and supportive around the ankle too.
It's up to you though, there's no rules on what you have to wear when you go for a ride. The only really important thing to have on is a helmet and probably a decent pair of cycling gloves too.
Just put something on that you don't mind getting dirty, go find some mud and have fun. That's the important thing!
I wear baggier stuff no matter what I'm doing, I just don't like the tight stuff and I'm not racing anyone so don't need that extra couple percent efficiency in the aerodynamics department.
A decent pair of undershorts is probably a good idea if you're not going to be wearing tight stuff. Some cycling specific ones with padding in the right places can make a long ride more comfortable and enjoyable.
I've never really tried cycling specific shoes although if you are planning on running SPDs or similar then they are the only option. I use flat pedals with sort of skate style shoes as the thick soft sole lets the pins on the pedal get a good grip, and they are nice and supportive around the ankle too.
It's up to you though, there's no rules on what you have to wear when you go for a ride. The only really important thing to have on is a helmet and probably a decent pair of cycling gloves too.
Just put something on that you don't mind getting dirty, go find some mud and have fun. That's the important thing!
On a mountain bike, unless you are doing XC races it really is not needed. "Technical" clothing is a good idea though. A normal cotton T-shirt will be soaking in sweat in minutes and will not dry out so I'd recommend a proper jersey (baggy free-ride style) and some padded underpants (I have Endura ones that you just put over the top of your normal pants). I also got some Endura Zyme baggy shorts and they are great. If you don't want clipless shoes it might still be worth splashing out on some MTB specific shoes, Five Ten do a pretty good range.
'lycra' cycle jerseys tend to be longer on the back with an elastic hem so they don't ride up when you're leaning forwards as you do on a road bike. On a Mountain bike, you have a more upright position so it's not such an issue. They also have nifty pockets on the rear. The materials tend to not absorb the sweat like cotton t shirts.
The sexy tight shorts are mainly about speed, some have padding for your arse. You can get baggy shorts with arse padding or even padded undies to wear with normal shorts.
People wear all sorts on a bike. Generally you spend a fortune getting all the gear and on your first outing some old duffer overtakes you in a tweed suit and cycle clips on his legs.
The sexy tight shorts are mainly about speed, some have padding for your arse. You can get baggy shorts with arse padding or even padded undies to wear with normal shorts.
People wear all sorts on a bike. Generally you spend a fortune getting all the gear and on your first outing some old duffer overtakes you in a tweed suit and cycle clips on his legs.
Endura make tight lycra, padded cycling shorts that clip into a set of cool baggies. You get the best of both. You dont have to be a lycra loon but your cycling shorts are in the correct position to pad you delicates.
specific cycling shoues tend to be for SPD pedals. If you are not using SPd's the some "skater" trainers are good. Make sure the laces are kept out of the way.
For MTB's lycra is not essential (thank goodness)
specific cycling shoues tend to be for SPD pedals. If you are not using SPd's the some "skater" trainers are good. Make sure the laces are kept out of the way.
For MTB's lycra is not essential (thank goodness)
some good points i hadn't thought off:
- lycra shorts are tight to keep the ass padding in place
- the tops are tight to stop 'riding up'
i think i like the normal shorts over the lycra ones idea. not sure about how necessary specialised shoes would be for me - i think trainers would do the job.
there seems to be a consensus that £300 isn't much of a budget so what amount should I be looking at for something mid range? as has already been pointed out i don't know enough to buy stuff on ebay - besides i want something shiny new...
- lycra shorts are tight to keep the ass padding in place
- the tops are tight to stop 'riding up'
i think i like the normal shorts over the lycra ones idea. not sure about how necessary specialised shoes would be for me - i think trainers would do the job.
there seems to be a consensus that £300 isn't much of a budget so what amount should I be looking at for something mid range? as has already been pointed out i don't know enough to buy stuff on ebay - besides i want something shiny new...
Edited by 2seas on Thursday 13th May 10:09
Gooby said:
Endura make tight lycra, padded cycling shorts that clip into a set of cool baggies. You get the best of both. You dont have to be a lycra loon but your cycling shorts are in the correct position to pad you delicates.
specific cycling shoues tend to be for SPD pedals. If you are not using SPd's the some "skater" trainers are good. Make sure the laces are kept out of the way.
For MTB's lycra is not essential (thank goodness)
I have a pairspecific cycling shoues tend to be for SPD pedals. If you are not using SPd's the some "skater" trainers are good. Make sure the laces are kept out of the way.
For MTB's lycra is not essential (thank goodness)
http://www.endura.co.uk/Product.aspx?dept_id=112&a...
Tend not to wear the baggies over the top now it's getting warmer, too much drag
Cycle clothing in being most the most suitable clothing to wear whilst cycling shocker!
Yes if you are going to go any further than a pub then some arse padding is pretty much essential.
Cycle shorts keep everything under control, pad in correct place and don't ride up your leg / cover your arse when leant over.
Many MTB oriented shorts have baggy over shorts to look cool.
If your going to wear "normal" shorts make sure theres no heavy seams around the crotch or they will be uncomfortable. Jeams are expecially uncomfortable for cycling because of this.
Tops are cut to fit - a normal T shirt will be too short at the back as stated and expose your back when leant over on a serious bike. Also be made of decent technical "wicking" material.
If you you don't want to look silly then get mountain bike clothes. If you want max performance then lyrca is the way to go!
Yes if you are going to go any further than a pub then some arse padding is pretty much essential.
Cycle shorts keep everything under control, pad in correct place and don't ride up your leg / cover your arse when leant over.
Many MTB oriented shorts have baggy over shorts to look cool.
If your going to wear "normal" shorts make sure theres no heavy seams around the crotch or they will be uncomfortable. Jeams are expecially uncomfortable for cycling because of this.
Tops are cut to fit - a normal T shirt will be too short at the back as stated and expose your back when leant over on a serious bike. Also be made of decent technical "wicking" material.
If you you don't want to look silly then get mountain bike clothes. If you want max performance then lyrca is the way to go!
lycra is necessary if you spend a while on the bike and its really nice regardless of the weather. bib shorts are so much comfier than regular lycra shorts too doing away with the waistband and keeping them up, i wear them on the mtb and the road bike. some days on the trails are like a fashion show with everyone wearing their best "fox" or "animal" clothing trying not to get it too muddy...
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