recommendations for cycling gear

[slippergirl]

Hi. Seeking advice re cycling clothing from experienced cycling mumsnetters. I am a relatively new commuting cyclist (about 10 miles 3 times a week - 5 miles each way). Up until now, I have been wearing a cheap pair of non-padded winter cycling trousers. However with summer coming, am wondering the merits of investing in some proper cycling shorts / 3/4 length tights / baggy shorts as opposed to just using my shorts from Fat Face. Are proper cycling shorts / tights really worth the extra investment for a commuting cyclist and if so, what makes do you recommend - have been looking at Pearl Izui Sugar Knickers but saw some bad reviews from a couple of years ago. Thanks for any advice!

Get the shorts! I'm out of date with the brands now - haven't cycled for a few years but well remember the difference that proper padded womens cycle shorts made to the whole commuting and mountain biking experience. I used to rate Cannondale for womens stuff.

Have a look on wiggle.com (or co.uk, can't recall) - they have good stock.

I used to prefer 3/4 length myself, but that's just me - I also prefer that length for running tights.

The benefit of proper cycling shorts for me is the added padding for comfort, but I commute 12 miles a day (6 miles each way) and usually just wear tracky bums or shorts in the summer, I keep the cycling shorts for long cycle rides, especially as you wear them without underwear so would have to wash them daily or invest in quite a few!

You can get cycling underwear to wear under normal shorts, that might be a better option?

I have padded cycling shorts for long distance - wouldn't go without them! Go to a good cycling shop and see what they've got and try on to see what you like (and then buy online!). Def get ones designed for women (rather than blokes) as the padding is different. They're also higher at the back than normal shorts so when you lean forward to the handle bars, there's no risk of builders bum! You can also get padded lycra shorts with a baggy short or skirt bit that goes over the top which look nice if you have to walk from the cycle rack through the office to get to your desk.

Actually it might be a better investment to get a good comfy saddle and maybe even a saddle pad for the amount of cycling you're doing.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. Have a gel filled seat which is pretty comfortable and a far from boney bottom so maybe don't need any more padding!! Have seen the skirts, Marscarpone, and do like them but at the age of 41 wonder if I may be a bit past it!