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Cycling shorts...for cycling in

11 replies

madeinmanc · 03/09/2023 09:04

I normally cycle in leggings but thought I'd try out cycling shorts, so I tried out the everyday ones I had already (I'm a bit low on money atm). They are cut slightly shorter on the leg than the more common" just above the knee" ones, which I thought looked more flattering. I normally wear this pair under skirts so being a bit shorter in length was good because it means they don't stick out.

Anyway, I tried them and found that for cycling they started to roll up my leg and I had to keep adjusting them. I suppose they're more fashion shorts than sporty, and that's why? It's that thinner kind of material that doesn't hold in the body as much.

I was wondering if anyone can recommend proper cycling shorts with the thicker material that won't roll up, but that are not full knee length? Or is that just not going to work? I'm only cycling casually, I'm not a road cyclist or anything. And I prefer them to not have a pad. Thanks.

OP posts:
MrsAvocet · 03/09/2023 09:17

I don't think you'll find proper cycling shorts without a pad as really a pad is what makes proper cycling shorts proper! You're looking for gym or yoga shorts really I guess. I wouldn't cycle without a pad myself, and I don't like waist shorts for cycling, I always wear bibs so am not sure what would be best but these come in a variety of lengths and look qiite thick.
https://www.sweatybetty.com/shop/bottoms/shorts-skorts/power-6%22-cycling-shorts-SB4822P_Black_6Inseam.html

Power 6" Cycling Shorts- black | Women's Shorts + Skorts | www.sweatybetty.com

High performance biker shorts for every workout. Sweat-wicking and quick drying with bum-sculpting technology. Side pocket and zip back pocket. Adjustable drawcord for the perfect fit. Non padded shorts. Inseam length size S: 23cm / 9". Model wears siz...

https://www.sweatybetty.com/shop/bottoms/shorts-skorts/power-6%22-cycling-shorts-SB4822P_Black_6Inseam.html

madeinmanc · 03/09/2023 09:25

I don't mind the pad but I'm more cycling to get somewhere so I don't want to walk around in them when I get to my destination. I'm usually only cycling for an hour or so so it's not sore.

Thanks, those do look like they might hold up to cycling better. Shame about the price, I'll look for used ones.

OP posts:
bingohandjob · 03/09/2023 11:20

Might be worth looking at places such as Vulpine, Wiggle and Velovixen?

Quella · 04/09/2023 07:08

Rapha do commuter cycling shorts that should fit the bill as are made specifically for what you want.
I do have lots of other Rapha kit for Road/MTB cycling and do recommend it.
The navy ones are on sale at £30 (black full price at £50)

www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/womens-all-day-shorts/product/WSO02XXBDM

faffadoodledo · 04/09/2023 07:34

Proper cycling shorts with a pad. Accept no alternative. Also (and this is a revelation I have only recently come to) wear them without knickers! Yep. The knickers seem to interact and cause internal friction between themselves and the shorts.
Sizewise I find the Japanese brands are tiny - I come up an extra large in one (can't remember its name) when for comparison I'm a medium in Sweaty Betty for example. Lots of variation in size between brands so I'd recommend finding a good local bike shop (I'm lucky, I live near one).

lljkk · 04/09/2023 07:51

What you're calling "cycle shorts" are just lycra shorts. If very short then they do roll up your leg. Lycra shorts may also be ill-suited to cycling because they don't have the grippy seam at leg end to stop them rolling up your leg, as you found out.

You could bring some lycra shorts to wear in a bag, change when you get there, for walking around, put the actual cycle shorts in bag.

I've worn longer lycra shorts for years under skirts, for cycling in.

ChilliPB · 04/09/2023 10:11

I also cycle to get around so I understand that you don’t want a pad - how about putting sock stop around the bottom of your existing shorts to get them to hold? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sock-Stop-100-ml-Grey/dp/B007QNJXPM/ref=asc_df_B007QNJXPM/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=255964520112&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16146157830776154031&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046885&hvtargid=pla-391078441879&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

bingohandjob · 09/09/2023 16:55

faffadoodledo · 04/09/2023 07:34

Proper cycling shorts with a pad. Accept no alternative. Also (and this is a revelation I have only recently come to) wear them without knickers! Yep. The knickers seem to interact and cause internal friction between themselves and the shorts.
Sizewise I find the Japanese brands are tiny - I come up an extra large in one (can't remember its name) when for comparison I'm a medium in Sweaty Betty for example. Lots of variation in size between brands so I'd recommend finding a good local bike shop (I'm lucky, I live near one).

Definitely this if you go for padded - no knickers! So much more comfortable. In a similar vein, I learnt that wider padded bike seats/gel covers aren't that comfortable, either - my husband encouraged me to try a much narrower seat (no padding) and it was so much more comfortable cycling on with padded shorts.

DuchessOfSausage · 09/09/2023 17:22

Look for gym shorts that look like cycling shorts but without the pad. They should have some grippy stuff on near the hems. Try decathlon or M&S sports range

DuchessOfSausage · 09/09/2023 18:24

Go Balance High Waisted Yoga Shorts | Goodmove | M&S (marksandspencer.com)

It doesn't say that they have the grippy strip in them but the reviews look ok.

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