I'm off on a jaunt in June which will require at least a 100 miles a day for nine days. It's mainly off road and I'll be on a mountain bike. I don't like wearing padded shorts and haven't worn them for about 15 years. Any recommendations for shorts that may suit. It's likely to be hot weather, so lightweight would be good.

Cheers Mac.

A bit biased, (ref signature) but for hot temps these shorts 4 way stretch are very breathable
https://crofto.com.au/collections/shorts

You'll need a layer underneath for 7 months of winter here in the UK

Thanks John.

Oh, just noticed the discount code. Might as well get a couple of pairs regardless.

Used these for a few years and been impressed

Slim fit mind…

https://www.Crikey, how much.cc/gb/en/product/AWI0 ... AWI01XXAPA


Edit - too late!

voodoo_simon wrote: ↑Mon Apr 14, 2025 9:33 pm Used these for a few years and been impressed

Slim fit mind…

https://www.Crikey, how much.cc/gb/en/product/AWI01XXAPA/AWI01XXAPA


Edit - too late!

Thanks,

Which model are they? The link won't work due to the subtle alteration I expect.

I wear Bam bamboo boxers under baggy shorts - works very well and easy to wash and dry if need be.

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Mon Apr 14, 2025 10:14 pm I wear Bam bamboo boxers under baggy shorts - works very well and easy to wash and dry if need be.

Thanks, that's what I do. I was wondering if there were baggy shorts that were good for repeated long days due to seam position and the like.

43 years cycling......... never worn padded cycling shorts.
my current fave set up for distance riding is primark cotton trunk underpants, which are longish in the leg bit, mated with some Altura all road gravel shorts. which are light, stretchy and not too baggy.https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Altura-All-Roa ... bEQAvD_BwE

ton wrote: ↑Mon Apr 14, 2025 10:37 pm 43 years cycling......... never worn padded cycling shorts.
my current fave set up for distance riding is primark cotton trunk underpants, which are longish in the leg bit, mated with some Altura all road gravel shorts. which are light, stretchy and not too baggy.https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Altura-All-Roa ... bEQAvD_BwE

Thanks Tony,

I'll have a look.

Similarly, I often wear some Endura gravel shorts. Very lightweight, neither tight nor baggy and have been comfortable. They are designed to go over bib shorts but I just wear normal boxers.

I wear them as day to day shorts in summer. They have pockets and vents and things like that and dry very quickly.

https://www.balfesbikes.co.uk/clothing/ ... een__16696

macinblack wrote: ↑Mon Apr 14, 2025 10:03 pm

voodoo_simon wrote: ↑Mon Apr 14, 2025 9:33 pm Used these for a few years and been impressed

Slim fit mind…

https://www.Crikey, how much.cc/gb/en/product/AWI01XXAPA/AWI01XXAPA


Edit - too late!

Thanks,

Which model are they? The link won't work due to the subtle alteration I expect.

Trail lightweight, very good side pocket. Can put my phone in it and not feel it at all whilst riding (although don’t crash!!)

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-rob ... ed%20black
These are good. I have several pairs

macinblack wrote: ↑Mon Apr 14, 2025 10:19 pm

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Mon Apr 14, 2025 10:14 pm I wear Bam bamboo boxers under baggy shorts - works very well and easy to wash and dry if need be.

Thanks, that's what I do. I was wondering if there were baggy shorts that were good for repeated long days due to seam position and the like.

I've been fine with Endura humvee shorts and longs, inc for a couple of BB300's and the HT550

Thanks everyone.

fwiw I'd avoid bamboo/rayon or merino undershorts, they hold moisure longer than polyester and that can be a main cause of multi-day saddle discomfort (it's why I don't lke padded shorts either). ime polyester boxers are the way to go. Slim fit bike baggies over the top and take a small pot of chammy cream.

I like to slather on the sudocream!

Interested to find some discussions online about plastics absorption through the skin (partic. while sweating) after looking up some material properties, checking rayon's water absorption rates etc. A bit OT but if you were going to have any take up of anything from plastics .. polyester boxers or a synthetic chammy while cycling must be a strong contender.