dumb question fom a newbie

No.

You can end up with some severe chafing otherwise.

Correct

That's a negative ghost rider, commando all the way.

This is usually self-critiquing...

NO undies under the bike shorts!

Nothing but Body Glide (or other lube of choice)!

Never mind - apparently some people don't like it when more than one person posts "no" to a questions. But to expand, I would add to the list running shorts with liners - no need to wear underwear under those either. And I don't get why some people (esp. women, it seems) are self-conscious about going commando under them. That would cause chafing and bunching and certainly gross, sweaty drawers.

Edited by wurkit_gurl 2009-06-26 6:18 AM

Commando - and it's definitely not a dumb question.  I had no idea myself, and have tried to make it a point to tell other bike riding newbies.  Almost all of them didn't know either. 

Thank You all very much, it only took me 3 days to be brave enough to ask...

No need for modesty here. Someone has almost certainly experienced or wondered the same things you are. Workouts can have some gross side effects but they make you feel and look so good!

Do G-strings or thongs count as commando? (not that I have any experience but inquiring minds want to know...)

no.


Edited by lisac957 2009-06-26 5:30 PM

I do not think that anyone including myself would want to see me all 6' 2" and 240 lbs and losing in a thong !!  uuugggg

I have a question related to shorts as well... I notice a lot of triathletes wearing Tri suits, or Tri/Bike shorts and jerseys.  I understand the benefits for the swim and bike, but is there a real benefit to wearing these compression-style shorts/suits for the run (either the run portion of a Tri, or simply a running race)?  I assume that personal preference plays a role in this, but any pros/cons to the "compression" vs. "baggy" shorts argument would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

I'm a rookie too, but the main reason for not swapping out shorts is the fact that you can't strip down nekkid in the transition area - hence, "tri shorts" that can be worn for all 3 events without changing. I'm in the process of finding ones I like right now - for me, finding comfy (i.e. supportive!!!) tri shorts for running has been hit-or-miss. Recently, I've had good luck with DeSoto Forza's, and plan to stick with those. There are some other potential advantages to compression-type shorts (vs baggy), but I think that choice boils down to personal preference, race length & conditions, etc. The whole "don't be getting naked in transition" is the primary reason for going with tri shorts Cheers, Chris

I like wearing the trisuit during the race.  But I train in tri shorts & shirt.  It all comes down to personal preference.  While racing, I dont want to have to worry about my shirt riding up, ballooning like a parachute during the swim or whatever.  I like the way it feels like a second skin so I dont ever think about it.  During the run, I can unzip the top for airflow.

Thanks for the feedback so far.  What about for a running race (10k, 1/2 marathon, marathon, etc)?  I understand the benefits in a Triathlon, but what are your opinions on shorts to wear just for running?  Thanks again!

I just decided to get into tri's late this year/season - I don't plan to *really* start tri racing in earnest until next year, and doing a full IM is definitely my goal. But, for right now, I'm just in the process of slowly finding good tri gear that works for me. My long-standing plan for this year is a BQ at at upcoming fall marathon, so my focus this season remains primarily on running. I have started to do my training runs in tri gear now though (as an ex-USAF bubba, I still abide by the motto "Train like you fight!!"), and I plan to run my upcoming marathon in tri gear.Cheers, Chris