For the ladies.....

No underwear under bike shorts: for men or women.  Bike shorts are meant to be worn against your skin with no bunching or seams between you and the shorts. 

x2. It is much more comfortable anyway.

Thanks for the replies.  Now I know.

This.  And be sure your bike shorts fit properly.  Loose material either from being too big or from not being situated correctly (not pulled up right) can quickly cause chafing and ouchies!

I hear ya, I shave same day as I ride. Here's a tip I heard: strippers use deodorant after they shave to prevent bumps, irritation, ingrown hairs...

See, now I feel all ignorant, because I have always worn undies under my bike shorts.  Never saw any literature on the shorts, ie the tag, indicating any different.  I don't have a problem with bunching, but I'm guessing it could depend on the style of your underwear.

Gah!  I keep thinking about it, and I still can't imagine wearing them commando.  I do like having the option of wearing them twice before washing (I only have one good pair for long rides), and that would go out the window without an extra layer in there.

Maybe after I have a full year of cycling under my belt I'll feel differently, but I just did an Olympic last month.  Never crossed my mind to not be wearing something underneath. 

I will try it with first, as I'd prefer to wear them. I'm the one that would get a tear in the shorts when not wearing underpants. If there's discomfort, then I guess try without. Glad to hear that you've done well with them on.

Glad this subject was posted because I was about to do post similar myself. I got a road bike yesterday (after years of an MTB) and did my first ride (home from the store about 90 minutes).

Boy was I sore even though I wore my cycling shorts without underwear and used cream. Had a few raw spots and am wondering what I can do to avoid this or if it gets better as I get used to the saddle.

absolutely no undies - as others have said the design is to have the chamois next to your skin whether male or female or something in between.

I lasered most of the hair away as I got more into riding and just use a trimmer for the rest - has been WAY more comfy and allows the chamois cream to get into all the nooks and crannies - be generous using!!!!

Personally I like hoo ha ride glide - buy it just to read the package you will be rotfl.

to those wearing underwear with their bike shorts or tri shorts you must be made of tougher skin than me!

Body glide the seams of the shorts....

I know from experience...

And just because I was curious...  Hoo ha ride glide label

ooh the package is way better than what you see there.

Time out--you did an Olympic triathlon while wearing underwear under cycling shorts?  Wow, I just can't imagine how that would be at all comfortable.