Most people do wear the ride top, on the first day at least. Many will rinse the jersey and let it air dry for use the second day.
I recommend the padded shorts. Those who are self conscious about how they look in cycling shorts can opt for padded liner shorts.
I highly recommend gloves. Without gloves your palms will be constantly rubbing the grips. If you haven't been riding a lot you have a good chance of developing blisters if you don't wear gloves. I also find that gloves help grip in wet conditions.
The ride guides has a pretty good list on what you should have with you, and there have been a number of other posts on this topic. Check out http://theontarioridetoconquercancer.activeboard.com/index.spark?aBID=125686&p=3&topicID=35647772
Other considerations:
- personal medication - if you have special diet restrictions (eg gluten free) you may need to bring some of your own food.
Your question is a good one. First, yes you should get a paid or cycling shorts. The padding is called the chamois. Second, and maybe you know this, but cycling shorts are worn alone. No underwear. Third you should also buy what is known as Chamois butter. This is cream that you rub on yourself where it will contact the chamois.
Trust me, do these three things and it will make a world of difference.
For what it's worth - I'm a female if that makes any difference.
I've never heard of Chamois, actually. And no, I didn't actually know cycling shorts were worn "as is" :)
Right now I've just been riding in a t-shirt and yoga pants/capris. I'd say my seat is actually pretty comfortable. Can I pick up these cycling shorts from like Sport Chek, or where should I go? (Toronto)
Silverfox - what do you mean "Padded liner shorts". Isn't that... essentially just padded shorts with wearing something longer overtop?
Your gender does not (i believe) make a difference to my advise. Eliminating the layer eliminates chaffing. The butter or lube helps everyone as well.
I don't think sports check will have them but any bike store will. You could check the list of "outfitters" on this site to find a bike store that supports the ride; or if you work or live downtown Mountail Equipment Coop has a good reasonably priced selection.
Yeah - my first ride three years ago I was adament that I was not going commando. I was new to riding and could not believe that sans underwear was the norm!
Well that did not last long. I was fine for smaller rides and then one longer ride I was uncomfortable. The seams in your underwear can rub - even sports or seemless underwear. And let me tell you - you do not want anything to rub. Don't forget you have to get back on the bike Sunday morning andd anything is going to hurt twice as much. Also, your underwear moves around with that much continuous cycling...and ends up places you do not actually want it!!! Ha
I wear the padded bike shorts and use chamois butter and have never looked back.
Not sure where you are in Toronto but Velotique on Queen Street has individual tubes of Chamois butter that are great for the ride weekend, as opposed to the large tube. Mountain Equipment co-op on King is the best value for bike shorts. Skiis and Biikes in Don Mills is also great.
It's very wise to wear bike shorts with a chamois... I must admit, very uncomfortable when first beginning to wear these shorts; HOWEVER your body will thank you at the end of the first day and even more grateful @ the end of day 2.
MEC has a terrific choice of female bike shorts varying in price and style. Try many different styles and brands on. I was very uncomfortable with the fit but the sales associates @ MEC were terrific and gave sage advice.
If you're able to visit GEARS in Mississauga, this is also an excellent source for bike shorts and again wide variety of brands, quality, styles of both female and male biking shorts. The staff were well versed in the composition of the shorts and very patient and gave great advice. GEARS also extends 15% discount on bike accessories... just remember your participant #.
I'm a female too. Good luck with your shopping !
-- Edited by BYKRUNSKI on Tuesday 25th of May 2010 12:07:34 PM
I just tried on a couple pairs at MEC today... I THINK this is the main one was I was looking at: http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442632245&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692593&bmUID=1274837652097
It's definitely a different feeling to adjust to! However, it feels... more weird than I think it should be. When standing up, you also have this awkward bulge around back. Is this normal? Totally not used to these shorts...
I looked at some cyclists today while out and I didn't really notice any bit of bulging/padding as they were riding...?
Finally, it didn't seem like I would need any of this "chamois butter" to put them on? They went on/came off just fine...?
The chamois pads are a little stiff when new and do feel funny back there but it sounds like you could go down a size.
The chamois cream is not to aid getting the shorts on, it is to prevent chaffing caused by contact with the seat. You will soon find out where those contact points are.
The chamois is also antibacterial and is designed to be worn without undergarments. They should be handwashed between rides though to keep them sanitary. This will also prevent nasty things like saddle sores.
I couldn't ride without chamois and the cream now. There is just no going back. As soon as i come in from a ride i shower, gleefully, then handwash all my biking clothes. There's no other way to get that cream out of the chamois.
Gender doesn't matter, a long ride without the bike shorts and cream will feel 10 times longer and you'll never get back on Day 2 for the ride without weeping. Or standing the entire day.
A fellow on trail Monday had a Cannondale Cyclocross or I think that's the model, handmade in USA. He said, "I bought this seat. The factory installed damned near killed me and I thought I couldn't ride. New seat, bike shorts, all happy again." Don't think I didn't take note of the model and such of his seat. I'll be changing out seats asap. These things and really good gloves are worth every effort to find them and get them.
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