Guy seeks input on shorts

SF_steve

OK, I think this is really stupid, but I'm not sure I can convince my buddy unless I get input and words of encouragement from the women.

My buddy is just getting into (road) biking and I can't get him to wear biking shorts, he's concerned about his "bulge" showing and thinks he'll feel embarrassed in front of women, walking around in them during rest stops, etc.

Of course I tell him that I wear them, all men riders wear them and that "if your bulge shows, uh, so what? it's normal human anatomy... women are not going to think it's odd that you actually show evidence of what you're supposed to have between your legs. ...women don't try to hide evidence that they have breasts by smashing flat."

I mean Hell, if you (women) see a guy's bulge in his bike shorts, speedos, tight jeans, etc.. I don't think it's a scarey thing, right? hopefully it's somewhat nice to see that he's filling out his shorts nicely.

Anyway, any words of encouragement you can give to my silly, conservative friend would be appreciated.
Thanks Ladies!
--s

Labarum

As you say, what's the fuss? Women bulge at the top and men further down. It ain't no big deal!

On those rare ocassions when I cycle even a short distance without padded cycling shorts, or at very second best tight briefs that hold my tackle well up out of harm's way, I regret it. Loose boxers can be most uncomfortable when riding, and you probably do risk damaging yourself hanging free with the pointed end of the saddle attacking you. A man needs protecting when riding well forward on a bike with drop handlebars.

There are, of course baggy cycling shorts, and there are padded cycling briefs and trunks that may be worn under any pair of shorts or trousers. Some prefer that style, but you run the risk of bees, wasps and other nasties being swept up into you delecate parts. The tight shorts grip round the upper legs and avoid that problem.

In the end its down to what you feel happy wearing - but a grown man really ought to wear *something* padded and specially designed to protect his assets.

missy24

Just tell him that the bulge is OK -

its bad, however, if you can tell whether or not he has been circumsized.

Eden

Just keep the shorts black...... see "Why cycling shorts should always be black" http://www.cyclingforums.com/t202362-.html

seriously if anyone is looking that's their problem isn't it? Your friend shouldn't be embarrassed to be comfortable. I wouldn't let my husband out of the house in a plaid golf outfit, but spandex is OK by me . The color and weight of the fabric will make a difference as to how visible visible is. He got a pair of silver Giordana shorts for $4 on sale once. When he put them on we figured out why they were so cheap and have agreed that those shorts are for indoors on the trainer only.

SF_steve

Thanks Eden! I'll show him those and wearing black shorts should be easy

Susan Repp

Mmmmmmmmmmm Steve I see we have a problemo here don't we .. to wear or not to wear don't ya think? I have read the thread and I think there is some good feedback here about the practicalities of wearing some biking shorts but I must say if your friend is a bit on the shy side I wouldn't suggest RED That is like a big, huge (s'cuse the assumption) flashing neon sign saying "look at me in my red spandex!" I think the best thing is get him on his bike wearing whatever he is going to wear, take him on a long, long ride with lots of wind, downhills and fly infested swamps and he will long for some butt hugging, crotch cupping spandex .. mmmm maybe some girl shorts because the ones I have are so padded it is almost up to my armpits back and front. Maybe he needs to wear them in the comfort of his own home first whilst he watches the Tour until he realizes 'there is no shame' in wearing spandex. T'is true us girls like a man who can don a pair of cycling shorts and we try our best NOT to look .. don't we girls???? Girls, girls???

StillRiding5500

Well, I did buy a pair of red Castelli bibs and they do everything they are advertised to do. I don't wear them when I expect to be doing any walking or standing on a podium (never). No one needs to be subjected to that. My girlfriend likes the way I fill out cycling shorts, but she does giggle when I wear the red ones. Hey wait a minute....I wonder why she's giggling.....

Phuong L

A male cyclist zooming past me with his lycra-clad butt held high up in the air? I don't know if I could ever resist the urge to admire the lovely form...

Give me a fit male lycra-clad cyclist any day! I find it extremely appealing to see a guy who is not afraid to disregard what people think about skin-tight clothing and just wear clothes because they're comfortable and practical.

Honestly, I'm getting bored of seeing females wearing tight clothes! It's about time we got the men into it too! The male form is just as beautiful as the female's and it's about time people celebrate it rather than hide it.

Be bold, be brave, be beautiful. Get that butt into the bike shorts!

SF_steve

Wow, Thanks Phuong L! great motivation. (he was actually more concerend about his bulge in front than the one on his backside but this is all good, hopefully it will get him going.)

It's great to see the women bikers enjoy us in our tights as much as we enjoy seeing the female riders in theirs.

--s

ghostpedal

Wow! I'm a guy who had to see what this thread was about from the title, and I must say that the response above has made my day. That is motivation! Thanks and ride happy!

__________________
Help! Help! I'm being repressed!

Susan Repp

Honestly, I'm getting bored of seeing females wearing tight clothes! It's about time we got the men into it too! The male form is just as beautiful as the female's and it's about time people celebrate it rather than hide it.

Be bold, be brave, be beautiful. Get that butt into the bike shorts![/QUOTE]


Bloody well said!

Phuong L

I know, but when you cross the paths of other cyclists whilst riding you don't see the "bulge" at the front as often as you see their backside. Or maybe I just have a thing for butts...

SF_steve

ahh, and it's easier to see from most any angle?