On Sat, 30 Oct 2004 11:52:19 GMT, "Arthur Harris" wrote:

"Badger_South" wrote:

In that case of only wearing shorts with 'fake chamois', it probably
doesn't matter if you're wearing underwear or not. That pad is just for
padding and performs little if any of the original friction reducing
function. Riding most distances under 25 miles will not give you saddle
sores unless you forget basic hygiene.

Disagree. You shouldn't wear underwear when wearing any padded shorts.

Not really anything to disagree with, Art, I bow to your greater
experience. Note I said 'probably doesn't matter', but then I thought,
well, you don't want a problem with the seams in the underwear. But do you
think that many casual to intermediate female cyclists wear bike shorts and
nothing else? Guys, no problem. I just can't picture it, though some girls
don't like underwear at all I understand.

And having used both traditional chamois and what you call "fake," I'll take
the "fake" stuff any day. After a few washings the genuine chamois would dry
out, become stiff, and crack. The imitation chamois is more comfortable and
lasts much longer. It is far superior, just as modern jersey fabrics are
superior to wool.

Hmm, so you're saying you use chamois cream on the imitation chamois? Now
there are some shorts where the padding doesn't even look like chamois,
it's white and has gel in it. I've got another pair with a brown imitation
chamois, and I use some desitin, or some vaseline some times, but I
normally don't ride long enough yet to get saddle sores.

As to the OPs question about tights, you should wear padded cycling shorts
(and nothing else) under them.

Some ppl say tights with padding and cycling shorts, unpadded over them,
iirc. (j/k)

And just don't fall down 20 miles from home and tear your tights and/or
shorts. You'll be riding home with lots of, uh ventilation. ;-D

Thanks, Art.

-B