What shorts/trousers do you recommend for cycling?

[Deanno1dad]

I'm getting back on the bike in the new year..going to start seriously in all weathers again.
I'm using a hybrid MTB,road use only.

What do you lot wear around the legs when winter temperatures are chilly?

I'm not into the lycra look..is there anything out there that would be suitable and decent looking for the winter?

[Kermit power]

There are plenty of baggy MTB shorts around, such as those in this randomly selected photo...



You can also get various sorts of leggings and trousers, but personally I'm happy in shorts down to around freezing point, and I get wary about the probability of ice on the roads at that point!

[timbo48]

Endura make some good 3/4 baggies with removable liners. They also do waterproof ones, not sure about whether 3/4 length though. I think they're called Humvees. I find them very comfortable and that if my knees are warm then the rest of my leg's warm.

[matt-ITR]

Lycra is more comfortable, especially bib shorts.
I prefer to use bibshorts and then waterproof shorts over the top.

[Matt London]

Last year I did a 5hr MTB ride in the pouring rain wearing waterproof trousers. Kept dry but had chafing from the zip.
I now where bib tights. Not waterproof but comfortable.

[bikemonster]

"Not into the Lycra look"?

Seriously, OP, WT and indeed, F.

Lycra is not about making a fashion statement, it's about wearing the best functional garb.

Do you find that wearing a helmet musses your hair?

[Engineer1]

Wear baggy shorts over the Lycra, either normal shorts if you aren't doing anything too technical, or cycle specific if you are. The cycle specific ones have no crotch seam so wont snag on the saddle or put pressure between your legs.

[SkinnyBoy]

Rule 19

[Engineer1]

Skinny that's all well and good unless the lycra makes you look like a Michelin man or a sack of spuds.

[HowMuchLonger]

Engineer1 said:

Wear baggy shorts over the Lycra

Don't go too baggy though....

[bikemonster]

SkinnyBoy said:

Rule 19

Rule 5 also applies. It usually does.

[SkinnyBoy]

Engineer1 said:

Skinny that's all well and good unless the lycra makes you look like a Michelin man or a sack of spuds.

Have you seen the cut of most of the weekend warriors/MAMiLs? I feel an addition to the Rules insomuch as a mirror needs to be incorporated into their pre ride ritual. The skill in wearing Lycra is to keep it simple IMHO. No logos on shorts or other colours than black and if you are a big lad layer your top with a looser fit spray jacket. Now get out there and loose the rolls!

[Engineer1]

Mountain biking off road is the way to go, you just need the money for the running repairs, rear dérailleur a couple of weeks ago, rear brake lever (of the hydraulics) this weekend.