this post was submitted on 23 Oct 2025
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I went into the article not having any clue that “saddle pain” is a euphemism.
Ohno
My nips have been rubbed raw on long runs, I couldn’t imagine my lips 🫠
Pro cyclists use padded chamois, and creme embrocations. Tour de France is 2200 miles and no one needed different saddles.
Are these also euphemisms?
Do women wear underpants when riding? I know guys don't but were less vulnerable to that kind of...abrasion. Surely a pair of low friction underwear would combat that...abrasion.
Guys don't wear underwear when cycling? Why?
Cycling shorts have padding in them already; adding underwear is counterproductive.
Underwear is not for padding. I suspected my insistence on wearing both wasn't a "real" cyclists' choice, but this comment is first confirmation I've seen of that.
Your shorts must be nasty.
The reason for not wearing underwear is that it can cause chafing or pressure points where it shifts or creases. Cycling shorts are designed to minimise that by not doing either. There is nothing nasty about cycling shorts if you wash them after each ride. If anything they handle sweat better than cotton underwear would.
That being said, if you feel better wearing underwear, then you should feel free to do so. But there are practical reasons why most people don't and they don't have anything to do with trying to be a "real cyclist".
Most people wash their stuff when it gets sweaty but if just changing underwear is working for you and the people who are exposed to you then keep on keeping on I suppose.
I guess I figure I wash bicycle shorts not every time, to reduce wear and tear. Underwear costs way less to replace.
And you assumed everyone else does the same?!
I think you owe me an apology.
and your underwear isn't?
I don't get it either. I have a good saddle and just wear boxers and cotton shorts. No problems all day long, when I get the chance for weeks at a time.
I usually wear brief style under where and the legs always roll up your leg when you pull up the riding shorts. If you just wore tighty whities it might not happen