Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
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- macinblack
- Posts: 678
- Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2014 8:02 am
Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
I'm off on a jaunt in June which will require at least a 100 miles a day for nine days. It's mainly off road and I'll be on a mountain bike. I don't like wearing padded shorts and haven't worn them for about 15 years. Any recommendations for shorts that may suit. It's likely to be hot weather, so lightweight would be good.
Cheers Mac.
Cheers Mac.
- JohnClimber
- Posts: 4083
- Joined: Fri Feb 17, 2012 10:41 pm
Re: Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
A bit biased, (ref signature) but for hot temps these shorts 4 way stretch are very breathable
https://crofto.com.au/collections/shorts
You'll need a layer underneath for 7 months of winter here in the UK
https://crofto.com.au/collections/shorts
You'll need a layer underneath for 7 months of winter here in the UK
Use discount code Johnc20 to get 20% off Crofto Cycling Clothing
Website - crofto.com.au
Website - crofto.com.au
- macinblack
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- Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2014 8:02 am
Re: Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
Thanks John.
Oh, just noticed the discount code. Might as well get a couple of pairs regardless.
Oh, just noticed the discount code. Might as well get a couple of pairs regardless.
- voodoo_simon
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Re: Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
Used these for a few years and been impressed
Slim fit mind…
https://www.Crikey, how much.cc/gb/en/product/AWI0 ... AWI01XXAPA
Edit - too late!
Slim fit mind…
https://www.Crikey, how much.cc/gb/en/product/AWI0 ... AWI01XXAPA
Edit - too late!

- macinblack
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- Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2014 8:02 am
Re: Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
Thanks,voodoo_simon wrote: ↑Mon Apr 14, 2025 9:33 pm Used these for a few years and been impressed
Slim fit mind…
https://www.Crikey, how much.cc/gb/en/product/AWI01XXAPA/AWI01XXAPA
Edit - too late!![]()
Which model are they? The link won't work due to the subtle alteration I expect.
- fatbikephil
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Re: Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
I wear Bam bamboo boxers under baggy shorts - works very well and easy to wash and dry if need be.
- macinblack
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- Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2014 8:02 am
Re: Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
Thanks, that's what I do. I was wondering if there were baggy shorts that were good for repeated long days due to seam position and the like.fatbikephil wrote: ↑Mon Apr 14, 2025 10:14 pm I wear Bam bamboo boxers under baggy shorts - works very well and easy to wash and dry if need be.
Re: Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
43 years cycling......... never worn padded cycling shorts.
my current fave set up for distance riding is primark cotton trunk underpants, which are longish in the leg bit, mated with some Altura all road gravel shorts. which are light, stretchy and not too baggy.https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Altura-All-Roa ... bEQAvD_BwE
my current fave set up for distance riding is primark cotton trunk underpants, which are longish in the leg bit, mated with some Altura all road gravel shorts. which are light, stretchy and not too baggy.https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Altura-All-Roa ... bEQAvD_BwE
- macinblack
- Posts: 678
- Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2014 8:02 am
Re: Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
Thanks Tony,ton wrote: ↑Mon Apr 14, 2025 10:37 pm 43 years cycling......... never worn padded cycling shorts.
my current fave set up for distance riding is primark cotton trunk underpants, which are longish in the leg bit, mated with some Altura all road gravel shorts. which are light, stretchy and not too baggy.https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Altura-All-Roa ... bEQAvD_BwE
I'll have a look.
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- Location: Edinburgh
Re: Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
Similarly, I often wear some Endura gravel shorts. Very lightweight, neither tight nor baggy and have been comfortable. They are designed to go over bib shorts but I just wear normal boxers.
I wear them as day to day shorts in summer. They have pockets and vents and things like that and dry very quickly.
https://www.balfesbikes.co.uk/clothing/ ... een__16696
I wear them as day to day shorts in summer. They have pockets and vents and things like that and dry very quickly.
https://www.balfesbikes.co.uk/clothing/ ... een__16696
- voodoo_simon
- Posts: 4313
- Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2013 9:05 pm
Re: Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
Trail lightweight, very good side pocket. Can put my phone in it and not feel it at all whilst riding (although don’t crash!!)macinblack wrote: ↑Mon Apr 14, 2025 10:03 pmThanks,voodoo_simon wrote: ↑Mon Apr 14, 2025 9:33 pm Used these for a few years and been impressed
Slim fit mind…
https://www.Crikey, how much.cc/gb/en/product/AWI01XXAPA/AWI01XXAPA
Edit - too late!![]()
Which model are they? The link won't work due to the subtle alteration I expect.
- fatbikephil
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Re: Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
I've been fine with Endura humvee shorts and longs, inc for a couple of BB300's and the HT550macinblack wrote: ↑Mon Apr 14, 2025 10:19 pmThanks, that's what I do. I was wondering if there were baggy shorts that were good for repeated long days due to seam position and the like.fatbikephil wrote: ↑Mon Apr 14, 2025 10:14 pm I wear Bam bamboo boxers under baggy shorts - works very well and easy to wash and dry if need be.
- macinblack
- Posts: 678
- Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2014 8:02 am
Re: Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
Thanks everyone. 

Re: Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
fwiw I'd avoid bamboo/rayon or merino undershorts, they hold moisure longer than polyester and that can be a main cause of multi-day saddle discomfort (it's why I don't lke padded shorts either). ime polyester boxers are the way to go. Slim fit bike baggies over the top and take a small pot of chammy cream.
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- Location: Edinburgh
Re: Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
I like to slather on the sudocream!
Re: Unpadded shorts for 100 miles daily.
Interested to find some discussions online about plastics absorption through the skin (partic. while sweating) after looking up some material properties, checking rayon's water absorption rates etc. A bit OT but if you were going to have any take up of anything from plastics .. polyester boxers or a synthetic chammy while cycling must be a strong contender.