Don't Wear Underwear On A Bike Ride And Other Beginner Cycling Tips

We've all made simple mistakes when we started cycling, from wearing underwear beneath our bike kit, to not preparing properly. Thankfully Chris and James are here to explain their

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[interlinga]

Some valuable life lessons. Excellent tips men. String vest, gloves, and no underpants. Also works for clubbing on a Friday night. Great job.

[Gribbo]

Wear your knickers on the outside. Also use a red cape. You'll just fly.

[kevinbowe]

Thanks! I learned something new: Hydrate about 5min into the ride, to help climatize! Make absolute sense. Cheers!

[benjaminfreiman]

I never thought about the crash benefits of wearing the second layer, but it makes sense. I am a fencer (with a big interest in bikes!), and we wear a special layer that is required called a plastron underneath the jacket. It seems like an inconsequential garment, but it actually causes the impact of the opponent's weapon to glance off the chest a bit if they hit you hard as the jacket layer slides over the plastron worn beneath.

[douglaspate]

Washing kit! On multi-day cycling holidays/events I wash my kit when I get back to the hotel by not taking it off and for the first few minutes in the shower I shower in my kit (btw: shampoo is a good degreaser and deep cleanser). I undress in the shower, work the chamois and let the power of the water from the shower rinse my kit easily and quickly. (Then, of course, I shower myself). Room mates laugh on the first day yet by the 3rd day some are doing the same!

[Dr.Kornelius]

Wow, I have never considered wearing gloves in winter! Thanks!

[ivanmml]

Nice save from Chris when we tries to put his left glove in his right hand

[Smt_Glaive]

Wait ... I am supposed to wear clothes when cycling..??
Man I've ;been doing it all wrong

[kylecouture]

I always wear a pair of really tight briefs under my shorts. Never had a problem with chafing or the way it looks.

[lanzji]

If you're foaming on the route, this means not only that you haven't rinsed your kit well enough; it also means you have used to much detergent. When washing, there should be only a fine foamy layer on the water, once you've started. If you've got a lot of foam, you've used to much detergent. This is a real hassle when hand washing - when machine washing, to much foam can actually reduce the cleaning performance!

[xmodmodifier]

I wore boxer briefs underneath for a couple years until I finally decided to let it out. After feeling how refreshing and more comfortable it is down there, I'm never going back.

[dalis]

I'd say always have some money on you (or a card or a mobile but not every place accepts them) - you might need to buy more food or a train or a bus ticket in case you will not be able to finish the ride for any reason

[jamesdixon]

I wore underwear when I first started cycling, got some mild chafing, then took the great advice about going commando from GCN, way more comfortable, never would I wear underwear under kit again. I also use chamois cream and a fizik saddle. I try doing at least a couple of long rides of 3-4 hours each fortnight, plus 3 1-2 hour training sessions each week and commute to work when possible, rides are way more comfortable and never experience chafing again. Commando is definitely the way to go, especially if you are starting out in cycling.

[bgcyclist]

After over 30 years of cycling I've rediscovered the warmth of wool. I found a light-weight merino wool sweater at a thrift store that I wear under my wool jersey (also found at a thrift store). This is perfect for cool days. When it is a bit colder, I also have a sleeveless alpaca undershirt and a heavy hand-knit wool jersey I knit myself. Wool doesn't hold odors, keeps the wind out and is still warm when wet. Plus wool breathes and your sweat evaporates. As for shoe covers, I used my existing covers as a pattern and made a pair of wool shoe covers from a felted (shrunk on purpose) sweater. Now these really cut the wind and allow the sweat from my feet to evaporate. I've worn all the high tech, wicking, wind proof, rain proof stuff over the years and have to say going back to wool for the winter is the best.

[icrazyfish]

Mountain Bikers be like:
"Yeah, I got new biking shoes. The old converse were getting holes in the soles"

[IAAITKEN]

GCN/GCN Tech
We need a longer full video covering uses, tips and tricks for cycling kit and how/when to wear! Shorts vs bibs, vests, layering tights vs leg covers.

[Hardcaslte]

Also a lot of gloves have gel pads which really help with comfort and pressure points too.

[emxfpv]

Knew everything in this by, let's say 'common sense' apart from not wearing underwear... Always struggled with getting confortable while riging due to my undies bunching up and not behaving along with the bib knicks. Ever since getting in to cycling I always said to the local shop "I'm a beginner and this is my first road bike" etc etc, but no one ever mentioned not to wear underwear! will try it on my next ride :)

[davisclark]

Here’s another tip I learned:
During a long distance ride, I take a PB&J sandwich. It has packed with protein and Carbs. It really gives me a boost for another hour.

Really Helpful. You should try it!

[jeffcruzan]

GCN are obsessed with our undergarments. There are conditions in which underwear are helpful under cycle shorts. As a 40-year commuter who cycles 15 mi. each way to work, rain or shine, winter or summer, a light nylon layer amidships can sometimes provide a little extra warmth, especially when older cycle shorts come up in the rotation.