Baggy Shorts Or Spandex What's On You?

Baggies for MTB, for sure. I reserve the spandex bike shorts for my road bike. MTBing, I like to have pockets for quick access to a snack and my tiny digital camera -- without having to stop and pull off my pack. I forgo that convenience on my road bike because I usually am putting in more miles and chafing from baggies can become an issue. For most of my mountain bike trips that's not an issue (lots of stopping to check out the scenery or taking forced walk breaks on steep hills).

That guy above in the pink might be a good reason to ban spandex. I'll try my best to erase that image seared into my conciousness, thank you.

I still prefer spandex though. We do a cross country type of riding in our area which warrants it, and the padding is nice too. I have an older pair that has side pockets to address what Steve said about accessing stuff. They work pretty good. I suppose one could also use the jerseys with the three back pockets too.

Others have a problem with wearing spandex, but to each his own.

MikeG

Either riding or Thinking of Riding... The madness of MTB, I love it!

Baggies for urban assault and trails. I like the cargo space down by the knees and not all bunched up on the thighs. That way the only thing on my back is water.

I go with the Spandex. I like the comfort and the simplicity. The padding is nice, too. I cannot see myself ever wearing baggy. I don't like all that material....it would seem to intrusive. I don't want down around my thighs and knees. I have my storage in my underseat bag and my camelback. That's enough for me. No pink, either...black only.

I'm going to have to side with Steve on this. The current line of baggy shorts available in most bike shops have the best of both worlds: lots of pockets, ventilation zippers, lots of padding (sometimes removable) and even an chamois. One important fact for me, that has not been mentioned yet, if the extra protection the shorts provide you in the event of an unplanned spill. Perhaps it may be more a reflection of my riding style, but my baggies have definitely saved me some skin. I can recall many scenes from the Tour de France showing ripped spandex and bleeding backsides. While my baggies have required the occasional stitch my backsides have not.

David

"I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me a rock garden and a bombing downhill, or give me death."
Patrick (Roadrash) Henry (1736 - 1799)

I have a pair of baggies that have the spandex inside, so it's the best of both worlds. I love em.

I think spandex is the only way to go. much more comfortable and who cares what people think I'm there to ride not watch a fashion show.

Spandex is the only lawful way to show off what your packing in public. Spandex all the way!

I've grazed a few trees wearing spandex and I'm pretty sure I would've gotten yanked right off the back of my ride had I been wearing baggies. As for storage, that's what your jersey pockets are for! You stuff a ton of junk in there! Phone, keys, pump, tube, vest, armwarmers, spare gloves, cap, and even bottles (but perhaps not all at once, mind you).

Plus, dropping off the back of the seat and coming back over on a XC setup would be near impossible with a ton of material betwixt my legs. Also, Spandex has the added benefit of decreasing muscle fatigue.