Cyclists: What do you know about padded shorts for long distance rides? Or really good seats? I also eventually want a better bike for long distance rides. I ride a bike my friend built that was supposed to tide me over 'til I could afford a really good one. This suits me fine, but I want more! I ride a single-speed road bike with a cruiser frame-- luckily, good wheels.

You want padded bicycle shorts. Here are three advantages they have...

1. That seam that runs right down your crotch is barely noticeable until you've gone 30 miles. It's unbearable at 60. Padded bicycle shorts don't have seams and you go commando under them.

2. Bicycle shorts have a moisture-wicking pad that keeps moisture and sweat away from your body. The padding serves to cushion your perineal area without squishing into parts that shouldn't pinch.

3. Bicycle shorts are compressive, but not constrictive, and wick sweat away from your skin. So, you can keep riding for hours in relative comfort.

When I rode, my favorite shorts were the 6 oz training shorts from Voler. http://www.velowear.com/ . The year of my big crash, I rode 7,000 miles in 10 months. Every time I got on the bike, I was wearing bike clothes. They're really comfortable and light weight, because they're specific for cycling. Get a set and you'll see.

If you're looking for a saddle, the Terry saddles for women come highly recommended: http://www.terrybicycles.com/saddles/ If you're riding lots of miles, you might be better off with a touring saddle, specifically designed to allow you to ride in comfort and confidence for 100 miles a day over a long 6000 mile bicycle tour, if you so choose.

As far as bicycles, I'd recommend a real honest-to-goodness road bike if you're planning on long distance rides. I used to ride long distances on a hybrid that weighed 55 pounds. Then, I upgraded to a Trek 520 touring bike. Then, I added a Trek 2100 racing bike to the stable. The Treks are great, because they each have 27 gears, solid frames, fast geometry, and great components.

Good luck!

Thanks, guys.

Well I do want either padded shorts for a longer ride I am doing in a few weeks, or maybe a new seat because I have a lot of soreness. But I know it's normal, but I usually don't ride more than 5 miles at a time before I get to a destination. But I do that a few times in a day plus neighborhood riding.

I am also new to getting back on my bike after having not been riding for almost three months due to a fracture and muscle injury in my hand/thumb. But I am okay'ed by my PT to ride and do yoga again so I plan to kick my own butt and ride ALL OF THE TIME.

When I get enough stamina that I can start riding my bike, I'm definitely going to invest in some padded bike shorts.

I found a site that has #1 padded bike shorts in my size and #2 padded bike shorts (in my size) that aren't tight spandex. Which is good for me, because me in skintight shorts is not a good thing. :D

also: get an older steel frame road bike, strip everything off it, convert it to single speed, and you've got a lovely light bike. i can run up and down stairs with mine on my shoulder if need be.

what osteo said about the shorts. They have underwear ones you can wear under normal shorts or skirts or whatever.

Get the lightest bike you can get that is also pretty durable. if you're bike is weighing more than 30 pounds, it'lll get worse with you on it and your stuff (bags, racks, etc.).

I always love steel and think it's the way to go. Keep gears if you want to longer rides.

you saddle should not hurt you after 5 miles. Look into getting something better.

WTB makes good ones.
Specialized Indie is good.
Brooks is overkill for now, oh and it's leather so you don't want it cuz you'll see the cut cow face every time you look at it.

avoid the plasticy cheapies... not only do they just suck cuz gel sucks, but they will chaiff your pants and wear holes in them.

post a picture of your bike.

Saddles are not typically comfortable right out of the box. Your butt needs some time to adjust. My favorite padded shorts are from Giordana, Descente, and Sugoi. All good brands.