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Permalink Reply by Alex Z on April 16, 2013 at 5:18am

IMO they are not necessary for that type of distance-biking. I used to do 22 miles a day for my commute and never considered bike shorts or developed any rash or sensitivity.

When I did a longer bike trip on the order of 60 miles per day, I found that bike shorts helped a lot.

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Permalink Reply by WillG on April 16, 2013 at 6:43am

I wear them for anything over 5 or so miles. I find they tend to hold stuff in the right place and preventing the rubbing, bumping, and chaffing or various parts.

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on April 16, 2013 at 7:17am

They reduce friction and provide some cushioning.  If you experience chafing from the seams in what you're wearing for riding now, bike shorts may help noticeably. If you're not having problems, maybe they wouldn't make a difference.  Everyone's body responds a little differently, so your mileage may vary. ;)

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Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on April 16, 2013 at 10:48am

Not necessary for short distances like that, but they help and going on from there they get more necessary every mile you go.  Like others say they keep stuff in tightly and prevent rubbing, jiggling, and chafing.

A good chamois will also keep your butt happier and give some needed cushion where it is needed -you don't want cushion in the saddle construction.

I found I started out doing short rides and ended up stretching them out longer and longer each time I went out.   15-20 mile rides turn into 25-30 mile rides and eventually to 50 mile quick morning  or afternoon jaunts. 

One other thing to think about is skipping the shorts and going right for the bibs.  They are a LOT more comfortable on longer rides, and don't give you the dreaded plumber's crack, while not rubbing in at the waistband.   I don't buy bike shorts any longer -only bibs.   I'll buy used jerseys but I don't buy used bike shorts.  You can find deals at places like Nashbar and the count-down sportswear deal sites.  Chainlove & HuckNroll are the two boxes to look in for deals on roadie gear.  

I'd also suggest a good jersey, because as the weather gets warmer you are going to cook with your own juices with a conventional T-shirt if you are working hard on a road bike as they get hot and wet and uncomfortable.  

A bike jersey is not only well-vented and wicking, but it is long in the back and helps with plumber's crack especially if you are wearing conventional bike shorts.   if you are on a real budget and have bib shorts you can get away with a simple wicking running shirt.  Those aren't long in back, don't have the 3 pockets in the back like a real bike jersey, and often don't have a zipper in the front collar.  But you can find them cheap at used clothing places like VDO (Villiage Discount Outlet) at the $5-6 level, or even more if you go only buy stuff with the right color tag that is 1/2-off that day.     Just last week I got an Adidas Clima-lite  and a Nike Dri-Fit for about $4 each -both in like-new condition.  It's too bad that high-end bike gear doesn't end up at second-hand stores like running gear does.  I shop at the thrift shops all the time and always look through the jerseys and running shirts but never ever see bike jerseys. 

Bike kit is seriously expensive, as cycling can be a sport of rich suburbanites with a ton of disposable income.  The gear is priced accordingly but if you keep a sharp eye out you can always find bargains.  The best time to buy summer gear is in the fall when the winter season starts and the best time to buy winter gear is in the spring...

The online deal sites are pretty much done dumping most of the over-run winter gear for this year but if you wait until it gets cold and around the middle of November there will be summer bike gear on sale again.

If you can find a good pair of shorts and one good jersey that's all you need to start.  Keep washing it and wearing it.

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