pants or lycra?

[walks.in2.trees]

I prefer non-cargo hiking pants that arent floppy at the cuff to avoid catching in the chain.  Lately, I've been trying to find convertible hiking pants, so far though most of them have large floppy cuffs. My thought for this is the same as for hiking in that with limited pack space you get multiple options from the same item. they can be pants, they can be shorts, you can swim in them and they dry quickly. pack 3: wear one; wash one; have 1 dry spare. or thought about another way: one on me, one in each pannier

However, I've never tried cycling jerseys nor lycra. Is Lycra one of those things like SPD pedals, where once I try it, I won't ever imagine going back?

what about other options?

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[jamawani]

I have used convertible nylon hiking pants for almost 20 years.
(Cotton boxer briefs underneath)
I tuck the pants leg into my sock - obviously mid-calf sock.
Still, the right pants legs gets pretty messed up after a 3-month trip.
I go with 2 pair of hikers and one pair of lightweight cotton madras shorts.

Never had crotch rot or chafing.
Never had to worry about drying cycling shorts with their pesky liners.
They are almost as light as cycling shorts and dry much faster.

Not for everybody, but if you are interested it is a system that works.

[Pat Lamb]

If you've never tried them and you can afford $40 for a trial, get a pair of lycra cycling shorts and try them.  Many of us enjoy the snug fit that offers support, doesn't rub us wrong, doesn't chafe us after 50 miles, doesn't catch on the saddle when you stand or sit, and keeps us about as cool as you can be while still wearing shorts.

If you don't like 'em, don't wear 'em.

[staehpj1]

There are plenty of different answers that will work, but I much prefer bike shorts and take running shorts with a light mesh brief built in to sleep in and to wear around camp.  I there will be cold weather I also take tights to wear over the shorts.  Sometimes I sleep in the tights if it is extra cold.

For tops, I have gone the jersey route and the tech tee route.  Lately I have been wearing the tech tees more, but either work well.  When I go with the tees I have been using a little UL backpack to replace the pockets.  I have used the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Packable Daypack (2.5 oz.) and the REI Flash 18 (10 oz).  Both have worked well.  I carry no more than a couple pounds in it on a regular basis, but it is handy to carry more when you need to for a short time, like riding to the store for groceries, or hauling extra water for a section where there is no resupply for 24 hours.  I choose which one to take depending on how much I expect to carry.

I have some wind pants that weigh about 4 ounces and a wind shirt that are about 2.5 ounces, both are DWR coated and I used them as rain wear when necessary.  They are nice when it is chilly in camp or riding and are a nice wind shell.

[BikeliciousBabe]

My Columbia convertibles aren't floppy at the cuff, but they have no zippers, which means if you have large dogs you have to remove your shoes to remove the legs.

[driftlessregion]

Yep, like spd and Brooks saddles, once you try a good pair (maybe not the cheapest) I don't think you'll want to go back to anything else, at least for longer rides.

[hikerjer]

I always carry loose fitting cycling shorts similar to what mountain bikers wear with a chamois liner and a pair of convertible Eddie Bauer shorts with a separate chamois liner that I wear while using them. I wear the regular bike shorts most of the time but find the convertible shorts practical and versatile. There are some times you just want long pants. At least I do. One hint. If you're going to get convertible pants, get them in dark gray or black. Tan, a popular color, will soon show black splotches all over the bottom of your shorts from the dye on your saddle. As for lycra, while they have their place and I wear the on my road bike.  I'm just not comfortable in most social situations wearing them. Hence, the looser fitting shorts.  Just saying.

[walks.in2.trees]

I always carry loose fitting cycling shorts similar to what mountain bikers wear with a chamois liner and a pair of convertible Eddie Bauer shorts with a separate chamois liner that I wear while using them. I wear the regular bike shorts most of the time but find the convertible shorts practical and versatile. There are some times you just want long pants. At least I do. One hint. If you're going to get convertible pants, get them in dark gray or black. Tan, a popular color, will soon show black splotches all over  your butt of your shorts from the dye on your saddle. As for lycra, while they have their place and I wear the on my road bike, I'm just not comfortable most social situations wearing them. Hence, the looser fitting shorts.  Just saying.

pretty much why I haven't gone there, in addition to not being the trendy type to start... but if there's value there, I don't want to discount it. 

I tried the MTB shorts that EMS sells, and I don't like the chamois which makes my lower half go numb if I don't get out of the saddle... but maybe it's not representative of the majority, ya know? EMS usually makes pretty good stuff though

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[hikerjer]

I think the key is to buy separate  liners for longer, looser shorts that are actually not mountain bike shorts. I have the same  problem with mountain bike shorts anytime I'm riding anything but my mountain bike.

[pmhayden]

I think the key is to buy separate  liners for longer, looser shorts that are actually not mountain bike shorts.

That’s what I’ve been doing. Liner briefs under baggy shorts. But I’ve also found that I can ride in unlined poly/Lycra athletic briefs under baggy shorts on my Brooks. It works fine on moderate distances. I’m not sure if I would get saddle sores on a cross country trip. But I’m hoping I can ride without liners on tour. I hate the diaper feeling that lined shorts have.

3/4 length pants work.


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[hikerjer]

" I hate the diaper feeling that lined shorts have." - Ha, I know the feeling and hear you.  But I hate saddle sores even more.