On Sun, 31 Oct 2004 01:28:40 -0400, Matt O'Toole <
[email protected]> wrote:
> Joshua Putnam wrote:
>
>> In article <[email protected]>,
>> [email protected] says...
>>
>>> And having used both traditional chamois and what you call "fake,"
>>> I'll take the "fake" stuff any day. After a few washings the genuine
>>> chamois would dry out, become stiff, and crack. The imitation
>>> chamois is more comfortable and lasts much longer. It is far
>>> superior, just as modern jersey fabrics are superior to wool.
>
> Wool is still good stuff, at least for tops. It performs as well as
> anything,
> it's just a pain to take care of. Good wool jerseys are also quite
> expensive.
> The great thing about wool is that you can go for awhile without washing
> it --
> just hang it and it airs out. So it could be a great solution for a
> commuter,
> who doesn't want to wash cycling clothes every day.
>
>> I didn't mind real chamois, though it did require more maintenance
>> than synthetics. But I'm perfectly happy with a good synthetic
>> chamois on rides of any length, and they dry faster when you line-dry
>> your shorts while touring. (Nothing like starting a 150-mile day
>> with wet shorts...)
>
> Real chamois is a pain. It doesn't work as well, it's a pain to take
> care of,
> and it wears out. It never quite dries overnight, so you're putting on
> damp
> shorts every day, and having to use that cream to prevent chafe.
>
> My favorite shorts are some old Hind ones with synthetic chamois. It's
> just
> like real chamois in texture, but dries completely overnight without
> hardening.
>
> Since I can't find these anymore, I've had good luck with Voler. Great
> quality -- better than the better lines of the big brands that cost
> twice as
> much. The pads seem a little thick at first, but either compress or I
> get used
> to them after a couple of rides. Too much padding in both shorts and
> saddle can
> lead to numbness for me.
>
> Matt O.
>
>
>
For the winter I have found a combo that works unless I get to sycling too
vigorously. U just use the usual underwear, then long bottom sweat pants,
then my trademark Levis and no chafing problems. What does happen is I
will start out with a tee shirt on top, then a long sleeved sweat shirt,
topped by a zip up jacket. If I am just goofing around I don't get cold,
but as soon as I start to crank it up I get hot. First the sweat tops go
into the back pack, then the jacket and I put back on the sweat tops.
Any further effort or temperature rise has me putting (cramming) both into
the back pack or wrapping the sweats around my handlebars. If I really get
into it like hill climbing and the 45 degree (F) morning turns into a 65
degree day I may wind up just going topless (guys option) since I stll have
a set of double leggings. I may have to get saddle bags or whatever the
cool
name is these days to keep adjusting clothing.
Anybody else with a plan to be self sufficient for 60 to 120 miles?
Bill Baka, Now carrying a 'Monkey Grip' patch kit with huge patches and
scizzors
to cut the right size patch.
Bye.
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