Bicycle shorts with belt?

[RugerSAFan]

Recently retook up bicycling to lose some weight.

I've been riding in regular shorts, my 1.5 inch belt and a side-arm, covered-up by a vest. (I almost always wear the vest when not at work, so no big deal...).

Unfortunately, chafing is starting after 40+ minutes. Reaffirms why people wear bicycle shorts (its not for the looks!).

Question:

Is anyone aware of mountain bike shorts (with lining) that can accept a 1.5 inch belt. I have no desire to ride unarmed... (I don't do fanny packs). VA does allow open carry, but some of the fairfax citizens would likely be alarmed. Additionally, open carry doesn't solve chafing... Need new shorts!

JRA

 

[JustsayMo]

For rides less than two hours I've used regular shorts over my cycling shorts. Nice if you'll be walking around in public. Not bad on the bike either. If you haven't tried bib-shorts, give em a go. You'll not likely go back.

Buy quality too. Cycling shorts are one of the things you get what you pay for.

 

[real_name]

Fox do some downhill shorts that have belt loops, I don't think they are lined but some might be.

 

[mr_dove]

Both good suggestions. Wear the padded spandex underneath your regular shorts works great.

Downhill shorts (fox included) are built just like the previous example. They usually are really durable fabric with a padded spandex liner inside. Some designs might vary from that though.

Chafing might be something that you'll get used with a bit of time too. I usually expect a certain amount of soreness for about 4-6 days after a few months off the bike. After that the soreness tends to go away.

 

[benEzra]

Maybe this is a dumb question, but what are bib-shorts?

 

[mr_dove]

These are bib shorts

 

[TMM]

why don't you wear light pants instead?

don't know if that would solve anything though, don't know where the shorts are chafing you...

~tmm

 

[pcf]

You can also buy padded underwear, they're not as good as bike shorts, but at $20 a pair they're worth a try.

A trip to a local bike shop wouldn't hurt, a lot of pains and problems that beginning riders face can be traced back to improper bike fit/adjustment and cheap saddles, both are easily solved.

 

[real_name]

I can't believe it didn't occur to me sooner.
You can get the same shorts that Police wear on MTBs.
http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Patrol-Shorts-Unisex.html

 

[Ramius]

Thanks for the link on the 'patrol shorts', my wife has been asking for some bike shorts with POCKETS.

+1 on the "Buy quality" advice, there are few things more painful than friction burns 'down there'....

In addition to proper bike shorts, with a nice thick chamois pad to keep things happy, get you some chamois cream to reduce friction. It'll be the best spent money you could part with. Bike forums are a good place to find more detailed information on such things.

As to the CCW part of the question, I've yet to find a perfect solution. I sometimes carry in my bike bag, which isn't as accessible as I'd like, or stashed a smaller pistol in a cargo pocket, which is a pain as well as being ineffective. If I felt the need to have an easily accessible firearm while riding, I think I'd opt for a handlebar bag with a quick opening top. There just isn't a good way to do it on your person without looking like a bike cop, IMHO.

 

[Thin Black Line]

This might have the balance and lack of chafing needed on a bike:

http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/t... & Gear Pouches&backto=/agcatalog/level3c.tam

I have something similar from another maker and it just looks like a
zippered pouch on the front. I normally carry a small pistol and a
cellphone in it. Blackhawk has one that looks like a pistol holster,
but I have a CCW and can conceal mine while on a bike.

 

[Technosavant]

You have already eliminated the easiest, most comfortable, and most useful method- the fanny pack. My 642 rides quite happily in mine. I wear the pack itself off to my right side, not up front.

You could also get a nice Camelbak or similar pack and shove your firearm in there, but it is still not too accessible. You might also find somebody who is good at sewing who can add belt loops to your cycling shorts, but it will still look a little goofy.

 

[MillCreek]

Galls also has a nice selection of bike patrol shorts with belt loops. Since I am usually riding in a jersey and shorts/tights, my bicycle carry is in the handlebar bag, riding inside a pocket holster. If I am off the bike, it is in a fanny pack. When I am zipping along at 23 MPH or grinding up a hill, I prefer to not have more things attached to my body than necessary. Speed of access is not a major concern of mine while biking.

 

[1911JMB]

I wear carhart shorts on top of my padded bike shorts, and stick an ASP or knife down my pocket which I sewed a cloth tube into so it would fit. Next year I will have my CPL and I will carry a 1911 IWB. Unless its really, really hot outside, this will work fine.

 

[RTFM]

RugerSAFan, what about a fanny pack as a holster?

Don't ride the peddle drive bikes so I can't help much on attire, but a fanny pack may add options to the clothing if you can't get the belt widths you need, and would not be that conspicuous.

 

[JamisJockey]

Not to hijack the thread, but re: chafing
I do a bit of cycling. Check into bag balm. Its readily available in walmart, and most retail pharmacy stores. Its a heavy lotion, and I use it on longer rides anywhere that I get sore, rubbing, or chafing. Its good stuff.
http://www.bagbalm.com/
Apply liberally to the area that chafes. You will need to wipe your hands pretty good with a towel to get if off, though.


Oh, and to stay on topic....I've got a couple suggestions.
First, reconsider the fanny pack. Check this one out:
http://www.eagleindustries.com/ProdDisp.asp?PartNoID=647
Its made for CCW.
Another option is carrying something lighter and smaller. Consider a Keltec in 9mm or .380, NAA or maybe an ultralight .357 or .38spcl revolver. With a standard bike jersey you could stick it into one of the rear pockets. I'm actually very close to pulling the trigger, so to speak, on a Keltec for bike carry. I was bitten last may by a loose dog, and had he pursued the attack futher I would have been very hosed. I don't carry a pump (C02 inflater instead), and I didn't have any alternate method of pp on me (IE blade or spray).

 

[Lomshek]

Compact full power pistol in a jersey/vest pocket

What about a Kel-tec/Kahr/Mini Glock/etc. in the caliber of your choice.

A bicycle jersey pocket will conceal a single stack compact 9mm or .45 as long as it's not a heavy steel framed gun. Something like a Kahr PM9 would be perfect. If you're happy with a .380 then it gets even easier.

 

[real_name]

Carrying anything solid like a gun in the rear vest pocket isn't advisable. Soft objects like water bottles, maps or wallets are fine.
If you have a fall and land on your back the solid object could damage the spine or organs. Possible paralysis could result.

 

[perpster]

A lot of bike patrol cops buy their bike shorts from Galls.com. Some models do have belt loops. Have you considered a handlebar bag and put your gun in it?

 

[JamisJockey]

Carrying anything solid like a gun in the rear vest pocket isn't advisable. Soft objects like water bottles, maps or wallets are fine.
If you have a fall and land on your back the solid object could damage the spine or organs. Possible paralysis could result.

Agreed, but its a compromise between going unarmed and riding in inappropriate attire. I'd certainly not carry in the center pocket (my "road" jerseys have three back pockets), as that's directly on the spine.

 

[SRYnidan]

You mentioned wearing a vest how about a shoulder holster?

 

[pete f]

I have a pair of bike shorts that came from a local police supply house that the pad and a washable liner, I liked them because they were the only bike short i could find that did not make the daughter go EWWWWWWW!!!!. being not young and not svelt means spandex is a fashion no no. they have no label on them anymore but i believe they were the 5.11 brand.

I will not carry on my person when riding anywhere other than to the store. (about 7 blocks) otherwise it goes in a triangle bag that fits close to the headbearing. I do carry a pepper spray over my right kidney and a water bottle on the left side, the pepper is more for dogs, than people but it does move the bangers off the bike path when talk trash.

 

[gaston_45]

I have never and will never wear those silly spandex shorts. If you really want to prevent chaffing get to know Gold Bond powder intimately. Gold bond applied liberally to the nether regions before a ride is your friend. The yellow bottle stuff works best but you do end up smelling like a Eucalyptis tree. This, baggy shorts, and boxers... hey, you aren't wearing tighty whiteys under those shorts are you? will keep you chafe free.

 

[crofrog]

Camelback now makes a few different model's with holsters built into them.

http://www.diamondbacktactical.com/...?UserID=695600&SessionID=DbeZTyIeVNuU7LluBQz2

You could also just wear a fanny pack. It wouldn't look that out of place on a bike.

 

[the naked prophet]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Smart Carry. That's what I use when bicycling in bicycling shorts. A .38 +P is nothing to sneeze at, and it sits out of the way and easy to access.

I wouldn't ever put the gun in anything attached to the bike - I figure that if I'm gonna get attacked by a criminal, they're probably going to knock me off the bike first.