Iron Butt Underwear

[Slonishku]

Instead of flooding the wrong thread with this stuff, I started this thread about what to wear on long distance rides under your riding pants. In all cases, the point is to absolutely eliminate ANY seams or wrinlkes between your butt and your seat. A comfortable, non-digging waistband is next in importance. The base garment must also wick moisture away to be effective. The difference between street clothes and proper riding undergarments will do more to improve your comfort for long distances than an aftermarket seat will, and will do so at much lower cost.

Where an upper body garment is shown, it has a lower of the same type, and that's what I'm addressing here. Likewise, all the lowers have an upper equivalent (except the Champion tights... there might be an upper, but I don't know of it).

I looked into a few versions of what I've tried out. Keep in mind that the things I tried earliest aren't here.

These are some Rebok "Play Dry" short tights. They do a good job for the backside. No warmth value. The downside for these is that they have a bunched up waistband that tends to dig in and create uncomfortable pinch points, especially up front. It takes a while for that to be a factor, but it happens.



These are my next step, and they work very well. They are full length Champion brand tights. They're a bit thick, but in a good way. Not a lot of downside here, but the waist does get uncomfortable abfter a lot of hours. The waist is NOT very bunchy, and they have nice rubberized inner cuffs at the ankles that keep things from sliding around. Good for hot or cold.  Smooth and comfy. There aren't ANY seams where they would cause discomfort. Unless your ass is seriously lopsided.

[Slonishku]

Before I left for Afghanistan, I was in training at Fort Riley Kansas from late November through early February. Lots of time in the field, often at night, often in the snow. I went Under Armor crazy.
These are the long john replacement Under Armor 1.0 Base Layer tights. They're made of a fabric that's fairly unique, just a very little bit rough feeling. They are very light weight. They are very warm considering how light weight they are. Not good for an LD base layer, but good for a a layer outside whatever is against your skin. They do have two seems on the backside with some potential for resulting discomfort. The waistband is non-bunchy and pretty comfortable.



I also got the no bullshit "it's fucking cold out" Under Armor layer. I think it's the "4.0" version. It feels a bit like neoprene, but still breathes freely and wicks moisture. The material feels like it's snagging on microscopis things a lot, kind of like silk. It doesn't run, though. I can't find the tights now- this is the undershirt. While this gets uncomfortable pretty quickly indoors, it's always great outside as long as its pretty cool.

[Slonishku]

My favorite layer for keeping warm is Polartec "silks" that were issued to me by Uncle Sam before my deployment. They are silky feeling, and very comfortable. The waistband is a sewn-in non-bunchy eleastic band. If it's against your skin, the top edge will start to cut in after a bit. They fit a little loosely, so there's ptoential for wrinkles betwixt arse and saddle.  They're very warm and very lightweight, and comfortable for long periods as long as the waistband isn't right against your skin.


When it starts getting deeply cold, nothin' beats the waffle (again, Polartec). These are another layer of the Army gear that goes along with the silks. This is the top (bottoms in the laundry machine right now). The outside is a smooth surface that breathes freely... maybe as much as denim, not as much as a t-shirt. The inside of the fabric is a waffle patterned fleece. This layer is extremely cozy- not too hot. Doesn't wick all that well, but doesn't inspire sweat much either. I love this stuff. No bad seat seams, although the elastic waistband is much like that of the silks. Both the waffles and silks can be had at military supply stores online, but can be spendy. A nice feature of this gear is that the silks and waffles both have thumbholes at the wrists so other layers can be pulled on over them without the sleeves sliding up your arm.

[Slonishku]

Then there's the Big Dog of LD underwear, the LD Comforts. LD Comfort makes long and short sleeve shirts, long and short tights, head silks, and stand-alone sleeves (kind of like leg warmers... cover you from wrist to mid-upper arm). LD Comfort gear doesn't provide insulation. It's VERY well made in all respects. Like the Champion tights, cuffs are rubberized on the inside to keep thing in place. The elastic waistbands are encased in cushy fabric and feel fine against your skin, even for the length of the IBR. LD Comfort gear is 2 layers, each of which has independent functions, from wicking to snugging to preventing friction based wrinkling under your bum. These things are the BOMB. Couple them with heated gear and/ or the Polartec stuff and you have all you need. Period.

[Justin]

Yeah, I will definitely be ordering some of the ldcomfort tights. I've been pretty happy with under armor tights in different weights, except when the temps get hot. I have some cheaper running tights for that, but the ldcomfort ones look way better.

The last few weeks now with the weather getting colder and riding in the 30's I've been wearing these..

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4368731&page_bucket=0&int_prevBucket=-1&totalProductsCount=17&pageType=family&showSizeSearch=false&int_nextBucket=0&page=2&pageCount=2&hasPagination=false&pageNum=1&cp=551463.2138915.2138916

So far they seem to be the most comfy of the under armor products, very smooth feeling fabric. They are also very warm, and have NO seams anywhere near your cheeks - and where they do have seems they do not appear to have any abrasion. The waist band does not bother me either.  Anything over 50-60 degrees and they would be too warm I think though.

[squeezer]

I tried about everything, and still pack Under Armour as a backup, but the LD Comfort tights have really kicked butt on the alternatives.

[Scratch33]

Then there's the Big Dog of LD underwear, the LD Comforts.

I've ridden for years using Under Armor briefs, but just this year sprang for a couple pairs of LD Comforts.  They are better and worth the $ IMO.

[Justin]

I've ridden for years using Under Armor briefs, but just this year sprang for a couple pairs of LD Comforts.  They are better and worth the $ IMO.

They will definitely be purchased before the weather warms up again - don't think they are warm enough for the 30's lately, and soon to be dropping temps

[Scratch33]

They will definitely be purchased before the weather warms up again - don't think they are warm enough for the 30's lately, and soon to be dropping temps

The LD material is thicker than UA.   I'll usually put at least one additional layer of long something-or-other over them for cold weather riding.

[Slonishku]

The LD material is thicker than UA.   I'll usually put at least one additional layer of long something-or-other over them for cold weather riding.

Yeah, they are not meant to keep you warm- just to be a comfort layer. I'd try using them under whatever thermals you have. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

[Justin]

Yeah, they are not meant to keep you warm- just to be a comfort layer. I'd try using them under whatever thermals you have. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

And wearing two smooth layers like that also has the advantage of proving two layers that will slide across each other and reduce friction. So instead of your arse flesh being pulled in different directions, which causes the tearing of tissue that leads to the actual pain, that is captured between those two layers.

[D-Mac]

LDComfort stuff is fantastic. It's worth every penny.

[G]

i must really be a pansy the first long ride, briefs,jeans and chaps 1063 miles two rain storms 20hrs no discomfort 70 deg avg temp, the last one 923miles same set up  16hrs no discomfort, 90 dreg heat. i must be doing it wrong. mind both these trips were last min disions   mind you  i used to sit in dozers ,loaders ,gravel trains for 12 to 16 hr days so iguess ive killed all the fealling in my ars

[Slonishku]

Mind you, sitting that long (year after year, mind you), will tend to build some tolerance. But yours is a rare case, I think.

[Tony T]

I've just been using cycling shorts & tights for years with no issues. My main problem is lack of natural padding in the seat area, not sweat induced monkey-butt.

After reading all the positive reviews about LD Comforts in this thread I'm going to try them out. I'm always looking for better gear.

[rajflyboy]

If you truly want no seams between butt and the seat

I think your gonna have to go "Free Balling" with no underwear

 

[Slonishku]

If you truly want no seams between butt and the seat

I think your gonna have to go "Free Balling" with no underwear

 

Yeah, if you want a seriously chaffed and painful ass, that would indeed be the way to go.

[rajflyboy]

Yeah, if you want a seriously chaffed and painful ass, that would indeed be the way to go.

 

No Doubt.    Shoot you already know I'm a pain in the ASS!    

[Squidbuzz]

I've just been using cycling shorts & tights for years with no issues. My main problem is lack of natural padding in the seat area, not sweat induced monkey-butt.

After reading all the positive reviews about LD Comforts in this thread I'm going to try them out. I'm always looking for better gear.

In addition, if you use the cycling shorts with the chamois pad, you can use products like Chamois Butt'r to help prevent saddle sores.

http://www.pacelineproducts.com/Category56/Chamois_Butt_r.aspx

And it looks like they now have one for motorcyclists.

http://www.motorcyclistsbuttwaxx.com/

And one more thing about cycling shorts, they need to fit.  If sized to large, they will move around and that is not their purpose.  They need to stay put to be effective.

[STeveST1300]

I used to use Under Armour but switched to LD comfort after my BBG this summer the LD's are far better. I do use the under armour cold gear when needed over the LD comforts.

[Slonishku]

In addition, if you use the cycling shorts with the chamois pad, you can use products like Chamois Butt'r to help prevent saddle sores.

http://www.pacelineproducts.com/Category56/Chamois_Butt_r.aspx

And it looks like they now have one for motorcyclists.

http://www.motorcyclistsbuttwaxx.com/

Uh, negative ghostrider...

[Justin]

I'm all for comfort, but I draw the line at "waxing" my arse  

[schmii]

What length of leggings or sleeves do you under your motorcycle suit and why.

Legs:

- Shorts
- Tights

Torso:

- Long sleeve top
- Tee short sleeve top

While we're at it do you have any thoughts on socks?

[CLAY]

Bottom- LD Comfort stuff.  It's amazing.  I have used it on a few LD rides, and I love it.
Over that, shorts if it's hot, jeans if it's not.  
Over that, the textile riding pants.

On top I layer.  Running shirt (the kind that wicks moisture), followed by textile jacket if hot, otherwise various layers such as longsleeve tshirt and hooded sweatshirt.  I pull the hood outside the jacket- it totally seals the area around the rear of the neck for me if it's cold.  If it's below 50, I often wear a neoprene facemask.  Comfy and warm.

[sleazy rider]

LD touring:

LD comfort shorts on the lower.  Jeans over shorts for normal days.
Wicking shirt on top. Depends on temp for the overshirt.  Cooler weather gets flannel, warmer weather is another tee.  Either will be long sleeved.
Socks are regular cotton.

Cold weather has me wearing a long necked balaclava on the head for warmth.  I just got it this past September at Iron Pony and it's been a great addition.  If it's really cold, toss a set of Gerbings over the street clothes and under the Aerostich.  Gerbings gloves and socks too.

After trying many different combinations, this has finally become the "go to" setup for me.

If I'm just hooliganing around the area, wicking under and full two piece leathers over.

[JHG57]

I use un-padded cycling shorts. They work quite well.

[HeavyHustler]

I've been using these underoos and have been very happy with them!  They don't soak up moisture, no wedgies, lightweight, and best of all they keep your balls from sticking to your leg!    LOL!

http://www.saxxunderwear.com/Saxx-Technology.html

[bungie4]

I've been using these underoos and have been very happy with them!  They don't soak up moisture, no wedgies, lightweight, and best of all they keep your balls from sticking to your leg!    LOL!

http://www.saxxunderwear.com/Saxx-Technology.html

My buddy plays guitar in a band and he swears by these. I've been meaning to give them a try.

[freecatSV]

+1 on LD Comfort shorts. I have two pair that I tour with -- every other day I wash them both out and dry them as they instruct (rolled up in a motel towel, or if I'm camping and there's sun, I just hang them out).

I don't know if it's old age or what, but in my 20s I could ride all day in regular cotton underwear with no issues. Anyway, those days are over. I've tried bike shorts with the synthetic chamois, and that's not bad. I've tried various athletic knock-off Underarmor things, and they tend to have seams in all the wrong places. The LD comfort shorts are a revelation. However for my shirts I cheap out and get the knock-off dry-tech shirts from Wal-Mart. They're cheap, but warm in the cold and cool in the heat. Even better is the NRS long-sleeve paddling shirt I have (not so cheap). It's actually cooler under my 3/4 Tourmaster jacket than a short-sleeve shirt, but provides a critical insulation layer in the winter. It's made to insulate even when wet, which is nice on those cold rainy days. Because let's face it, sometimes water seeps in no matter what you do.

Major caveat: I am no IBR hero, not at all. I just find myself doing a lot of 400-600 mile days, and we all know even those distances can be sheer torture on a hot day in the wrong underwear.