i bought bike shorts :(

Did you buy "bike shorts" or "tri shorts"?

The pad in bike shorts isn't designed for swimming and running, a little too big.  Very nice if you're going to be riding all day, but it doesn't dry fast enough to swim in and is too bulky to run in.

Tri shorts on the other hand have a smaller pad and the pad is designed to dry quickly and not be so bulky as to interfere with running.

So you want to look for a pair of Tri shorts.

There's this product called a "tri-short" that seems pretty popular for people who want to swim, bike, and run without changing clothes.  I know there was a link to some if I can just find it...

Here it is http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/shop/shop/item.asp?itemid=4172

Padding is much thinner than bike shorts. 

If I'm just riding my bike, I wear bike shorts (unless I want to make sure I'm adapted to the tri-shorts for the race).  When I'm just running, I (usually) wear running shorts.  When I'm just swimming, it's the jammers.  Now when I'm racing, I wear the tri-shorts. 

What, the rest of the time, you run naked? (Please, no pics needed....)

Heh...that would NOT be a pretty picture!  No, I've got other shorts that aren't specifically "running shorts" that I wear to run in.  When I travel, I usually run in lined, nylon hiking shorts so I can put the key-card and hotel brochure/business card in my pocket.  These are good for 3-5 miles at a time. 

... or you could try one of the sponsors of this site, http://www.trisports.com. I've used them recently and the service and products have been outstanding.  Highly recommended!

I get stuff from them all the time. I'd suggest calling and talking with them as they are great at advising you what will work best given your needs.

If you can return your sports authority bike shorts. I'm guessing they are low quality and with bike shorts price  = quality. All the bike shorts I buy are $80 or more or list at that price and are on sale.