cycle shorts vs tri shorts

Tri shorts are fine, and you'll need them for your race anyway, so you should get a pair. Bike shorts are great for longer rides. I have both, but I probably wear tri shorts 80% of the time.

Assuming your bike fits you properly, the discomfort should go away as you ride more and your body adapts. If it doesn't get better, take your bike to the shop and check the fit.

Congratulations on the new bike and on signing up for your first race!

Although I haven't had a race yet, I've tried both cycle and tri shorts, yes they do make a difference.  The chamois in the bike shorts seem stiffer and a little larger than the tri shorts.  It's probably what makes the tri shorts more comfortable to run in.  The tri shorts don't hold up well to the chlorine in the pool.

I've done a few long tris and have put a few thousand miles on my bike each year for a while now. I've done all that with tri shorts. It just takes working up to the longer stuff so your undercarriage gets used to riding with them. Tri shorts are made to wear the whole race and they work well doing that.

I signed up for a double century (200 mile) bike and bought my first cycling bib. After riding a couple 3+ hour rides with them I'd come to the decision that they're not needed for me and I'll only buy tri shorts in the future.

Thanks everyone!  = )

Train how you race.........buy some tri shorts.