Certain types of TRUE MTB does actually require lycra. Marathon and ultra marathon events are very uncomfortable and hot in anything else. I can't imagine riding the Sabie Classic or Barberton marathon, 5:30 to 6:00 hours of sweat, in anything else. Sure, downhill or trail, or jumping or whatever it is you do, wear whatever you like. But to overheat your nuts because you think someone might stare or, and this is the funniest, that baggy shorts actually make some kind of fashion sense, is ludicrous. This is where roadies have you lot beat. They just don't care. On group road rides everyone is actually too busy sweating and hurting to be ogling your package or care whether you have a booger or boner. They only care about hanging a wheel and holding the bunch. Competitive swimmers use speedos or skin suits. Each sport has its attire which is usually driven by common sense and functionality other than fashion or modesty (golf is the notable exception!) And Sam in his christmas green baggies actually looks silly next to Burry and co. Wear those calf length shorts if you must but don't kid yourself you look cool in them. You don't.
