Right, this is not for long rides. I'm a small 8 and got a medium; the skirt is roomy and sits low while the shorts are more snug. Shorts have minimal padding and are more for modesty, I'd say. They attach to the inside of the skirt with snaps. I have the tartan skirt too, and I love it. Stretchy, four roomy pockets, belt loops, snap and zipper front closure (though I just pull it on). I have a short commute by bike and I can wear this skirt to work. Right now I wear the skirt with tights and the shorts, but in the summer, the shorts are too short and the saddle chafes my skin. You could always wear other shorts under the skirt.