The padded shorts are great. When I was young, I rode an 18 sp touring bike with a Brooks seat everywhere, but 40 years later. I've got a bony backside, and could never pull off more than a few miles without the extra padding

I didn't vote, since I don't really have a yes/no answer. Not sure if you mean regular bike shorts, or the padded kind. I have both, and I alternate, so the padding or non-padding isn't the same every ride. The variety helps to keep me from getting sore in the same places when riding every day. So, I'd suggest a few options to see what you like.

I bought 2 different pairs of padded cycling shorts, a few years ago, and I like one better than the other, but I alternate them, and once in a while just wear regular bike shorts or a stretchy skort. I also have a padded bicycle seat. (I really don't like pain! )

Here is my only gripe regarding the tight padded cycling shorts... The bottom edges of the cycling shorts curl up a bit, so I have to adjust them a bit every couple of miles. The regular bike shorts are a bit longer and they don't seem to ride up as much. Yoga pants are just as comfortable, and don't ride up at all!

I always change into my bicycling clothes, whether just yoga pants in the winter or my bike shorts under loose shorts or light skirt. I live in a hot climate, and so my exercise clothes get sweaty. If I'm only going a short way, I can wear my street clothes. Sometimes I bike to work, but only when it's less than 3 miles away or less, bike shorts under a skirt work well.

Not sure if they are worth it - but I'm glad I have the options, but lately I find I'm choosing to wear my unpadded options. I think I appreciated the padded ones more when I was still getting used to riding so much. They do feel like you have a "pad" or diaper, which takes a few minutes to get used to, but if it pads you where you get sore, it's nice to have the option some days.

I ride 12 miles at a time, 2-3 days a week. On the other days, I walk and/or swim. I don't like riding two days in a row, because of the seat soreness. BUT, I love to ride my bike!

Oh my gosh - YES! I just started riding this summer 6 miles to 35 miles (that one kicked my butt). When I first started I was just wearing my jogging shorts, it would flat out kill my butt, to the point I almost gave up on riding. Got a couple of pairs of riding shorts and they helped. After I purchased a new seat - boy the combination of shorts & seat - zero butt pain! Sorry if that is TMI but I could barely walk after riding when I first began.
Oh and just so you know, they feel like you are wearing a diaper.... not kidding

I guess it's the usual 'depends' (not the underwear kind) answer. I used to ride to work and wanted to wear my work clothes. I still ride a lot on island but they are short trips and I don't want to go through the hassle of changing. However, most of the people I see around here are wearing riding shorts. We are the biking spot of the state and there are a LOT of bikers especially during the summer. [visitsanjuans.com] Hmm, the pictures shows many without shorts. Thing is, the tour is in April and can still be a bit cool.