It’s tough for some people to understand why cycle shorts are so significant to cycling enthusiasts. Casual riders who ride infrequently and generally only ride for short distances probably never experience much discomfort when they ride. But once they start riding regularly or start to ride for longer distances, they start to realize how much pain and discomfort that cycling in regular clothes can cause.
Cycle shorts serve many significant functions. They protect your skin against the constant friction of your legs and backside against the bicycle seat or frame. For men, they provide protection and support comparable to a jock strap. They draw sweat away from your skin to prevent chafing and rashes, and cool you down through evaporation. They also compress your legs, which helps reduce muscular fatigue. They’re also lighter in weight than normal shorts.
Getting shorts with the appropriate fit is imperative. Ill-fitting shorts are nearly guaranteed to chafe you.
Be sure to try on a pair of cycle shorts before you obtain it, remembering that cycle shorts and cycling jerseys are designed to be worn without undergarments. Get down into a rider’s crouch to check for tightness; in this position, the shorts should feel snug but not restrain your movement.
You should buy shorts that have sufficient padding. But use too much padding, or it probably will bunch up and chafe you. The padding should be smooth, with no seams, to avoid saddle sores.
Check the crotch liner to make sure it’s made of a single piece and is smooth and absorbent. You should probably steer clear of gel inserts, which have plastic in them that traps moisture.
Stretchability is important, so you’ll want a fair amount of spandex in the shorts. Most people consider the light (6-oz) materials to be more comfortable, though they aren’t as durable as the heavy materials.
If you think you’ll be riding on some long tours, you should contemplate purchasing some bib shorts. Because they don’t have an elastic waistband, bib shorts won’t chafe your waist on long rides, and they also keep you cooler than regular riding shorts. You also may like to acquire more than one type of shorts and alternate them to reduce getting rubbed in the same spot.
If you don’t like the look of cycling and running tights, you might think about acquiring baggy shorts, which look a lot like regular shorts. Many mountain bikers wear them, and also many casual bicyclists. But if you get baggy shorts, make certain that you get ones that don’t catch on the seat when you mount or dismount.
There isn’t a particular brand of shorts that is ideal for everybody, because cyclists have different anatomies and needs. As far as comfort goes, a cheap brand might be as comfortable as a higher-priced brand.
But the principle problem with cheap brands of shorts is that they are made of less lasting fabrics. These cheap shorts frequently will fall apart in one season of wear. It’s amazing how much wear and tear shorts will endure from riding, especially on long tours. I’d definitely advise you to research the construction and materials used in whatever pair of shorts you’re considering acquiring.
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