What do cycling shorts do

There have been TWO times when a guy who got dressed in the dark trying not to wake up his wife showed up to the ride with the chamois side out because his shorts were inside out. Different people. It was just as funny both times. I think you will find that the overwhelming majority of mountain bikers are wearing padded liners under their baggies, so they have the comfort issue taken care of. I an a novice to riad biking, but I love it. I bought a pair of padded biking shorts I wear under loose shorts and they add to my comfort level immensely.

I wear mountain bike shorts without any padding on my road bike. They are not to baggy. I was wondering if I was to get a padded short would I have to adjust my saddle height to allow for the padding. What vanity and empty-headedness! Who gives a shit what you look like on a bike or cares what other people think? Boils down to comfort. Your email address will not be published.

We run through the pros and cons of both of these options, to help you find the style of shorts that will best suit your needs. By using bib straps instead of a waistband, this style of short is designed not to restrict your deep diaphragmatic breaths. The straps have the secondary benefit of keeping the shorts securely in place and thereby reducing any chafing. Switching from grinding in the saddle, to tip toeing on the pedals as you climb out the saddle, your shorts will stay in the same position throughout.

It is reassuring when riding to know a seamless transition will be maintained at all times. The extra material, however, can make bib shorts hotter to ride in and a little less breathable. This is less of an issue out on the road, but the fact that many people ride with the bib straps down when cycling indoors on the turbo is somewhat telling. Although bib shorts circumvent the issue of a waistband digging in, they introduce a new problem of bib shoulder straps digging in.

This can be a particular issue for women as it can be hard to get the bib straps and bra straps to sit comfy on your shoulders in harmony. Going for a cycling specific sports bra, such as Rapha's Outdoor Voices Sports Bra is a good option to mitigate this issue. The need to remove your jersey before the shorts can be pulled down makes toilet stops a far more involved affair.

The issue is compounded when your jersey pockets are cluttered full of spares and nutrition you need for the miles ahead. With a lower waist and by not having straps, waist shorts are a lot more effective in keeping you cool on the turbo than bib shorts.

The issues regarding bib straps digging in and making toilet stops difficult are also avoided. If your chamois rubs uncomfortably, some chamois butter can help lubricate your inner thighs against chafing. Max Roman Dilthey is a science, health and culture writer currently pursuing a master's of sustainability science. Based in Massachusetts, he blogs about cycling at MaxTheCyclist.

By Max Roman Dilthey. Rigid vs. Bike Pedal Clips vs. Straps Hardtail Bike vs. History of Cycling Shorts The chamois was invented in the s, when most cycling clothing was made from wool. Cycling Short Materials Cycling shorts are usually made from quick-drying synthetic materials such as Lycra, spandex, nylon and polyester. Advantages of Cycling Shorts Cycling shorts protect your most sensitive regions from the pain of long contact with a bicycle seat. What to Look For in a Chamois To ensure you're getting the full benefit of a chamois, you'll want it to have all the characteristics that give you advantages while cycling.

References VeloJoy. The Oregonian: Underwear with Bike Shorts?