It’s tough for many people to know why cycle shorts are so significant to serious cyclists. Casual riders who ride infrequently and ordinarily 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 comprehend how easy it is to develop sores in any of several places from wearing regular clothing.
Cycle shorts serve many important functions. They shield your skin against the constant friction of your legs and backside against the bicycle seat or frame. For men, they deliver protection and support comparable to a jock strap. They wick sweat away from your skin to prevent chafing and rashes, and cool you down by evaporation. They also compress your legs, which helps minimize muscular fatigue. They’re also lighter in weight than normal shorts.
Make certain to get shorts that fit properly, or they’re bound to rub you raw in any number of unfortunate places.
You need to try on a pair of cycle shorts or cycle carriers before you acquire it, remembering that cycle shorts 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 constrain your movement.
Having sufficient padding in the shorts is important. But padding that’s too thick will sometimes bunch up on you and chafe. The padding should be seamless and smooth, to prevent 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.
You want a good amount of spandex in your cycling shorts so they will stretch. Most people think the lighter materials to be more comfy, though they aren’t as durable as the heavier stuff.
If you plan to ride on some long tours, you should consider buying 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 might want to purchase more than one variety of shorts and alternate them to reduce getting rubbed in the same spot.
If you’re a casual bicyclist or a mountain biker, you might want to get baggy shorts. Just be sure that they aren’t so loose that they catch on the front of your saddle when you get on or off.
kind of shorts that’s comfortable for everyone. For some folks, an inexpensive brand might feel as good as a more expensive brand.
But the primary problem with cheap cycle clothing brands of shorts is that they are made of less durable materials. 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 purchasing.