Comfy Butt: How to Select Proper Bike Shorts

BY Jen Rasmussen

When it comes to buying bicycle shorts, technology is your friend. With the advent of synthetic fabrics that can wick away moisture, stay in place and breathe, the possibilities are endless. There are over 100 manufacturers of cycling shorts, and with so many choices and so many features, buying a new pair can be a daunting task.

The fit of a rider's shorts is every bit as important as the fit of a saddle. Ill-fitting shorts can cause chafing, discomfort and saddle sores. Although a lot of it comes down to personal preference, not all shorts are created equal. There are some necessary features that all good shorts share.

Basic Fit
Shorts are meant to be snug-fitting. Stretchy synthetic fabrics like spandex and lycra allow shorts to stay in place without bunching or chafing. But, they should not be so tight that they cause discomfort or pain.

Unless you are purchasing a familiar brand and size, online ordering without the option of returns should be avoided. However, popular websites like www.nashbar.com and www.teamestrogen.com accept returns within 90 days.

All shorts fit differently, and it is important to try them on. While in a bent-over, racing position, make sure that the shorts sit high enough in the back to cover you comfortably. The front should be cut lower, and have an unobtrusive waistband. Some brands have drawstrings, to adjust for comfort, which is fine, as long as they also have an elastic waistband.

Chamois
The most important part of a pair of cycling shorts is the chamois. This is the padding in the crotch area of the shorts that wicks away moisture, prevents bacteria growth and cushions the saddle. In the early days of cycling, some riders, desperate from the pain of saddle sores, put steaks in their shorts. The next evolution in cycling shorts was real leather chamois, which can still be found if you are feeling nostalgic. But, the days of steaks and leather are over, and today's chamois are made of synthetic materials. The amount and placement of padding can differ greatly among shorts, so a rider's decision depends on personal preference as well as saddle shape.

"It all comes down to chamois construction," says Kirsten Jacobsen of Sugoi Performance Apparel. "A multi-laminate chamois is good because you want a higher density of cushion is some places, but far less throughout the outer edges to allow for flexible movement."

Many experienced riders note that thicker, longer chamois don't always mean better protection from saddle sores, and recommend a medium-sized one.

There are seven common chamois shapes, and it is important to note that they vary depending on gender. Female riders will want to avoid chamois with a center seam. Most riders go through a trial-and-error period before finding the right personal fit.

Panels
A common rule when shopping for new shorts is, the more panels, the better. Experts recommend 8-panel shorts, because multiple panels allow the fabric to conform to a rider's unique anatomy. But when looking at the construction of the shorts, make sure that the shorts have flat seams, to avoid irritation.

Another option that has recently gained popularity is the 4 / 6 or the 6 / 8 panel. They are identical to the regular 6 or 8 panel short, but the leg inseam has been eliminated to prevent chafing.

Leg Length
Leg lengths can measure anywhere between 3 1 /2 and 11 inches. The shortest ones may be preferable for women who are looking to avoid awkward tan lines, but Fred Matheny and Ed Pavelka, of www.roadbiker.com, caution that they shouldn't be so short that the nose of the saddle has contact with bare skin. This will help avoid chafing.

Six to eight inches is the standard length for bicycle shorts, but some riders prefer the longer, so-called European-cut, which extends past the quadriceps

Regardless of length, all shorts should have elastic leg grippers to keep them in place.

Men's versus Women's Shorts
The major difference between men's and women's shorts comes from the waist and hip area. Men tend to have less angular bodies, while women have a greater waist-to-hip ratio. Therefore, many women's shorts have smaller waistband. However, there are no major differences in the leg portion of the shorts. Women with narrow hips may find men's shorts more comfortable.

Other options
The more self-conscious rider may prefer mountain biking style shorts. They are exactly the same in construction, but have an outer, baggy layer as well. This outer layer may even contain small cargo pockets.

Some women's brands are also making shorts that have a stretchy skirt panel over them. This may be a convenient choice when you ride your bike to a non-cycling location, so you can fit in with the crowd.

Some cyclists also prefer bib shorts. Bib shorts have built-in suspenders, instead of a waistband, that help keep the shorts, and especially the chamois, in place. They are particularly advantageous for riders with larger bellies. However, they tend to be more expensive than regular shorts and many riders dislike the effort involved in a bathroom break.

Pregnant women aren't excluded from finding quality bicycling gear. There are maternity shorts on various websites, such as www.teamestrogen.com.

Price
The price range for a pair can be anywhere from $40 to $175. In this case, less isn't more, and a good pair of shorts is well worth the price. More expensive shorts will typically have more panels, and the fabric will retain its shape longer, prolonging the life of your purchase.

Considerations
Remember that bicycle shorts are meant to be worn without underwear (after you've paid for them) for two reasons. First, they are designed to be snug-fitting. Any extra fabric or seams will cause discomfort and chafing. Second, the fabrics used in today's bicycle shorts are specially designed to pull in moisture and prevent bacteria from growing. Therefore, they are more hygienic than regular underwear anyway.

As when buying other new equipment for your bicycle, sometimes the only way to find the right fit is by trial-and-error. But, the cost of a few pairs of shorts is well worth finding the perfect pair that will make your rides enjoyable.

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Title	Comfy Butt: How to Select Proper Bike Shorts
Source	Bicycle Paper
Publisher	Bicycle paper (Seattle, Wash.)
Vol (iss)	34(7)
Date	Fall 2005
Pages	1;4
SIRC ID #	S-1014074

 

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