Bike shorts

First of all, they are made of the sports material Lycra. The fabric is flexible, strong, and “breathable”, that is, it allows moisture to evaporate off your body. This process, called wicking, allows you to stay dry, cool and comfortable.

Next, bike shorts are built in panels. The more panels, the more expensive they are, and the better they contour to your body. Panels are sewn together with seams, but a good pair of biking shorts will have seams placed in areas where they will not irritate your skin. Panels may come in different colors for styling.

There should never be seams in the crotch area. This is perhaps the most effective difference between biking apparel and regular clothing. Sitting on a seam on a hard bike seat will quickly irritate your bottom, making your ride a miserable, chaffing experience. Remember to NEVER wear underwear, as the seams will defeat the purpose of wearing bike shorts.

For extra padding, the crotch area can also be padded. Padding can be made of gel or chamois. Gel is more comfortable, but they are not breathable like chamois. Most riders prefer the comfort of dry skin to greater padding, but try both to see what you prefer.

Finally, there are styles for men and women. The difference is the padding coverage to fit the different shapes of a man’s and woman’s body, as well as the way the panels are cut to fit the differences in body contours.

Shopping tips

When you try on a pair of cycling shorts, make sure they are not too loose fitting, as they will bunch up while riding. They should also not be so tight as to constrict movement. The leg ends should have rubber strips to help hold the shorts in place. If you are too shy to wear such a tight piece of clothing, there are shorts available with an outer “normal” look and Lycra inside. Shop around and be comfortable while cycling!

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