All You Need to Know About Cycling Shorts
The next most important accessory for cycling is the cycling shorts. The first most important is the helmet which protects your head and ultimately your life. But a cycling shorts is equally important when it comes to maximizing your cycling performance and comfort in the long run.
Why the need for cycling shorts?
This is because if you just wear other types of shorts or pants, you will most likely get injured from chafing. What is chafing? Chafing is defined by the irritation of the skin by excessive rubbing or friction. This would often lead to blister.
The solution to this is cycling shorts. Note that this not your ordinary tight-fitting pair of shorts. For the price you pay, you get an in-sewn padding inside the shorts that prevent skin problems. They also have fabric inside for better fit. These fabrics are in panels form. The more of them, the more expensive the shorts will be.
Expect to pay anywhere between $30 and $100 for a pair of cycling shorts. Most riders however, prefer bib shorts over lycra or spandex shorts.
What is lycra material?
It is a type of fibre (synthetic). Synthetic means a material that is man-made. It is mixed with animal and plant fibers. Its main characteristic is elasticity or flexibility. You can stretch it all you want and it would not break or tear. If compared to rubber (which can also be stretched to some extent), lycra can last much longer.
A note on spandex
Spandex is another name for lycra material. The alternative to these two would be 'elastane'. These terms all carry the same meaning altogether. They are commonly used interchangeably.
What is bib shorts?
Bib shorts itself is a type of cycling shorts. They are shorts that are suspended on the shoulders of a rider. Therefore, this reduces the need to have an elastic waist band when wearing the shorts. Most riders claim it to be more comfortable.
Loose fitting shorts
These types are often worn by mountain-bikers. Not everyone favors the tight-fitting version of cycling shorts. But they also serve the purpose of cycling very well also, with padding inside.
What is chamois?
Often times, the experienced riders will use this particular term. Chamois is a type of material that is used for padding. Usually, riders will apply 'Vaseline' or other lotion to lubricate the chamois. It is very comfortable to ride in one of these, especially for long hours.
Why the need for cycling shorts?
This is because if you just wear other types of shorts or pants, you will most likely get injured from chafing. What is chafing? Chafing is defined by the irritation of the skin by excessive rubbing or friction. This would often lead to blister.
The solution to this is cycling shorts. Note that this not your ordinary tight-fitting pair of shorts. For the price you pay, you get an in-sewn padding inside the shorts that prevent skin problems. They also have fabric inside for better fit. These fabrics are in panels form. The more of them, the more expensive the shorts will be.
Expect to pay anywhere between $30 and $100 for a pair of cycling shorts. Most riders however, prefer bib shorts over lycra or spandex shorts.
What is lycra material?
It is a type of fibre (synthetic). Synthetic means a material that is man-made. It is mixed with animal and plant fibers. Its main characteristic is elasticity or flexibility. You can stretch it all you want and it would not break or tear. If compared to rubber (which can also be stretched to some extent), lycra can last much longer.
A note on spandex
Spandex is another name for lycra material. The alternative to these two would be 'elastane'. These terms all carry the same meaning altogether. They are commonly used interchangeably.
What is bib shorts?
Bib shorts itself is a type of cycling shorts. They are shorts that are suspended on the shoulders of a rider. Therefore, this reduces the need to have an elastic waist band when wearing the shorts. Most riders claim it to be more comfortable.
Loose fitting shorts
These types are often worn by mountain-bikers. Not everyone favors the tight-fitting version of cycling shorts. But they also serve the purpose of cycling very well also, with padding inside.
What is chamois?
Often times, the experienced riders will use this particular term. Chamois is a type of material that is used for padding. Usually, riders will apply 'Vaseline' or other lotion to lubricate the chamois. It is very comfortable to ride in one of these, especially for long hours.
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