How to Choose Cycling Shorts: Tips for a Comfortable Ride
Shorts, like bicycle seats, are hard to recommend due to the differences in crotches, butts, and saddle and riding positions. But here are some helpful tips on how to choose cycling shorts.
1. Panels.
The more panels, the better. Often, eight-panel cycling shorts fit the body better than the ones made from lesser pieces. Higher quality of shorts have flat-seam stitching so the added panels will not cause abrasion and other discomforts.
2. Liner.
These days, crotch liners have become synthetic, or not real chamois leather. This is actually a good thing since the material will not dry, crack, or cause more irritation that it's able to prevent. The most ideal piece that can provide you with the better comfort is a large, smooth, and absorbent one-piece that's moderately padded.
Liners with grooves, seams, distinct section or a texture similar to a waffle may or may not work for you. There is really no definite way to know before riding your bike. Just beware of thick padding that tends to bunch and chafe. The gel inserts can also pose problems since they are sealed in plastic which can block the transfer of moisture. This can lead to excessive moisture and skin irritation.
3. Leg Grippers.
Nothing is more annoying than cycling shorts riding up and allowing the material to bunch in your crotch. Inspect the leg grippers. Make sure they are wide, securely sewn in, and made of a rubber-like material. The leg must feel comfortably snug, not too tight or too loose.
4. Stretch.
Most cycling shorts are made of spandex, a stretchy and an easy-to-pull type of fabric. You may also see shorts made of fabric which intentionally resists stretching. The purpose of this is to assist you with pedaling. The fabric sort of stores kinetic energy an the back part of the stroke and then releases it as you push down. This idea is likewise used in what competitive weight lifters wear.
5. Waist Band.
The elastic band must be wide enough so it would not feel like an uncomfortable rope around your mid-body. Some cycling shorts have additional drawstrings, but elastic alone would work just fine. But drawstrings alone won't. If the band is too tight for you, you may have problems breathing or have some restrictions in some positions.
6. Waist Length.
Good cycling shorts are cut high in the rear to cover the skin whenever a rider bends over. They are cut low in front so a rider is able to bend forward with a lot ease. But the front mustn't be too low that it goes below the hip bones with nothing to assist hold it up.
7. Leg Length.
The leg length depends on what's trendy. Long legs or the "Belgian" shorts will be "in" for a while, putting your legs just above your knee. The pendulum, which is the short shorts are preferred by those who don't want to have tan lines showing when they're wearing casual shorts. However, they must not be too short that the saddle's nose rubs on your bare skin.
8. Size.
It is always best to try on cycling shorts before purchasing them. It is quite risky to purchase shorts via mail order unless you are aware of the sizing of the certain manufacturer you are ordering from as sizing varies among different makers of shorts.
9. Overall Fit.
Generally speaking, the snugger the better. Make sure you are not restricted in any way and that the shorts stays in place at all times. Take note that properly designed cycling shorts would like a little baggy in the butt when you are standing in front of a dressing room mirror. When fitting, you crouch forward as if you were riding and observe how the shorts mold to your body.
Remember these great guidelines on how to choose cycling shorts and get that comfortable and perfectly fit shorts that will provide you with a more convenient and fun ride!
1. Panels.
The more panels, the better. Often, eight-panel cycling shorts fit the body better than the ones made from lesser pieces. Higher quality of shorts have flat-seam stitching so the added panels will not cause abrasion and other discomforts.
2. Liner.
These days, crotch liners have become synthetic, or not real chamois leather. This is actually a good thing since the material will not dry, crack, or cause more irritation that it's able to prevent. The most ideal piece that can provide you with the better comfort is a large, smooth, and absorbent one-piece that's moderately padded.
Liners with grooves, seams, distinct section or a texture similar to a waffle may or may not work for you. There is really no definite way to know before riding your bike. Just beware of thick padding that tends to bunch and chafe. The gel inserts can also pose problems since they are sealed in plastic which can block the transfer of moisture. This can lead to excessive moisture and skin irritation.
3. Leg Grippers.
Nothing is more annoying than cycling shorts riding up and allowing the material to bunch in your crotch. Inspect the leg grippers. Make sure they are wide, securely sewn in, and made of a rubber-like material. The leg must feel comfortably snug, not too tight or too loose.
4. Stretch.
Most cycling shorts are made of spandex, a stretchy and an easy-to-pull type of fabric. You may also see shorts made of fabric which intentionally resists stretching. The purpose of this is to assist you with pedaling. The fabric sort of stores kinetic energy an the back part of the stroke and then releases it as you push down. This idea is likewise used in what competitive weight lifters wear.
5. Waist Band.
The elastic band must be wide enough so it would not feel like an uncomfortable rope around your mid-body. Some cycling shorts have additional drawstrings, but elastic alone would work just fine. But drawstrings alone won't. If the band is too tight for you, you may have problems breathing or have some restrictions in some positions.
6. Waist Length.
Good cycling shorts are cut high in the rear to cover the skin whenever a rider bends over. They are cut low in front so a rider is able to bend forward with a lot ease. But the front mustn't be too low that it goes below the hip bones with nothing to assist hold it up.
7. Leg Length.
The leg length depends on what's trendy. Long legs or the "Belgian" shorts will be "in" for a while, putting your legs just above your knee. The pendulum, which is the short shorts are preferred by those who don't want to have tan lines showing when they're wearing casual shorts. However, they must not be too short that the saddle's nose rubs on your bare skin.
8. Size.
It is always best to try on cycling shorts before purchasing them. It is quite risky to purchase shorts via mail order unless you are aware of the sizing of the certain manufacturer you are ordering from as sizing varies among different makers of shorts.
9. Overall Fit.
Generally speaking, the snugger the better. Make sure you are not restricted in any way and that the shorts stays in place at all times. Take note that properly designed cycling shorts would like a little baggy in the butt when you are standing in front of a dressing room mirror. When fitting, you crouch forward as if you were riding and observe how the shorts mold to your body.
Remember these great guidelines on how to choose cycling shorts and get that comfortable and perfectly fit shorts that will provide you with a more convenient and fun ride!
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