Cycling shorts come in many different shapes, fabrics and sizes. Here’s some advice on how to pick a pair of bicycle shorts for maximum comfort in the saddle.
Back in the early 1900’s, bicycle shorts were made of wool and allowed little flexibility or stretch. The designs were modifications of men’s pants or women’s knickers and featured multiple panels in an attempt to eliminate fabric bunching and causing chafing in delicate areas.
Multiple panels, however, require multiple seams to hold them together and those criss-cross seams in the crotch area caused considerable discomfort. To solve the problem, cycle short designers developed an insert to cover the offending seams and provide a smooth surface for a more comfortable ride. The fabric chosen was leather and so the chamois liner became the norm for wool cycling shorts.
Modern Bicycle Shorts
Today, advances in fabric technology offer a multitude of durable and highly flexible fabrics. The standard is a fabric containing a high percentage of lycra or spandex for maximum stretch and the “chamois” is the basic term used to define the padded insert protecting the delicate crotch area from the seams.
Yet buying a pair of bike shorts with a padded liner does not always ensure a comfortable ride. There are so many brands on the market with differing numbers of panels, various cuts and different materials not to mention unique inserts appropriate to that brand.
Best Fitting Cycling Shorts
How well a bike short fits is determined by a person’s anatomy, their riding style and the type and set up of the bike saddle used. Just as there are no two individuals the same, neither are there two butts that perfectly fit the same chamois. What is comfortable for one person may not be for another. That said, consider these key elements to determine whether a short will be comfortable or not:
- Number of panels. Cheaper “touring” shorts tend to have 2-4 panels whilst more expensive “sports” shorts will generally have between 4 and 8 panels. A greater number of panels are supposed to offer a better fit but with modern stretchy fabrics, the need for extra flexibility through additional panels is largely negated.
- Fabric weight. Most biking shorts are made of a spandex material weighing between 6 and 8 ounces. The heavier the fabric, the greater the cost but many riders find lighter fabrics more comfortable.
- Chamois design. A good chamois insert should be micro-bacterially treated and provide enough padding for comfort without feeling like the rider is wearing a diaper. Some inserts are an integral part of the short whilst others have seams of their own which may themselves cause chafing.
Buying Bicycle Shorts
The combinations when choosing a good pair of bike shorts are endless so the best way to a perfect fit is to try many different styles and also types of chamois.
A well fitting liner will not bulge out and cause discomfort if the material around it is strong enough. Many liners are made of thick padding to overcompensate for an uncomfortable saddle but if a saddle is well fitting to start with a thick chamois may just make things worse. A poor riding position can also cause discomfort.
When trying on cycling shorts, remember to bend over in a cycling position rather than standing up straight. The chamois insert may look like a diaper from the back but sit on a narrow chair and move around to get a feel for how the short will move when riding.
Cost of Cycling Shorts
Basic padded undershorts start from as little as $15. Good quality bike shorts are normally around $50 with full cycling bib shorts retailing at up to $200 a pair. Price is not always the key factor, although more expensive materials last longer so can be better value in the long term.
Choosing the Most Comfortable Cycling Shorts
Ultimately, the best pair of shorts comes down to personal preference. Whilst some cyclists continually try different pairs of bike shorts in a quest for the perfect fit, once found, the average cyclist will stick to a brand they know and love and that is kind to their butt.
