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Find reviews of today's HOTTEST cycling shorts! Your butt will thank you for it!
A wise man once told me, "You can buy cheap jerseys, cheap socks, and even cheap gloves but NEVER buy cheap bicycle shorts."
Like any other type of bicycling clothing, bicycle shorts have a specific function and play a very important role in rider comfort especially if you're riding for extended periods of time or racing. There are several different styles to choose from and each has their own advantages and functions.
Bicycling shorts are often made of Lycra (commonly known as spandex) with a synthetic chamois lining. The chamois linings are made from a variety of shapes and styles to suit the needs (butts) of different riders. For example, the patterns used for the chamois on women's bike shorts tend to be quite different from those used for men's bike shorts.
Most quality bike cycling shorts are cut low-rise; shorter in the front, and high in the back. The higher length in the back is to prevent skin exposure while in a typical bent-over riding position. Likewise they are lower in the front to allow the rider to bend forward without constriction.
A chamois's function is to provide coverage for the inside seams of the shorts and to provide a breathable pad to ease the interface between your crotch and the saddle.
Important Buying Tip!
Do not try to solve bike set up or saddle problems with a pair of shorts or chamois insert. Always have your bike professionally fitted to your body and riding style. The chamois as a pad cannot make up for a saddle that isn't set up and fitted properly.
No two butts are the same! That being said, everyone has a style that they like better. Try out a few pairs and see which one that you like better.
Most riders who prefer longer rides (35+ miles) might like a chamois with less or thinner padding. Thinner chamois tends to shift less and wick moister better.
For shorter rides (35 miles or less) a gel-padded chamois is prefer for most riders. This type of chamois offers a more comfortable fit but lacks protection from shifting and moisture wicking properties due in large part because the "gel's" are often in plastic compartments that can block moisture and cause excessive dampness and skin irritation.
Shy away from a thick padded chamois that can bunch up and cause chaffing.
The chamois should be micro-bacterially treated to prevent germ and fungus growth. Nothing will ruin a good day like a germy backside.
The chamois should provide you with some level of shock-absorption and moisture wicking properties
The chamois should fit the shorts. One size chamois DOES NOT fit all size shorts.
Bike shorts are not unisex. Men's and women's bicycling shorts are designed differently to fit each body type. Women's bicycling shorts are typically cut higher in the waist and are wider through the hips. The legs of women's cycling shorts are also typically cut shorter than men's.
When shopping for bicycling shorts, you should choose them based on the quality of the materials and construction. Also important is how they conform to your unique body type. Sometimes a cheap pair of shorts may work better that a high priced one. With that being said, there is a general correlation between price and quality.
Generally speaking, the more expensive the shorts, the higher their quality. Higher priced bike shorts will be made from better materials, better constructed and last longer. Cheap bicycle shorts are often made of poor quality materials and their construction is substandard. Their chamois may not be large enough, soft enough or sewn without irritating seams. Cheap shorts just aren't as durable. in the long run they really aren't a bargain. You should always compare the cost and the expected longevity of the shorts. Remember that a pair of bicycling shorts that costs $150 over five years has the same value than a cheap pair costing $30 that only last one year.
Whether you have a high quality or cheap pair of bicycling shorts neither will provide you their benefits if they're not properly care for. Cycling shorts work best when they can breathe and the chamois can "fluff". To ensure top performance, wash them regularly. Wash them using a minimalist detergent with no fragrances, bleaches, softeners or any other additives to remove the sweat and road grime out. Baby detergents are very mild with no additives. Several sport washes are available that have been tested to leave no residue. These types of products minimize retaining anything that might irritate your skin over time. Just sitting on that small space is hard enough without saddle sores or skin irritations.
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Shiny Green Bike Shortsby Stilettospikes15,515 views
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