The most important bit of kit for any cyclist is a pair of
quality shorts. Spend some time in the saddle without and it won't be long before you're hopping of the bike from the discomfort. Investing in some decent padded Lycra shorts then is a wise move. But what to look for?
There's many types and styles available, and it doesn't take long to be confused with all the options and the bewildering jargon that gets branded about. Thankfully, there's plenty of choice to suit all different body shapes and riding requirements so finding shorts that fit is an easy shopping task.
Bibs or shorts?
The first decision to make is bib or shorts. Aside from the amusing sight of a cyclist struggling against his bibs in the attempt to empty a full bladder, bib shorts offer the best choice for serious cyclists. The waistband of shorts can dig in, whereas bibs forgo the waist band and use bib straps to keep the shorts up and in place. Much more comfortable.
Fit
There are two key elements to bear in mind when choosing shorts; fit and chamois. Manufacturers go to great lengths to ensure their shorts fit a person well, and there are a staggering number of different approaches which can be misleading to the uninitiated. Generally though, the more panels a short has the better the fit, as the shorts will better conform to your body. Look for six or even better, eight panels for a good fit. Different grades of Lycra are sometimes employed to increase stretch in key areas, but the more intricately designed the more expensive they will be.
Comfort and chamois
Along with fit, the chamois is the essential ingredient to happy cycling and is where most of the money goes. Again, there's more than a few to choose from, with most companies designing their own versions with claims of being the best. But what works for one person doesn't necessarily mean cycling nirvana for the next, though with plenty of choice there's something for everyone.
Commonly made from man-made synthetic materials, the padding needs to provide comfort while anti-bacterial properties are good for hygiene and some have channels or perforations to wick away sweat- there's nothing more uncomfortable than a soggy chamois. There's an increasing choice of gel, multi-density foams and chamois that place different types of padding in different areas.
As shorts are the only padding between your bum and the saddle and road, it's not an item of clothing that you really want to skimp on. A good, if expensive pair of shorts should be seen as an investment in your cycling, so spend as much as you can. If you're comfortable you'll want to ride longer - which can only be a good thing.
Other things to look out for
Beside fit and padding, and leaving style to one side for a moment, there's a few other subtle differences that can make one pair of shorts stand out over another when you're making a purchasing decision. The type and quality of stitching is crucial. Look for good quality hems too, those lined with elastic and silicone grippers ensure the shorts don't slip up and down your legs as you're cycling.
Materials vary a great degree but most are variations on synthetic materials commonly used - gone are days of woolen shorts! Reflective logos and piping can give an increase in visibility important on busy roads.
Women
“Women specific shorts are commonplace now and are styled to suit a different anatomy. They have specific inserts, more variety on leg length, and waists are often higher - especially at the rear. Women tend to prefer wider waistbands and looser leg grips.” Bex Hopkins
RCUK has extensively tested dozens of shorts and there's many more reader reviews in the member review archive.
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