Archive for the ‘Cycling Shorts’ Category
Tight spandex bicycle shorts may look a bit strange to some people, but for a cyclist, bike shorts offer both comfort and function on the bike. Bicycle shorts are designed specifically for the needs of a cyclist.
These needs include:
- padding in the right places to reduce chaffing and discomfort while riding;
- strategically placed seams;
- tight-fitting, flexible fabrics that reduce air resistance and move with the rider allowing a full range of motion on the bike;
- the right amount of breath-ability to cool the rider down
Historically, bicycle shorts were made of black wool, which hid oil and grease stains, with a leather patch inside the shorts in the crotch area, which reduced chafing from the bicycle saddle. Modern bicycle shorts are often made of spandex with a synthetic chamois and are produced in a variety of shapes and styles to suit different rider’s needs. The hem of each leg is usually lined with elastic and/or silicone that grip the skin, keeping it in a fixed position.
Check back tomorrow for bicycle shorts buying tips.
Part 2 of 2 (Continued from Friday)
Cycling isn’t just about exercise. You can also use a bike to perform errands, get to work or just to enjoy the outdoors.
Below is a list (continued from Friday) of key accessories you should consider buying to ensure safety and enjoyment of your riding experience if you are a beginning cyclist. Some of these are more relevant if you are a cyclist who is riding for fun and fitness while others are more relevant if you ride short distances on a regular basis to perform errands or to get to work.
Mirror
A major part of cycling safety is making yourself visible and staying aware of your surroundings. Your attention is temporarily diverted when you turn your head to look over your shoulder. A better solution is to use a mirror of some form.
Hydration
One general problem among beginning cyclists is failure to stay well-hydrated. There are a variety of ways to carry water with you while you ride, from bottle racks attached to the frame to hydration packs worn on your back.
Ride Computer
This is something all cyclists can use but it is far more essential if you are a serious fitness rider. Depending on the model, the tool can tell you how far you went, average speed and top speed, position (via GPS), calories burned, heart rate or altitude.
Cycling Specific Shorts, Knickers or Tights
Anyone who has spent any time on a bicycle will assure you that cycling specific padded shorts are absolutely essential. In general,shorts with more panels fit better and cost more. Shorts made with heavier weight material are more expensive, but they will last longer and are more supportive.
Cycling Jacket
In addition to padded shorts, remember that when you are out cycling you are open to the elements. The proper jacket for you will depend on the type of riding you’ll be doing. There is a trade-off between water resistance, breathability, weight and packability. Fully waterproof jackets are bulkier, heavier and less breathable than water-resistant jackets. For rides where you might only get sprinkled on, you may prefer a light-weight, more breathable jacket. Also, remember that bright, reflective clothing increases your safety when riding at dawn, dusk or night.
As you become a more experienced rider you will no doubt add other bike accessories like repair and maintenance tools and additional clothing (cycling-specific jerseys, gloves, shoes) to your collection.
Bicycle shorts are form-fitting shorts designed specifically for the cyclist. It is important to pick the right cycling short for comfort as you cycle.
One of the first things to consider when buying a cycling short is the number of panels. Panels were originally created to solve the limited flexibility in older materials. Today’s spandex based fabrics have made this distinction less important. Bike shorts have “panels” to allow the garment to be contoured to fit the human body in the cycling position. Additional panels allow the short more curvature and the better the contours of the cycling short will match the shape of legs, waist and groin. When holding up a pair of cycling shorts you’ll notice they retain their contoured form, with the legs slightly bent to accommodate the cyclist’s position on a bike. Panels are cut higher in the back and lower in the front to accommodate the bent over rider.
Six-Panel and 8-Panel Shorts are most common with a few lower priced bike shorts with 4-Panel design.
For many cyclists, a quality pair of cycling shorts is their most important piece of clothing. It usually only takes a beginning rider one or two good rides without bike shorts to realize there is more to bike shorts than meets the eye. With the seat being one of three contact points you have with your bike, and a significant weight bearing point, the importance of a good cycling short with a high-quality pad becomes evident immediately. The chamois (pronounced “shammee”) is the piece of padding found in bicycling shorts with the purpose of mellowing the interface between your crotch and the saddle. The name comes from the historic days when this p
ad was actually made from chamois cloth, a type of sheepskin leather. Today, most shorts feature a synthetic chamois, usually made of foam, gel, and/or microfiber cloth that remains soft through washings. Also, the chamois has gender specific designs and many have antimicrobial properties.
Why are Cycling shorts important to wear? If you are planning on going on a long ride wearing normal shorts you are asking for trouble. You can plan on getting a l
ot of blisters if you do not wear proper cycling shorts.
In the cycling world this is called chafing. Having pain in your groin area can end a bike ride quickly. Most cycling shorts also come with a pad that helps cushion the groin area from your bike seat. Most of these pads are made with a gel or foam material.
As you can see having the proper cycling shorts can make a huge difference in your ability to make your ride comfortable. By not using the proper equipment you can bet on having some blisters the next day.