Bike pants make a world of difference when you’re on the bike, no matter what riding you do. Of course, cycle shorts differ from model to model. However, the benefits tend to be universal.
Cyclists love lycra for a good reason! It’s perfect for our sport - lightweight, form-fitting, and breathable; it ticks all the comfort boxes.
But let’s talk about the bum because that is where padded cycling shorts can work wonders. If you’ve ever gone on a bike ride out of the blue, no doubt the following day, your ‘bum bones’ have told you all about it. The trick is to just get back on the bike, and eventually, your derriere will get so used to it that the sensation becomes second nature.
However, a chamois or padded lining around the seat of bicycle shorts works to absorb a lot of the impact. Moreover, it does a marvellous job of decreasing friction. Hence, you’re less likely to develop any kind of rash or irritability with all the movement and perspiration. Indeed, padded bike pants can be your bum’s best mate out on the bike!
The stomach stands to benefit from a good pair of bike pants, also, particularly if they are cycling bibs. Why? Because, for the most part, the body assumes a forward-bending position when cycling. So, if you’re wearing standard bicycle shorts that finish at the waist, it can sometimes feel like they're cutting into the gut. Not so with cycling bibs!
Women's padded bike shorts vs men’s bike shorts
Quality padded bike pants distinguish between men’s bike shorts and cycling shorts for women for obvious reasons - the two body types are significantly anatomically different. Pressure is felt in different places and (evidently) on different parts! A good chamois will be gender-specific to allow for and respond to these differences.
Breathability
You want your kit to offer good ventilation, so the skin can breathe and naturally perspire. In addition, good quality gear will provide an element of water resistance or indeed waterproofing so that moisture is minimised.
Aerodynamics
This is particularly important for cyclists working against the clock when every marginal gain matters. Aerodynamic bike shorts, even mountain bike shorts, help minimise friction against the wind by sitting snug and close to the body.
Do padded cycling shorts make a difference?
Imagine wearing denim jeans, jumping on a bike and then riding just 5km in searing heat, lashing rain or headwinds. Where is the fun in that? You’ll start to itch; you might even begin to sweat and feel wet; the friction on your skin will make it feel like you’re wearing sandpaper. It’ll end in a red-raw bum! 100% bike shorts make a massive difference. The material breathes, allowing your legs to move unrestricted and keeping your bum well padded. Don’t make the mistake of buying a padded bike seat to compensate for wearing a dress, regular shorts or jeans. You're just doing yourself a disservice for anything more than a quick clip to the shops. There is so much invisible movement happening where the bum and legs contact the bike. Sitting so snug against your skin, cycling bibs minimise this in ways a padded saddle just cannot.
What are cycling knicks?
The term knicks is just cycling speak for bike shorts. This incorporates all types of shorts, including cycling shorts for men, women, MTB shorts, road riding shorts, tights, bibs - the lot! As the name suggests, shorts will typically finish above the knee, whereas cycling tights (great in colder conditions) will cover the whole leg. Also, as we’ve already mentioned, bibs don’t cut off around the waist. Instead, they feature over-the-shoulder straps that keep the shorts upright without an elasticised band cutting around the stomach.
How should cycling shorts fit?
Whether we’re talking MTB shorts, road racing bibs or aerodynamic skinsuits, they should all sit snug without cutting into any part of the body. Of course, types of bike riding and even fashion trends will influence features such as the length of shorts and the degree of tightness. Indeed, tri suits typically finish higher on the leg, whereas road knicks might go as low down to the knee. MTB shorts, in contrast, can often resemble standard street shorts. However, they will usually include a tighter-fitting internal short-within-a-short.
Your dress size for standard streetwear should indicate your bicycle short size. If there is going to be any discrepancy, it is more likely you will need to order up a size rather than down. Be sure to refer to our handy bike short size chart to find the best fit for you.
