Buyer's Guide to Cycling Shorts

This topic got me thinking after Shimano and Pearl Izumi put out a comedic video earlier this week about a customer visiting a store with some confusion about buying his first pair of cycling shorts. (Check it out here). I realized that this topic often can be a little confusing and awkward for first time cycling short buyers, so I'd like to share a few guidelines and tips about purchasing your first (or another) pair of cycling shorts.

Why Cycling Shorts?

Many people usually wonder why. What makes the cycling short so special? What's the benefit? There are quite a few reasons to make the investment including; Aerodynamics, protecting the skin from friction, wicking away sweat, reducing weight, and improved comfort.

The Fit.
First, you typically want to wear what is comfortable and practical for your riding type. There are basically two types of riding shorts. Baggy or tight. Usually, the mountain bikers stick with more of a loose fitting short that has a tighter inner short, while the road bike community tends to lean more toward the aerodynamic tight fitting short. It also depends on your ride. If you're a commuter that needs to make some pit stops at the store or a coffee shop on your way to work, you may want to go with a baggier short. If you're out for a serious ride to hammer on the road, you will want to go with a more slim tighter fit.

Bib or No Bib?
Another option for buying shorts is weather or not you want a bib short or a non-bib short. The bib has a suspender-like shoulder straps that keep your shorts up while riding, eliminating any sagging or drooping that may occur. Some feel that the suspender may be uncomfortable or annoying and have no problem keeping their shorts on their waist. This rider will lean more towards the non-bib style short. With no suspender in the way, it also makes it easier to take care of business when duty calls.

The Chamois.
The chamois, pronounced "shammy" is the pad you'll find on the inside of cycling shorts. It has two main functions. Extra padding and moisture wicking. The padding helps those sit bones stay comfortable when you're spending a lot of time on the saddle. If you often complain about the your saddle hurting your butt, then a chamois is your saving grace. Its also great to keep you dry down there because many chamois are made with moisture wicking materials.

The Cost.
With most things at the bike shop (and in life) you really do get what you pay for. Entry-level can be excellent and work really well, but more expensive items really do have significant benefits over their less expensive counterparts. In most entry-level chamois (pictured above-right) you'll tend to find a thinner pad and less panels. With more expensive chamois (pictured above-Left) you'll find a higher quality build with better materials that will typically last longer.