Want to enjoy biking even more? Then get yourself a good pair of padded cycling shorts! In addition to having the right sized saddle on your bike, cycling shorts will dramatically increase your comfort as you ride, avoiding soreness and fatigue and enabling you to ride farther, more often, and more enjoyably.
We’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect pair of bike shorts to keep your bum happy, whether you’re riding a few casual miles or a century!
And to make sure you're happy once you do buy cycling shorts, ERIK’S has a 30-Day Cycling Shorts Guarantee. If you don’t love the shorts you buy, within 30 days of purchase you can bring them back for store credit.
Why Do I Need Padded Cycling Shorts?
If you’ve been biking without cycling shorts and you decided to check out this blog post, chances are your backside has been feeling a little sore post-ride. We get it! Even with a great saddle, it’s normal to feel the effects of sitting on a bike seat for any duration of time.
That’s why you need padded cycling shorts. They put the pleasure back into your riding so you can keep going, day after day, in comfort. From the materials to the construction, a good pair of cycling shorts will outlast and outperform a more basic pair.
Fitted cycling shorts are made to:
- Easily move with your body, thanks to synthetic fibers and innovative designs
- Glide over the saddle with less friction
- Hold the padding in place exactly where you need it most
- Breathe and wick away sweat or moisture
- Provide essential protection to the nether regions with purposefully placed padding
- Minimize chafing
The pad, which is referred to as a chamois (pronounced "shammy"), varies greatly. Its construction can utilize memory foam and other materials in different sizes, shapes, and thicknesses to maximize comfort. Shammies are also designed to be gender specific (check out our men’s and women’s options) to accommodate anatomical differences.
When shopping, be sure to examine the chamois to determine the quality level of the shorts you’re considering. Here’s a quick way to do that:
- Compress the chamois between your fingers.
- Pads that easily compress all the way down are less comfortable.
- Denser or more substantial pads that allow less compression are more comfortable.
- The more comfortable the better, especially on long rides.
Why Are Cycling Shorts So Tight?
Going into public with form-fitting shorts not your thing? You’re not alone. Luckily there are lots of great alternative cycling shorts that have a padded, snug-fitting liner under a looser-fitting outer short. These casual-looking shorts transition easily from the bike to the coffee shop or brewpub after the ride (view our men's and women's styles).
You can also purchase liner shorts to wear like boxers under your favorite street clothes.
How Should Cycling Shorts Fit?
You want your shorts to fit snugly. It’s important they fit almost like a second skin on your body so the chamois doesn’t move around.
On the other hand, snug does not mean tight. You don’t want the fit to be overly restrictive. Size varies by brand and style, so make sure to try them on at your local ERIK’S to find the pair that works best for you.
What Should I Wear Under My Cycling Shorts?
Cycling shorts are designed to be worn commando. No undies, please!
The shorts and chamois are designed to limit irritation and chafing. An extra layer of material effectively negates the benefits of padded cycling shorts. The material can bunch and the seams can irritate, both of which could cause saddle sores.
(Of course, no undies isn't an ironclad rule. If you find more comfort in wearing them under your bike shorts, go for it! Just be aware if the fabric creates any uncomfortable irritation or chafing, and make changes if needed.)
How Should I Care for My Cycling Shorts?
Cycling shorts (or bibs or tights) need to be washed after every ride. This might seem obvious, but keeping your shorts clean feels better and helps to prevent saddle sores.
Here are a few simple tips for washing your shorts:
- Always read and follow the manufacturer’s washing directions for the best results.
- Wash them inside out to ensure you are really getting the chamois clean.
- Hang your shorts to dry; Lycra and other synthetic fibers break down quickly from the heat of a dryer.
Following these tips should help your shorts last as long as possible.
What Are Cycling Bibs?
For those who have never worn bib shorts, the idea of tight shorts with suspenders can be rather off-putting. But they have advantages and are the shorts of choice for many serious cyclists.
Here are some of the benefits of wearing bib shorts:
- Bibs stay put. They don’t migrate up or down while you ride, so there’s no pulling or adjusting.
- Bib shorts don’t have a tight-fitting waistband, which makes them far more comfortable than traditional shorts.
- There’s no embarrassing gap between your shorts and your jersey.
Unlike a wrestling singlet, cycling bib shorts are not a complete outfit. You should always wear a jersey over the suspenders. (Note: the photo above is meant to show bib shorts and not an example of how to wear them—keep your jersey zipped!)
Consider giving bib shorts a try. If you don't love them, ERIK’S has a 30-Day Cycling Shorts Guarantee. Within 30 days of purchase, you can bring them back for store credit. For the most part, though, we find that cyclists who try bibs never want to go back to regular shorts!
What Is Chamois Cream?
Originally, cycling shorts were padded with a leather chamois. To keep it soft, pliable, and comfortable, you had to condition it with cream.
Fast forward to today: chamois cream is an antibacterial lotion or balm that riders use to prevent chafing or saddle sores. It's especially helpful for cyclists putting on lots of miles or riding in hot conditions. It helps to reduce friction and adds an extra layer of comfort to the saddle.
Use chamois cream sparingly. You only need a little bit. It should be applied directly to key areas of contact between your body and the chamois. Some folks apply it directly to their skin before pulling their shorts on. If you ride with cycling shorts and experiencing chafing, consider chamois cream.
Add Cycling Shorts to Your Ride for a More Comfortable Experience
Cycling shorts are a simple way to make your bike rides more comfortable and pleasant, allowing you to spend even more time on two wheels without feeling fatigue or discomfort.
Swing by an ERIK’S shop and try on a few pairs to find the right fit for you, or shop our online selection of cycling shorts for women and men. Then get ready to enjoy being on the saddle even more than you already do!
Speaking of saddles, they can add to your riding comfort as well. Check out our online selection of saddles and dive into our saddle blog series: Part 1 (Get Comfortable), Part 2 (Find Your Size), and Part 3 (Shorts and Chamois Cream).