Introduction
Cycling shorts are short, skin-tight legwear designed to improve comfort and efficiency while cycling.
Historically, cycling shorts for men & women were made of knit black wool, which hides oil and grease stains, with a chamois leather patch inside the cycling shorts in the crotch area, which reduces chafing from the bicycle saddle. Modern cycling shorts for men & women are often made of spandex (Lycra) with a synthetic chamois lining and are produced in a variety of shapes and styles to suit the needs of different riders. For example, the patterns used for the chamois on women's cycling shorts tend to be quite different from those used for men's cycling shorts. The hem of each leg is usually lined with elastic and/or silicone that clings to the skin, keeping the cycling shorts in a fixed position.
Cycling shorts for men and Cycling shorts for women are designed to be worn alone with no undergarments, or as an undergarment. Cycling Shorts made from several panels (or cuts of fabric) fit better, but cost more.
Short-legged elastic tights commonly worn as street wear, under school uniform skirts or for gymnastics and ballet practice, are sometimes also referred to as bike shorts, but they are typically simpler and lighter garments than those worn by cyclists while cycling and generally lack the chamois or faux-chamois lining. These shorts are also used for football, rugby and various other sports, underneath 'normal' shorts for warmth.
Functions of CYCLING SHORTS for Men and Women
reduce wind resistance, increasing aerodynamic efficiency;
compress the legs, which can help combat muscular fatigue; and
provide support to the male anatomy analogously to a jock strap;
protect the skin against the repetitive friction of the legs against the bicycle seat or frame;
reduce the weight of a rider's clothing (compared to wearing denim, gym shorts or baggy shorts).
draw sweat away from the skin to prevent chafing and rashes, and to cool the rider down through the process of evaporation;
Bib Cycling shorts
Bib shorts are cycling shorts that are held up by a bib (integral suspenders/braces) instead of an elastic waistband. Pro and serious riders tend to prefer bib cycling shorts over non-bib cycling shorts, due to the discomfort that often occurs with an elastic waistband, such as tightness (digging into skin) and chafing. The bib part of the cycling short is often made of spandex and polyester with large sections of netting to help keep the rider cool.
The idea of modern bib shorts was a development from the braces (UK) or suspenders (US) that cyclists once used to hold up old-fashioned wool shorts, which had a tendency to become loose and heavy from riders' sweat (the use of braces/suspenders meant the shorts could be held up without an uncomfortably tight waistband). Bib cycling shorts for men & women are well-suited to tall riders and riders with protruding stomachs because regular cycling shorts can tend to fall down in the back while riding.
Baggy Cycling Shorts
Baggy cycling shorts (or shy shorts) are cycling shorts that look like regular shorts on the outside, but that are designed for cycling. Many have a chamois lining on the inside. This lining ranges from polyester fabric to full eight-panel, form-fitting cycling shorts beneath the baggier outside funny shorts. Others are designed to be worn with a separate liner short underneath. These shorts provide a more casual look when riding around town and off dedicated bike paths, and are also popular with many mountain bikers.
Fitted Cycling Shorts (Men and Women)
Comfort while cycling is the combination of bike fit, cycling short fit, and bike seat style and position. The best thing any cyclist can do to ensure riding pleasure, is visit a good bike shop. Have an expert make sure that the bike you are riding is properly adjusted for your body and the style of riding you plan to enjoy. Then you can start looking for the right bike seat and a comfortable pair of cycling shorts.
How To Find The Right Cycling Short For You
There are over one hundred companies that manufacture bicycle apparel. Multiply this by the number of cycling shorts that each company offers and you'll see that there are thousands of solid black cycling shorts to choose from. Although all cycling shorts may look the same at first glance, they do not fit the same. The following tips will help you find the cycling short that is best for you.
What Is The Difference Between A Men's And Women's Cycling Short?
Most men and women can fit in the same cycling short from the hips down. The big difference comes from the hips to the waist. The small of a women's back tapers up to a narrower waist. As such, a "women's cut short" has a tighter waistband and more tapered fit just above the hips. In general, women are also longer waisted than men. Most companies cut the front in-seam longer in a women's cycling short. The final difference is leg length. In general, women prefer a shorter leg length than the traditionally cut men's cycling short which is long enough to cover the cyclists quadricep. Understanding these basic differences can help you select the cycling short that is best suited for you. Don't be afraid to cross gender lines. For example, if you are a larger women built straight up and down, you will probably find a men's cut short to be more comfortable.
4-Panels or 6-Panels or 8-Panels Cycling shorts ?
Cycling shorts have "panels" to allow the garment to be contoured to fit the human body in the cycling position. Additional panels allows the short more curvature. This was very important back in the days of wool shorts when fabric had very little stretch. Stretch fabrics have made this distinction less important. However, as a general rule, higher end bike shorts are usually made in an 8-panel design with less expensive -"introductory" shorts made in a 6-panel design. Use of a 4-panel design is usually limited to work out clothing where the cyclist is in a more up right position on the bike. When trying on any cycling short, always remember to bend over in the cycling position and make sure that the cycling short will fit you well, both on and off the bike.
For those individuals who are bothered by the sewing seams in the crotch area of the traditional 6 and 8-panel bike short, there is an alternative. A new style of cycling short has been developed referred to as a 4/6 -panel, or 6/8- panel. This new style of cycling short is cut anatomically, like a 6 or 8-panel short, but the leg in-seam has been eliminated to prevent chafing from sewing seams in the crotch area underneath the bike pad.
Pads
The purpose of a bike pad is to wick moisture and to prevent chafing. It is not designed to be a "cushion".
The original cycling shorts had pads that were nothing more than a single layer of real leather that had to be meticulously maintained. Fabric technology and pad construction have made the pad more comfortable as well as functional. There are basically seven different pad styles on the market. The fabric and construction of these styles vary greatly. Most pads are made of several layers. The "padding" is usually made from a foam or fleece and can vary greatly in thickness... from very thin (like the original natural leather chamois) to very thick. The top layer is usually made of a technical fabric that wicks moisture, breaths, and prevents the propagation of bacteria.
Since Every "body" is different, and since the type of riding that you do affects your seating position on the bike, it is very important for each individual to consider pad construction... thickness, wicking properties, and breathability when selecting the bike short that is best for them. If you think that you need some additional "padding", you may want to consider putting the padding on your seat, rather than in your cycling short. There are seat covers that are designed specifically to add "extra padding" to the seat. But remember... more "padding" does not always mean more comfort.
Fabric
Price points for cycling shorts are usually based on the fabric that the cycling short is made of and the type of pad that is in the cycling short. Better materials usually cost more and result in a more expensive cycling short. Nylon spandex, the base for most cycling short fabrics has great stretch and durability. However, nylon spandex does not have the ability to wick moisture and breath without a finish being applied, or a special construction in the knitting of the fabric. Spandex is now mixed with other yarns such as polyester to promote moisture transference and breathability. These special applications increase fabric pricing and are the main reason that you see such a wide range of prices in cycling shorts.
Leg Length and Gripper
Leg length can vary anywhere from 3" to 10 1/2". Traditional wool racing shorts were usually cut long so that the fabric covered the quadricep muscle, keeping the cycling short from riding up into the crotch and chafing the rider. The advent of stretch fabrics and elastic leg gripper have allowed manufacturers to make shorter shorts without compromising function.
The length of the short can be divided into three categories:
• Short: 3"-5" "hot pants" length (usually designed for cross training, spinning and triathlons)
• Medium: 6"-8" average cycling short length
• Long: 9"- 11" past the quadricep (usually a "European-cut pro-racing length")
Waistband
Waistbands range from 1/2" covered elastic to 1 1/2" athletic waistband with a drawstring. The major consideration in a waistband is comfort. Be sure to bend over into the cycling position when you are trying a cycling short on in a store so that you can see how the waistband will feel on the bike. If you have a "belly" and don't like the feel of elastic around your waist, try a bib cycling short if you are a man, or a one- piece riding suit if you are a woman. You can always wear a jersey over the top, and it will look like you are wearing a cycling short, but you'll be a lot more comfortable!
Sizing
A size medium can vary from one company to the next. Try on several different cycling shorts before buying. Fabrics and construction will cause each cycling short to fit differently. When trying on cycling apparel, put yourself in a cycling position. You will not be riding the bike standing straight up and down.
Words of wisdom: * Never Wear Underwear Under Your Cycling Short *
Why ?
The materials used in pads today are designed to wick moisture, breath and prevent the propagation of bacteria. As such, they are more sanitary than your underwear. The whole purpose of the cycling pad is to prevent chafing. In order to work, the cycling short must fit your body like a second skin. Having a layer of clothing between your body and your cycling short will prevent the short from working the way that it should, and will increase your chances of experiencing chafing and sores where the underwear sits against your body.
Cycling Shorts
cycling shorts are distinguished from street clothing by 1) added stretch for full freedom of movement, and 2) a padded crotch liner to reduce friction and wick moisture. If possible, try several on to determine what style best fits your anatomy and your typical seat position while cycling.
Cycling shorts features:
Panel construction: In the past, a greater number of panels (typically 6 or 8) correlated to a more comfortable fit. While this is still generally true, fabric technology has recently progressed to the point that the number of panels doesn't necessarily mean "better" for everyone.
Padded liner: A smooth, soft pad of "chamois" (these days, all are synthetic and not leather) minimizes friction, wicks moisture, prevents bacterial growth and helps cushion bumps. It's the most complex part of a cycling short. Suffice to say you'll find a multitude of shapes, thicknesses and materials among brands and genders.
Multi-density, open-cell foam liners deliver high-end performance and comfort for long rides.
Gel/open-cell foam liners offer greater recreational or mountain-bike cushioning but tend to be less breathable on long, hot rides.
Closed-cell foam liners offer good performance at a lower cost.
Legs: Longer-cut legs and leg grippers prevent saddle chafing and keep cycling shorts in place.
Waist style: Most road cycling shorts feature stretchy but non-adjustable spandex. A yoga-style cut offers less-restrictive comfort and is available in some women's cycling shorts.
Tip: All of the cycling-short padding in the world will not make up for an uncomfortable or poorly adjusted cycle seat.
How to Avoid Chafing and Rash Caused by Your Cycling Shorts for Men and Women
For cyclists, few things can ruin the ride quicker than developing a rash or chafing in those sensitive areas. Not only can it be painful during the ride, but the time it takes to heal can keep you off the bike for days. Here's how to avoid that painful chafing and rashes that can develop among cyclists.
1. Wear Proper Fitting, Quality Cycling Shorts
The biggest factor in avoiding chafing is your cycling shorts. They are in continual and direct contact with your skin, and if you are going to have problems, that's usually where they start. Assuming you are wearing "real" cycling shorts with liner and chamois pad, you should not wear underwear. And if you're not wearing "real" cycling shorts, well, that's likely your problem if you are riding any length of time.
Buy the best cycling shorts you can afford. The pad will be better, the material will be better and the seams will be sewn (and located) in a way that will minimize friction and rubbing. You'll be able to ride longer and more comfortably. Make sure that your cycling shorts fit you properly - extra material means extra moisture and rubbing.
2. Make Sure Your Seat Fits You Right
I'm always amazed at some of the big cushy seats you can pick up that supposedly offer a more comfortable ride. They are much wider and much softer, sometimes with gel-filled padding and may well work for some riders. However, what I've found is that it's the narrower, firmer seats that typically work much better.
That may seem completely counter intuitive, but many riders find a wider seat rubs the insides of their thighs and thwarts the natural pedaling motion. More importantly, because moisture and pressure points are the main causes of problems, having a narrower, firmer seat instead of a wide soft mushy one offers a smoother area to support your behind with fewer pressure points and fewer opportunities for friction and rubbing.
3. Change Your Cycling Shorts Frequently
If you will be riding for several days in a row, take care of your cycling shorts to avoid problems with irritation. After a ride, get out of your cycling shorts as soon as possible and wash up. This helps get rid of the bacteria that can cause skin irritation, rashes and chafing.
After cleaning your body, next clean your cycling shorts too. Use a spot detergent/stain remover on the chamois and crotch area and a pH-balanced detergent designed specifically for high-tech fabrics.
Also, using different brands of cycling shorts on consecutive rides varies where seams rub against your body. And the chamois pad will be different from one pair to the next, varying the pressure points where your bottom meets the saddle.
4. Use Preventative Lotion
Many cyclists have found that creams and lotions can help prevent problems. You may have to experiment to find what works best for you as there are a number of recommended solutions. One possibility is to put a light coat of petroleum jelly and shea butter right on your most delicate parts before riding to help reduce the friction in that area from your cycling shorts or bike seat.
After the ride, you might try using a diaper rash ointment with zinc to help your skin stay dry and clean and to quickly heal any irritated areas that may be prone to give you more problems.
5. Change Riding Positions
Our last item is a last ditch, desperation maneuver. If you're out riding and you feel your backside getting chewed up from your bike seat and/or your cycling shorts, the best thing you can do is to change riding positions.
You can stand up and pedal, or else move yourself either farther back or closer up on your seat. Or you can even shift your weight from one side of the saddle to the other. This is about the only way to ease the discomfort if you're actually in the middle of a ride. Should you find yourself in this predicament, tough it out as a long as you can. Then when you're finished, take advantage of the tips above to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Cycling shorts are short, skin-tight legwear designed to improve comfort and efficiency while cycling.
Historically, cycling shorts for men & women were made of knit black wool, which hides oil and grease stains, with a chamois leather patch inside the cycling shorts in the crotch area, which reduces chafing from the bicycle saddle. Modern cycling shorts for men & women are often made of spandex (Lycra) with a synthetic chamois lining and are produced in a variety of shapes and styles to suit the needs of different riders. For example, the patterns used for the chamois on women's cycling shorts tend to be quite different from those used for men's cycling shorts. The hem of each leg is usually lined with elastic and/or silicone that clings to the skin, keeping the cycling shorts in a fixed position.
Cycling shorts for men and Cycling shorts for women are designed to be worn alone with no undergarments, or as an undergarment. Cycling Shorts made from several panels (or cuts of fabric) fit better, but cost more.
Short-legged elastic tights commonly worn as street wear, under school uniform skirts or for gymnastics and ballet practice, are sometimes also referred to as bike shorts, but they are typically simpler and lighter garments than those worn by cyclists while cycling and generally lack the chamois or faux-chamois lining. These shorts are also used for football, rugby and various other sports, underneath 'normal' shorts for warmth.
Functions of CYCLING SHORTS for Men and Women
reduce wind resistance, increasing aerodynamic efficiency;
compress the legs, which can help combat muscular fatigue; and
provide support to the male anatomy analogously to a jock strap;
protect the skin against the repetitive friction of the legs against the bicycle seat or frame;
reduce the weight of a rider's clothing (compared to wearing denim, gym shorts or baggy shorts).
draw sweat away from the skin to prevent chafing and rashes, and to cool the rider down through the process of evaporation;
Bib Cycling shorts
Bib shorts are cycling shorts that are held up by a bib (integral suspenders/braces) instead of an elastic waistband. Pro and serious riders tend to prefer bib cycling shorts over non-bib cycling shorts, due to the discomfort that often occurs with an elastic waistband, such as tightness (digging into skin) and chafing. The bib part of the cycling short is often made of spandex and polyester with large sections of netting to help keep the rider cool.
The idea of modern bib shorts was a development from the braces (UK) or suspenders (US) that cyclists once used to hold up old-fashioned wool shorts, which had a tendency to become loose and heavy from riders' sweat (the use of braces/suspenders meant the shorts could be held up without an uncomfortably tight waistband). Bib cycling shorts for men & women are well-suited to tall riders and riders with protruding stomachs because regular cycling shorts can tend to fall down in the back while riding.
Baggy Cycling Shorts
Baggy cycling shorts (or shy shorts) are cycling shorts that look like regular shorts on the outside, but that are designed for cycling. Many have a chamois lining on the inside. This lining ranges from polyester fabric to full eight-panel, form-fitting cycling shorts beneath the baggier outside funny shorts. Others are designed to be worn with a separate liner short underneath. These shorts provide a more casual look when riding around town and off dedicated bike paths, and are also popular with many mountain bikers.
Fitted Cycling Shorts (Men and Women)
Comfort while cycling is the combination of bike fit, cycling short fit, and bike seat style and position. The best thing any cyclist can do to ensure riding pleasure, is visit a good bike shop. Have an expert make sure that the bike you are riding is properly adjusted for your body and the style of riding you plan to enjoy. Then you can start looking for the right bike seat and a comfortable pair of cycling shorts.
How To Find The Right Cycling Short For You
There are over one hundred companies that manufacture bicycle apparel. Multiply this by the number of cycling shorts that each company offers and you'll see that there are thousands of solid black cycling shorts to choose from. Although all cycling shorts may look the same at first glance, they do not fit the same. The following tips will help you find the cycling short that is best for you.
What Is The Difference Between A Men's And Women's Cycling Short?
Most men and women can fit in the same cycling short from the hips down. The big difference comes from the hips to the waist. The small of a women's back tapers up to a narrower waist. As such, a "women's cut short" has a tighter waistband and more tapered fit just above the hips. In general, women are also longer waisted than men. Most companies cut the front in-seam longer in a women's cycling short. The final difference is leg length. In general, women prefer a shorter leg length than the traditionally cut men's cycling short which is long enough to cover the cyclists quadricep. Understanding these basic differences can help you select the cycling short that is best suited for you. Don't be afraid to cross gender lines. For example, if you are a larger women built straight up and down, you will probably find a men's cut short to be more comfortable.
4-Panels or 6-Panels or 8-Panels Cycling shorts ?
Cycling shorts have "panels" to allow the garment to be contoured to fit the human body in the cycling position. Additional panels allows the short more curvature. This was very important back in the days of wool shorts when fabric had very little stretch. Stretch fabrics have made this distinction less important. However, as a general rule, higher end bike shorts are usually made in an 8-panel design with less expensive -"introductory" shorts made in a 6-panel design. Use of a 4-panel design is usually limited to work out clothing where the cyclist is in a more up right position on the bike. When trying on any cycling short, always remember to bend over in the cycling position and make sure that the cycling short will fit you well, both on and off the bike.
For those individuals who are bothered by the sewing seams in the crotch area of the traditional 6 and 8-panel bike short, there is an alternative. A new style of cycling short has been developed referred to as a 4/6 -panel, or 6/8- panel. This new style of cycling short is cut anatomically, like a 6 or 8-panel short, but the leg in-seam has been eliminated to prevent chafing from sewing seams in the crotch area underneath the bike pad.
Pads
The purpose of a bike pad is to wick moisture and to prevent chafing. It is not designed to be a "cushion".
The original cycling shorts had pads that were nothing more than a single layer of real leather that had to be meticulously maintained. Fabric technology and pad construction have made the pad more comfortable as well as functional. There are basically seven different pad styles on the market. The fabric and construction of these styles vary greatly. Most pads are made of several layers. The "padding" is usually made from a foam or fleece and can vary greatly in thickness... from very thin (like the original natural leather chamois) to very thick. The top layer is usually made of a technical fabric that wicks moisture, breaths, and prevents the propagation of bacteria.
Since Every "body" is different, and since the type of riding that you do affects your seating position on the bike, it is very important for each individual to consider pad construction... thickness, wicking properties, and breathability when selecting the bike short that is best for them. If you think that you need some additional "padding", you may want to consider putting the padding on your seat, rather than in your cycling short. There are seat covers that are designed specifically to add "extra padding" to the seat. But remember... more "padding" does not always mean more comfort.
Fabric
Price points for cycling shorts are usually based on the fabric that the cycling short is made of and the type of pad that is in the cycling short. Better materials usually cost more and result in a more expensive cycling short. Nylon spandex, the base for most cycling short fabrics has great stretch and durability. However, nylon spandex does not have the ability to wick moisture and breath without a finish being applied, or a special construction in the knitting of the fabric. Spandex is now mixed with other yarns such as polyester to promote moisture transference and breathability. These special applications increase fabric pricing and are the main reason that you see such a wide range of prices in cycling shorts.
Leg Length and Gripper
Leg length can vary anywhere from 3" to 10 1/2". Traditional wool racing shorts were usually cut long so that the fabric covered the quadricep muscle, keeping the cycling short from riding up into the crotch and chafing the rider. The advent of stretch fabrics and elastic leg gripper have allowed manufacturers to make shorter shorts without compromising function.
The length of the short can be divided into three categories:
• Short: 3"-5" "hot pants" length (usually designed for cross training, spinning and triathlons)
• Medium: 6"-8" average cycling short length
• Long: 9"- 11" past the quadricep (usually a "European-cut pro-racing length")
Waistband
Waistbands range from 1/2" covered elastic to 1 1/2" athletic waistband with a drawstring. The major consideration in a waistband is comfort. Be sure to bend over into the cycling position when you are trying a cycling short on in a store so that you can see how the waistband will feel on the bike. If you have a "belly" and don't like the feel of elastic around your waist, try a bib cycling short if you are a man, or a one- piece riding suit if you are a woman. You can always wear a jersey over the top, and it will look like you are wearing a cycling short, but you'll be a lot more comfortable!
Sizing
A size medium can vary from one company to the next. Try on several different cycling shorts before buying. Fabrics and construction will cause each cycling short to fit differently. When trying on cycling apparel, put yourself in a cycling position. You will not be riding the bike standing straight up and down.
Words of wisdom: * Never Wear Underwear Under Your Cycling Short *
Why ?
The materials used in pads today are designed to wick moisture, breath and prevent the propagation of bacteria. As such, they are more sanitary than your underwear. The whole purpose of the cycling pad is to prevent chafing. In order to work, the cycling short must fit your body like a second skin. Having a layer of clothing between your body and your cycling short will prevent the short from working the way that it should, and will increase your chances of experiencing chafing and sores where the underwear sits against your body.
Cycling Shorts
cycling shorts are distinguished from street clothing by 1) added stretch for full freedom of movement, and 2) a padded crotch liner to reduce friction and wick moisture. If possible, try several on to determine what style best fits your anatomy and your typical seat position while cycling.
Cycling shorts features:
Panel construction: In the past, a greater number of panels (typically 6 or 8) correlated to a more comfortable fit. While this is still generally true, fabric technology has recently progressed to the point that the number of panels doesn't necessarily mean "better" for everyone.
Padded liner: A smooth, soft pad of "chamois" (these days, all are synthetic and not leather) minimizes friction, wicks moisture, prevents bacterial growth and helps cushion bumps. It's the most complex part of a cycling short. Suffice to say you'll find a multitude of shapes, thicknesses and materials among brands and genders.
Multi-density, open-cell foam liners deliver high-end performance and comfort for long rides.
Gel/open-cell foam liners offer greater recreational or mountain-bike cushioning but tend to be less breathable on long, hot rides.
Closed-cell foam liners offer good performance at a lower cost.
Legs: Longer-cut legs and leg grippers prevent saddle chafing and keep cycling shorts in place.
Waist style: Most road cycling shorts feature stretchy but non-adjustable spandex. A yoga-style cut offers less-restrictive comfort and is available in some women's cycling shorts.
Tip: All of the cycling-short padding in the world will not make up for an uncomfortable or poorly adjusted cycle seat.
How to Avoid Chafing and Rash Caused by Your Cycling Shorts for Men and Women
For cyclists, few things can ruin the ride quicker than developing a rash or chafing in those sensitive areas. Not only can it be painful during the ride, but the time it takes to heal can keep you off the bike for days. Here's how to avoid that painful chafing and rashes that can develop among cyclists.
1. Wear Proper Fitting, Quality Cycling Shorts
The biggest factor in avoiding chafing is your cycling shorts. They are in continual and direct contact with your skin, and if you are going to have problems, that's usually where they start. Assuming you are wearing "real" cycling shorts with liner and chamois pad, you should not wear underwear. And if you're not wearing "real" cycling shorts, well, that's likely your problem if you are riding any length of time.
Buy the best cycling shorts you can afford. The pad will be better, the material will be better and the seams will be sewn (and located) in a way that will minimize friction and rubbing. You'll be able to ride longer and more comfortably. Make sure that your cycling shorts fit you properly - extra material means extra moisture and rubbing.
2. Make Sure Your Seat Fits You Right
I'm always amazed at some of the big cushy seats you can pick up that supposedly offer a more comfortable ride. They are much wider and much softer, sometimes with gel-filled padding and may well work for some riders. However, what I've found is that it's the narrower, firmer seats that typically work much better.
That may seem completely counter intuitive, but many riders find a wider seat rubs the insides of their thighs and thwarts the natural pedaling motion. More importantly, because moisture and pressure points are the main causes of problems, having a narrower, firmer seat instead of a wide soft mushy one offers a smoother area to support your behind with fewer pressure points and fewer opportunities for friction and rubbing.
3. Change Your Cycling Shorts Frequently
If you will be riding for several days in a row, take care of your cycling shorts to avoid problems with irritation. After a ride, get out of your cycling shorts as soon as possible and wash up. This helps get rid of the bacteria that can cause skin irritation, rashes and chafing.
After cleaning your body, next clean your cycling shorts too. Use a spot detergent/stain remover on the chamois and crotch area and a pH-balanced detergent designed specifically for high-tech fabrics.
Also, using different brands of cycling shorts on consecutive rides varies where seams rub against your body. And the chamois pad will be different from one pair to the next, varying the pressure points where your bottom meets the saddle.
4. Use Preventative Lotion
Many cyclists have found that creams and lotions can help prevent problems. You may have to experiment to find what works best for you as there are a number of recommended solutions. One possibility is to put a light coat of petroleum jelly and shea butter right on your most delicate parts before riding to help reduce the friction in that area from your cycling shorts or bike seat.
After the ride, you might try using a diaper rash ointment with zinc to help your skin stay dry and clean and to quickly heal any irritated areas that may be prone to give you more problems.
5. Change Riding Positions
Our last item is a last ditch, desperation maneuver. If you're out riding and you feel your backside getting chewed up from your bike seat and/or your cycling shorts, the best thing you can do is to change riding positions.
You can stand up and pedal, or else move yourself either farther back or closer up on your seat. Or you can even shift your weight from one side of the saddle to the other. This is about the only way to ease the discomfort if you're actually in the middle of a ride. Should you find yourself in this predicament, tough it out as a long as you can. Then when you're finished, take advantage of the tips above to make sure it doesn't happen again.
