5 Things You Need to Know About Bike Shorts
Good Shorts Can Make Your Ride Better
1. Yes, you really need to wear bike shorts. They have a pad in the butt to make sitting on a bike seat more comfortable. They're also made from materials that wick sweat away so it can evaporate. That means less heat and less chafing. It's way better than wearing jeans!
2. Dude, please don't wear underwear with your bike shorts. My brother tried taking up biking. I think he stopped after the relentless mocking I gave him after catching him wearing tighty-whiteys. If you wear undies (boxers, TWs, thongs, whatever), you defeat the wicking capability o your shorts. You will stay wet, making you feel like you're wearing a diaper. If you're into that sort of thing, fine!
3. I consider $80 for a pair of Castelli shorts money well spent. But to me, throwing $35 down for some Bellwethers is like spraying my money with WD-40 and lighting it on fire. The difference in quality and fit is huge.
4. When you're looking for shorts, look for a few things: 1. The butt pad (aka chamois) should not be a big blob of foam. It should be designed to conform to your mysterious man/lady parts. Also, the shell of the shorts should be constructed from more than one big piece of material. The more panels, the better the fit. Just try on a pair of Bellwethers, and follow that with something from Castelli, Assos or even a higher-end Pearl Izumi. You'll know where your money is going.
5. After you're done riding, don't go to the coffee shop and lounge around in your bike shorts. There's still some moisture in there, as well as some heat. That's a breeding ground for bacteria. Change into some regular ol' shorts for your post-ride coffee.
Published by Justin Schmid - Featured Contributor in Travel
Justin has made his living as a writer since 1997. He started his career covering crime, city hall and features for newspapers in Arizona. Today, he writes for a nonprofit organization, writes online article... View profile
- Things You Should Do on a Hot DayThere are so many things you should do on a hot day that you just can't do when the weather is cold like boat rides, fishing, cooking outside, riding your roller skates down the sidewalk etc...
- You're Never Too Old To Start Diet and Exercise ProgramLearn why the CEO of an outdoor fitness equipment company believes that you're never too old to exercise.
- Amazingly Simple Ways to Slim Down for the Summer!I think everyone gets that urge to take better care of themselves by the time warm weather comes around. We all think of tanks and shorts and even swimsuits. Really, it's not very difficult.
Backpacking in Costa Rica: What to Pack, Where to GoSome first hand advice about where to go, what to do, and what to look out for when backpacking in Costa Rica.- A Guide to Whitewater Rafting on the Colorado RiverColorado's rivers are exceptional for whitewater rafting.
- Planning on a Long Bike Trip? Here's What You Need to Know!
- Bike Racing and Riding Preparation for Kids and Teens
- How to Buy the Bicycle Meant for You
- Preparation is the Key to Fixing Your Bicycle
- The Best Spinning Shorts for Women
- What Everybody Should Know About Mountain Biking
- Top Things to Know Before You Bike to Work
- Don't wear bike shorts with underwear.
- There really is a difference between bargain-basement shorts and higher-end models.
- Get out of 'em when you're done riding!