how do you fit cycling shorts?

[newtobikesmama]

Okay, I am going to have a lot of questions about gear/apparel/riding/training/etc. Probably all normal for a newbie that has only rode her bike in the driveway. I'm going to ride this weekend hopefully because the temp is going to actually be warm...34! Anyway, I got some stuff today and tried on the knickers, and they feel really weird with the padding! How am I supposed to know if they fit? Just wear them and ride? I'll probably wear them underneath some sweats this weekend so I'll know then. I can't wait to get out there but I'm afraid my fingers and toes are going to freeze!

[Biciclista]

the pad does feel strange at first. but if they fit your body ok and nothing is chafing they're probably fine.

[Grog]

Bike shorts should be tight on your skin, not loose. If they are loose, it will most likely cause friction...

[marni]

don't forget the chamois ( the pad) butter. That part of the shorts you want lubbed, slippy, slidey and firmly comfortably up against your crotch. As for the rest of the shorts they should fit firmly without cutting circulation or sliding up and or bunching anywhere. Personally, I prefer a drawstring to tie but others don't.

After a couple of wears and washes ( but do not put in the drier!!!!!it doesn't do nice things to the chamois), you'll find that the chamois will ease and start to take on a more anatomical shape and so you won't feel quite so much like you are walking around with this "huge thing" between your legs.

When your first start buyh a couple of different makes and types of shorts with different sized, shapes and thicknesses of chamois. I know it sounds expensive, but put that against the cost and possible pain of ending up with several ppairs of short that don't work, fit, or feel comfortable. Once you find a brand with the right type of chamois, buy several pairs because if you don't they are bound to change styles and leave you short and without.

As you get more experienced and can do longer distances depending on the type of riding you are planning to do, your chamois needs may change. Probably not quite so important if you are racing, but there is definitely a difference between chamois for casual riding, communting, touristing and distance/endurance.

Be flexible, talk to other riders about what they like and don't like about their shorts and be ready to buy a couple off pairs that you will immediately bury at the back of your closet or want to burn but don't because it stinks-

I also highly recommend getting one of the biologically degradeable liguid soaps for sports clothes and jerseys, I am convinced that they have added another 6-8 months to my shorts in terms of longevity.

marni

HTH

marni

[KnottedYet]

If your saddle fits so well that the chamois just begins to feel like it's in the way, consider trying a pair of triathlon shorts or unpadded compression shorts.

(Underarmour is my personal favorite: http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/womens/apparel/bottoms/shorts/pid1001126-Women-s-Ultra-4-Compression-Short/1001126-400 I also use these as underwear and under skirts and dresses)

Be willing to try many things. You never know what will suit you best until you TRY IT! :D

[chicagogal]

I can't wait to get out there but I'm afraid my fingers and toes are going to freeze!

I know this thread is about shorts, but if you are afraid your fingers and toes are going to freeze, you need to make sure you have the right equipment for them as well!!!!

You'll definitely need windproof full fingered gloves, wool socks, sock liners, and booties for over your shoes. These things all make a huge difference and can definitely be the difference between getting your ride in and having to turn around early due to frozen extremities! Cover your ears as well. . .

[Catrin]

I have been wondering the same thing about bike shorts. Right now I only have a pair of PI shorts that I wear for spinning, and a pair of knickers (also PI) for my bike. Obviously the time is coming when the knickers will have to be set aside for cooler things.

The shorts are great for spinning, but I have lost enough weight that the leg grippers are no longer gripping anything. Is this fine, or could it cause chafing if the legs start rising up during riding? The rest of the short still seems to fit...well...at least basically. The padding seems to be getting bigger all of the time. I really need to purchase a smaller pair but with the new bike coming I don't have the money right now - but am hoping to get some in April.

My LBS has some nice baggy shorts that have inserts with chamois - they are about $60. I am thinking about trying those to see how they work.

[Bike Chick]

The first year I started riding I read a rule about bike shorts that I have followed ever since: buy the most expensive pair you can afford and the smallest you can fit into. It's been a good one to follow. When I started riding I lost several pounds but was still using the same shorts. They chafed terribly on either side of the chamois because I had so much excess fabric. Fit is important.

[nscrbug]

Something that nobody else mentioned...NO undies underneath the shorts/knickers...you want the chamois next to the skin where it offers the best protection. I agree with using chamois butter/cream, too...especially as you start to add more miles to your rides.

[aicabsolut]

The first year I started riding I read a rule about bike shorts that I have followed ever since: buy the most expensive pair you can afford and the smallest you can fit into. It's been a good one to follow. When I started riding I lost several pounds but was still using the same shorts. They chafed terribly on either side of the chamois because I had so much excess fabric. Fit is important.

This is a good rule.
It is also one advantage to joining a club that does a bulk kit order a couple times a year (provided you don't have any issues with the brand they use). At least that tends to cut down on the cost.

By the way, the chamois doesn't last forever. I have some cheap ones where the foam has split. I have others that are so well used that the padding is mostly non-existent. The really thin ones aren't too bad, and the rest of the shorts have some life left in them, but I can't use them every day.

[indysteel]

Catrin, you're going want new shorts with a leg gripper that works (way to go on the weight loss btw)!

I generally follow the advice of getting the best shorts I can afford and the smallest size I can wear. I've had good luck with Sugoi RS Flex shorts. I just replaced my older pairs with some new ones.

[Catrin]

Catrin, you're going want new shorts with a leg gripper that works (way to go on the weight loss btw)!

I generally follow the advice of getting the best shorts I can afford and the smallest size I can wear. I've had good luck with Sugoi RS Flex shorts. I just replaced my older pairs with some new ones.

I know....thankfully it is still cold enough to use my knickers outside, and, for now, I think that my shorts can safely be relegated to spinning class. I figure that I can use my knickers (which are certainly NOT too large) until the temps start going up - and by then I should be able to spring for a new pair and a spring weight jersey after the LHT drains my checking account :)

[Ana]

buy the most expensive pair you can afford and the smallest you can fit into.

It took me a bit to realize that this is a great rule for finding shorts :) First squeezing myself into spandex was not pleasant and the idea of finding the smallest size I could wear had not occurred to me ;)

Happy short shopping!

[radicalrye]

as far as keeping your hands/feet warm (i don't use clip in pedals in winter)
I wear a some smartwool, wigwam or some kind of variation of wool socks. i also wear a winter style boot, but that's just my preference.

for gloves i found i really like a thin ski/snowboard style glove. http://www.swix.no/eway/images/show/fs-H0144-100.jpg

I use a swix kind very similar to these and they were really well (unless they get rained on) but for winter riding they keep my hands warm and provide enough comfort for my hands. I also know Pearl Izumi makes a few different winter gloves that are nice but kind of pricey.

I +1 the idea of get the most expensive shorts you can afford in the smallest size

[Catrin]

I +1 the idea of get the most expensive shorts you can afford in the smallest size

The more people say this, the more it drives it in :) I have been so large for so long that my inclination is NOT to reach for the smallest thing I can fit in - even though I have lost so much weight. I just have to keep drilling this in...

[newtobikesmama]

If it's the smallest you can fit it, do you mean like squeezing your tummy? That makes me think I didn't buy the smallest knickers because I do not feel like my gut is squeezing out the top...sorry if that is gross. :-) I know that I will start losing weight when I can start riding.

[OakLeaf]

Shorts should fit like a second skin.

They're too tight if when you sit on the saddle, the chamois is pulled so tight that your body can't form to it. Depending on how you're built, it can be possible to wear shorts that are too small. Tummy doesn't have much to do with it one way or the other - but it can definitely be a matter of personal comfort in different brands of shorts. Chamois fit and movement is everything.

[bikerchic]

Okay, I am going to have a lot of questions about gear/apparel/riding/training/etc. Probably all normal for a newbie that has only rode her bike in the driveway. I'm going to ride this weekend hopefully because the temp is going to actually be warm...34! Anyway, I got some stuff today and tried on the knickers, and they feel really weird with the padding! How am I supposed to know if they fit? Just wear them and ride? I'll probably wear them underneath some sweats this weekend so I'll know then. I can't wait to get out there but I'm afraid my fingers and toes are going to freeze!

Welcome to what will be your biggest addiction, cycling! Next after that is buying cycling clothes and gear! =Fun times!

No question is a dumb one so ask away you're among some of the most nicest and informative people you'll meet right here.

You've gotten lots of good advice, I like the "fit like a second skin" also just a clearification about chamois. I have several bike shorts and only one pair actually have the leather like chamois, it is by far on long distance rides the most comfy when properly lubed with "chamois butter". The other ones I save for short rides as they have that uncomfortable foamy padding.

My suggestion is at some point when you get used to the fit and the feeling of the padding as you've increased your riding distance purchase a really good pair of shorts with leather chamois, you will love them!

Happy pedaling!

[skyler]

Which shorts have a leather chamois? I am doing longer distances >55 miles and finding that my current shorts are really uncomfortable! I am pondering between Sugoi evolution or sheebest sss shorts. Any recommendations?

[bikerchic]

Which shorts have a leather chamois? I am doing longer distances >55 miles and finding that my current shorts are really uncomfortable! I am pondering between Sugoi evolution or sheebest sss shorts. Any recommendations?

I want to say Performance shorts, but I'm not sure. Sorry I'm not home to check. I've always checked different bike shops to see if they carry them and many do, higher end.

Oh, I love my Performance shorts so much a few years later I ordered another pair and they did not have the same chamois so I sent them back. I take such good care of the two I have for fear I won't be able to replace them when I need to.

[KnottedYet]

Shorts without any chamois at all.

The leather was originally to cover the 4-way crotch seam in wool knit shorts. It was only there because the fabric was so irritating and so bulky with all the seams meeting.

Folks rode bikes for hundreds and thousands of miles without padded chamois shorts for nearly 100 years. Padding came about as plastic and foam saddles came on the scene.

Try triathlon shorts or compression shorts or spandex running shorts/capris if you are finding the padded chamois to be irritating.

[Catrin]

I am looking at these shorts with a chamois insert:

http://www.louisgarneau.com/us-en/product/305508/1054078/_/WOMEN_PEGGY_SHORTS#second

My LBS has these in stock and they look comfy. I am still getting regular bike shorts, but I do not always want to wear spandex :) I guess that I need to break down and start thinking about bike clothes that fit for the spring! I know these probably won't work for really long rides - but they all won't be long!

[OakLeaf]

Speaking as one who started riding in the days when natural leather chamois was all there was... don't. Really. I didn't think they were still available, and there's a reason for that.

They take a lot of care. They're easily ruined. And even with the best of care, they will quickly stretch out and/or harden to the consistency of sandpaper.

It's true that shorts with a good thin chamois aren't that easy find. But like I said, I didn't even know that natural leather chamois were still available, so they're obviously even harder to find. Get synthetic.

[schnitzle]

Thanks for posting this question NewToBikesMama! I was wondering about these padded bike shorts and such. What a knowledgeable bunch of member there are here :D