how do you fit cycling shorts?

[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.

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.