how do you fit cycling shorts?

[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/pr..._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