A curiosity surrounds the need for men to wear tight bike shorts when cycling, perhaps a debate even. It seems the consensus, however, is that those who enjoy the sport understand it to be among the wisest decisions when preparing for an excursion. View here for details on bike shorts and how to choose.
Usually, an adventure on a bike will last no less than half an hour but tends to go for a couple of hours or so. With the number of miles accomplished in that timeframe, the back side will be grateful for the biking shorts. The indication is this clothing is designed to marry the saddle for premium comfort, plus they have an “aerodynamic edge.”
The issue for some that question the necessity is the fact that not everyone finds the apparel to be the most accommodating for their self-esteem given the tight, clinging fit. That’s not all biking shorts, however. Some forms of biking are fortunate to have a loose outer layer, referred to as “baggies.” These are for mountain biking.
While road cyclists are stuck with stretchy shorts, they can experience the benefits they provide while maintaining a degree of confidence. Let’s review wearing biking shorts like a seasoned cyclist.
How Can You Wear Men’s Mountain & Road Biking Shorts Like A Seasoned Pro
Mountain bikers have the benefit of being able to wear “baggies,” which are looser-fit shorts. Riders like road cyclists are challenged with these since they aren’t aerodynamic. That doesn’t affect anyone enjoying mountain biking.
Still, with baggies being mountain biking shorts, an underlay of that “stretchy short” provides moisture-wicking and adds a layer of comfort for the biker. The priority for each rider is finding the appropriate fit and the correct size.
Choosing what you wear for riding isn’t about fashion. While everyone wants to look the best while displaying incredible talent, clothing decisions are based on enhancing performance and making the most of the experience. Check out these cycling “helpful hints,” whether on the road or your mountain bike.
- Are underwear necessary with bike shorts
Underwear is a “don’t” with bike shorts. In essence, underwear would render the chamois ineffective. This layer is a must with any biker’s shorts since it offers a degree of shock absorption between the saddle and the rider. It means to fit snugly with your body and the saddle.
Underwear would unnecessarily present a barrier detracting from the comfortability and reducing the moisture-wicking advantages creating a greater chance for chafing due to the abundance of material.
There are “padded cycling underwear” on the market. Still, the recommendation is that these be used in shorts that don’t have a chamois.
- Is it okay to wear shorts on top of bike shorts
With baggies, that’s not something you need to do. With other options, the recommendation is to avoid adding layers if you don’t need to. The more material you add when cycling, the greater opportunity that’s presented for chafing. If you only ride briefly, it might be okay. But for those taking extensive rides, it’s not wise.
It will not only diminish the moisture-wicking benefit, but it can slow down your rhythm. The indication is that if you’re unconcerned with speed or aerodynamics (or the potential for chafing) and if you intend to keep the trip short, go for the extra layer. The priority is that you be optimally comfortable.
If you feel more secure and it in some way improves your riding, you should put the other shorts on top.
- How should cycling shorts be styled
Whether you choose mountain biking or road cycling, there is a pair of biking shorts specific for you. Usually, with mountain bikers, these will be baggies with stretch underneath, complete with the chamois. The road cyclist will wear the stretch material with the chamois insert. What are a few tips on riding in style? Let’s learn.
- For those who want the appearance of a seasoned pro, it’s beneficial to ensure the shorts and the jersey coordinate or are somewhat uniform.
- Regardless of the number of shorts you own, the suggestion is you should always wear dark shorts, so it’s evident that you’re, in fact, wearing the clothing.
- With bibs, the indication is that the “cycling base layer” goes under the shorts while the jersey will be worn on top.
Final Thought
The cycle’s saddle and the men’s mountain biking shorts combine to provide the rider optimum comfort when cycling. If the experience is less than comfortable, you must rule out the shorts as the culprit. If these are ideal with the fit and size, it can only be the saddle with the potential for being improperly sized.
You can research online guidelines for measuring the width of the sit bone to get an adequate saddle size. You can also conveniently check the link at https://hincpie.com/ride-with-us/stories-from-the-saddle/how-to-measure-sit-bone-width-for-bike-saddle-size/.
