Cycling shorts: pros and cons, types, choices

There is a category of people who prefer cycling. To make cycling as comfortable as possible and bring positive emotions, experts recommend paying attention not only to choosing a bike, but also to careful selection of equipment.

During exercise, you can get a charge of positive emotions, but mechanical damage is not excluded. To minimize the negative consequences of sports activities, experienced athletes recommend purchasing the necessary equipment. Cycling shorts (cycling shorts) - special clothing that is designed for professional cycling. If cycling is not regular and long, experts do not recommend purchasing these products. Functional purpose of cycling shorts:

• protection of the skin from friction;
• reduction of discomfort;
• increased aerodynamic performance due to tight muscle tightening;
• improved blood circulation;
• creating a soft layer between the buttocks and the saddle.

The main disadvantages of this product are the following characteristics:

• very snug fit;
• unaesthetic appearance;
• high price range;
• the complexity of the selection.

For the manufacture of cycling equipment, manufacturers use only elastic types of material. The most popular is spandex, which has a high level of elasticity and maximum abrasion resistance. To increase moisture wicking and air exchange, some manufacturers combine spandex and natural fibers. A distinctive feature of this type of product is the presence of silicone bands along the entire lower edge of the shorts, which prevent them from slipping during exercise.

Due to the anatomical features of the male and female body, manufacturers produce the following types of cycling shorts:

• women - fitted;
• men - flared.

This type of equipment can also be divided into tight-fitting and non-fitting, with and without a soft pillow. The type of cycling shorts is also influenced by the presence or absence of a diaper to wick away perspiration. Products with this element are more convenient, but have a high price. Pampers consist of several layers:

• fleece;
• antibacterial layer;
• absorbent pad;
• lateral sweat-wicking inserts.

Depending on the type of cut, cycling shorts can be composed of 4, 6, 8 or 12 pieces. Expensive models, which are purchased by professional athletes, consist of at least 12 parts. The purpose of the shorts directly depends on the number of elements in them:

• 4 - sit, walk;
• 6 - sit, walk, ride;
• 8 - to carry out sports training;
• 12 - Cycling professionally.

Taking into account all of the above features of clothing for cyclists on the shelves of specialty stores you can see different types of cycling shorts.

• Cycling shorts - a product that is worn under the main clothing. This product is purchased by cyclists who ride on city roads.

• Cycling shorts Is a popular product that is purchased by various categories of athletes. Advantages - no feeling of stiffness, tight fit, maximum aerodynamic performance, the creation of ideally soft contact with a hard surface, the complete absence of skin friction.

• Bib Shorts - analogue of classic cycling shorts. The product has additional straps that prevent clothing from slipping while riding.

• Enduro Cycling Shorts (Fox) - classic cut shorts. Advantages - the presence of a comfortable diaper, a high level of elasticity and air exchange.

• Downhill Cycling Shorts - an improved product that is in demand among athletes who go downhill distances, as well as for mountain skiing. A distinctive feature is the increased level of material density.

• Cycling pants - an elongated analogue of a bicycle shorts with narrow trousers, which covers the entire leg and can be used in the cold season.

New in the field of cycling equipment are hiking shorts, which have special pockets and fasteners, as well as bicycles specially designed for the fair sex.

The sportswear market offers products from a huge number of manufacturers. Professional athletes recommend paying attention to individual brands.

• Rosti Is an Italian company whose sportswear is in demand among French, American and Italian athletes. The manufacturer is engaged not only in mass production of cycling shorts, but also in individual tailoring, taking into account all customer requirements.

• Giordana - the leader in the sports equipment market, which has its own factory in Italy. The clothing of this brand can be seen in the wardrobe of most professional cyclists.

• Sportful Is an Italian brand that has the widest range. The sports form of this manufacturer most harmoniously combines the price range and quality.

• Assos Is a Swiss company that produces very expensive high-tech sportswear.

• FOX Racing Is a popular American brand that produces unique equipment for cyclists. The brand has its own corporate logo: fox. Sometimes athletes use some pieces of sportswear in their daily wardrobe.

And also it is necessary to note the trade marks POC, VERMARC, Shimano, Endura, Stolen Goat and KATUSHA.

In specialized stores you can see a wide range of cycling shorts, which differ in their parameters and designs. Experts do not recommend purchasing this product without first trying it on, based only on a visual assessment, which will not help you choose the right size. To choose high-quality equipment, you need to pay attention to the parameters:

• lack of discomfort during fitting;
• availability of a reasonable price;
• compliance of the diaper type with anatomical features;
• the presence of a comfortable elastic band corresponding to the volume of the torso;
• suitable length;
• comfortable elastic material.

When choosing a product, novice athletes should understand that a direct influence on the price of a product is exerted by:

• cut type:
• material;
• the structure of the diaper.

Experienced consultants do not recommend considering only expensive models, the quality and functionality of which do not always meet expectations.

So that sportswear does not cause discomfort when wearing, it must not only be carefully selected, but also worn correctly. The main recommendations of experienced athletes:

• placement of suspenders from shorts under the T-shirt;
• use of products with removable diapers for long trips that can take several days;
• covering the skin with an emollient cream in places of maximum friction.

Despite the high level of exertion and increased sweating during exercise, the task of every athlete is to look neat and tidy. To prevent the appearance of unpleasant odors, specialists recommend washing your shorts after each workout. This requirement is associated not only with the ingress of dust and sweat on the fabric, but also with the need to wear it without underwear. Detailed recommendations for the care of sportswear can be found on special tags that manufacturers attach to their products.

Cycling shorts should be washed in cool water on a delicate cycle. For drying, it is better to use flat surfaces on which you need to carefully lay out the clothes. It is strictly forbidden to use aggressive chemicals and bleach during washing, which will significantly shorten the service life of the products.

For an overview of cycling shorts with a diaper, see the next video.