Any recommendations for buying cycling shorts?

Question

Any recommendations for buying cycling shorts?

Answer 1

get a good pair of cycling shorts! save money on your jersey. if you plan to do a lot of riding, get a quality pair of shorts, with a good chamois. good shorts will cost more, that's why I say get a less expensive jersey (if you're on a budget). as far as whether to ride baggies or not? go with what you're comfortable in. if you're a roadie, and riding club rides, don't get baggies! when you're part of the crowd, you'll blend in! even if you're on a solo ride, no one is gonna laugh at you for wearing spandex. well maybe that slovenly looking guy in the beat up suv sucking down a big mac, smoking his USA golds..

as far as brands, check out castelli, pearl izumi or nike..

Answer 2

Buying quality pays off in better materials, better design, and better assembly.  You don't have to blow your budget on one pair of shorts, but stay away from products that seem unreasonably cheap if you ride much.

Make sure the shorts you select have the chamois that's right for you and your riding.  A chamois that is really thick might seem like the most comfortable, but I haven't found that to be the case.  If you're saddle correctly fits your bum and it's properly adjusted, a heavy chamois can make it less comfortable as the extra padding pushes against your soft tissues, creating pressure.

More expensive shorts typically have more fabric panels incorporated into their construction.  A selling point for the more expensive shorts is the slightly better anatomical design provided by the extra panels.  However, a basic 4-panel short can work just fine if it has the right chamois and fits you.

Whatever you buy, give them some basic care so they can do their job and take care of you.  If you're unsure of what laundry detergent to use, I have been very pleased with WIN.  You may have to search around for it.  I found the search well worth it.

Answer 3

tight and stuff it with socks

Answer 4

I have some that are compression underneath a loose outer layer that are nice and comfortable. They have padding for your butt and aren't as revealing as normal biking tights. They look more like normal shorts. They are pearl izumi.

Answer 5

Make sure you get a good pair. I had a cheap pair, then bought a decent pair from Pearl Izumi. WOW, what a difference. They are more comfortable, breathe better, are cooler, and the padding is great.