The right padded biking shorts can help make your riding experience even better. Here's how to pick the right ones for you.
There's just one small issue that dampens your enthusiasm for your newfound pastime. Lately there has been a feeling of being uncomfortable during and after the bike ride. You've noticed some chafing and occasionally a little numbness. A discussion with a friend yields what appears to be the ideal solution: buy a few pair of padded bicycle shorts. The question now is where to look and what factors to take into consideration before you buy.
Where is not hard to figure out. Go to a bicycle shop or to a sports supply store. Salespeople there will either be able to show you some samples of padded shorts and point out their advantages, or know of places within your community that do carry what you need. Do be aware that the salesperson may encourage you to forget the shorts and try to steer you toward getting a new saddle (bicycle seat) instead. As enticing as that may sound, don't take their advice. Many people have found that padded shorts alleviate any discomfort they experience as a result of biking, and do so at a much lower price than most saddles.
One of the first criteria you should use to evaluate padded shorts is the type of material and the comfort of the fit. The material should be something that will aid in the absorption of moisture during your bike ride. Chances are the chafing has been caused by wearing walking shorts and your regular underwear while biking. While fine for walking, those garments are not made to handle the perspiration that a bike ride normally involves.
When it comes to the fit, it is very important to make sure the shorts you pick do not make you feel like a hot dog in a bun. The shorts should give you adequate padding that works in conjunction with your bike saddle to ensure a comfortable ride. They do not have to be engorged with padding to accomplish this, nor do they have to make you look as if most of you is on your behind. A little of the right padding can be all you need. If at all possible, look around for a bike seat in the shop that is similar to your own saddle and test the fit for a couple minutes. If the padding appears to create too much pressure, then ask to see some shorts with thinner padding, and adjust until you have something that you believe will work.
Another important factor is durability. Most of us keep away from clothing lines we esteem to be of low quality or shoddy in make. The same philosophy applies to picking out padded biking shorts. Take into consideration how often and in what conditions you are planning on wearing the shorts. Will it be mainly easy rides around the neighborhood? Do you commute to and from work daily on your bike? Will you ride in nice weather only, or any type of weather? Make sure the fabric is not only durable but also easy to care for. Pennies saved on a purchase will quickly disappear if the shorts have to be washed in a particular type of detergent, for example. What you want is something you can wash along with your other laundry, and still be serviceable for a respectable amount of use.
We don't like to admit it, but price is another important factor. Most of us attempt to live within a budget. That means being realistic about how much we can spend on certain items, such as padded biking shorts. Be aware you can buy them anywhere from a few dollars to over $750.00. Remember, a higher price tag may not indicate better quality. Look for something that is a good quality but within your income.
Last, consider how you will look as you pedal down the lane. Buy shorts that are in keeping with your personality and general physical appearance. Tight fitting shorts on a man with a beer gut is not attractive. Baggy lined padded shorts do nothing to enhance the persona of someone who is a grandparent. When selecting biking shorts, dress to match your lifestyle, just as you do in every other area of your life. Don't let your wise judgment falter when you select your shorts, even if that hot pink pair with the lightning bolts down the shins are half off the regular price. In the long run, your dignity is worth far more than the money you will save.
Before making the final purchase, make sure you check out more than one place, and have a good understanding of what brands are available in your area. Once you have lived with your new padded shorts for awhile, and find yourself happy with a particular style and brand, you may want to look at ordering them online. Or, you could just bike down to your favorite local store and pick up a new pair.
