If you are looking for some cycling shorts, and have noticed many have suspenders, you may be confused and wondering why…
Why do cycling shorts have suspenders?
While shorts normally employ a waistband to keep them in position, cycling shorts employ suspenders or straps. This is much more reliable when you’ve got a long way to go and it makes your shorts both comfortable and much less prone to slippage while you’re pedaling away.
This also serves so that tight shorts don’t inadvertently affect your digestion or breathing comfortably, so while they seem a bit odd at first, you’ll like having those suspenders.
Why do bike shorts have bibs?
Bibs help to hold your shorts into place and if you’ve ever biked with a pair of non-cycling shorts, then you’ve probably experienced some of the problems firsthand.
If they aren’t secured, a common issue is that the shorts slide down a little in the back, and this can expose you to the wind and make your ride a bit less comfortable. Shorts that aren’t secured will simply move around too much during use, so aside from exposure, chafing is a very real possibility.
With a bib, the problem is solved quite neatly, and between this and the padding in the shorts, you are sure to ride in a much more comfortable fashion.
Why do cycling bibs have straps?
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Aside from keeping your shorts securely in place, cycling bibs have straps to help make you a bit more aerodynamic and they also help to keep chafing at bay. As far as the aerodynamics, you might be surprised at how little it takes to create a drag coefficient.
Even though the shorts don’t move much, loose shorts will flap a little and their movements will be rubbing against your skin. It doesn’t seem like a lot but on a long ride, you’ll notice the difference if you ride the same distance with a bib.
It’s subtle, but you’re being slowed down, and with the increased chance of chafing, it’s better just to go with the bibbed cycling shorts so that you can be comfortable and protected.
Do bike short bibs also help to keep your shorts tight?
Aside from preventing exposure, the bib functions most efficiently at keeping the shorts tight against your crotch area and holding them up. While you wouldn’t notice it initially, without a bib your shorts will move around and even subtle movements will be rubbing against your skin the whole time that you ride.
Eventually, this can lead to uncomfortable chafing in several places where you didn’t expect it. As such, unless you are only riding once a week, it’s a good idea to invest in a pair of bibbed cycling shorts. Yes, they look a little weird at first, but there’s a reason that you see most serious cyclists wearing them.
You don’t have to wear them, but you should try them to experience the difference firsthand – it’s there and it’s substantial.
Why do cyclists wear padded shorts instead of padded seats?
Those padded shorts are designed to give you added comfort, by supporting your body at the crotch and your bottom. This helps you to sit more comfortably on the saddle-style seat without coming back from a ride with an achy, sore behind.
It doesn’t seem like much, but that padding makes a huge difference, especially if you’re going to be biking over large distances at a time.
Why do cyclists tuck their pants?
Tucking your pants before you get on your bike is an excellent idea. This helps to ensure that you don’t get caught in gears or cogs and possibly end up having an accident.
It looks a bit odd, but it’s definitely practical, and if you don’t do this currently then we can just about guarantee that the first time you get your pants caught in gear will be the last one. It’s not a mistake that anyone wants to repeat!
Why do pro cyclists put newspaper on their shirts?
Putting newspaper in your shirt is an old-school cyclist’s trick and it serves a useful purpose – it keeps the wind off of your chest when you are navigating a long, steep descent. It’s charming, but you can always simply don an extra layer of clothing if you get a chill and you’ll have much the same results.
How can I protect my private parts while cycling?
You’ll want to have a good pair of padded biking shorts and be sure not to wear anything underneath them. One ‘rookie mistake’ is wearing underwear beneath biking shorts and the result is that the underwear will scrunch up and rub against you while you ride — a sure recipe for chafing.
Beyond these two options, you could also try Chamois cream if you are getting chafed anyway or invest in a saddle for a much more comfortable ride.
Why do bikers wear skin-tight clothes?
Skin-tight clothing is much more aerodynamic and while it doesn’t seem like it, loose-fitting shorts slow you down. They are also much more likely to chafe at you, so this is another important reason why skin-tight clothing is a very good idea.
While you wouldn’t think that loose shorts would slow you down very much, consider professional cyclists. You might notice that they all shave their legs and this is done for the same reason. Even hair on your legs can slow you down and the difference is appreciable enough that pros go out of their way to avoid it.
You can get away with loose clothing if you only bike once or twice a week and the distances are very short, but for regular riding, a good and tight pair of cycling shorts should be worn or at least considered. They make a big difference!
Why do cyclists use Vaseline?
If you find that your shorts are chafing your skin, even though they are well-fitted and secured by suspenders or straps, then Vaseline might just be a very useful solution for you. Rubbed on before you put on your shorts, the petroleum jelly is an excellent additional barrier for the skin and it will reduce friction.
Give it a try if chafing has been a problem for you – you’ll be happy that you did!