Now spring is finally here, it’s time to ditch those bib tights and winter clothing. Something that can be underestimated is a good quality pair of cycling shorts. A good pair of cycling shorts will make cycling long distances much more comfortable and provide cushioning and relief for your sensitive bits. So, what should you look out for when purchasing a pair of cycling shorts?
Before we start talking about shorts, the golden rule for cycling shorts is to wear them au naturel. In other words, you should not wear any underwear under your cycling shorts. The pad or chamois/chammy is designed to sit next to the skin. Adding an extra layer will inevitably lead to friction which can lead to chaffing/irritation and prevent the pad from doing the job it’s supposed to do
When it comes to shorts you have two design options open to you, bib shorts or waist shorts. Both designs have their pros and cons, and it usually boils down to individual’s preference. Bib shorts have two straps at the top of the short which go over your shoulders like braces securing them in place. The reason for the straps is to ensure the shorts stay in place preventing chafing or saddle sore. This style of short is designed not to restrict your breathing during those lung busting cycles or press on your bladder
Waist shorts do have their benefits. By having less material they are more effective in keeping you cool and sometimes you just want the breeze up your back. They have the added benefit of being easier to remove for a toilet break (especially ladies) That’s not to say they don’t have their issues. In some cases, the waist band can act like a sponge and soak up sweat which some people may find uncomfortable against their skin. However, the biggest issue people have with waist shorts is they are not guaranteed to stay in place, something the bib short is able to do.
So is there anything else you need to look out for. Cycling short manufacturers will often characterise their shorts for how long a ride they are designed for. This could come in the form of a thicker pad, or how the pad is sewn onto the shorts. Most short manufacturers will have different ranges which have offer benefits over each other, but these differences are usually reflected in the price.
Something else worth considering is Chamois Creme. It is designed to provide prolonged comfort in the saddle and increase the life of your chamois and your ride time. It does this by decreasing friction and avoids bacterial and fungal infections on your skin. Our range of chamois and anti friction creme can be found HERE
Cycle Superstore’s Ranges Explained
Bib Shorts
| Assos | |||||
| Model | Material/Pad | Time In The Saddle | Other Info | Cost | Click |
| Mille GT C2 | 11mm Pad | 3-4 Hours | Assos entry level shorts | €145 | HERE |
| GTS | Twin Layer Padding 9mm + 4mm | 4 Hours + | Long distance short using compression fabric | €190 | HERE |
| GTO | Twin Layer Padding 11mm+ 10mm | 5 Hours + | The gold mark of Assos Shorts | €310 | HERE |
| GTC | 19mm Pad | 4-5 Hours | Gravel shorts with re-enforced material | €250 | HERE |
| Equipe RS S9 | 9mm Pad | 5 Hours + | Race tuned shorts | €220 | HERE |
| Uma GT | 9m Pad | 3-4 Hours | Female equivalent of Mille GT | €145 | HERE |
| Dyora RS | 9mm Pad | 5 Hours + | Female equivalent of Equipe RS S9 | €200 | HERE |
| BL | |||||
| Model | Material/Pad | Time In the Saddle | Other Info | Cost | Click |
| Passo | Goose/Foam Pad | 3-5 Hours | Excellent Entry Level Shorts | €54.90 | HERE |
| Leigi | Goose/Foam Pad | 3-5 Hours | Breathable Bibs Antibacterial mesh | €62.90 | HERE |
| Universo | X-stra gel – dual density + gel pad | 5-7 Hours | Guarantees comfort & excellent fit | €84.90 | HERE |
| Sterrato | X-stra gel- dual density + gel pad | 5-7 Hours | Ideal off road shorts with side pockets | €87.90 | HERE |
| Freccia | Power Plus Pad | 3-5 Hours | Perfect for average distance | €64.90 | HERE |
| Alyson | Xstra-Pad | 5-7 Hours | New version of BL top-of-the-range ALYSON S2 bib shorts | €77.90 | HERE |
| Endura | |||||
| Model | Material/Pad | Time In the Saddle | Other Info | Cost | |
| FS260-Pro Bib | 600 Series Pad/Foam | 3-5 Hours | 3rd generation of short, ranks very highly in reviews | €99.99 | HERE |
| Pro SL | 700 Series Pad/Foam | 5-7 Hours | Most comfortable bisbshort Endura has produced | €149.99 | HERE |
Waist Shorts
| Assos | |||||
| Model | Material/Pad | Time In Saddle | Other Info | Cost | Click |
| Mille GT C2 Half Shorts | 11mm Pad | 3-4 Hours | Waist includes C2 AEPD Click free ethos to ensure a secure hold on sides and back | €135 | HERE |
| Uma GT C2 Half Shorts | 9mm Pad | 3-4 Hours | Female equivalent of Mille GT C2 Half Shorts | €135 | HERE |
| BL | |||||
| Model | Material/Pad | Time In Saddle | Other Info | Cost | Click |
| Passo | Goose Foam/Pad | 3-5 Hours | Comfortable, high-performance entry level garment | €46.90 | HERE |
| Leigi | Goose/Foam Pad | 3-5 Hours | Perfect for average distance rides. The distal anti-slip grippers complete the garment | €52.90 | HERE |
| Universo | X-stra Gel-Dual Density + Gel Pad | 5-7 Hours | Perfect for long distances | €74.90 | HERE |
| Sole S2 Women’s Shorts | Gel Pad | 5-7 Hours | Best for long distances thanks to Gel padded chamois | €72.90 | HERE |
| Endura | |||||
| Model | Material/Pad | Time In Saddle | Other Info | Cost | |
| FS 260- Po Shorts | 600 Series Pad with Gel Inserts | 3-5 Hours | High quality Italian Lycra- Power Performance Summer Shorts | €84.99 | HERE |
| Xtract Lite Shorts | 500 Series Pad | 3-5 Hours | Lightweight road shorts with heat busting features for warmer climates | €69.99 | HERE |
| FS-260 Pro Women’s Shorts | 600 Series Pad with Gel Inserts | 3-5 Hours | Female equivalent of FS-260 Pro Shorts | €84.99 | HERE |
| Xtract Women’s Shorts | 400 Series Pad/Foam | 3-5 Hours | Ultra Fast Xtract fabric for fast drying performance | €54.99 | HERE |
