Not all bike shorts are created equal. Just like finding the right saddle to fit your body and riding style, finding the right chamois for you can sometimes take a little time and experimentation.
We take riding comfort seriously and we are here to help demystify the secrets of the padded biking short aisle at your local bike shop. Discovering your ideal chamois thickness is a matter of personal preference. However, things like the location of seams, shape of the pad and moisture-wicking abilities play a big role in how those shorts will feel after you put in the miles. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind when buying and wearing padded bike shorts:
- Buy gender-specific bike shorts, they were made specifically to fit your anatomy.
- Unless you have lady bits made of steel, wearing a chamois is a must on rides over 10 miles. For bumpier rides, we even suggest wearing bike shorts on shorter rides.
- Use the right chamois for the job. For example, an ultra-thin commuter chamois is perfect for wearing under your when riding to work… your race day bibs might be a bit overkill.
- When wearing a chamois, do not use padded seat covers. Padded bike shorts are meant to be the only layer between you and your saddle, adding anything else will only make chaffing worse.
- Along those same lines, do not wear underwear beneath your bike shorts! That’s right, you’re supposed to go commando with these shorts!
- Still feeling the burn (in a bad way)? Grab some chamois cream.
Chamois Technology
Properly designed chamois comfortably contour to your anatomy and deliver the highest standards in protection, using varied thicknesses that distribute weight more evenly and reduce pressure points on your saddle. A breathable, antibacterial top layer creates a chafe-free fit that keeps you cool and dry during tough rides.
