
If you want to wear kneepads, you’ll want something longer with a wider opening to accommodate them.

Mountain bike shorts also come in several lengths and styles. Those two perspectives are mostly reunited in the modern MTB short, which generally has a slim-fitting “baggy” outer that offers some of the style and protection of those old motocross-inspired offerings but with a tighter fit and lighter fabric to keep you cooler and that won’t snag on your saddle or rub on your knees. The Golden Age of mountain biking saw a sharp sartorial divide between the cross-country racers, whose tight-fitting Lycra shorts and jerseys were often indistinguishable from those of roadies, and the downhill crowd, which tended to ape the loose-fitting, impact-oriented gear of motocrossers. Generally speaking, you’ll find better quality and fit with bibs than you will with shorts. The biggest complaint with bib shorts? Unless yours are designed with a drop tail or super-stretchy straps (which so many these days are), bathroom stops can be a real pain in the butt. And some folks don’t appreciate that straps are visible under lighter-colored jerseys. But not everyone is able to adapt to the downward pressure, however slight, that bib straps can put on your shoulders.
3d vs 4d chamois skin#
Most bibs have a higher panel front and back that not only eliminates your chances for exposed skin but also holds in your stomach for a more flattering look. No waistband means less pressure around your stomach. If your jersey rides up, your skin can be exposed-unless you’re wearing a base layer tucked into the shorts.īibs use shoulder straps, rather than a constricting waistband, to hold the shorts up and in place. Another downside to shorts is that gap between the top of the waistband and the bottom of your jersey. Some shorts, however, have a wider, more loose-fitting waistband that doesn’t cinch around your midsection. But because shorts often have a snug waistband to hold them in place, they can cause irritation, especially if they’re too tight. Shorts are more convenient than bibs when nature calls midride. How do they fit? What type of riding do you do? Does one work better than the other with your body shape and size? It’s best to try both and remain loyal to the one that’s most comfortable for you. There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to shorts versus bibs. The better ones have fewer or smoother seams and more anatomical cuts to prevent bunching so you feel like you’re wearing high-performance cycling gear and not a soggy diaper.

Most chamois have a padded inner wrapped in low-friction, anti-microbial fabric. Join Bicycling All Access for more gear advice Less irritation and bacteria build-up help prevent dreaded saddle sore. A chamois adds some padding to make rides more comfortable and is engineered to pull moisture away from your body while reducing chafing on sensitive areas. And a good one is among the most critical pieces of bike gear. The name “chamois” comes from a leather made from European mountain goats, but since the 1980s virtually all chamois pads built into cycling shorts have been constructed of synthetics. Mesh pockets on the legs for easy access to snacks and accessories.
