How to choose your cycling shorts

Nicolas, cycling expert from the Alpinstore team, advises you on how to choose your cycling shorts for men, so you're well equipped for your next cycling outing: road, MTB, gravel...

What type of bike: road, MTB, gravel...

Depending on the type of cycling you do, there are cycling shorts specifically designed for you. Cycling shorts are garments used by cyclists and other athletes to improve comfort and performance during physical activity. Here are just a few examples of cycling shorts for different sports:

Road cycling shorts: These shorts are designed for road cyclists. They are generally tight-fitting and feature an integrated chamois (also known as an insert or padding) to reduce chafing and irritation over long distances. Discover our selection of road cycling shorts.

MTB shorts: MTB shorts are specially designed for mountain bikers. They are often more resistant and offer better protection against impacts and scratches due to the mountain bike's rugged environment.

Triathlon shorts: Triathletes use sport-specific shorts that combine the needs of cycling, running and swimming. These shorts are generally designed to dry quickly after swimming and provide good ventilation during running and cycling.

Indoor cycling shorts: Indoor cycling shorts, used for spinning classes or indoor bike training, are designed to offer good muscle support and increased breathability during intense workouts.
It's important to choose the right cycling shorts for your sport to maximize comfort and performance. There are also different cycling shorts length options, such as short, 3/4 and long, which can be chosen according to your preferences and weather conditions.

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How to choose cycling shorts, short or long?

The choice of cycling shorts, whether short or long, is important to ensure your comfort and performance during your cycling outings.
Short shorts generally stop just above the knee, while long shorts cover the whole leg. The choice between the two will depend on personal preference and weather conditions. Short shorts are generally preferred when it's hot, while long shorts offer extra protection against cold, wind or adverse weather conditions.

Type of insert

The type of insert generally used in cycling shorts is called "chamois" (pronounced "shammy" in English). The chamois is a pre-formed, padded insert that is integrated into the crotch of the cycling shorts to provide extra support and cushioning during cycling.
The chamois is designed to reduce friction and discomfort caused by the bicycle saddle, as well as to absorb shock and vibration. It is often made of foam or gel with a soft fabric surface to prevent skin irritation. Some top-of-the-range cycling shorts also use antibacterial materials to reduce the risk of infection and improve hygiene.
There are different types of padding, suitable for different types of cycling. Chamois leathers for road cyclists are generally thinner and lighter, offering greater freedom of movement. For mountain bikers, chamois leathers are often thicker and sturdier, offering greater protection in rough terrain.
It's important to choose a shorts with a good-quality, well-fitting chamois to ensure optimum comfort during your cycling outings. The size, shape and thickness of the padding can vary from brand to brand, so find the one that suits you best in the Alpinstore selection.

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Elasticity and compression

Cycling shorts are garments specially designed for cyclists, with certain features that promote comfort and performance when cycling. These include elasticity and compression.
The elasticity of cycling shorts refers to their ability to stretch and return to their original shape. This property is essential for optimal freedom of movement during pedaling. The elasticity of cycling shorts allows cyclists to flex their legs and pedal without undue strain. It also helps reduce chafing and skin irritation, as the fabric conforms to the shape of the body without creating unwanted creases or friction.

Compression, on the other hand, refers to the pressure exerted by the shorts on the leg muscles. Compression cycling shorts apply a gentle pressure to the muscles, promoting blood circulation by compressing the blood vessels. This can help reduce muscle fatigue and improve performance by promoting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, as well as helping to eliminate metabolic waste faster. Compression can also help reduce muscle vibration during pedaling, which can help prevent cramps and muscle pain. Some cycling shorts incorporate specific compression panels to target certain muscle groups, such as the quadriceps and gluteal muscles, for optimum support and performance.

It should be noted that the elasticity and compression of cycling shorts can vary according to brand, model and material. So it's important to choose cycling shorts that suit your specific needs and comfort preferences.

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Do I need to wear anything under my cycling shorts?

When wearing cycling shorts, it's generally not necessary to wear underwear. Shorts are designed to be worn directly against the skin to optimize comfort, performance and moisture management.
Crotch padding offers extra support and protection while cycling. If you wear something underneath the shorts, this can create additional friction and compromise the benefits of the padding.
However, some people prefer to wear a technical undergarment or short shorts under their main shorts. This may be a personal preference for greater comfort or hygiene. If you choose to wear an undergarment, make sure it's specially designed for cycling, wicks moisture and offers a good fit to minimize chafing.

Ultimately, the decision to wear something under your cycling shorts will depend on your personal comfort and preferences. It's a good idea to try out different options to determine what works best for you.

Well-known brands

POC

POC cycling shorts are garments specially designed for cyclists. POC is a Swedish brand renowned for its technology and quality in protective gear for action sports such as cycling, mountain biking and skiing. POC cycling shorts are part of their range of cycling apparel and are designed to offer cyclists comfort, performance and protection.

SPORTFUL

Sportful, an Italian company, is a popular brand of technical cycling apparel. Sportful cycling shorts are renowned for their quality and comfort. They are designed to offer a good fit and freedom of movement while cycling. Sportful offers a range of cycling shorts for road, MTB and other cycling disciplines. They also offer a range of cycling shorts for men and women, with specific features to suit every morphology.

ODLO

Odlo cycling shorts are garments specially designed for cyclists. Odlo is a brand known for its quality products for outdoor sports, including cycling. Odlo cycling shorts are designed to offer a comfortable fit and optimal performance during long bike rides.

Remember that the choice of cycling shorts is a personal one, and what suits one person may not suit another. So it's a good idea to try out different models and brands to find the one that suits you best. Discover our range of women's cycling shorts.

If you enjoy cycling, you may like to read the following articles:
- Cycling essentials
- How to choose your road bike shoes?
 -How to choose your cycling clothes?



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