If you are reading this article, then you must have recently bought a bike or have found yourself new to the fun and exhilarating sport of cycling. In either case, we’d like to say congratulations! Cycling is a great way to get and stay in shape, meet interesting people, see the countryside in an all-new way and have a ton of fun.

But you might be wondering about the silly outfits cyclists wear…namely the skintight shorts and jerseys.

To be honest, just about every cyclist has been where you are. We’ve all looked at all guys and girls on the road or trail in Lycra and wondered if we could ever succumb to wearing something like that. But the fact of the matter is that you’ve come to really love the time you spend on your bike and the problem isn’t that you don’t feel cool in your baggy cargo shorts…it’s how bad your butt hurts! Even after relatively short rides!

The solution?

Cycling Shorts

The primary purpose of cycling shorts is to provide comfort. Designed specifically for men and women, cycling shorts make sure that padding is in the right places and seams are strategically placed to reduce chaffing, especially on rides in excess of 10 miles. Tight-fitting, flexible materials like Lycra and spandex are used to decrease air resistance and allow a full range of motion on your bike. Higher-end cycling shorts use complex, technical sports materials that increase breathability, reduce heat absorption and help block the rays of the sun and the chilling effect of the wind.

The most important features of properly constructed cycling shorts include a lack of seams in the crotch and extra padding to reduce chaffing and discomfort while riding. While there are a variety of pads, also known as chamois, the best come from providers like the Italian manufacturer Cytech, which is known all over the world for their incredible Elastic Interface® Technology.

Once you try cycling shorts, it’s not likely that you will want to ride without them again. A properly placed chamois in a well constructed cycling short will be the one “must-have” in your bike closet or drawer. Not only will you be able to ride longer, but you’ll feel stronger in your saddle (seat) because of the rejuvenating effect of the technical fabrics and performance enhancing design. (Seriously! We wouldn’t make this stuff up!)

Things to Consider when Buying Your First Pair of Cycling Shorts

1. Underwear. Cycling shorts are meant to be worn without underwear.
   
   
2. Budget. Cycling shorts can range from $20 to $200, so try to set a budget before you shop based on how you intend to ride. The higher the price, the more technical the fabrics and better the chamois.
   
   
3. Tight or Baggy. Tight-fitting shorts are best if you are primarily cycling on a road bike and/or for long distances. They offer the most comfort and aerodynamic fit. If you spend time off the bike, touring or commuting by bicycle, need pockets, or are more concerned with the look of the shorts than your speed on the bike, then “baggy” Mountain Bike shorts with an inner liner may be your best choice. 
   
   
4. Padding. Padding ranges from thick to thin, with triathlete shorts having the thinnest pad so athletes can swim, bike and run in the same shorts. Spending a few extra bucks for a better chamois is never a waste of money, since the difference in quality, durability and comfort may increase exponentially with each dollar spent. But, always read the customer reviews to make sure your money is well spent before you make an upgrade commitment. Properly designed cycling shorts will always have chamois that are designed specifically for men and women, so you should never buy a unisex cycling short. You’ll be sorry you did. (See We Use Premium Italian Chamois)
   
   
5. Panel Construction. Less expensive shorts usually have fewer panels of fabric, while the more technically designed and form-fitting bike shorts can have up to eight panels. Just being aware of the construction of the short will help you to have an expectation of the comfort and performance.
   
   
6. Waist Band or Bib.  Bib shorts that offer shoulder straps, rather than an elastic waist band, are the choice of all professional and elite cyclists. They decrease binding and discomfort around the midsection and will never feel as if they are moving or shifting (sliding down) while you are riding. While some people prefer bib shorts, other choose regular shorts. It’s completely up to the individual and their preference. Women that choose traditional cycling shorts may want to try those with a yoga-style waistband, which are designed to be cooler and less binding. Read more about why cyclists choose bib shorts.
   
   
7. Inseam. Cycling shorts come in a variety of inseam lengths. The shorter shorts work great for spin class, triathlons and a good tan, but most cyclists like an inseam that is just above the knee. Longer inseams stay in place better and prevent chaffing of the inner thigh on the saddle. 
   
   
8. Color. You’ll likely see cycling shorts in just about every color, pattern and design imaginable. Select what appeals to you based on your individual personality. Black shorts, however, are always a great place to start since they 1) match any jersey you might want to wear and 2) have a slimming effect.

About the Author

by David Newcomer / Customer Service Manager

Whether you’re a year-round commuter, fair weather fan with an annual event, or a seasoned racer, the humble vest is a key component to any kit.

Here are five reason why you should consider a vest:

1. Versatility – Even on the best of days, a ride can start or end cooler than you expect. Coupled with arm warmers, you’re essentially wearing a jacket. But if it starts to warm up (or as you do), it can be easily shed. You can keep the warmers on for a bit, too, so rather than pulling off a jacket – which can be a bit of a shock – you can ease into it.

2. Layering – You’ve heard the benefits of layering for cold weather and better sweat management. The vest meets these needs squarely and for cyclists travelling at higher speeds, it offers the benefits of wind and moisture protection as well.

3. Long Rides – Long training days and events can bring a lot of changes in weather. And over a period of hours, your body’s ability to maintain temperature varies based on hydration, nutrition and exertion over the course. On long rides with varied terrain or unexpected weather, or physical response to conditions, having a vest on hand can make all the difference.

4. Descending! – All work and no play…You’ve earned the downhill on your ride, and worked up a sweat in doing so. Coming down is fast, fun and worth it all. But you’re not working as hard as you did coming up and that sweat you’ve accumulated is going to be chilly if it’s left exposed to the wind. Donning a vest at the top – along with warmers and maybe some fingered gloves – make all the difference in the world. We’ve got some beautiful, high-altitude, and long descents in Colorado. Don’t be caught off guard!

5. Stow-ability – Another benefit to a vest is its stow-ability. Paired with warmers, the items can be divided among pockets to better carry when not in use making it easier to justify bringing them along in the first place. No more suffering through the cool start or carrying a bulky kacket later in the day. 

adelaidebifolddoors Custom offers two vests for your cycling needs. The Evergreen Vest is a lighter weight vest, perfect for cool mornings, light winds and even a bit of precip. It maintains a high degree of breathability with a mesh back and compacts nicely into a jersey pocket. The Breckenridge WX-D is designed for rougher or persistent weather, and has three large pockets with the assumption that it’s on for a longer portion of the day. Check them out at www.pactimocustom.com.

About the Author

You don't have to sacrifice your training when the weather turns nasty.
 

Our curated collection for indoor training will keep you cool and comfortable when you're pedaling miles on the trainer.
 

INDOOR TOPS

Anyone who has done extended indoor riding knows you're going to sweat like a beast!

That's why you'll want the super lightweight and stretchy Summit Base Layer.

It has been designed to provide a performance form-fit, optimal moisture transfer and heat regulation during hot rides, making it a fantastic option for the days you're hitting the indoor trainer.
 

The honeycomb structure of the knit not only wicks perspiration away from your body but also facilitates air movement over your skin (especially if you're using a fan) which speeds evaporation and cooling. And, it's only 44 grams in a men's size medium.
 

Active Cooling with 37.5® Technology

INDOOR BOTTOMS

Indoor training means lots of time in the saddle.

To offset all the pressure on your bum, we recommend our Summit Stratos 12-Hour Bibs™.

The Stratos Bib was developed specifically for ultra-endurance events like the Tour Divide and Dirty Kanza and are regularly recognized throughout the industry as an exceptional long distance bib. Road Cycling UK said they are among the very best they've ever tested. Bike Rumor described them as some of the best performing bibs they've ever tested.
 

The Endurance Anatomic 2 Super Air chamois from Italian manufacturer Elastic Interface® was designed to our strict specifications and is guaranteed to provide ultra-endurance comfort, which will surely be appreciated when you're stuck indoors.