The Gear You Need - Spring and Summer
Spring
and Fall Cycling Clothing
Atlanta's climate is pretty friendly to year round cycling. However,
if you do ride year round, you will find that you acquire a fairly
diverse wardrobe in order to be comfortable in all kinds of conditions.
Riding in Atlanta can vary from tank tops and shorts to being bundled
up for a 30 degree day with plenty of wind-chill. Interestingly
enough, these conditions can often occur in the same week! Since
Spring and Fall are often almost identical temperature wise, usually
fairly mild without any real extremes, most of the clothing you'll
wear will be fine for both seasons. Generally arm and leg warmers,
a wind breaker and light gloves for hand protection will do on the
coldest days. Often you will peel these things off as the day (and
you) warm up. Some days you will need to remember a rack bag, big
fanny pack or adequate pockets to carry all the clothes you've taken
off while riding
Basic Spring and Fall clothing consists of shorts, jerseys, sports
or cycling socks and appropriate footwear. You will find that cycling
specific clothing will keep you more comfortable on the bike, prevent
chafing, allow for free movement and muscle compression, keep you
cool by wicking moisture away from your body, won't get stuck in
the chain and with the variety of styles - look good on anyone.
A Word About Underwear
Generally, underwear is not worn with cycling shorts as it
can get twisted and cause chafing. Cycling shorts are equipped with
padding called a chamois, that prevents chafing and wearing underwear
may eliminate that benefit. There are products out there designed
for men - somewhat similar to a jockstrap - that some men prefer.
Depending on the conditions a woman might be riding in, a sports
bra can be beneficial. If a woman is engaged in serious, technical
mountain biking, any sports bra that restricts bounce is helpful.
Even woman riding casually on the pavement may be more comfortable
in a sports bra - and any athletic type wear is more likely to wick
moisture than other kinds of bras.
Why
Bike Shorts?
Cycling shorts are simply the most comfortable thing to wear while
riding your bike. Freedom of movement, muscle compression, elimination
of chafing, moisture wicking, protection from the sun and elements
are all benefits of cycling shorts. Cycling shorts come in sizes
and styles for all genders, ages and activity levels. They also
come in wide variety of prices as well, so here is a general guide
to what you might want to wear Spring and Fall on your bike. If
you ride a lot, get several pairs. You might choose a higher end
short for long distance riding than short rides - and please read
the care instructions before you wash your shorts! Remember, you
need a clean pair every time you ride.
Kids
We don't find the exact same range in quality and style for kids
as we do for adults, but we do stock a basic 6 panel, Lycra construction
short, with a comfortable chamois for kids. Since some of our clients
bring their children on rides like Bicycle Ride Across Georgia every
year, even a 10 year old needs the same comfort as an adult when
that child spends a week in the saddle. We also usually can get
baggy shorts for kids as well.
Shorts
Configurations - 3 General Styles
Liners, which are like underwear with a minimal chamois
built in, turn any pair of comfortable shorts (avoid jean shorts
with the lumpy seam in the crotch - it defeats the purpose) into
a light use pair of shorts.
Baggy shorts may or may not have a removable liner and a
light or heavier chamois. Baggy shorts are frequently worn for mountain
biking and casual cycling, but sometimes the material on the outer
short may twist up and get caught in the saddle if you are moving
around a lot. Baggy shorts may be the only option for downhill mountain
bike riders using body armor, which most of you reading this are
not. Baggy shorts often have zipper pockets, which are great for
keys, wallets and tools. However, baggy shorts may not wick very
effectively simply because they have more material than traditional
cycling shorts.
Lycra
form fitting shorts come in many quality, style and fit options.
First, men's and women's shorts are cut differently because women
are generally longer waisted than men. Women's shorts have smaller
waistbands and a more tapered fit just above the hips. Most clothing
manufacturers cut the front inseam longer in women's shorts. Another
difference is leg length. In general, women prefer a shorter leg
length than the traditional men's short which is long enough to
cover the quadriceps muscles. Now that's not to say that some women
aren't more comfortable in men's shorts!
Construction & Materials
4-Panels... 6-Panels... 8-Panels... More?
Bike shorts are constructed of panels to contour the garment to
fit the body in the cycling position. The more panels the shorts
have, the more curvature they have, too. If you are in and out of
the saddle, a multi panel short will move with you. If you have
worked up a good sweat and soaked through your shorts, shorts with
more panels won't sag and bag. Also, nicely constructed 8 panel
shorts usually look better on less athletic body types. Clever contouring
of panels can make a pair of shorts look really good. Seams are
important too. Flat seams won't rub or snag and nicer materials
constructed with flat seams are going to stay in place and not twist.
Leg grippers can vary as well. The gripper should be comfortable
on your skin, not pinch and high quality shorts have grippers that
will hold up longer over time. Good grippers means shorts won't
ride up!
You
won't find too many 8 panel shorts with made of cheap, thin, lightweight
nylon. Shorts are made from nylon spandex, (Lycra is a brand name)
which has stretch and durability. However, nylon spandex does not
have the ability to wick moisture (a major benefit when you're sweating)
and breathe unless it is mixed with other yarns such as polyester
to promote moisture transfer and are more breathable. Shorts made
of these materials cost more and are more complex to manufacture,
which increases pricing and is the main reason bike shorts come
in such a wide price range.
OK,
What is a Chamois?
The chamois in your shorts is your best friend because it prevents
chafing from moisture from sweat accumulated in the seat area while
you pedal! Back in the "olden days" of cycling, shorts were made
of wool and the chamois was soft leather. One had to wash shorts
carefully and treat the chamois with special conditioners to maintain
softness. Because the chamois was organic, it could carry bacteria.
If a cyclist got a saddle sore, they could get a severe infection
from the bacteria a chamois could harbor. No more - chamois are
made of man made products. A pair of properly washed and air dried
shorts with a manmade chamois requires no special treatment and
does not harbor infection. So why are there so many different kinds
and why does it matter which one you use?
If you compare the most expensive pair of shorts with the least
expensive shorts we stock at Bicycle South you will find the chamois
are constructed completely differently. The less costly shorts usually
has a shaped foam chamois pad covered in a soft material. The pad
has no pin hole vents, does not vary in thickness - its just a pad.
The most costly short we carry will have a vented chamois covered
in super soft smooth material. The chamois will have no seams and
vary in thickness, with the thicker parts located where the body
has the most contact with the saddle. Chamois like this feel thick
(we hear "hey, its like a diaper!) when you are standing around,
but really nice on the bike for any kind of distance. The functional
difference, is that the higher quality chamois is going to be much
better at preventing chafing because it moves moisture away from
your behind more effectively. The variance in thickness means that
places on your behind that have the most saddle contact get the
most padding from rubbing. If you do any distance riding or perspire
a lot, the more expensive short with the higher quality chamois
is a good investment into comfort.
Getting The Right Fit
Shorts, or liners in baggy shorts or shorts liners should fit like
a second skin. Bike short sizing can vary in styles within the same
company, and also from one company to the next. Try on several different
shorts before buying. Don't assume the style you liked last year
will fit like the one with the same name from this year! Remember,
you are purchasing clothing for a specific activity. Cycling clothing
is not going to fit like other kinds of dress or recreational clothing.
When you put on clothing, put yourself in a cycling position. Ask
to sit on a bike!
We
hope the tips help you ride year round. Cycling through the winter
allows you to keep your fitness as opposed to trying to regain it
in the spring. Plus, it'll help you stave off that dreaded cabin-fever
feeling. We would love to help you enjoy these benefits. Come in
and talk to us about winter cycling. We're here to help!
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