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!