How Should Mountain Bike Shorts Fit

Mountain bike shorts are designed to offer the rider a comfortable and flexible fit. The shorts should be tight enough to stay in place when riding, but not so tight that they restrict movement.

The mountain bike short should have a high-quality chamois pad for comfort and protection. The chamois pad should be large enough to cover the entire area between the rider’s legs, but not so large that it’s uncomfortable or bulky.

The chamois pad should also be made from breathable material and have a moisture-wicking design to help keep you dry and comfortable during your ride.

How do I know if my bike shorts are too big?

A bib shorts that is too big may cause the chamois to sit loosely on the butt and shift around during ride. Excess material will cause possible saddle sore and abrasion. A bib shorts that too small may cause the chamois to press tightly against the groin and perianal region, resulting in numbness.^[1]

Should I size up in cycling shorts?

Bike short sizing If your waist or hip measurements do not fit a size exactly, size up so your shorts aren’t too restrictive and uncomfortable.^[2]

Why do mountain bikers wear baggy shorts?

Why Wear Baggy Shorts? Mountain bikers gravitate towards baggy shorts because they offer a larger range of motion. In addition, they’re more comfortable than Lycra; they’re abrasion resistant, have extra pockets, tend to look better, and remain warmer in colder temperatures.^[3]

Are biking shorts supposed to be tight?

Fit. Bike shorts should be tight when you first put them on, but not so tight that you’re cutting off circulation. Make sure they’re snug enough that they remain in place while you bike. Also keep in mind that as you move, they’ll stretch slightly.^[4]

How long should my bike shorts be?

Bike shorts come in tall (about 11 inches), short (about 5 to 7), and regular inseams (about 8-9 inches). Professionals typically have thick thighs and look for a slightly longer inseam around 10 inches.^[5]

Where should cycling shorts sit?

In our favorite shorts, the dense part of the pad — the saddle-like area — is centered at the bottom, with the front ‘modesty’ cover rising up noticeably higher than the back end of the pad.^[6]

What is the difference between bike shorts and cycling shorts?

Cycling shorts need to be comfortable on a bike ride, which is different than comfort from a compression standpoint. When looking at bike shorts, we like to really focus in on three things. Cycling shorts are often just a bit looser, and have the all-important bike pad along with stronger thigh grips.^[7]

How do I stop my butt from hurting after cycling?

Emollient/Chamois Cream: You apply chamois cream directly to the pad in your shorts and to your perineum before riding and, although it might initially feel a little strange and squishy, its effectiveness in preventing saddle soreness is almost miraculous.^[8]

How tight should cycling clothes be?

Your cycling jersey should fit snugly, with the cuffs fitting close enough to avoid chafing but also not digging into your arm—think tighter than a t-shirt, but less tight than a base layer.^[9]

Are gel cycling shorts better?

If you’re riding long distances, Herlinger advises you invest in gel. Foam-only chamois will feel soft and cushy in the store, but it’s typically bulkier. Foam-only pads compress and lose their comfy feel faster than gel.^[10]

Why are mountain biking shorts long?

They come from material that you may likely find on regular biking shorts, but they are usually long enough to cover your entire thighs for extra measure. Ultimately long bike shorts are there for protection. The more skin that you cover the fewer scrapes you will get in a crash.^[11]

What is special about mountain biking shorts?

Mountain Biking Shorts and Padding Like their road counterparts, mountain-bike shorts offer stretch for easy leg movement and a padded crotch liner to reduce friction and wick moisture. Padded liner shorts and shell shorts can also be purchased separately.^[12]