Cycling Shorts and Chamois
The chamois is one thing that can make your outings all the more enjoyable. Whether you’re a road warrior or mountain adventurer, comfort is essential. Did you know that the chamois is the most important part of your bike shorts? Here are a few characteristics you need to take into consideration when purchasing your new pair.
Whats is a chamois?
Because it might be the first time your see this word – or not! –, here is a brief description. A chamois is in fact the bike shorts’ most important feature. It’s glued or stitched in the crotch area of the short, where your body is in contact with the seat. It’s purpose is to absorb vibrations to offer maximum comfort during outings.
Since bike shorts are worn without underwear, it’s important to make the right choice to avoid any discomfort. When comes time to choose, you’ll need to take into consideration the type of bike and the distance you ride. The type of seat can also influence your choice of chamois density.
Chamois construction: density and fabric
A good quality chamois is primarily determined by its density. Don’t confuse density and thickness, for a thin chamois can have better density than a thicker one. It’s important to check its capacity to keep its shape under your body weight. The fabric is also an important element to consider when buying a pair of bike shorts.
The fabric features different characteristics that will enhance your comfort level and the durability of the chamois. These materials are stacked one over the other – like a sandwich – and have different technical specs: breathable, antibacterial, etc. Foam is usually the material of choice but some comapanies use gel. One is not better than the other, it’s all a matter of preference.
The chamois construction also influences how comfortable you’ll be on your seat. There are many models with different shapes, some are longer, shorter, denser in certain spots, etc. Also, you shoud not underestimate the stitching which also plays an important role in comfort. Stiches can sometimes cause friction which is most uncomfortable on long rides! Make sure the chamois fits the shape of your morphology.
Keeping in mind the chamois when choosing the right bike short will make your rides so much more enjoyable. When trying them on in the store, try to recreate your biking position to make sure the chamois is compatible with your body type. Remember that at the beginning of each season, even with a good quality chamois, it is normal to feel a bit of discomfort. Your skin will adapt as the season progresses.
