OBERSON BUYING GUIDE
Choosing the right cycling shorts
A good pair of cycling shorts makes every ride more comfortable, whether you're riding on the road, trails, gravel paths, or commuting. Learn how to choose between traditional shorts and bib shorts, what to look for in a chamois, and how to find the right fit.
IN BRIEF
The best cycling shorts depend on your riding style, the type and quality of the chamois, and its fit. When choosing cycling shorts, determine whether you prefer a traditional or bib short model, look for a comfortable chamois, and opt for a snug fit that offers good support without restricting your movement.
Why Wear Cycling Shorts?
Cycling shorts reduce friction, absorb vibrations, and improve your overall comfort in the saddle, both during the ride and in the days that follow. Their chamois pads cushion the areas in contact with the saddle, while technical fabrics wick away moisture and move with you as you pedal.
Consider your practice style
Choose your shorts based on your activity.
| Practice style | Current choice | |
|---|---|---|
| Road bike | Shorts or bib shorts | |
| Mountain bike | Padded undershorts worn under loose shorts | |
| Gravel bike | Road cycling shorts or mountain biking shorts | |
| Recreational and Commuter Cycling | The style that you find most comfortable |
Road cyclists generally prefer traditional or bib shorts for their aerodynamic advantages. Mountain bikers often wear padded undershorts under baggy shorts. This combination offers the comfort of a chamois, a more casual look, and increased protection against abrasion.
Gravel cyclists can opt for either road or mountain bike shorts. Those who ride more on asphalt and fast gravel roads often choose road or bib shorts. Those who primarily frequent rougher forest roads and easy trails often prefer mountain bike shorts with undershorts.
Recreational cyclists and commuters have the most flexibility. For shorter rides, many wear undershorts under sportswear or even their work clothes to prioritize comfort and versatility. For longer rides, road shorts, bib shorts, or padded undershorts can improve comfort.
Choose between bib shorts and shorts
Both traditional cycling shorts and bib shorts can be comfortable when properly fitted and equipped with a quality chamois. Many cyclists prefer bib shorts for long rides because the straps hold the shorts and chamois more securely in place. This reduces fabric movement and improves comfort. Others prefer the simplicity and practicality of traditional cycling shorts.
Cycling Shorts
• Can be a bit cooler in hot weather
• Convenient during breaks
• Generally less expensive
Bib Shorts
• Chamois stays in place better
• Reduces wrinkles and fabric shifting
• Eliminates pressure on the waist
• Often preferred for long rides
Ultimately, the best choice depends largely on your comfort and personal preferences. If you're unsure which to choose, the best way to find out which suits you is to try both styles.
Choose the right chamois
The chamois is the padded insert inside your cycling shorts. It enhances comfort by reducing friction, absorbing vibrations, and protecting the areas where your body contacts the saddle.
What makes a good chamois?
• Comfort and fit matter more than thickness alone.
• Denser padding often provides better support than simply thicker padding.
• Many high-end chamois use varying densities and thicknesses in different zones to reduce bulk, improve comfort, and optimize fit.
• Overall design and fit generally matter more than the choice between gel and foam.
A thicker chamois isn't necessarily more comfortable. Many quality designs use dense padding where support is most needed, while reducing bulk elsewhere. You often find more padding under the sit bones and in high-pressure areas, while thinner sections on the sides improve freedom of movement.
Gel vs. Foam
Chamois are typically made from foam, gel, or a combination of both. No one material is consistently superior to the other. Some cyclists prefer the firmer feel of gel, while others appreciate the suppleness, breathability, and generally more affordable price of foam. In most cases, the shape, density, and overall design of the chamois will have a greater influence on comfort than the material itself.
Men's vs. Women's Chamois
Most cycling shorts are designed specifically for men or women. While the principle is the same, the shape of the chamois is adapted to different body types. Men's chamois are generally longer at the front. Those designed for women are often wider at the sit bones. That said, some women are more comfortable in men's shorts. As always, the key is to choose what works best for you.
Make sure the fit is good
A quality chamois can only fulfill its purpose if the bib shorts fit well. The most comfortable bib shorts should be snug and supportive without restricting your movement.
How do you know if a pair of cycling shorts fits you well?
The bib shorts are snug without pinching or creating pressure points.
The chamois stays comfortably and firmly in place against your body.
The leg retention bands stay in place without excessive compression on the skin.
The fabric is wrinkle-resistant, crease-resistant, and sag-resistant.
If the shorts pinch, pull excessively at the seams, or feel restrictive, they are probably too small. If the fabric bunches, wrinkles, or sags, they are probably too large. The goal is a snug, close-to-body fit that holds the chamois securely in place throughout your ride.
Consider the additional characteristics
Once you've chosen the style, chamois, and fit, certain features can help you find the bib shorts that best meet your needs.
Pockets
Handy for carrying snacks, tools, a phone, or other essentials. Large cargo pockets are particularly popular with gravel and all-road cyclists.
Ventilation panels
Mesh or perforated panels can improve airflow and comfort on hot-weather rides.
Reflective details
Can improve visibility in low light.
Sustainable materials
Baggy mountain biking shorts often use more abrasion-resistant fabrics to better withstand branches, brambles, and small falls.
FAQ – How to Choose the Right Cycling Shorts
Do you wear underwear under cycling shorts?
No. Cycling shorts are designed to be worn without underwear. Underwear adds extra seams and retains more moisture, which can lead to chafing, discomfort, and irritation. The chamois should be in direct contact with your skin to provide maximum comfort and optimal moisture management.
Are thicker chamois more comfortable?
Not necessarily. A thicker chamois is not always more comfortable. Many high-end chamois use dense padding and strategic design to provide support where it's needed while reducing bulk elsewhere. When comparing cycling shorts, prioritize the comfort, fit, and quality of the chamois over its thickness.
What is the difference between mountain biking shorts and road cycling shorts?
Road cyclists generally ride at higher speeds. They therefore prefer very close-fitting bib shorts that reduce fabric flapping and improve aerodynamics. Mountain bikers generally prefer a more relaxed look and the additional protection offered by loose-fitting shorts worn over padded undershorts.
Is it normal to be sore at the start of the season?
Yes. Even with a quality chamois and well-fitting bib shorts, it's normal to experience some discomfort during your first rides of the season. As you spend more time in the saddle, your body gradually adapts and comfort generally improves.
Are bib shorts better?
Not necessarily. Many cyclists prefer them because they hold the shorts and chamois better in place and eliminate pressure on the waist. However, traditional bib shorts are often less expensive and more practical during breaks. The best choice primarily depends on your comfort and personal preferences.
How to wash cycling shorts?
In general, it is best to wash your bib shorts after each ride. Turn them inside out and wash them in cold water with a mild detergent on a delicate cycle. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach, which can damage technical fabrics and reduce their wicking ability. To extend the life of your bib shorts, air dry them rather than putting them in the dryer. Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
Can you wear mountain bike shorts on the road?
Yes. Many cyclists wear mountain bike shorts on the road, especially for recreational rides, commutes, and gravel biking. However, road cycling shorts are generally more aerodynamic and can be more comfortable for long, high-speed rides. The best choice depends on your riding style and the fit you're looking for.
Cycling Shorts at Oberson
Oberson offers a wide selection of cycling shorts and bib shorts for road biking, mountain biking, gravel biking, and daily commuting. Shop online or visit our stores in Laval and Brossard to compare different fits, chamois, and features. Our specialists can help you find the model that suits your riding style.
