kevrider
06-08-2010, 06:34 PM
i've seen a few posts about wearing padded bicycling shorts to help with comfort in the saddle. there is truth in that but just wanted to point out that benefit is not specifically related to the chamois.
one of the biggest potential forms of displeasure in the saddle is the dreaded monkey butt. this results from the unhappy combination of heat + friction + moisture and makes your bum quite tender. hard to do much about the heat, so what you want to do is minimize friction and moisture buildup. cycling shorts do both, but it's not the pad. the close-fitting lycra obviously cuts friction and breathes much better than cotton, so it helps minimize moisture (except for that chamois).
you might think the chamois helps with comfort, but i believe that this minimal given its position in the crotch. at least for me, it's the sit bones could use the extra padding. but the chamois doesn't cover that much butt. so it's really superfluous in this application. so, unless you're a cyclist, as i am, there's not much point in buying cycling shorts. i have drawer full of cycling shorts, and i do wear them on the moto. but i get the same benefits from using my compression shorts or technical underwear.
which brings me to the point... if you're considering buying biker shorts for riding, consider compression shorts (http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2661418&cp=3077569.3079696.2806390.2806421&parentPage=family) or synthetic skivvies (http://www.rei.com/product/739770) instead. they are less expensive, just as effective and more versatile. in fact, they are probably better since that biker short pad doesn't breathe. they pack easier, too (less bulky).
ps: sheepskin and beaded seat covers, since they allow airflow between you and the saddle, also help combat heat and moisture buildup.
one of the biggest potential forms of displeasure in the saddle is the dreaded monkey butt. this results from the unhappy combination of heat + friction + moisture and makes your bum quite tender. hard to do much about the heat, so what you want to do is minimize friction and moisture buildup. cycling shorts do both, but it's not the pad. the close-fitting lycra obviously cuts friction and breathes much better than cotton, so it helps minimize moisture (except for that chamois).
you might think the chamois helps with comfort, but i believe that this minimal given its position in the crotch. at least for me, it's the sit bones could use the extra padding. but the chamois doesn't cover that much butt. so it's really superfluous in this application. so, unless you're a cyclist, as i am, there's not much point in buying cycling shorts. i have drawer full of cycling shorts, and i do wear them on the moto. but i get the same benefits from using my compression shorts or technical underwear.
which brings me to the point... if you're considering buying biker shorts for riding, consider compression shorts (http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2661418&cp=3077569.3079696.2806390.2806421&parentPage=family) or synthetic skivvies (http://www.rei.com/product/739770) instead. they are less expensive, just as effective and more versatile. in fact, they are probably better since that biker short pad doesn't breathe. they pack easier, too (less bulky).
ps: sheepskin and beaded seat covers, since they allow airflow between you and the saddle, also help combat heat and moisture buildup.