Choosing the right cycling shorts or biking pants can be a difficult task for men, who are starting to develop a knack for cycling and bike riding. While they are numerous options available in the market, it is important to understand the nitty-gritties of men's cycling shorts, and which ones to choose for which purpose.
Why Cycling Matters for Men?
Cycling for men is making a comeback as a preferred physical health and mental health improvement activity. Passionate cyclist communities are making a mark alongside other workout communities, not only because of the associated health benefits, but also because of the feeling of bonding and togetherness for the right cause. Cycling for men has been clinically proven to boost cardiovascular health, muscular and bone strength, while also helping manage weight and reducing obesity related concerns. From a mental health perspective, cycling helps to reduce stress and anxiety for men, improves sleep cycle and workplace mood for adult men, and boosts memory and creative abilities in young males.
What are the Basic Requirements for Men's Cycling Shorts?
Cycling shorts must not only satisfy functional requirements for men but also blend with the latest styles and fashion trends.
Adaptability and Versatility of Men’s Cycling Shorts
Since cycling enthusiasts love adventure, the right cycling shorts should be adaptable with both leisure rides as well as thrills like gravel biking, mountain biking and step-down jumping.
Pain Reduction for Cyclists
Men’s cycling shorts must reduce ischial tuberosities, or to say more simply sit bone pressure points, so that you do not experience pain even after long hours of sitting on the saddle.
Friction during Men’s Cycling
Friction between the legs and the material of the shorts becomes another key deciding factor for rating men’s cycling shorts. Improperly positioned seams, synthetic fabrics, and poor quality threads used in stitching causes discomfort and visible itch marks in the groin. Cotton, a natural fibre, minimises such discomfort while also ensuring that your shorts protect you from rugged weather conditions during cycling.
Ventilation during Cycling
Shorts for biking must be well ventilated to ensure that moisture and sweat does not accumulate in the seams and groin areas of the shorts. This helps avoid unease and skin diseases arising due to moisture accumulation, which is common in synthetic men’s cycling shorts.
Protection during Cycling
While some men’s cycling shorts made from synthetic fibres add an extra layer of padding to provide increased cushioning, it leads to the shorts being uncomfortable for warm weather. Baggy cotton men’s biker shorts provide optimal level of protection from scratched bruises, and trail debris hitting the thighs, thereby improving rider safety while cycling on rough terrain.
Convenience of Storage
Conveniently placed and rightly sized pockets in men’s cycling shorts and men’s bike riding pants allow cyclists to carry essentials without having to take along additional backpacks or duffel bags. The bike shorts men prefer to use frequently make it convenient for them to avoid carrying additional gear.
Things to Consider When Buying Your First Pair of Cycling Shorts
Fit - Tight or Baggy
It is important that the men’s cycling shorts are in the right shape and fit for both your body and the bicycle or bike’s saddle, so that you feel comfortable when you are riding.
Padding
Some cycling shorts for men come with a padding that absorbs shocks and provides comforts during long cycle rides. However, the best men’s cycling shorts come with a thin padding that does not cause discomfort, while also providing the right protection for the hips and the sit bone.
Panel Construction
Usually male bike shorts are constructed from multiple fabric panels with a carefully designed sewing pattern and stitch frequency that ensures minimal drag during cycling. Heavier panel construction makes the shorts unsuitable for wearing in summer, thereby necessitating that cyclists keep somewhat lighter men’s cycling shorts like the Loud Shorts in their wardrobe.
Waist band or Bib
Bib shorts, which consisted of shoulder straps, used to be the preferred choice of cyclists for a long time. However, modern cyclists and biking enthusiasts prefer regular men’s cycling shorts with elastic waistbands, as these are easier to wear and adjust. In fact, yoga-style waistbands are increasingly popular in male cycling shorts.
Inseam
Inseams in bicycle riding pants prevent chafing in the thighs while cycling, and also help keep the leg grippers at the right place, especially when you are cycling very fast. Inseams also provide muscular support and protection from bruises in case of an accidental fall.
Colour
While colour mostly does not add any functional value to the male cycling shorts, colour is what largely defines the perceived personality of professional cyclists. Black has been the favourite colour for cycling shorts for men, with many brands displaying tall guys in bicycle shorts in their promotional campaigns. However, of late, many biking enthusiasts are preferring somewhat offbeat colours like navy blue for their cycling shorts and bike pants.
Aerodynamic Profile
Male bike shorts often incorporate aerodynamic design principles which help improve cycling efficiency, minimise fatigue and enhance cycling speed by reducing drag, especially during racing. Cotton, as a natural fibre, is not so-effective a material aerodynamic efficiency but the other performance and comfort features make cotton the better choice for male cycling shorts.
Ventilation and Moisture Management
Natural fabrics like cotton by default help in maintaining the right circulation of air through the men’s cycling shorts and hence minimise discomfort caused by profuse sweating during warm weather conditions. Some bicycle shorts for men induce better ventilation through perforations, laser-cut vents, and strategic design. Anti-bacterial properties of the fabric and optimally handled seams prevent sweat and moisture from accumulating in the seams, thereby keeping men’s biking pants and bicycle riding pants well ventilated for the best cycling experience.
Choosing the Right Type of Cycling Shorts - Tight Bib Shorts vs Loose Baggy Shorts
While tight bib shorts come with straps that fit perfectly with the body curve and put the stress on the shoulders, these ensure that blood circulation around the waist is not blocked in any way. Many professional cyclists prefer to stick to shorter cycling shorts with bibs for all cycle-races.
On the other hand, baggy shorts with elastic waistbands provide greater convenience by literally “removing the burden from your shoulders”. Cycling enthusiasts who go on short-to-medium rides for non-professional purposes, often prefer baggy shorts like the Loud Shorts by KSHM. Baggy bicycle shorts for men are easier to wear and change during trips and can be more easily adjusted around the waist.
Hence if you are going for a non-professional cycling trip, it is better to choose loose baggy cycling shorts for men.
How Often Should Men Change Their Cycling Shorts?
While from a fertility and urological health perspective, the replacement frequency of cycling shorts does not present a high risk, most cycling enthusiasts prefer to wash their shorts after every single ride, and also keep adding some two to five bike pants and cycling shorts in every 6 months. Such a basic hygiene practice for cycling pants for men minimises the risk of skin infections caused from sweating and consequent fungal or bacterial growth in the seam areas of the cycling shorts. In our article regarding Washcare for Activewear, we have thoroughly covered the best practices regarding taking care of activewear, especially those made from eco-friendly fabrics.
