5 keys to choose your bib shorts

It's probably the most important piece of cycling gear. The bib shorts are the key piece of clothing for any cyclist. Today we tell you much more about them and we give you 5 keys that you should always take into account when choosing one or another model of bib shorts.

5 keys to choosing good bib shorts

The bib shorts are fundamental because they involve the use of a garment that, firstly, will be the area of greatest contact with other components, such as the saddle; secondly, because the bib shorts support our weight on the chamois; and thirdly, because they will involve constant rubbing of our inner legs. For all these reasons, choosing good bib shorts is essential.

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Think that with a pair of bib shorts you can easily go cycling several times a week, so they'd better be good quality. So here are the fundamental aspects that you need to know and assess in order to make a definitive decision about which bib shorts to wear. 

1. The chamois is the key point in this whole equation. Good bib shorts are defined as such mainly by the quality of their chamois. In this sense, in order to know which chamois is the best, you should evaluate the following aspects. First of all, the design, of course: not a tremendous chamois that hinders your pedaling, but not too small that unprotects some areas. The chamois supports the rear, especially in the area of the ischines, and therefore it is necessary to have good padding and good absorption. But more thickness doesn't mean better chamois in a bib, don't be fooled: look for high material densities, elastic materials that take the necessary shape. Therefore, the material of the chamois of the bib and its design are the key: if the material is also antibacterial and anti-odour, and anti-allergenic, then it will be a good purchase.

   

2. If the chamois has convinced you, the second point to value about the shorts is the material, the Lycra. There are not that many types of Lycra, so you will have to decide between 4 or 5 models of Lycra in your bib shorts. That's why you should value its quality, its elastic level and the resistance it offers, so that it gives you more freedom. In this case, the extras are whether the Lycra in question is more or less breathable and whether it also incorporates sun protection, which are rarer qualities but should also be valued. There are even ceramic bib shorts for extra protection in case of falls.
   
   
   
   
3. The size of the bib shorts should be the first thing you look at, but it's so obvious that we've relegated it to the background. Wearing a large bib will make you uncomfortable and it won't fit properly; wearing a small bib will constrict your circulation and worsen your performance, causing you even bigger problems. It should fit your legs and body well, but not too tight, not too deep, just maybe a little sign after hours of use. Manufacturers will provide you with your ideal size depending on the diameter of your thighs or the length of your legs. A word of advice: if in doubt, choose a larger size, never a smaller one.
   
   
   
   
4. Gender. Don't panic. But in case you didn't know, there are men's bib shorts and women's bib shorts. Their design has notable differences, although the three main ones are the pattern that takes into account the greater feminine curvatures, the chamois that conceives the different design of the hips of men and women and the design of the straps, which for women is crossed in the front so that it does not bother them due to the feminine breasts and fits better to their body. Of course you can ride with any bib shorts, but if you want a better fit and comfort, this factor also matters.
   
   
   
   
5. The season of the bib shorts. One obvious thing, but there are winter bib shorts, summer bib shorts and mid-season bib shorts. For the long ones, there is no doubt, but for the short ones, a short for regions or seasons of extreme heat is often confused with others of mid-season, whose thickness, Lycra fabric and sun protection are different.
   
   

Why it is important to choose good bib shorts

Not only for the comfort and the protection of the ischio bones, but also good bib shorts will protect you from the numbness of this area in particular. In addition, the prostate area, which also causes a lot of headaches and long-term discomfort mainly for men, is much better protected with good bib shorts.

And by the way, one last note that we find it necessary to make: with bib shorts it is not necessary to use underwear. Many of you will already know this, but you can hear it all, so let's say that the designs of the bib shorts already consider their use without underwear, with materials that are just as comfortable and hygienic, and not wearing underwear will avoid greater problems of friction.