Which shorts make the most sense in hot weather? Should you think about riding without a chamois to reduce the amount of moisture buildup? Are shorter shorts more likely to chafe against your inner thigh? What about loose fit versus high compression? Summer presents a whole other level of consideration when it comes to comfort on a bike. This guide is intended to help you figure out what’s right for you.
Cooling Fabric
New fabric technologies have entered the fray and we are particularly sold on Brrr. The marketing spin is that this advanced performance fabric was scientifically developed to harness the power of micro cooling technology and elevate the “triple chill effect”: cooling sensation, hyper wicking, increased fresh experience. We liked this combination and developed our new Hot Flash with this fabric. It’s our lightest, coolest, summer short yet.
Inner & Outer Ventilation
Temperatures 80+ are a blessing and a curse for anybody doing anything aerobic in a mostly static position like sitting on a bike saddle. Staying dry and ventilated in the nether regions, even on shorter rides, can be next to impossible. This gets compounded by the additional layers and materials of a chamois which can act like a giant sponge. The key is balancing comfort, ventilation and air flow. Our Flex Air and Fleet Air chamois are the absolute best as the foams we use for these are perforated for venting. The Flex Air Lite versions use thinner foam so they’re even better at moisture control. Paired up with a Terry saddle, this combination is as good an environment as you can achieve, wearing a padded short.
Shorts we recommend with our lightest Flex Air Lite chamois:
Riding Commando
Don’t even think about it unless you have a Terry saddle, but riding chamois free can also be a great way to reduce the heat factor and moisture buildup. It requires a slightly different thought process when it comes to short design through the crotch; you don’t want seams through the center. Look for shorts with a center gusset panel and wicking fabric.
Is Shorter Better?
It only makes sense that going with a shorter length bike short will also help reduce the heat. Doing it comfortably can be tricky, as the shorter the short, the more likely you are to get inner thigh/saddle chafing.
Summer Cycling Tips
- Remove your cycling shorts immediately after a ride and hop in the shower.
- Don’t add – no underwear under bike shorts, particularly in the heat.
- Avoid riding in cotton shorts as they will absorb moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Buy good quality (Terry) shorts that have an antibacterial cover on the chamois.
- Saddles with cutaways not only provide for comfort but for ventilation.
- Change up your riding style during the summer — get out of the saddle more frequently.
All of a sudden I have been experiencing chafing and pain ‘up front’ I have good Terry Shorts and the century saddle. I am riding more miles to prepare for a century but Ive been uncomfortable after recent rides. Any ideas?
Thank you.
You might want to try a tiny adjustment on your saddle — lower the nose a very small amount and see if can take a bit of pressure off the front.