competor/athletic in road cycle racing image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
Many cyclists wear form-fitting, padded bike shorts designed to remove moisture and prevent chafing. The padding in bike shorts will not eliminate all bike seat problems or discomfort, but it can make your riding experience more enjoyable. Padded bike shorts must fit tightly against your skin in order to function properly. You must also wear them correctly for best results.
Remove your underwear and slip the bike shorts on as you would a swimsuit. Putting underwear between your skin and your bike shorts will cause chafing and negate the purpose of the padded shorts.
Pull the shorts all the way up so that they fit tightly around your waist and thighs.
Position the chamois padding against the part of your body that rests against the bike seat. If you have shorts in the right size, the chamois should remain fixed in place rather than sliding around.
Minimize the amount of time you spend in your bike shorts. Bacteria can build up in the shorts after prolonged wear. Wash your shorts after every ride.
When you try on bike shorts, test the fit by bending over as you would on your bike. Properly fitting shorts may pooch out slightly when you stand up. Comfort is paramount, as you'll likely wear the garment during long rides. Try various lengths of shorts to find a style that's comfortable to you. For example, you might favor shorts that descend close to the knee, rather than short shorts.
Many cyclists use baby powder or anti-chafing cream or gel on their inner thighs to avoid discomfort during the ride. Experiment with these substances to increase the enjoyment of your workout.
Photo Credits
competor/athletic in road cycle racing image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
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