Driving around the city or country, you see most of the bikers in shorts.
Non-cyclists might not understand that the shorts you wear are the most critical aspect of a biker’s entire outfit. It plays a major role in a cyclist’s performance and riding comfort.
The standard cycling wear is traditionally shorts, as pants may get in the way or hinder performance.
Bikers wear shorts of the cycling, padded, and Dri-fit variety.
Shorts provide your legs with more liberty than pants do. During cycling, the knees aren’t hindered by too much fabric resistance.
Although, in colder weather and harsher terrain prone to debris, cyclists are better off wearing compression pants and other compression garments.
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Can You Mountain Bike in Shorts?
Yes. That’s what you’re supposed to wear.
Provided the trail isn’t riddled with small rocks and other potentially harmful debris.
In bright sunny weather and clear paths, you should stick to shorts. However, if it’s colder out, you can opt for longer athletic wear.
You can also wear compression garments to protect your legs from debris as an extension to shorts.
You can find compression shorts that provide thermal effects if you don’t need added protection against debris.
The thermal effects of compression garments aren’t exclusive to colder climates. They can help you break a sweat better in moderate to hotter climates.
In mountain biking, cyclists are exposed to different elements from various trail conditions.
Suppose you are familiar with the trail and confident in facing all the possible exposures. In this case, shorts are the best option for you.
Still, there are alternatives for various road and weather conditions.
While there are standard guidelines cyclists should always observe, your clothes should also suit the trail you are taking.
Do You Need Special Clothes for Mountain Biking?
Like with all athletic endeavors, you need certain clothes that help your performance.
While there aren’t special clothes, there is proper attire you should follow to avoid injuries and heighten performance.
Some garments are made with too hard or too soft of fabric, which may impede a cyclist’s ability to perform and cause harm.
Too hard, and it can hurt your knees during creasing. Too soft, and it won’t support your leg’s extension or come loose off your hips and legs.
Wearing anything too soft or too loose may also curb your performance by needing frequent adjustment.
Apparel that isn’t meant for cycling is unsafe to use due to its potential of getting caught in your bike’s chain and pedals.
They may be unable to keep up with your body during extensive movements and restrict optimal performance.
Cyclists are advised against more extended wear to avoid hindrances. However, the appropriate pants and warmers can provide support and protection without causing any disadvantages.
Whether long or short, there are specific criteria your gear should meet.
The X-Factor for Cycling Shorts and Pants
Here are three vital aspects shorts and pants should provide cyclists:
Aerodynamics
The clothes cyclists consider aero are essential for races but not necessarily recreational riding.
However, the more aerodynamic your clothes are, the less direct friction your body will encounter.
As you would expect from going downhill, the faster you go, the more energy you use against wind resistance.
Cyclists crouching to lessen energy expenditure and increase velocity is the same as wearing skin-tight clothing that prevents increasing your total surface area.
Less is more.
The more aerodynamic your clothing is, the more energy you save, allowing cyclists more endurance.
Protection
Clothes that provide better support, such as aerodynamics, shouldn’t falter in offering protection.
Certain compression wear gives athletes a good amount of push-back, which helps fold and unfold the legs but also helps keep your joints and muscles intact.
The protection from our equipment isn’t just for present dangers but for prevention of the wear and tear athletes typically experience down the line.
Speaking of long-term protection, those with sensitive skin who embark on rugged expeditions can opt for more extended athletic wear instead of slathering on more sunblock.
Pressure Distribution
In riding the mountainside, you apply more pressure to your groin and glutes by increasing intervals of getting on and off your saddle.
Shorts and pants that aren’t suitable for riding can distribute ill amounts of pressure, especially on rough and uneven terrain.
Cycling shorts and pants absorb pressure to redistribute into other regions.
Without proper absorption or dissipation, the pressure can be too painful to endure and cause injuries.
Don’t Forget
Whether you are sporting shorts or pants, remember to consider these factors strongly.
If you prefer shorts over pants and other types of compression wear, you can opt for external pads or shorts with padding.
Padded shorts are a popular choice among mountain bikers.
Do I Need Padded Shorts for Mountain Biking?
While padded shorts are common solutions for mountain bikers who prefer shorts with an added layer of protection, they aren’t essential.
However, it is advisable to wear padding.
Bikers prefer padded shorts because they spend most of their time in and out of their saddle adapting to mountainous terrain.
Mountain trails are often rough, uneven, and pose numerous obstacles compared to urban trails.
Bikers face more elements up in the mountain. Anything that provides your body with more support and coverage may be more suitable.
If you are going on your first expedition in the mountains, we strongly advise you to wear padding.
Whether pads are sewn into or detached from your garments, you should consider integrating them into your riding attire.
Cyclists unfamiliar with their new route’s obstacles should always wear proper riding gear to avoid minor and major injuries.
Cycling up and down mountains is for more experienced cyclists. Even then, they are not immune to injuries. An unforeseen obstruction can knock even the most experienced cyclist off their bike.
You can protect your skin and joints from harm by fitting them with the appropriate apparel.
Protect yourself and heighten your performance by wearing the appropriate attire with the correct fit.
How Should Mountain Bike Shorts Fit?
The one-word answer would be snug.
It’s tight enough to feel its fabric around your leg but not enough to cut off your circulation.
Picture this: your bike shorts’ fabric should hug your legs like a loved one picking you up at the airport, not like a scorned lover who isn’t ready to let you go.
Yes, a warm embrace and not a possessive enclasp.
It should be tight enough to stay on your body during your up and down motions when you get on and off your saddle. Ensure they are snug enough not to get in the way of your movements.
Don’t skimp on athletic wear as it may cost you more in the long run.
Stick to brands known to provide reliable garments that are true to size. Some brands provide inaccurate size guides and substandard material.
The Under Armour HeatGear Men's Long Bike Shorts , for example, are reportedly snug in all the right areas without suffocating the skin. Seek shorts that provide the same versatility.
Check out the Souke Sports 4D Padded Anti-Slip Grip Men's Cycling Shorts if you want padded shorts. Its padding isn’t exclusive to legs.
The Souke’s 4D padding extends to specific areas that protect men’s most sensitive regions that are utilized during cycling.
After all, legs aren’t the only muscles men need to protect when they cycle through rough terrain.
Ladies suffer chafing and rashes more often than men who wear tighter cycling shorts. However, that’s no reason for either men or women to opt for a bigger size.
Don’t compromise your safety to avoid chafing.
Women who suffer from chaffing should look into shorts like the NOOYME 3D Padded Cycling Shorts .
Instead of wearing ill-fitting garments, women can opt for shorts like NOOYME’s for a more breathable fabric that provides the same support and protection.
Ladies, if you aren’t into added padding, you can look at BALEAF’s cycling apparel collection. BALEAF's High Waist Biking Shorts come in various lengths and designs.
What Cyclists Should Look for in Biker Shorts?
When choosing your next pair of cycling shorts, remember to prioritize their fit over fashion.
Designs are lovely to look at, but the fit will determine your overall experience.
Shorts also provide a variety of functions you can choose from, like padding, resistance, compression, and reflector functions that increase your visibility at night.
If you are biking anywhere at night, especially on rough terrain, it helps to wear garments with reflectors.
Fabric that can throw back the light it catches helps keep riders safe from oncoming traffic and other bikers on their trail.
Fit and function are always more important than fashion. However, plenty of biker shorts encompass all features in their make.
Most prominent brands have a variety of designs you can choose from under different categories.
Choices include shorts and pants. Some come with padding and others without. The composition of their apparel may be aerodynamic, reflective, or thermal.
The best part is that you can mix and match or layer clothing items to customize your ensemble better.
FAQ
Here’s a frequent query every new cyclist should know the answer to:
What Do I Wear Under My Mountain Bike Shorts?
While you might think underwear is necessary, you won’t need any with the right fitting shorts.
The thicker component within the groin is called chamois.
The chamois protects sensitive regions and provides softer inwards fabric for your comfort.
It is sewn into both men’s and women’s shorts to protect against rashes from rough fabric and absorb moisture to prevent chafing and infections.
Finish Line
We hope this article helped you figure out why cyclists opt for shorts more often than pants.
Some might think cyclists wear shorts to observe uniformity. Still, shorts are one of the most critical components of a rider’s entire ensemble.
Remember, skin-tight biker shorts that protect your skin from surrounding elements is the best option for cyclists, even on a mountainside.