How to Wear Bike Shorts

Every bike rider has suffered saddle discomfort -- also known as a sore bum -- at some or many points in their riding career. Don't spend a lot of money on a super-expensive specialized bike saddle; you'll quickly see that it can't solve the problem entirely. Instead, invest in a set of quality padded bike shorts that will greatly improve your riding comfort and reduce chafing when used with any bike.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Wear bike shorts only when you're biking. Get into them as late as possible before biking, then get out of them as soon as possible after, because keeping them on underneath street clothes or standing around in them provides a moist environment on the skin, making irritation more likely.

Step 2

Use the best bike shorts you can afford. Look for a precise fit and seamless, anti-microbial, moisture-wicking stretchable padding. Take your bike with you (if possible), try on the shorts, and mount your bike in your typical riding posture to make sure the padding will be between you and the bike saddle when you ride.

Step 3

Ditch the underwear: Wear bike shorts directly against your skin. Underwear traps heat and moisture, promoting chafing.

Step 4

Apply a chamois lubricant or cream directly to your skin or the padding inside your bike shorts before putting them on. This helps to further reduce the chances of chafing.

Step 5

Sprinkle a drying, medicated powder inside your underwear when you're not wearing bike shorts, to help keep your skin dry and reduce irritation.

Resources

Article Written By Marie Mulrooney

Marie Mulrooney has written professionally since 2001. Her diverse background includes numerous outdoor pursuits, personal training and linguistics. She studied mathematics and contributes regularly to various online publications. Mulrooney's print publication credits include national magazines, poetry awards and long-lived columns about local outdoor adventures.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...