With the most delicate chamois material, you’re able to obtain the wicking, comfort and breathable properties you would not be able to get from any other type of material. This is why choosing cycle shorts with chamois in it is essential. The material has many properties that make it perfect for cycling anywhere and everywhere. With the most ideal bike gear, you can be set for the roads ahead in terms of comfort, support and protection. However, you have to make sure that you’re choosing clothing that is best for you and the terrains you’re going to be riding in.
Here are some things you should know about chamois, and why it is the perfect material for cyclists.
Chamois Has Many Uses, Not Just for Cycling
Chamois has been used for centuries, and it has found to be very useful in many different things. With everything from filtering oils and gases to making gloves, jackets, shorts and other clothing. It is ideal for polishing certain items around the home or office, and can be used in general cleaning. It also has medical uses, and is highly used in the orthopedic field. Who knew that this material could be so versatile and useful?
Not only that, but since it has been made in many different types, thicknesses and sizes; it can be cut and reused over and over, as well as washed because it is so durable.
The More Chamois Padding, the Better?
This is not always true. If you see a pair of shorts that look bulky and big, then this might not be the most comfortable way to ride around on your bike. Cycling shorts that keep you comfortable while riding would have dense layers of chamois inside them, and not big puffs of the material. This is due to the fact that this puffy material is going to condense with time, and when it does then those shorts may be rendered unusable. Going with a happy medium for the padding in the areas of concern is ideal, but you have to gauge what you feel is the most comfortable while you’re wearing the shorts.
Are Cycling Shorts Actually Unisex?
Actually, women’s and men’s cycling shorts are made specifically for their own bodies. Women’s shorts tend to have larger sides to accommodate wider hip bones, as well as specific patterns of padding, depending on the woman and what pressure points usually become irritated while riding. The same is true for men, but with straighter hips. This is why MTB shorts cannot be transferred and shared between men and women that want to have a different look while out cycling or cannot find anything that fits.
You Can Tailor and Customize Your Own Chamois
The amount of padding that you like while cycling depends on you. This is why POC allows their riders to customize the amount of chamois that is used inside their cycling shorts. Using a buyers guide to cycling bib shorts can provide you with even more information regarding the types of padding and comfort levels come with the shorts that you can cycle with. The right padding can go a long way, and you’re even able to try on different variations of the chamois inside the shorts, so you know you’re choosing the best fit and comfort level that works with you.
Older Chamois Was More Like a Baseball Glove Than Comfortable Shorts
Chamois in the past was dense, hard and had little flexibility. This is why it is referred to as more of a baseball glove. Stiff and rigged, you could catch a baseball with the use of the chamois if you really wanted to. Now, with the processes and curing that we can do to the chamois, it is able to be used for a wide assortment of reasons. It has wicking, breathable technology too, which makes it ideal for many different purposes and not just cycling shorts. Being able to choose a material that is not going to let you down, while providing you with the many benefits you need is easier than ever to do when you go with chamois in your cycling shorts.
Whether you’re looking for a pair of cycling shorts to replace your old ones or you’re new to cycling, choosing a pair of shorts, as well as other cycling gear that is made from the right materials is essential. Chamois is one of those highly regarded materials that you should choose when it comes to wicking away moisture, providing comfort and being able to enjoy the ride ahead. Never go with a cotton or other scratchy material that is not going to breathe and move with you. Even the toughest terrains are going to give you a problem without the right gear. Choose something that fits you today, and see how smoothly your next ride can go with a little help from the gear.
