How to Choose Cycling Shorts

By Fred Matheny and Ed Pavelka of www.RoadBikeRider.com

You should choose road-cycling shorts based on the quality of materials and construction. But also crucial is how well they conform to your unique anatomy. Sometimes a relatively inexpensive pair may work better for you than a high-zoot model.

Shorts, like saddles, are tough to recommend because of differences in butts, crotches, seats and riding positions. Every rider has to try on shorts, buy the model/size that fits snugly but comfortably, then hope for the best on the bike. It's hit or miss, and some luck is involved. Just as with saddles, there is no universal answer.

That said, here are guidelines that'll point you toward better choices.

·         Price. Generally, the more expensive the shorts, the higher the quality. Avoid cheap shorts because the material and construction may be substandard. They may be sewn from only 4 or 6 pieces ("panels"), which won't give you the best anatomical fit. The padded liner ("chamois") may not be large enough, soft enough or sewn without irritating seams. Cheap shorts aren't as durable, either, so in the long run they really aren't a bargain. When touring and washing shorts by hand, wringing can break threads and blow out seams if the manufacturer cut corners on quality.
 

·         Panels. The more the better. Usually, 8-panel shorts conform to your body better than those made from fewer pieces. Better manufacturers use flat-seam stitching so additional panels won't result in abrasion or other discomforts.
 

·         Liner. Crotch liners are synthetic nowadays (not real chamois leather). That's a good thing because the material can't dry, crack and cause more irritation than it prevents. A large, smooth, absorbent, one-piece, moderately padded liner has the best chance of feeling comfortable. Liners that have seams, grooves, distinct sections and/or a waffle-like texture may work fine for you -- or maybe not. There's no way of knowing for sure before riding. Beware of thick padding, which can bunch and chafe. Also problematic are gel inserts. Because they're in plastic compartments, moisture transfer can be blocked, causing excessive dampness and skin irritation.
 

·         Leg length. This goes up and down like hem lengths in the fashion world. Long, so-called "Belgian" shorts will be in style for a while, putting the legs just above the knee. Then the pendulum swings the other way. Short shorts, like those marketed for spinning classes, are favored by riders who want to avoid tan lines that show when wearing casual shorts. But they shouldn't be so short that the nose of the saddle rubs on bare skin.
 

·         Waist length. Proper cycling shorts are cut high in back to keep skin covered in the bent-over riding position. Likewise, they are low in front so you can bend forward without restriction. The front shouldn't be so low, though, that it's below your hip bones with nothing to help hold it up.
 

·         Waist band. The elastic should be wide enough that it doesn't feel like a cord around your middle. Some manufacturers add a drawstring. Just elastic is fine. Just a drawstring is not. If that's the only thing keeping shorts in place, you'll feel restricted in certain positions or when breathing deeply.
 

·         Leg grippers. Nothing is more frustrating than shorts that ride up and let material bunch in the crotch. Check the leg grippers to be sure they're wide, made of "sticky" rubber-like material and securely sewn in. The legs should feel comfortably snug, not tight.
 

·         Stretch. Most shorts are made of a stretchy fabric generically called spandex. They're easy to pull on and don't feel like you're wearing a 19th century corset. On the other hand, you may come across shorts with fabric that purposely resists stretching. The idea is to provide help to your pedal stroke. The fabric "stores" kinetic energy on the rear part of the stroke and releases it when you push down. This concept is also used in competition suits for weight lifters. I'm not aware of any studies that prove a benefit for cyclists.
 

·         Bibs. Shorts with built-in shoulder straps can't sag. They keep the chamois snug against the crotch to limit movement and irritation. For men, this prevents the chance of things moving out of place when pedaling out of the saddle. However, the high front makes it difficult for guys to urinate. (Some prefer to roll up one leg instead of contorting to pull down the front.) Women usually prefer shorts without bibs so they don't have to remove their jersey to take what cycling commentator Phil Liggett calls a "natural break." Bib shorts are more expensive than standard shorts.
 

·         Size. It's best to try on shorts before buying them. Sizing varies among manufacturers. Fred is 5-foot-10 and just under 160 pounds, but wears size XL in some shorts while M is too big in others. Some U.S. manufacturers have noticed the "plumping of America" and cut their clothing bigger. It's risky to buy shorts by mailorder unless you're replacing a model and size you've worn before.
 

·         Overall fit. In general, snugger is better. You don't want any uncomfortable restriction, but you do want the shorts to stay exactly in place. Remember that properly designed cycling shorts will look a bit baggy in the butt when you're standing in front of the dressing room mirror. Then crouch forward into the riding position and watch them mold to your body

Under 14 Tri-bar Ruling

The following was emailed to all clubs and Race Organisers yesterday regarding the usage of tri-bars from Triathlon WA. Please take the time to read. As has been our policy all along, you cannot use tri-bars in any of our TRYstars races, as well as any TA/TWA sanctioned race:

Hello all 
It was brought to my attention yesterday that some "under14" athletes are using "tribars, profile bars, or clip ons "on their bikes during racing.
This equipment is not permitted as defined in the TATC Technical Policy document.
I am instructing all officials to enforce this policy and ask RD's to assist.
There is a sanction and insurance issue if this, like any policy is ignored.
Phil please notify all clubs and coaches of this instruction, it is unfair to the young athletes to have this implemented on race morning.
Thanks
Regards
Frank Stapleton

GROUP RIDING ETIQUETTE-

Bob Barnes has kindly put together a few rules for safe riding in groups. Hopefully they will help prevent future unnecessary crashes ... Click here to view.

(Hints on how to avoid)  DRAFTING

The draft zone is 7m back from front of another bike and 3m wide (35m by 5m back from front of a vehicle).  There are banners near and in transition illustrating the draft zone for bikes and you should take a good look at one.  Most competitors are surprised at how big 7m x 3m is.

Once into a draft zone you have 15secs to pass (ie get part of your front wheel past the front edge of the other bike) and for all that time you must be seen to be progressing through the draft zone.  If you run out of time you must back off right out of the other bike draft zone before trying again.

If you are passed it is your responsibility to clear out of the back of the overtaking bike draft zone and must do so within 15 secs.  Only after exiting the zone can you try to overtake back.

Unless overtaking, you must keep as far to the left as reasonably possible otherwise you will be seen as blocking.

You must not overtake on the left

You must not cross the dividing line between carriageways which carry bikes in both directions

Do NOT assume you will be warned before being penalised or reported.

                                                PENALTY

If pulled by a Technical Officer (normally by whistle, being shown a yellow card, your number being called and being informed of the nature of your offence) you must report to the Penalty Box near transition at the end of the lap you are completing.  The penalty for a ½ IM event is 5 minutes. 

Failure to report to the Penalty Box or two yellow cards are both grounds for disqualification as is abuse of a Technical or other Official (and any other blatant disregard of the Rules)

                                    PENALTY BOX PROTOCOL

Competitors serving a penalty will be shown where to queue up and are required to maintain their place in the queue standing holding their bike upright and with their helmet on and securely fastened.  This is not an opportunity for a lie down!

Competitors needing to use toilets or otherwise distressed should normally take care of it BEFORE reporting to the Penalty Box.  In emergency, with permission, you could leave the Box but you must leave your bike where directed by the TO in charge of the Box and might expect to have to restart the penalty on return.

NOTE   This is only a brief summary of the Race Competition Rules as they relate to the bike leg.  It is YOUR responsibility to make yourself familiar with the Rules.