As with most things riding lycra bike pants come in numerous variations which means if you want to bike in padded lycra bike pants you have a few choices to consider.
Why Lycra Bike Pants
Lycra Bike Pants have been around since the 1970s. Their design came out of competitive cycling where it is important that the clothing is fitting to prevent any drag and keep the padding in place. is breathable and provides a great billboard for branding. So Lycra is great for the competitive cyclist but is it a good choice for the more casual biker.?
Lycra has qualities that make it a good choice for the casual biker. The fabric is a performance fabric, breathable, wicks moisture and is very durable so lasts a long time, The stretchy fabric ensures that; your leg movements when biking are comfortable, the garment will be fitting and there will be no potential hazards with clothing getting into parts .of the bike or be the cause of chaffing. The fitting pants are very effective at keeping the padding (chamois) in place.
There are now many different designs and styles of lycra bike pants available to suit different types of riding and riders..
Features of Padded Lycra Pants
Let’s take a look at what is recommended in a lycra bike pant designed for women so it will perform well.
For comfortable supportive bike pants go for
- Womens specific – a shape and leg length that has been designed for a women including a womens chamois
- S-shaped seams (a curved seam) – to allow more comfortable movement at your hip during pedalling
- The right size – so they are a firm fit to keep your chamois in the right place
- A leg cuff that will avoid any roll up – elasticated leg cuffs with grippers prevents them from riding up BUT work out whether this will suit your leg shape
- The padding sewn into the lycra pant known as a chamois is what sets a biking lycra pant apart from other lycra pants used for other activities. There are different chamois designs to suit different types of riding and the length of time spent on a bike. For more information see: How to Choose the Right Chamois
How to wear Lycra Bike Pants
You wear NO underwear. The padding ( chamois) sits directly next to your skin. This is important as any additional seams and fabric from underwear can cause chaffing and moisture retention and cause comfort issues.
What length is right for you?
Lycra Bike Pants come in different lengths short, 3/4 or full length. What is right length for your riding?
Short (above the knee) Lycra Pant
Probably the most recognised padded cycling pant is the black lycra short which ends at varying lengths above the knee. Good for aerodynamics. Good summer option as with more exposed leg you will have a cooler ride.
3/4 Padded Lycra Pant
An all season versatile and easy to wear style that can be worn throughout the year. Often a more flattering style. Definitely need a lycra content of 10% or more, as the pants cross 2 joints. Good for aerodynamics. If wearing them in winter at night consider reflective strips to add to your visibility.
A 3/4 Padded Pant is available at goRide
Full length Padded Lycra Tight
This full length version offers warmth and protection. They will need a lycra content of 10% or more, as the pants cross 2, sometimes 3 joints. Good for aerodynamics. If they will be used mainly for commuting, do they need zips at the ankle for quick removal? Definitely want warmth? Try some merino in your long padded tights for winter riding. If wearing them in winter at night consider reflective strips to add to your visibility.
The Padding
Sewn into the crutch of your padded pants is a Chamois. This padding gives you the cushioning and therefore comfort when you ride. To optimise the comfort on the bike… match the type of chamois to the type of riding you do and the length of time you ride. Learn more at How to choose the right chamois
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Why is it soo difficult to find and order bike pants in line?
I have tried 3 sites, so confusing.
FYI I am 72 years old, have a muscle wasting disease, IBM Inclusion Body Myositis) and have been given an ALINKER bike. (Google it). I used to bike b4 being diagnosed. Now want a pair of padded shorts, the shorter, boy leg style, and think a L size as need a pair easy to pull on and off. Have seen colorful ones and floral, just cant seem to get an order in…
I’m putting off going out on my Alinker as cant get comfortable.
Await your response.
Thanks
Hi Kaaren,
sorry to hear you have found our site confusing. We design, and make in NZ, padded bike underwear – to be worn underneath your choice of clothing when riding. We have only been doing this, for women, since November 2019 and are slowly expanding our range. This summer we are in the process of developing a boy leg or fitted boxer style undie. We are a small company and it does take some time to develop a product all the way from initial pattern to retail release. At this stage without anymore delays, we are hoping to have boy leg samples ready for us to trial in Feb, 2021. We are also very challenged with limited access to fabric and a manufacturing sector that is small and near retirement age.
Any colourful or floral lycra products you have seen will be companies based outside of NZ who may not ship internationally or consider NZ to be too small a market to export their product to.
I hope this has answered some of your questions.
Regards
Annette