How to choose your short and long cycling shorts?

Choosing cycling shorts can seem both simple and complicated. This garment is the only piece of clothing that comes into contact between you and the saddle. There is a wide range available, but we can distinguish between two main types of cycling shorts: long cycling shorts and short cycling shorts.short cycling shorts.

Short cycling shortsété

This model will be reserved for the summer period. It will usually be made of Lycra for its thinness. There are different versions available to protect against UV rays, abrasion and heat. To choose the right pair of cycling shorts, refer to the brand's size guide. Manufacturers often offer a wide range of sizes to suit the majority of cyclists. However,One brand may not necessarily be equivalent to another.


The budget you allocate will depend on your needs and how often you ride. Prices start at £30 and can go up to £300, and even more in some cases. The insert, or chamois leather, plays a very important role. This is the part that will ensure comfort, manage friction and part of the shorts' fit. Several techniques are used to achieve all these features. Depending on the brand, several layers of foam and fabric, gel inserts or both are used. This piece must also wick away perspiration, which is generated during cycling.during cycling. It is therefore agreed that a high-quality insert should be preferred over aesthetics..

Technicality, comfort and performance: the right choice for the right practice

The technical features of the shorts will also guide your purchase. Some brands, such as X-Bionic and Assos, offer shorts withThis type of design offers the enormous advantage of supporting the muscles during exercise and improving blood flow. Blood circulation is improved, you have fewer toxins in your muscles and your performance is better. This is not necessarily noticeable immediately, but as you continue to ride, your recovery will improve.recovery will improve.

« Shorts that are too tight will cause discomfortand disrupt your effort." »

To appreciate the effectiveness of cycling shorts, you need to choose the right size.

Choosing the right cycling shorts requires you to find the right size. They should fit snugly against your skin, but not too tightly, and fit your body shape in both length and width. Cycling shorts that are too tight will cause discomfort and interfere with your performance (poor blood circulation). If they are too loose or too large, you risk chafing in the seat area as the insert will not make proper contact between your body and the saddle. The aerodynamic benefit will also be reduced.The aerodynamic benefit will also be reduced. Different models from the same brand may not be cut exactly the same. This is the case with Assos. Between a T.Mille, T.Equipe, T.Cento and T.Campionissimo version for the same size, you will not find the same fit. This is due to the difference in the pattern between the ComfortFit and RacingFit cuts. It is in this type of design that we see the difference.between the ComfortFit and RacingFit patterns. It is in this type of design that the difference between support (RacingFit pattern) and hold (ComfortFit pattern) is made. The insert also plays a very important role in terms of its shape and density. If your cycling shorts have an anti-slip band, it should be slightly compressed on your thigh. Not too much, not too little. Too much and you risk blocking blood circulation. Not enough and you risk causing overheating as the bottom of the shorts may slip.

Women/Men

Cycling shorts have an insert. Here we have a men's insert from Assos.
There is another specific feature to consider when choosing cycling shorts: the difference between men and women. This may seem obvious, but it is important to point out. Whether in terms of the cut or the insert, it is essential to distinguish between the two cases. The insert is very specific and cannot fit two different people.|>

Women's cycling shorts have a special insert designed for your anatomy. Thisis very important for your comfort.

Ladies, it isis absolutely not recommended to choose men's cycling shorts for your activity. You risk causing chafing and discomfort. In addition, manufacturers are responding to your requests by offering models with or without straps.to your needs by offering models with or without straps. When choosing your short cycling shorts, the seams also play a role in comfort. Flat seams greatly reduce friction. On long rides, this is an additional point to consider. This is also important for the most serious cyclists. As there is no fat,there is no contact with the skin, which can cause irritation.

A limited lifespan

It is often around the insert and the seams that signs of wear appear.

The lifespan of a pair of cycling shorts depends on how often they are used, quality and care. There is no strict rule. For mid-range cycling shorts, one summer season is a good rule of thumb. After that , the insert will lose its quality and the fabric will lose its shape. A high-end, technical pair of cycling shorts can easily last two seasons. So there are several options available to you. Either have several mid-range shorts and rotate them, or invest in high-end shorts (that suit you) but that you will find difficult to get rid of given the price of the investment.The amount you sweat can also affect how quickly your shorts wear out. If you know that you sweat a lot, you should plan to replace your shorts regularly and buy wisely. Warranties are not always reliable, so it's best to invest in good quality shorts that will last., you should plan to replace your gear regularly and buy with this in mind. The warranty may not necessarily apply in a case like this.

Major brands are also developing special detergentséquipes de vélo.


A specific detergent helps preserve your sportswear for longer.

Daily care is also important for maintaining your cycling shorts. Wash at 30°C and without fabric softener is the basic rule to follow. It is also a good idea to use a special detergentsuch as Nikwax or Assos to wash your sports clothing. This is especially useful if you regularly use anti-chafing cream on the insert.insert. Tumble drying should be avoided at all costs (follow the instructions on the label).

All major brands offer a wide enough range for you to find the right cycling shorts for you. These include Assos, Castelli, X-Bionic, Alé, Giordana, BBB, Santini, Noret, Poc, Bioracer, Mavic, Biemme and Zerorh+.

Short winter cycling shorts

Long cycling shorts often have the same insert as their shorter counterparts.

They are mainly used in winter. However,However, it may also be used during transitional periods. It is often up to the user and their sensitivity to the cold. It can be made fromseveral types of fabric and, above all, different thicknesses. The difficulty in making long cycling shorts is that they can be very long in very low temperatures. It is therefore obvious that long cycling shorts capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from 15 to 5 degrees will not be madewith the same fabrics as those that can protect youdown to -10°C (yes, they do exist).

Shape, length and thickness

The Castelli insert is also very popular in winter for its comfort and durability.

The insert that will be used will often be equivalent to the one found infor a short riding shorts. The difference will therefore be in the material used to protect you from the cold.There have been significant developments in recent years and it is now possible to find thin long cycling shorts that provide adequate protection down to 5°C. The advantage is that they do not restrict freedom of movement when cycling. The size should be chosen according to the cyclist's body shape.The advantage is that they do not restrict freedom of movement when cycling. The size should be chosen according to the cyclist's body shape. It is essential to refer to the brand's size guide. In this specific case, the total leg length must also be taken into account.In this case, the total leg length must also be taken into account. The finish will also be a matter of personal preference and practicality. Some people like to have the underside of the foot covered, while others prefer a shorter length.Some people like to have the underside of the foot covered, while others prefer a zip fastening.The same applies to the height of the shorts at the stomach. You can find a classic waist (like short shorts) or a much higher waist. The membrane on the front of the long shorts will protect you from the cold and wind. However, be careful not to choose a material that is too thick, as this may restrict your pedalling range of motion.range of movement when pedalling.

Long cycling shorts: a wide range of uses

A basic pair of long cycling shorts will protect you down to 10°C. A more technical, thinner version will protect you down to 5°C. Below that, an additional membrane will be required. Riding below 0°C will therefore not be a problem. Our test of the Assos and Castelli Polare 2 cycling shorts proves this.

There are also fine and water-repellent models. Very practical whenit is raining and the temperature is moderate.

What may cause you concern is the range of temperatures you may encounter. A very cool start followed by a rise in spring temperatureswill require some compromise. It is therefore easy to find the right cycling shorts from a particular brand. Your environment will guide your choice. If you cycle between 5 and 15°C in winter, classic cycling shorts will be perfect. If you go on fairly long rides (several hours), you need to choose the insert carefully. Don't hesitate to increase your budget for a high-quality insert. If the temperature drops below 5°C, you should choose cycling shorts with a membrane at the front. This will increase the cost as this type of fabric is quite expensive. However, you will be more comfortableeven if it gets cold. There are also long cycling shorts that provide effective protection against the rain.

An investment for several seasons

Corsair or 3/4-length trousers are also a good option for cycling when the temperature is cool but not cold.

As we always cycle a little less in winter, you should also bear in mind that these shorts will last you at least two or three seasons. An investment that will pay for itself.For care, a cold wash without fabric softener will suffice. Be careful when using a tumble dryer, as it is not always compatible with certain fabrics or inserts.br />
The biggest brands therefore offer at least three or four models in this range. Depending on your body shape, needs and habits, some models will suit you better than others.. It should also be noted that cycling shorts should be tried on while in a cycling position, not standing still (A.E.P.D at Assos). Here is a list of major brands where you can find long cycling shorts for winter. Assos, Castelli, X-Bionic, Alé, Giordana, BBB, Santini, Noret, Poc, Bioracer, Mavic, Biemme and Zerorh+.