Shorts.

Axl Rose loves them. Kim Kardashian too.

Not for the same reasons as you though……

Cycling pants, tights, bibs or whatever you want to call them are the most important things you will buy for the time you spend on your bike.

They should also be the part of your cycling experience on which you should save the least. Your behind and your crotch will thank you, and the only ones who will hate you for it are the hemorrhoids you didn't get.

Bib shorts consist of two essential parts.

Chamois pad and the ‘’rest of it’’. ‘’Rest of it’’ cannot improve a chamois pad, but a chamois pad needs a good ‘’rest of it’’. Simple, isn't it?

Functions of the chamois pad:

 - Protection against constant friction between the body and contact points on your bike (hygiene).

- Movement flexibility: A good pad moves with your body as you cycle, trying to offer the same level of protection regardless of changes in your posture as you cycle.

- Relieving the pressure caused by the function of sitting on such a small surface that your cycling saddle provides.

A FEW IMPORTANT NOTES:

- The functions of the chamois pad can only be purposeful when they are worn on the naked body. So, throw away the underpants.

- The thickness and density of the pad has nothing to do with quality. These two variables exclusively allow the difference between pads that retain their function through a longer or shorter period of constant cycling.

‘’Rest of it’’ functions (possible ones):

- They reduce friction between the inner part of the crotch and the frame or seat tube when riding.

- They provide support for your genitals.

- They reduce irritation caused by constant sweating and help in the evaporation of sweat during cycling.

- The compression effect slows down muscle fatigue.

- They improve aerodynamic performance (for most of you, this is completely irrelevant).

There. Be more careful when trying to save money on bib shorts.

Since we buy bicycles without thinking too much about them.

Until next time, remember to share the road.