Some mountain bikers choose to wear looser fitting mountain bike shorts over top of their tight cycling shorts. Mountain bikers can also use a specifically designed inner short that features a chamois sewn inside, to wear inside their off-road shorts. Trail riders opt for this partly for style and partly because the upper, looser short is more resistant to abrasion from tree branches and other trail decor. Plus, loose shorts offer extra pockets and a cool look!
But what's the difference between bike shorts and bib shorts, and which ones are best for me?
The main difference between bib shorts (often abbreviated as “bibs” and shorts is how they stay in place. Shorts are kept in place thanks to their elastic waistband. These are popular for spin classes and recreational riding. Bibs on the other hand don't have a waistband. Instead, integrated suspenders extend from the bib short bottoms to the shoulders to hold the garment in place. Cyclists who compete or ride very long distances tend to prefer bibs. Neither design is necessarily superior, but here are some key points in a pros and cons format to help make your choice:
Shorts:
Pros:
1- Taking a pitstop to use the restroom is more convenient with shorts. You don't need to take off all your top layers to pull them down.
2- They tend to be just a little less expensive, generally.
Cons:
1- You might not get them placed at the exact same location on your waist every time. This means the fit might feel just a little different from one use to another, if you're super in tune to nuances!
2- The waistband inevitably creates some sort of pressure around your waist. This doesn't bother some, while others will avoid the waistband like the plague.
Bib shorts
Pros:
1- There's no waistband to cause pressure around the waist.
2- They'll always be held at the same height.
3- If your jersey rides up while you're cycling, or while you're raising your arms across the finish line or victoriously on the podium, your belly and torso will stay covered.
Cons:
1- They're a little more of a hassle when using the restroom since you'll have to take off your top layer to pull them down.
What makes good cycling shorts?
Essentially, good cycling shorts are the ones that fit you and are designed for your style of riding. Here are some elements that make shorts cream-of-the crop superior, when it comes to cycling shorts:
High-end shorts will typically have a greater number of fabric panels sewn together to create a more ergonomic fit with superior comfort. Top-of-the-line cycling shorts often have a higher quality of chamois sewn inside too, which features different density zones and superior ventilation technology. Some chamois have antibacterial properties, thanks to a top sheet with carbon elements woven into it.
How can I prevent chafing?
Regardless of which style you choose, keep one thing in mind: leave the boxers or panties in your underpants drawer. Cyclists don't wear underwear under their shorts. The chamois is designed to go directly against your skin, and adding an extra layer can cause friction between your skin and the fabric.
Make sure you choose the right size of shorts. If they're too big, the chamois might fold or wrinkle under you. It is designed to fit flush against your skin to avoid friction points.
Some riders like using chamois cream. This is special antifriction cream that goes inside your shorts, in higher motion areas where friction might just be unavoidable, especially if you're going on long rides that last 2, 3, 4... hours!