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Men's Biking Shorts

Bike shorts may not be the coolest thing to wear, but if you want to be comfortable, you'll have to be a man about it and let all your assets show. Just don't get a pair that's too tight or you're going to have some awful biking experiences. If you're more into the casual bike ride or BMXing, a pair of baggy, loose fitting shorts are fine. But this guide is for all you hardcore cyclists, the ones who hit the pavement with force and stamina and aren't afraid to look like David Bowie in Labyrinth.

Material and Padding

Whether you want to admit it or not, men sweat --a lot. And this nasty leakage means you'll have to find a fabric that will wick moisture and not absorb it. Spandex and Lycra , mixed with other materials, will allow your body to breath and not become a sweaty cesspool. Only use cotton shorts for shorter rides or for more casual riding. Cotton will absorb moisture and cling to you worse than your ex-girlfriend.

When searching for cycling shorts , you'll often hear people talking about 'panels.' This refers to how many panels of fabric the shorts have. The more panels, the better the fit and the better the quality. 6 panel , 8 panel , and 10 panel shorts are highly recommended because they will form to your body better. Padding is another important factor to consider. Padding also helps wick moisture and prevents saddle sores and chafing. (Never wear underwear with biking shorts!) Most pads are made out of chamois , which is a thin pad. The Men's Pro Bike Shorts offers a somewhat thicker pad without feeling like a diaper.

To Bib Or Not to Bib

Yes that is the question. The main advantage of bib shorts is that they have no elastic waistband which can restrict breathing and become quite uncomfortable. Just like regular bike shorts, 6 panel , 8 panel , and 10 panel shorts offer more flexibility and comfort to the rider. Spandex is the most frequently used fabric, again because of its flexibility and comfort. Now if you're worried about being confused with a wrestler or just worried that you don't look 'hip,' throw on a cycling jersey and no one will be able to tell the difference! Whether you go for bib shorts or not, you'll want some top quality brands like Gore , Canari , Pearl Izumi , Castelli , and Giordana .