Padding in Cycling Shorts

[dst87]

I'm just getting starting with all of this gear, so I got some admittedly cheap, but well reviewed padded shorts on Amazon. Fit seems about right in that they're snug with no movement, but the padding feel like it must be in the wrong place...

I assumed the padding would be mostly between the legs and extending up towards the read while standing, but these seem the reverse - much more padding at the front. I did check I don't have them on back to front...

I'm not sure if I've done something wrong, these are just different to what I expected (but correct) or they're just crap (in which case I'll send 'em back!)

They're the Tenn Coolflo 8-panel padded cycling shorts. As I say lots of reviews and overwhelmingly positive. What am I doing wrong!?

 

[Ticktockmy]

The padding should be enough to protect the seat bones, and some support and padding to your dangley bits, as they swing about.

 

[mjr]

What bike and saddle are you riding? That can make a big difference... I'm ambivalent about padding but I'm riding what you'd call tourers/roadsters these days.

 

[dst87]

What bike and saddle are you riding? That can make a big difference... I'm ambivalent about padding but I'm riding what you'd call tourers/roadsters these days.

I'm riding a Pinnacle Lithium Four with whatever it came with - I have no idea what that is!

 

[roadrash]

have you actually tried riding in them yet ?

 

[vickster]

They do vary in terms of fit, pad position etc. trial and error, need to try see if they are right on the bike as above

 

[ayceejay]

The pad should be more or less the shape of a saddle, thicker where your sit bones are and thinner where it comes up between your leg and genitals.

 

[Ian H]

They're generally designed for a forward-leaning position on the bike, rather than bolt-upright.

 

[dst87]

Ok so fair comments about actually trying them on the bike.

I had my first cycle today other than when I test drove the bike in Glasgow where I had a very sore bum for several days after.

Today I did about an hour covering 10 miles on the flat canal path, which was quite bumpy as its a loose surface with stones etc. and bum is fine (as far as I can tell!)

Seems like they're doing an OK job then!

 

[mjr]

I'm riding a Pinnacle Lithium Four with whatever it came with - I have no idea what that is!

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/lithium-four-2015-hybrid-bike-ec071282 suggest it's an own brand saddle so probably made by someone like Velo really. I'd definitely expect that saddle/shorts combination to work, although for longer rides you may want shorts with a multi-density scuplted pad for longer rides.

(Or just replace the saddle with the right shape gel one for you, but that's not the simplest thing to find... If you don't mind changing into padded shorts, then that's more likely to put the right padding in the right place and avoid causing problems downstairs...)

 

[Mouki]

Heya, as a nooby I would be unsure too.. Being padded shorts they're likely going to feel a little weird as you've never worn something like that before.... And now you've tested them out and there is no bum damage they seem to work! Hurrah yes?

Plus me being a girl (who I assume people think have ample bottoms..) I was sore after a less than 5 minute jolly cycling around the car park! And I do have an ample bottom which I thought would be cushion enough! Do the ladies wear padded shorts?? I don't need my bottom looking any bigger tbh..! (Sorry to hijack!)

 

[vickster]

Yep, I wear padded shorts if I'm going to be on the bike for more than around 15 minutes. A good well fitting pair of shorts shouldn't add to your backside, as the padding is more on the bit you sit on, not halfway up your back. Personally I'm a size 16-18 and I get on best with gore, sportful and pearl Izumi, I don't buy the cheapest but I buy them in the clearance sales

 

[Eribiste]

I've got a range of 'less expensive' bikewear, including Tenn shorts, and I find them quite good enough for five hours or so. However, even with padded shorts, when I started I needed about 300 miles of riding to toughen up my tail sufficiently to take on longer rides. I did a clutch of rides of up to about an hour to get 'bum fit' so to speak.

 

[cyberknight]

I have started using dhb active shorts for commuting and they are very good , you can red or blue for £5 or black for £10
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lycra-cycling-shorts/?o=2
I will admit i went for the bibs which maybe a step to far for you yet unless you want mankini/ wrestler jokes and i did a 56 mile club run in them and they were comfy , and i dont mind red or blue........

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-active-padded-cycling-bib-shorts/
I ignored the size guide and went small trouser = small shorts rather than xs as a couple of people on here have said the sizing is a bit odd and you are best to go for your equivalent size in normal clothes.

 

[Julia9054]

Padded shorts are the only bit of cycling gear that I will spend good money on. The best fit for me are from Specialized. I find them essential for anything over 10 - 15 miles or so. For under that, I have some Aldi cycling boxer shorts worn under normal shorts/ jeans/ leggings. Finding a saddle you like also helps though this can be quite trial and error