Why do we have padded cycling shorts ?

[pshore]

On the face of it, this sounds like a beginner question, but I currently have three bikes I ride regularly, do 100km rides in my stride and have got a few cycle tours chalked up.

What's bugging me is why do we use padded shorts instead of padded saddles on most bikes ?


I have a theory, but I'd like to hear other peoples.

 

[tongskie01]

On the face of it, this sounds like a beginner question, but I currently have three bikes I ride regularly, do 100km rides in my stride and have got a few cycle tours chalked up.

What's bugging me is why do we use padded shorts instead of padded saddles on most bikes ?


I have a theory, but I'd like to hear other peoples.

u cant wash padded saddles regularly?

 

[tongskie01]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recumbent_bicycle this bicycle design has a proper seat and cushion that you wont need padding on your shorts.

 

[Midnight]

Didn't I once read somewhere that if you have a lot of padding on the seat, the padding can move round on the seat, shifting your balance and adversely affect your riding position?

 

[NeilEB]

Didn't I once read somewhere that if you have a lot of padding on the seat, the padding can move round on the seat, shifting your balance and adversely affect your riding position?

I have a lot of natural padding on 'my seat' - maybe that explains why I'm so wobbly (on my bike....)

 

[gaz]

A padded seat will never hug your bum like a pair of shorts. So it won't actually eliminate those pesky saddle sores.

 

[jefmcg]

 

[Norm]

Padding in shorts will move with the rider, padding on the seat will move with the bike.

But I don't wear padded shorts or have a padded seat.

 

[MontyVeda]

i don't have padded shorts but do have a padded seat.

I think the padded shorts are a result of people wanting a slim and streamlined looking saddle (like a razor blade)

 

[youngoldbloke]

Padding in shorts will move with the rider, padding on the seat will move with the bike.

- that is pretty much it. If the padding is on the saddle it can still produce chafing as your legs move against it. The padding in the shorts moves with the legs and is a barrier.

BTW - narrow saddles would not exist if they weren't fit for purpose.

 

[MontyVeda]

...

BTW - narrow saddles would not exist if they weren't fit for purpose.

in my experience they're not fit for purpose.

 

[youngoldbloke]

in my experience they're not fit for purpose.

That may well be so - but how many fat gel saddles did you see on the riders bikes in the Tour this year? I suppose you'll tell me they were all posing, its all fashion?

 

[MontyVeda]

That may well be so - but how many fat gel saddles did you see on the riders bikes in the Tour this year? I suppose you'll tell me they were all posing, its all fashion?

Nail on head!

 

[Globalti]

Gel saddles may feel comfortable in the shop but in real life they soon become an irritation. Your pelvic bones sink into the padding and the rest of the saddle chafes and makes you sweat.

 

[tyred]

I used to use padded cycle shorts. Then I discovered the greatest of all bicycle accessories, the Brooks B17.