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If you're on the hunt for cycling gear, you've probably wondered what cycling clothes to choose according to the seasons. Indeed, we don't dress the same way in summer as we do in winter for road cycling. In this article, we'll offer you a small guide to help you choose the right cycling bib shorts.
How to choose the right cycling bib shorts?
The cycling bib shorts are the centerpiece of a cyclist’s outfit. To ensure optimal comfort in your cycling practice, the choice of bib shorts is crucial. To make the right choice, you need to consider several criteria:
- your gender (male or female?);
- your practice (occasional or regular?);
- the distance covered (short rides or long rides?);
- your discipline (road cycling, gravel, MTB, or urban cycling?);
- your level (beginner or experienced cyclist?);
- your needs (leisure rides or performance quest?);
- the season (summer, winter, autumn, or spring?);
- your preferences (bib shorts with straps or without straps);
- the desired level of comfort (bib shorts with foam chamois or gel chamois);
- etc.
Choosing bib shorts in the right size
For bib shorts to be as comfortable as possible and fulfill their primary function, the choice of size is very important: the bib shorts need to fit your body perfectly. For this, they should neither be too large (which would cause extra chafing) nor too small (which wouldn't guarantee the freedom of movement needed and could even cut off blood circulation). Therefore, to choose the bib shorts that will fit you perfectly, refer to the size guide – which varies from one manufacturer to another – after taking the necessary measurements (waist or hip circumference, depending on the models).
Choosing bib shorts that fit your body shape
For optimum comfort, it's imperative to choose bib shorts that fit your body shape. Indeed, men and women have different physiologies and anatomies. For the choice of bib shorts, it's important to respect this. The so-called male and female models are not just a marketing argument: they have a real utility. The element that differs the most between the two versions is obviously the chamois pad to adapt to each one's anatomy since the pressure points on the saddle differ between male and female cyclists.
Moreover, many models of women's bib shorts are available without straps to provide increased comfort but also to make bathroom breaks easier, which are much more delicate for women than for men.
Choosing bib shorts adapted to your practice
Whether you're new to cycling or an experienced cyclist seeking performance, the choice of bib shorts will not be the same. Similarly, whether you do 30-kilometer rides or long-distance rides over 100 kilometers.
In the first case (beginner, short rides), bib shorts with a foam chamois might suffice. But if you want extra comfort, you can opt for bib shorts with gel inserts, which will be even more useful as you increase your mileage over time. Indeed, if you take care of your bib shorts, you can keep them for a long time: so it's not a bad idea to invest in better bib shorts from the start for the future.
If you're an avid cyclist who does long-distance rides, you'll need to opt for bib shorts with a gel chamois and with minimal seams – especially at the straps – for maximum comfort.
Finally, if you're looking for performance, there are top-tier bib shorts with specific technologies: thigh compression to improve blood circulation, reinforced anti-abrasion bib shorts in case of a fall, etc.
Choosing bib shorts adapted to your discipline
Depending on whether you practice road cycling, gravel, MTB, or any other discipline, the choice of bib shorts will not be the same. Indeed, each discipline has different requirements.
In the case of road cycling, bib shorts are worn tight, almost like a second skin, to enhance aerodynamics.
In the case of MTB, except during XC (cross-country) competitions where bib shorts are similar to road cycling bib shorts, it's generally recommended to wear MTB shorts, which are looser, or shorts combined with an inner short (or compression short) with an integrated pad, which will be much more resistant to snags while remaining comfortable.
In gravel cycling, depending on your preference, you can choose between either model, although generally, the choice leans towards fitted bib shorts.
Choosing bib shorts adapted to the season
To avoid being too hot or too cold, it's necessary to choose a type of bib shorts adapted to the season. Generally, cycling bib shorts come in three lengths to cater to all situations: short bib shorts, 3/4 bib shorts, and long tights.
The short bib shorts are reserved for summer or good weather rides. Among short bib shorts, you'll find various models, more or less ventilated, to help you adapt to different temperatures. If you live in a region with high temperatures, you'll find especially lightweight and breathable bib shorts to continue your sport without suffering too much from the heat. Some models are even treated with UV protection to avoid sunburn.
The 3/4 bib shorts are ideal for mid-season when temperatures are still cool in the morning at the start of rides. They are generally effective for temperatures down to 10°C thanks to a thicker fabric. Some models, with a lining, allow you to go a few degrees lower.
The long bib shorts or tights are reserved for winter when temperatures are the coldest. Again, you'll find several different models to adapt to all circumstances and allow you to train in any situation. Some tights are capable of keeping you warm even with negative temperatures, while others are treated water-repellent to keep you dry despite the rain, which is very common in winter in some regions. Despite this, they will always remain breathable to allow sweat to escape.
Now that you can choose your cycling bib shorts in all circumstances, how about discovering the different types of fabric for cycling jerseys? Do you know why you should use gloves in summer? Do you know which fabric to choose in summer for cycling? According to you, is a cycling cap indispensable for summer? Do you also know what type of fabric to wear to protect yourself in winter? According to you, are tights the only suitable outfit for winter cycling? Do you know that a thermal jacket is an ally against the cold? According to you, is an under-helmet cap indispensable to face the cold?
