Desperate faces often sit just one seat away in the cinema. The free choice of 300 seats is a curse. Too far forward, you're stuck in the armchair like Hans-Guck-in-the-air. At the very back, your head hurts from squinting. So you sit in the centre, where a giant is guaranteed to spread out in front of you, which you can't see past to the left or right without sliding around wildly in your chair. A similar thing happens when cyclists buy cycling shorts. If the straps are too short, you can hardly stand upright. Leg cuffs that are too tight constrict the thighs like a vice. And if the padding doesn't fit properly, you slide around in the saddle like a first-grader who doesn't dare go to the loo. Choosing the right cycling shorts can be a real ordeal. Our test should make your search easier.
You can find the test results of these cycling shorts in this test:
Entry-level models:
- Adidas Response Team Bib (Men)
- Assos T.neoPro_s7 (Men's - BIKE tip: Test winner) | Assos H.laalalaiShorts_s7 (women)
- Bontrager Solstice Bib (Men)
- Craft Move Bib Short (Men - BIKE tip: Price/performance) | Craft Move Hot Pants (women)
- Endura Xtract Gel Bibshort (Men)
- Gore Bike Wear Element Bib Short+ (Men) | Gore Bike Wear Element Lady Tights (Women - BIKE tip: Price/performance)
- Löffler bike bib shorts Winner (men) | Löffler bike shorts Basic Gel (women)
- Pearl Izumi Quest Bib Short (Men) | Pearl Izumi W Attack Short (Women)
- Protective P Bib Tight (Men)
- Scott RC Team Bibshorts (Men - BIKE tip: Price/performance)
- Specialised RBX Sport Bib Short (Men)
- Vaude Me Active Bib Pants (men) | Vaude Wo Active Pants (women)
Top models:
- Adidas Adistar Bib (Men)
- Assos T.cento_s7 (Men's - BIKE tip: Test winner) | Assos T FI.Lady_S5 (Women's - BIKE tip: Test winner)
- Bontrager Trek Factory Racing RSL (men)
- Craft Tech Bib Short (Men) | Craft Glow Bib Short Wmn (Women - BIKE tip: Price/performance)
- Endura FS 260 Pro SL (Men - BIKE Tip: Price/Performance)
- Gore Bike Wear Xenon Race (men) | Gore Bike Wear Power 2.0 Lady Bibtight (women)
- Löffler HotBOND XT (men) | Löffler bib shorts HotBOND XT (women)
- Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Leader Bib Short (Men) | Pearl Izumi W Elite Drop Tail (Women)
- Protective Race Bib Tight (Men)
- Scott RC Premium 10 Bibshort (Men)
- Specialised Pro Bib Short (Men)
- Vaude Me Pro Bib Pants (men) | Vaude Wo Pro Pants (women)
We tested a total of 36 pairs of trousers from twelve manufacturers for men and women - cheap and expensive. One of the top models costs between 120 and 230 euros. Understandably, not everyone can or wants to afford that. Especially because frequent riders can't get by with just one pair of trousers. The comparison with the entry-level models should show whether you can get the full programme for less than 100 euros.
Cycling shorts practical test - the differences in fit and comfort are huge
Eight test riders - four women and four men - were involved in the test over several weeks: trying on, checking the fit and "listening" deep into the seat cushion during an extensive test ride. Whether the test trousers felt like a fluffy plush armchair or a bulky beer bench was usually clear after a few kilometres. The testers found the wide, not too tight leg cuffs and seamless straps that adapt perfectly to the cycling position to be particularly comfortable. Features that are unfortunately almost exclusively found on the more expensive models. The waistband of women's strapless shorts is often the deciding factor: it should be wide and soft. If it is too tight, it will cut into the sensitive skin on your stomach with every pedal stroke.
Seat pads are the be-all and end-all of cycling shorts
However, the main role in every pair of cycling shorts is played by the seat pad, which was already clear in advance. During a visit to Elastic Interface, one of the world's largest manufacturers of seat pads, company founder Marino de Marchi immediately makes it clear: it's the pad that counts. Shape and size are the decisive criteria. This is where the differences are greatest. The distance between the sit bones is often narrower for men. The values are between 6 and 16 centimetres. However, the pads are not offered in every possible centimetre variation. Women usually react more sensitively to pressure in the pubic area. This is why the pad should be particularly soft and comfortable to wear. If the shape of the pad does not match the anatomy of the body, you will not be happy with even the most expensive cycling shorts.
Five manufacturers in our test alone source their seat pads from Italian specialists. Nevertheless, there are differences: while some manufacturers simply choose an "off-the-peg" model, companies such as Gore Bike Wear or Assos develop their own pads. This is a complex process for which the Swiss manufacturer Assos, for example, maintains a complete test team. The testers ride thousands of kilometres in a wide range of climatic conditions to find the perfect fit. With success: the high-quality seat pads from Assos and Gore Bike Wear are among the testers' favourites. Otherwise, only the pads in the expensive models from Bontrager, Craft and Löffler fit nearly as well. However, the importance of a good cut and the right fabric is demonstrated by the expensive Adidas: comfortable straps, wide leg cuffs, but the overly elasticated trouser fabric cannot hold the good padding in place.
It's as annoying as if a huge guy were to spread out in front of you just before the film starts and completely block your view.
CONCLUSION Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor: "Cheap backyard production or sophisticated art house cinema. The cinema-goer notices the difference immediately. There is also a big gap between entry-level and top-of-the-range cycling shorts. While most inexpensive shorts only score points on short distances, for frequent riders the investment in an expensive bib is worth it after just a few rides. Only the inexpensive Assos and Löffler can compete with the big names. However, their prices are also close to the upper limit. We can also recommend the Craft Move and the Scott RC Team to those on a budget."
THE PERFECT SEAT CUSHION
Flexibility A good seat pad should be as flexible as a yogi master. Only then can the pad adapt to the fabric of the trousers and the rider's movements. A pad that is too rigid feels like a nappy and will sooner or later pinch the seat area.
Position It is important that the different densities and thicknesses are positioned correctly. Don't rely on first impressions when making your choice. Get on your saddle with your cycling shorts on and check with your fingers in the riding position whether the areas exposed to stress are also protected by the padding. Caution: The pad should always match the distance between your sit bones and be at least one to two centimetres wider.
Gender-specific As the perineal and genital area is structured differently in men and women, the pads also differ in structure. In order to relieve the sensitive nerve tracts, men's pads often have a recess in the perineal area. Women's pads, on the other hand, tend to have softer padding in the genital area. Caution: The foam should not be too fluffy here either, otherwise numbness may occur.
Different density High-quality pads are made from foams of different densities to provide targeted support for specific areas of the body: Thin and tight padding in the pubic area prevents irritation in the intimate zone. A relief bar in the perineal area can prevent numbness, while a thicker foam with a higher density in the ischial tuberosity area reduces sagging even on long journeys.
Pre-moulded It is better to avoid pads that hang almost flat and rigidly in your trousers. Only if the seat pad is already moulded to the anatomy of the body when it is hanging can it fit snugly and crease-free to the wearer in the saddle and thus prevent chafing and pressure points.
THE UPHOLSTERY INTERIORS
The right foam The density of a foam is calculated from the mass of a body and its volume and is given in kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m³). Densities of 40, 60, 80 and 120 kg/m³ are common. Some manufacturers also specify the foam density of their upholstery. If the seat cushion can be completely compressed with your thumb and index finger, you can assume that it will usually sag after a few kilometres.
High density, many cells Soft foams have a smaller number of cells. The firmer the foam, the more cells it has. A foam with a high density is not easily compressed, even by a higher weight, and therefore offers more comfort on longer rides because it can absorb shocks and vibrations better.
Upper material The upper material of the seat pad should be one thing above all: soft and seam-free. A soft microfibre fabric helps to reduce friction on the skin. As sweaty skin is very sensitive, the fabric must be able to absorb moisture and wick it away to the outside. Make sure that there are no seams on the inside or outside of the seat pad.
THE RIGHT TROUSER CARE
After each tour you should at least wash out the upholstery once and then hang it up to dry. A damp seat cushion provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. If you have chafed yourself on a long tour, bacteria can quickly lead to inflammation. Do you get bladder infections easily? Then you should take upholstery care seriously. A special sanitiser can help to completely remove germs from the seat cushion.
By hand Even if you don't wash your cycling shorts after every ride, rinsing them thoroughly by hand with warm water prevents aggressive sweat from attacking the fibres of the shorts. You should also not allow seat cream to dry in the upholstery. Cream residues are difficult to remove after several days.
In the machine They only get really clean in the washing machine. Turn the trousers inside out for washing and select the delicate cycle at 30 to 40 degrees. Many manufacturers recommend special care products. However, this is not necessary if you follow a few rules: Only use liquid detergent. Avoid using heavy-duty detergent with fabric softener and bleach. Excessive spin cycles can also damage cycling shorts, as can rough textiles or zips. Some manufacturers include a laundry bag with their trousers. This can prevent so-called pilling.
Detergent A mild liquid detergent, such as the F100 functional detergent from Dr. Wack (500 ml, €14.99), is gentle on the fibres and removes unpleasant odours. Important: Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions on the label!
You can read this article or the entire issue of BIKE 6/2015 in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
Stefan Frey
Editor
