You've spent a lot of time researching the perfect bike for your needs and then you thoughtfully selected the perfect ride.  Then, you took the plunge and made the commitment and the purchase.  Now, you want the ride to be perfect. Bike shorts can make or break the comfort of your ride so this is not the place so start pinching pennies or neglecting your research.  A quality pair of bike shorts acts as both a buffer and a cushion between yourself and the saddle.  In order to function at their best, they have to fit you properly, just like your bike.  Take the time to try them on and make sure they fit your unique shape.  Not all bike shorts are made the same!  More money doesn't mean better fit. It usually means higher quality fabrics, more panels in the construction of the short and perhaps a more technical pad.   But, if the fit isn't there, if the short doesn't bend where you do, you're not going to feel the love when you ride.

Things to look for in a Bike short

Panel Construction

Bike shorts are pieced together in multiple panels.  The more panel and pieces, the more the short can be shaped and the more the short will typically cost.  It is only worth paying the extra bucks for multiple panels if the shape of the shorts fits your shape.  Some of us can get away with something straighter through the legs as long as the rest of the shape is right.  Here is where there is no shortcut to trying them on. 

The Pad or the Chamois

This is definitely an area where more isn't necessarily better.  More critical issues are the shape of the pad relative to your saddle and the density and location of the padding in the spots where it counts.  Also, consider the surface material of the chamois.  It should be soft to reduce chafing and it should wick moisture away from your skin.  Another thing to look at is the transition from the chamois to the shorts.  You don't want the stitching that attaches the chamois to the shorts to be abrasive nor do you want it hitting the wrong part of your saddle or your skin.  

Gender Specific Cut and Chamois

There are differences in the shape of the pads and where the cushioning is.  Unisex shorts usually aren't a great fit for women is all I'm saying.  There's a reason why women's specific brands have been so successful.  As brands like Louis Garneau have invested more in R&D throughout their technical clothing lines, there are more and more options for women.  

Gripper or No Gripper

Love it, like it or hate it:  this is a bit of a personal preference.  Originally designed to make sure the short stays in place, the gripper is often replaced now by self fabric bands that are wider and softer, often providing a bit of muscular compression.  Women, in particular, often dislike the indented roll effect caused by too tight a gripper elastic.  We are seeing less of them and we are often seeing a more minimal approach to grippers.  In place of an full elastic gripper, you will often find smaller contact points screened with strips or dots of silicone.  Again, the best thing is to try them on.

Length

Shorts can be anything from about 2" for super short to 12" for more full coverage.  While personal preference is a huge factor here, consider your physiology when you make your choice.  If the shorts are designed to provide compression, the shorts will only give you the benefit of that compression if they cover the muscle groups they are supposed to support.  So, a compression short should be a longer one.  Longer is also better for sun protection:  fabrics that provide SPF rating can only protect the skin they cover.  There are some people who are convinced that they will overheat with too long a short so there are some super short short options.  However, they do look a little odd on a taller frame.  The average short length is 6" to 8" and your height and limb length will probably dictate which is best for you.  You want the shorts to be snug over your quads you want the gripper or leg band to fall to a comfortable spot.  

Waist Finish

Another personal preference but the options are waist band or bib shorts.  If the shorts have waist band, they will be either elastic or a self fabric band.  Bib shorts have the benefit of needing no binding around the waist so they can be immensely comfortable, to the point where bib converts won't wear anything else.  If you're not there, the next step up in comfort is a self fabric band instead of elastic.  The HuggFitt waistband on many Louis Garneau shorts is a great example.  They use it in nearly all of the their women's shorts and in their more expensive men's shorts.  

The Rest of Your Kit

You might guess that I'd argue that nothing in your kit is as important as a great pair of shorts but there are a few things you still need to consider to outfit yourself for maximum comfort and safety (think "visibility").

Bike Jersey

Fashion and personal preferences will weigh heavily in your choice of a bike jersey but there are a few other things that you need to consider:

Fit

Like bike shorts, some jerseys will have more pieces and panels than others and the cost will increase with the complexity of the construction.  Again, it's only a better fitting jersey if the panels and pieces fit your frame and your curves.  Another issue is the nature of the fit of the jersey.  A bike jersey is designed to fit well without billowing around you and flapping around when you are riding.  Again, there are personal preferences and many companies offer a variety of fit styles from relaxed fit with a bit of ease to a profit that is a next to skin fit.  There's only one way to find the fit that's right for you:  try it on!

Fabric

You'd be hard-pressed these days to find a bike jersey that isn't made out of some kind of technical wicking fabric but like chamois's, not all technical fabrics are created equal.  Some really are more breathable and comfortable.  Generally, on this issue, you get better fabric in a more expensive jersey. Another thing we are starting to see more and more these days are fabrics with SPF and UPF ratings.  

Functionality

If you've gone for a long ride with your favourite Coolmax run tee, you probably realized you didn't have anyplace to put your keys and ID or any extra food or a few loonies.   A true cycling jersey will have pockets in the back to allow you to store a few essentials without having them in the way of your legs and chest while you are riding.  Now, just because you have 2 or 3 pockets doesn't mean they have to be fully loaded at all times.  Keep it simple, and don't overload them.  If your pockets are weighing you down, you should consider a storage system on your bike.   There will be days when the weather changes enough that we need to be prepared or we need to take off a layer but for your 2 hour evening ride, your pockets only need to transport the bare essentials.  

Visibility

Brightly colours and busy graphics aren't entirely designed just to promote team sponsors but they also enhance your visibility on the road.  Also look for hits of reflective fabric and / or a high visibility colour like bright yellows or orange.

Cycling Gloves

Cycling gloves can provide a better grip on your handlebars as well as a bit of cushioning from road shock. Plus, if you ever have a little spill on your bike, you'll be far happier to tear through a pair of gloves than a bunch of skin.  

Lights

A small LED light on your handlebars or rear chain stay isn't technically part of your kit but it will improve your visibility when you are riding.  Better safe than sorry!

Looking Good!

And, what the heck, you might as well look good at the same time.  For guys who might not care or don't feel confident about finding the right colour, don't worry. We have qualified style experts here on staff who can help.  Yes, there are women working here and we will help you look your best!