What separates premium cycling bib shorts from the rest? A closer look at the Boardman 9 Series

Cycling shorts are technical garments, which you’ll be riding in for hours at a time. Most have shoulder straps, or bibs, to help keep them in place through multiple cycles of sitting and standing when riding. They can be expensive, so you’ll want to find a pair that are comfortable and which will last. Here’s what to consider when choosing cycling shorts.

TL:DR A quality pair of bib shorts, such as the Boardman 9 Series bib shorts, will be supportive and incorporate a quality, well-shaped seat pad that distributes saddle pressure effectively. They will be made of lightweight, stretchy, wicking fabric to help keep you dry and provide mild compression and muscle support. They need to be durable, but care should be taken when washing to avoid degrading fabric performance.

Why bib shorts are the foundation of a rider's kit

Whatever type of riding you do, the bulk of your weight will be supported by the saddle, and you’ll probably not be moving around on it much as you ride. A quality pair of bib shorts will help ease pressure distribution on the saddle, making riding much more comfortable.The shorts’ seat pad will help absorb road vibration and wick sweat away, while the legs will avoid rubbing and discomfort when pedalling.

Bibs help keep the shorts in place comfortably, without a waistband to cut into your stomach and ensure the shorts won’t slip with repeated in and out of saddle efforts.

After a helmet, quality bib shorts are the next most important piece of cycling kit to prioritise for purchase.

Chamois construction and pressure distribution

Modern seat pads are very different from the single layer of goat leather that was used in the past. They’re made of multiple layers of foam padding, with different densities and thicknesses used in different areas.

They’re thickest under the sit bones, to help absorb road vibrations and shocks and distribute pressure from the saddle more evenly. The front, under the soft tissues, is thinner and made of less dense foam to avoid irritation. The pads in men’s and women’s shorts are a different shape to account for their different anatomy.

Likewise, the sides of the pad are thinner, so they don’t rub when pedalling. There may be holes punched in the foam to help air circulation and keep the wearer cooler and more comfortable.

The top surface of a seat pad is made of a soft, antibacterial fabric, which will move sweat away from the rider and help avoid the risk of saddle sores.

Fabric technology and moisture management

Modern cycling shorts are made of synthetic fabrics, which are designed to wick moisture effectively from the skin surface and allow it to evaporate quickly at the surface, keeping the wearer drier, cooler and more comfortable.

They promote good airflow, while a close fit will avoid rubbing against the thighs when pedalling.

Cycling bib shorts, including the Boardman 9 Series bib shorts, are usually made of multiple fabrics, with softer fabrics often used at the waist. The bibs will be made of a different fabric again, with a mesh yoke at the rear to help airflow. Elastic straps at the front conform to the rider when in a bent-over riding position.

Compression, muscle support and freedom of movement

The fabrics used in the shorts will contain elastane, which gives them their stretch. It’s usual for shorts to have a slightly compressive fit. This helps keep the seat pad and the short legs in place, so they don’t slip around when riding, again avoiding irritation.

Compression also helps support the thigh muscles, reducing micro-oscillations and possibly reducing fatigue on longer rides. It’s been suggested it might enhance venous return and so enhance blood flow to the muscles, too, as well as allowing quicker post-ride recovery and potentially reducing delayed onset muscle soreness the day after a long ride.

The elastane content allows shorts to provide support without impeding pedalling and helps them to conform to the body contours.

Durability over repeated riding and washing

Cycling shorts can be expensive, so you’ll want to choose a pair that’s well-made and will last, such as the Boardman 9 Series shorts. It’s important to look after your shorts properly. Most need to be washed on a delicate cycle at 30C and you should use specialist sports washing products rather than general-purpose detergents, as these can degrade the fabric and stop it from working effectively.

Never tumble dry cycling shorts, as heat will degrade the elastane and cause them to lose their stretch over time.

FAQs

What should I look for in premium cycling bib shorts?

A quality pair of cycling shorts should provide a close fit, with technical fabrics which have plenty of stretch. Look for raw-end leg grippers, which avoid a seam at the thigh, and a mesh bib yoke, so your back doesn’t get sweaty. But above all, look for a quality seat pad that’s dense and well-structured. If possible, try on shorts to make sure that they fit closely and comfortably.

Why do experienced road cyclists choose bib shorts?

Although you can buy waist shorts, many cyclists choose bib shorts. This is because the bibs help keep the shorts in place without a waistband, which can cut into the waist and become uncomfortable, particularly in a bent-over cycling position. Women cyclists may prefer waist shorts, however, as these make comfort breaks easier.

Does Halfords stock the Boardman 9 Series Bib Shorts?

Halfords stocks a wide range of Boardman cycling equipment, from bikes to clothing and accessories. The Boardman 9 Series bib shorts are available online and can be ordered for collection at any Halfords store or for delivery.