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Cycling Shorts & Tights

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Bib shorts sit better on long rides; waist shorts are quicker on and off.

Guide

Cycling Shorts & Tights

Wear cycling shorts next to the skin, without underwear: the seat pad replaces it.

Key points

No underwear under cycling shorts.
For long rides: a flatter, firmer pad, not a thicker one.
Around 15 °C, Löffler suggests long or 3/4 tights.

Which type for which use?

Use	Choose	Reason
Road, gravel, long rides	ChooseBib shorts	ReasonPad sits firmly, no waistband on your stomach. You have to slip the straps off for breaks
Shorter rides, commuting, indoor	ChooseWaist shorts	ReasonQuick on and off. The pad shifts more easily than in bib shorts
Mountain bike, touring, everyday	ChooseBaggy shorts with liner	ReasonLoose, with pockets; the padded liner is often removable. Less aerodynamic at speed on the road
Transition around 15 °C	Choose3/4 tights	ReasonKnees covered; Löffler suggests them around 15 °C. Too short in the cold
0 to 10 °C as thermal tights	ChooseLong tights, bib tights	ReasonWarm your legs, often with reflectors. Too warm on mild days

Types compared

Bib shorts (With straps)
For road, gravel and long rides.
- Advantage: Pad stays in place
- Drawback: Straps come off for breaks
Example: Endura Damen Pro SL Bibshort ›
Waist shorts (No straps)
For shorter rides and frequent stops.
- Advantage: Quick on and off
- Drawback: Waistband can press
Example: Endura FS260 Waist Short II ›

What to look for when buying

Question	In brief	Why
How thick should the pad be?	In briefFirmer, not thicker	WhyA thick pad feels more comfortable at first. On long rides a flatter, firmer one supports you better because you don't sink in. Good pads vary in thickness from zone to zone.
Which pad for which position?	In briefUpright to sporty	WhyGonso colour-codes its Sitivo pads by riding position: upright, trekking, and sporty for road, gravel and mountain bike. The pad for upright riding is reinforced at the back.
What's different in women's shorts?	In briefA pad of their own	WhyWomen's shorts have their own pad. Endura shapes it for the female body and offers the women's pads of its 700 series in three widths to match the pelvis.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ride baggy shorts without the liner?

On short trips, yes. Baggy shorts have a loose cut and the pad sits in the liner. For longer rides, wear padded liner shorts underneath; on some models the liner is removable.

How tight should cycling shorts be?

Tight. The pad must not shift as you pedal. Leg grippers with fine silicone hold the shorts in place without squeezing. On bib shorts, the straps must not dig in.

Do road bib shorts work on a mountain bike?

Yes. Gonso assigns road, gravel and mountain bike to the same pad for a sporty riding position. If you want pockets, pull loose overshorts without a pad on top.

How do I care for them on a multi-day trip?

Hand-wash them in lukewarm water in the evening and hang them up to dry. The pad must be completely dry by the next stage.