Do your bicycle shorts keep riding up your thighs no matter what you do? Allow me to explain why it happens and the solutions you can adopt to prevent it!
Riding with shorts is great—until they start riding up your thighs. Trust me, you don’t want to be in that situation. However, cycling shorts riding up is a common experience for many cyclists. This issue might stem from incorrect sizing, fabric choice, or even the length of the shorts.
Bike shorts ride up when they are the wrong size and don’t fit properly. Even if they are worn out or catching on your shoulders, they will start riding up. Bike shorts that ride up can be extremely uncomfortable and may even cause saddle sores. That’s why it’s crucial to choose bike shorts that are the correct size and fit.
Reasons Why Your Bike Shorts Are Riding Up And How To Prevent It
When bike shorts ride up, it means they are not staying in place and are moving up your thighs. If you continue to ride like this, it can lead to chafing and irritation. Fortunately, I know the common reasons why your bike shorts might be riding up, and how to prevent it.
1. You Have A Poor Fit
One of the major reasons your bike shorts are riding up is a poor fit. Your shorts might be too loose or too tight. This prevents them from staying in place. It’s essential to choose shorts that fit snugly but not too tightly to prevent them from riding up.
How To Avoid A Poor Fit
Just as you need the correct-sized bike, you need cycling shorts that fit right. Shorts that are too tight or too loose will be uncomfortable. Wearing properly fitting shorts will keep them snugly in place, so you won’t have to worry about comfort.
2. They Are Not The Correct Size
Your cycling shorts must be the correct size, just like your bike and other cycling gear. Poor fitting, especially with shorts that are too small, will cause them to ride up.
How To Have Properly Sized Shorts
If you’re unsure about sizing, refer to the size charts provided by manufacturers. These companies often offer a measurement guide, which is a great resource for selecting the appropriate size. For instance, you can refer to Pearl Izumi’s Sizing Guide for accurate measurements.
3. The Fabric Type
Surprisingly, the fabric used in your bike shorts can affect whether they ride up. Some fabrics have excellent grip, while others are prone to slipping.
4. Incorrect Movement and Positioning
Frequent changes in body position while cycling, such as standing on the pedals or leaning forward, can cause bike shorts to ride up.
How To Avoid Incorrect Movement And Positioning
Maintaining a good cycling posture and smooth pedaling can help prevent shorts from riding up.
5. The Shorts Are Worn Out
Wear and tear will degrade your bike shorts. When the elastic bands or leg grippers lose their elasticity, the shorts will no longer stay in place.
How To Avoid Wearing Worn-Out Shorts
Replace your bike shorts when they start to wear out. Worn-out shorts with degraded elastic or lycra lose their ability to stay in place.
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6. Your Bib Straps Are Too Short
Bib straps allow freedom of movement but if they are too short, they can cause your shorts to ride up.
How To Avoid Bib Straps That Are Too Short
Consider shorts with wider silicone leg grippers instead of bib straps. These grippers do an excellent job of keeping the shorts in place.
Related: Long Distance Cycling: Tips And Tricks
How Are Cycling Shorts Supposed To Fit?
I’m glad you asked. Cycling shorts should fit just right—not too loose or too tight. A proper fit ensures the shorts don’t get caught in moving parts and helps avoid rashes.
Here’s what a good fit entails:
1. Snug But Not Tight
Cycling shorts should fit snugly without being too tight. They are designed to provide compression for muscle support and reduce fatigue, but they shouldn’t restrict movement or cause discomfort.
2. Proper Length
Cycling shorts come in different lengths—short, medium, and long. Choose the length based on your preferences: shorter shorts are ideal for road cycling, while longer shorts are better suited for mountain biking.
3. Comfortable Waistband
The waistband should sit comfortably on your waist, just below it. It shouldn’t be too high or too low.
4. No Bunching Of Fabric
Ensure there is no bunching or wrinkling of fabric, especially in the crotch area, as this can lead to discomfort and chafing during rides.
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5. Support For Mobility
Your cycling shorts should allow full range of motion, ensuring your mobility is not compromised.
6. Good Compression
Most cycling shorts are designed with compression features to improve blood flow and muscle support, helping reduce fatigue during long rides.
7. Consistency In Fit
The fit should remain consistent throughout the ride. Sometimes shorts stretch or become baggy during a ride, leading to discomfort.
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Note: The best advice I can give is to try different brands until you find the right fit. There is a plethora of cycling shorts out there, and it’s essential to find the one that fits you best.
How To Buy The Proper Cycling Shorts: My Advice
As a professional cyclist, I’ve encountered various cycling gear, and I’ve always been fascinated by cycling shorts because of their simplicity. They offer amazing freedom of movement. However, I understand that everyone is different. Therefore, it’s unrealistic to expect one pair of cycling shorts to fit everyone the same.
The best approach is to try on shorts before buying them. Don’t be swayed by appearances. I’ve made the mistake of choosing cycling shorts based on looks alone, only to find them uncomfortable later. The right fit also depends on the brand.
If one brand doesn’t work for you, try another. Here are some brands you can check out:
Every cyclist faces this problem—it’s not new. While I’ve provided detailed solutions, here’s some advice from the cycling community that might also be helpful:
Buy bigger sizes that fit your hips and tailor the waist down. Riding up usually happens because they don’t fit your seat. It might be the width of your thigh, or the depth of your seat (belly button side to backside)… If they ride up, something is usually too small. (deleted via Reddit)
Compression shorts. If they make you feel too “exposed,” wear your regular shorts over them. (fawkmebackwardsbud via Reddit)
Wear tight bike shorts. They don’t ride up. (deleted via Reddit)
Watch: How To Size Cycling Shorts And Tights
Check out this insightful video about cycling shorts and tights sizing. It will surely help you out.
FAQs
Should you size up in cycling shorts?
No, if your regular size is a perfect fit, you don’t need to size up. However, if you feel your shorts are too tight, up-sizing might be a good idea.
How tight should my cycling shorts be?
Cycling shorts should not be overly tight. They should fit you comfortably, allowing for ease of movement and breathability.
Should I wear anything under my cycling shorts?
No, you should not wear anything underneath your cycling shorts. They are designed to be worn directly against the skin.
What are the disadvantages of cycling shorts?
Cycling shorts can be uncomfortable when you’re not riding, and their limited fashion options may not appeal to everyone. Additionally, they can cause discomfort if not fitted properly.
Can I apply lotion before wearing cycling shorts?
It’s best to avoid applying lotion before wearing cycling shorts, as it can make your legs slippery, causing the shorts to shift and not stay in place.
What are Chamois?
The Chamois, also known as the Shammy, is the padding in the seating area of cycling shorts. It’s a crucial part of the shorts, providing comfort and protection for sensitive areas. The Chamois should fit snugly like a glove. If the shorts are too big, the Chamois will slide around, causing irritation and rashes.
Recap
Cycling shorts are essential for a comfortable ride, but only if they fit well. Factors such as fabric choice, fit, and personal anatomy play significant roles in determining if your shorts will stay in place. Finding the perfect fit might require some trial and error, but it’s worth the effort.
I hope the tips and tricks provided will help keep your bike shorts in place. Are you ready to hit the road knowing your bike shorts will stay put? What do you prefer when it comes to cycling shorts? Let me know in the comments below!
Also Read:
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