When you go out road bike cycling there are two things on your mind, usually. First, getting some serious speed going; and secondly staying dry where it matters. And that second place has got to be in the nether regions!
Most people know that real cyclists don’t wear lycra because it looks good. Well it does look good, the way it smooths out the odd bumps and wrinkles and makes even people like me who are on the slightly tubby side look a lot better! But that is beside the point.
The first problem of speed is solved with Lycra – which is kind of a nylon spandex mixed together with polyester – it is designed for the job. It is incredible the amount of drag there is on a bike from just clothing, never mind the person sitting astride the thing! In wind tunnel tests, the rider makes up 90% of the drag, and baggy clothing makes things worse.
The second problem is that of being dry. I am not just talking about a soaking from the heavens. I am talking sweat, masses of it. I get drenched, personally. And the chamois together with the polyester blend is designed to grab that moisture, and direct it towards the outer layers where it can evaporate.
Of course, waist high shorts do that job, but shorts with straps – such as the asos bib shorts – are so much better at the job.
The reason the chamois works is that it is in contact with the warm and wet surface area, and that’s how it soaks up the sweat. It therefore stands to reason that the tighter that contact, the more effect if it. You could say that the bike pressure of the saddle is enough, but it isn’t. Bibs are definitely the right option because they apply this pressure evenly and consistently throughout the ride.
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