Do your bike shorts keep riding up your thighs, no matter what you do? Let me tell you why this happens and what solutions you can take to avoid it!
Riding in shorts is great, until they start riding up your thighs. Trust me, you don’t want to be in this situation. However, pulling up the shorts is a common experience for many cyclists. This problem can stem from incorrect sizing, fabric choice, or even the length of the shorts.
Bike shorts ride up when they are the wrong size and fit incorrectly. Even if they are worn or hanging on your shoulders, they will start to ride up. Bike shorts that ride up can be extremely uncomfortable and can even cause saddle sores. This is why it is crucial to choose cycling shorts of the right size and fit.
Reasons Your Bike Shorts Ride Up and How to Avoid Them
When bike shorts ride up, it means they don’t stay in place and ride up your thighs. If you continue to ride like this, it can lead to friction and irritation. Luckily, I know the common reasons why your cycling shorts may ride up and how to avoid it.
1. You are ill-adjusted
One of the main reasons your bike shorts ride up is poor fit. Your shorts may be too loose or too tight. This prevents them from staying in place. It is essential to choose shorts that fit well but are not too tight to prevent them from riding up.
How to avoid a bad fit
Just like you need a bike that fits right, you need cycling shorts that fit well. Shorts that are too tight or too loose will be uncomfortable. Wearing well-fitting shorts will keep them in place, so you won’t have to worry about comfort.
2. They’re the wrong size
Your shorts need to be the right size, just like your bike and other cycling gear. A poor fit, especially with shorts that are too small, will cause them to ride up.
How to get the right size shorts
If you are unsure of the size, refer to the size charts provided by the manufacturers. These companies often offer a measuring guide, which is a great resource for selecting the appropriate size. For example, you can refer to Pearl Izumi’s size guide for accurate measurements.
3. The type of fabric
Surprisingly, the fabric used in your cycling shorts can affect their ride. Some fabrics have excellent grip, while others tend to slip.
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 movements and positioning
Maintaining good cycling posture and smooth pedaling can help prevent shorts from riding up.
5. The shorts are worn out
Wear and tear will damage your cycling 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 cycling shorts when they start to wear out. Worn shorts with elastic or gradient lycra lose their ability to stay in place.
Ready to upgrade your cycling gear? Check how long cycling shorts last before making a purchase.
6. Your straps are too short
The straps allow freedom of movement but if they are too short, they can cause your shorts to ride up.
How to avoid straps that are too short
Consider shorts with wider silicone leg grippers instead of suspenders. These clips do a great job of holding 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 perfectly, neither too loose nor too tight. A good fit ensures the shorts don’t get caught in moving parts and helps prevent road rash.
Here’s what a good fit involves:
1. Fit but not tight
Cycling shorts should fit well without being too tight. They are designed to provide compression for muscle support and reduce fatigue, but they should not restrict movement or cause discomfort.
2. Suitable length
Cycling shorts are available 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 to mountain biking.
3. Comfortable waistband
The belt should sit comfortably on your waist, just below. It should neither be too high nor too low.
4. No fabric bundling
Make sure there are no folds or creases in the fabric, especially at the crotch area, as this can lead to discomfort and chafing during walks.
Experience ultimate comfort on your next ride with our padded bike shorts. Buy now and feel the difference!
5. Mobility support
Your cycling shorts should allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that your mobility is not compromised.
6. Good compression
Most cycling shorts are designed with compression features to improve blood circulation and muscle support, helping to reduce fatigue during long rides.
7. Consistency of adjustment
The fit should remain consistent throughout the ride. Sometimes shorts stretch or become baggy during a ride, causing discomfort.
Don’t let bad equipment hold you back. Browse our collection of high-quality mountain bike gear and clothing and conquer every trail.
Note: The best advice I can give you is to try different brands until you find the one that works for you. There are a multitude of cycling shorts available and it is essential to find the one that suits you best.
How to buy the right cycling shorts: my advice
As a professional cyclist, I have come across different cycling equipment and have always been fascinated by cycling shorts because of their simplicity. They offer incredible freedom of movement. However, I understand that everyone is different. It is therefore unrealistic to expect that cycling shorts will suit everyone in the same way.
The best approach is to try on the shorts before buying them. Don’t let appearances influence you. I made the mistake of choosing cycling shorts based solely on how I looked, only to find them uncomfortable. 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:
All cyclists face this problem, it is not new. While I’ve provided detailed solutions, here are some tips from the cycling community that might also be helpful:
Buy larger sizes that fit your hips and adjust the size down. Rises usually happen because they don’t fit your seat. This could be the width of your thigh or the depth of your seat (from the belly button side to the back)… 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 go up (deleted via Reddit)
Watch: How to Size Cycling Shorts and Tights
Watch this insightful video on sizing cycling shorts and tights. This will surely help you.
FAQs
Should you take a larger size in cycling shorts?
No, if your usual size fits you perfectly, you do not need to size up. However, if you feel like your shorts are too tight, sizing up might be a good idea.
How tight should my shorts be?
Cycling shorts should not be too tight. They should fit you comfortably, allowing freedom of movement and breathability.
Should I wear anything under my cycling shorts?
No, you should not wear anything under your shorts. They are designed to be worn directly on 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 shorts?
It’s best to avoid applying lotion before wearing cycling shorts, as this can make your legs slippery, causing the shorts to move around and not stay in place.
What are chamois?
Chamois, also known as Shammy, is the padding for the seat area of cycling shorts. It is a crucial element of the shorts, providing comfort and protection to sensitive areas. The chamois should fit snugly like a glove. If the shorts are too big, the chamois will slip off, causing irritation and rashes.
To summarize
Cycling shorts are essential for a comfortable ride, but only if they fit properly. Factors such as fabric choice, fit and personal anatomy play an important role in determining whether your shorts will stay in place. Finding the perfect solution may take some trial and error, but it’s worth the effort.
I hope the tips and tricks provided will help you keep your cycling shorts in place. Are you ready to hit the road knowing your bike shorts will stay in place? What do you prefer when it comes to cycling shorts? Let me know in the comments below!
So read:
- Discover the perfect fit for your bike. Dive into our expert guide on optimizing your bike for a comfortable, enjoyable ride. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, we’ve got the advice you need.
- Perfect saddle height with our bike saddle height calculator! Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to optimized performance.