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Bicycling Clothing: Cycling Shorts, Lycra, Spandex And Chamois

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Published: May 24, 2007

In the summertime alone, approximately 57 million people in the United States will ride a bike, according to the 2002 National Survey of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes and Behaviors. Transportation sub-culture is dominated in part by people all over the world who experience a propelled motion that is exclusive to their own control by means of a bicycle. Many are motivated into cycling for pleasure or for sport, while obvious health benefits make cycling a noticeably popular pastime. Knowing firsthand where rubber meets the road is the very passion of cycling enthusiasts everywhere, and for those who take it to the next level, biking becomes a fundamental function of life.

It is generally agreed upon in the bicyclist community that both a basic knowledge of equipment and discipline to put it into practice are fully necessary. One of the most important aspects of cycling - before tires even scathe the pavement - is where a biker connects to the bike itself, and what is in between the two. For decades, biker's shorts have been iconic to a true committed rider, and rightly so, because they are a crucial element of biking. Many consider these shorts to be required in the gear collection of a serious biker.

A frequent cyclist must always take into account what he or she is wearing, especially for where his or her seat is. Biker shorts are practically advised for anyone biking long distance or on a significantly regular basis. To do without them means running the risk of soars and discomfort in almost any context of intensive cycling. While stressing the importance of these shorts, even some of the most advanced professionals would admit that there is no simple answer in finding the right pair. In principal, cyclists should take into account what their specific needs are and to understand how much their choices of apparel will affect their cycling experience. Fortunately there are considerably vast options in the market of sportswear and accessories.

Having the right active wear will make all the difference. There are variations between male and female shorts in the make and cut, but the purpose for wearing them remains the same. Bicycling shorts are known to be made from material called spandex, a formfitting synthetic fiber with many benefits in serious cycling; the tight fit around the legs yield the advantage of aerodynamics, while the fabric itself is uniquely absorbent and resistant to body oils, perspiration, lotions, and detergents. These qualities are just some reasons why the use of spandex for cycling is the standard of passive and professional bikers alike.

In some cases, a trusted brand is good to have when seeking a quality product. The most popular and widely recognized spandex brand is LYCRA®, which trumpets a spot in the world's top ten apparel brands and is recognized by most spandex target consumers. In the very fabric and from then on, there are many factors that go into the highly specific market of cycling shorts. Knowing what you are looking for is the key.

Distinctive padding in the cycling shorts is an indisputably imperative component. Most modern cycling shorts include a cushioned pad made of synthetic chamois for optimal comfort during long rides. Chamois, pronounced shammy, is the focal point of bicycle short selection. The technology of these pads continues to be what a long distance cyclist relies on for his or her endurance.

Asking the right questions about these shorts will earn cyclists the answers that provide a gratifying pair of shorts. New developments continue to be made in synthetics and sportswear. This is reassuring to those who consider themselves in the cycling game for life, because the only thing more exciting than the destination is how you get there.

If a person's passion is the open road, and a distance calls upon their spokes, they would do well to remember that it is the underlying things that affect us the most.


Sources:
Facts & Figures. League of American Bicyclists. 2000-2007. 16 April 2007.
http://www.bikeleague.org/media/facts/index.php# how_many
Fred Matheny and Ed Pavelk. "How to Choose Cycling Shorts." RoadBikeRider.com. 2000-2007. RBR Publishing Company. 16 April2007.
http://www.roadbikerider.com/articles.htm#How%20 to%20Choose%20Cycling%20Shorts
“Spandex.” Wikipeida. 16 April 2007. 16 April 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spandex.
LYCRA ® Has It. LYCRA ® brand products. 2007. 16 April 2007. http://www.lycra.com/en/lycra-has-it.htm.
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