Riding your Bike with a Chamois: Cycling’s Hidden Gem

We've all been there. That moment during a bike ride when we realize that our saddle is starting to cause us pain. Maybe we switch up our riding position, or take a break to give our bottom a rest, but what if there was another option? What if you could use a cycling chamois to prevent that pain from happening in the first place? Believe it or not, using a chamois can help improve your riding experience by keeping you comfortable on the saddle.

The cycling industry has evolved in many ways over the years, but one of the most important features to emerge was cycling chamois.  Chamois can be traced back to 1860s when the need for functional cycling shorts stemmed from an increase of people choosing to bike. Manufacturers began to take note of the increased bike ridership, and focused on something that would prevent saddle sores which was an issue for cyclists at the time, the chamois. The original chamois was made animal leather, and thank goodness things have changed. However cycling with a cycling chamois is still considered essential gear if you want to ride your bike comfortably and enjoy it. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of using a cycling chamois!

Credit: Elastic interface, Men’s (left) Women’s (right)

So what is a chamois? 

Think of a cycling chamois as your best friend on the bike. Most cycling enthusiasts will tell you that cycling chamois are the unsung hero of cycling apparel. The cycling chamois pad prevents saddle soreness, protects sensitive areas and your sit bones from pressure, and is key to achieving the ultimate cycling experience. Not only does it make your ride more comfortable, but it can also help improve your performance. Here are just a few more of the many benefits of using a cycling chamois: 

1)    Increased comfort – A good quality chamois will reduce saddle sores and other discomfort caused by riding. 

2)    Improved performance – Chamois can help you to ride longer and faster, without experiencing the same level of fatigue. 

3)    Protection from the elements – Chamois can help keep you dry and warm in bad weather conditions. 

4)     Enhanced hygiene – A good chamois will help to keep you clean and free from bacteria build-up.

There are many different types of cycling chamois pads on the market today, but how do you know which one is best for you? Keep read this article to learn about some key features to look for when choosing a cycling chamois and how we selected ours.

The 6 Crucial Things to Look for When Choosing a Cycling Chamois

Choosing the right chamois is all about finding out what size works for you and your body shape. This ensures greater comfort on any ride, but it might change depending how long or which type of riding that person wants to do--so here are our 6 suggestions!

1) Cycling pad width: The cycling pad should also have an appropriate width to ensure it fully protects sensitive areas from rubbing or pressure points. A wider cycling pad has better coverage than a thinner one, which will often lead to discomfort around the hips and/or thighs due to side movements as you pedal. Make sure your cycling pad doesn’t cut across these regions too tightly either – you don’t want it to be so loose that it moves around as you ride. 

2) Thickness: A cycling chamois pad should also be of a thickness that is comfortable for your individual body type and cycling habits. Some riders prefer a thicker cycling chamois for longer rides, while others find them too bulky and prefer a thinner version instead. There is no “one size fits all” answer when it comes to the thickness of your cycling chamois; make sure to experiment until you find the perfect one for you!

3) Moisture wicking: In order to keep you feeling cool and fresh during long rides, look for cycling chamois pads with moisture wicking properties. This will help pull sweat away from your skin and keep you feeling comfortable, even on the hottest days.

4) Antibacterial: cycling chamois pads can often become quite sweaty during long rides – which is great, as it means they are doing their job! However, this also creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Look for cycling chamois that have antibacterial properties to help prevent any unwanted odors or skin irritation.

5) Price: cycling chamois pads come in a range of prices, so there is sure to be one that fits within your budget. However, don’t let price be the deciding factor when choosing a cycling chamois – make sure to try out a few different types until you find one that feels comfortable and works for your cycling needs.

6) Protection: The cycling chamois also protects your body from saddle sores, which are painful ulcers caused by prolonged exposure to air and moisture.

You can find many different types of cycling shorts with or without a pad depending on your preference, but we recommend using one if you want to avoid getting saddle sores. You’ll thank us later!

It’s all about eco friendliness and comfort everywhere you go 

We choose Elastic Interface for their top-of-the line chamois and materials which allow us to create some of your most comfortable clothes yet! We were excited to work with a company that is committed not only to the environment, but also innovation and quality. So, without a doubt, we choose Elastic Interface chamois to create some of your most comfortable clothes yet! Their Oeko Tex certification ensures our customer’s safety by ensuring these items do not contain any harmful chemicals or dyes; this same standard even applies in regards production bluesign system process certification processes where environmental regulations can be satisfied without compromising quality!

We know every stitch of the way from sewing our clothes to delivery that meets eco friendly standards, matter – and ensures you feel good about what happens behind closed doors when wearing our clothes. We’ll be releasing more information on which Chamois we chose and how we chose them during our selection process - which included narrowing down 9 to 2 different styles we personally spent many hours testing out. But for now, enjoy and ride in safety and comfort!