THE GUIDE TO SUMMER CYCLING SHORTS.

Jun 26, 2024 by Paula Dyba

Which shorts make the most sense in hot weather? Should you think about riding without a chamois to reduce the amount of moisture buildup? Are shorter shorts more likely to chafe against your inner thigh? What about loose fit versus high compression? Summer presents a whole other level of consideration when it comes to comfort on a bike. This guide is intended to help you figure out what's right for you.

Cooling Fabric

New fabric technologies have entered the fray and we are particularly sold on Brrr. The marketing spin is that this advanced performance fabric was scientifically developed to harness the power of micro cooling technology and elevate the "triple chill effect": cooling sensation, hyper wicking, increased fresh experience. We liked this combination and developed our new Hot Flash with this fabric. It's our lightest, coolest, summer short yet.

NEW Hot Flash with Brrr cooling technology

Inner & Outer Ventilation

Temperatures 80+ are a blessing and a curse for anybody doing anything aerobic in a mostly static position like sitting on a bike saddle. Staying dry and ventilated in the nether regions, even on shorter rides, can be next to impossible. This gets compounded by the additional layers and materials of a chamois which can act like a giant sponge. The key is balancing comfort, ventilation and air flow. Our Flex Air and Fleet Air chamois are the absolute best as the foams we use for these are perforated for venting. The Flex Air Lite versions use thinner foam so they're even better at moisture control. Paired up with a Terry saddle, this combination is as good an environment as you can achieve, wearing a padded short.

Shorts we recommend with our lightest Flex Air Lite chamois:

Chill 5 - a short-short that's a minimalist in every way...including no leg bands

Rebel is ultralight and has large mesh leg panels for extra venting

UPF 50+ Soleil has Flex Air Lite...and side mesh pockets.

The NEW Liberty lite takes a Terry favorite and lightens up both the fabric and the chamois.

Riding Commando

Don't even think about it unless you have a Terry saddle, but riding chamois free can also be a great way to reduce the heat factor and moisture buildup. It requires a slightly different thought process when it comes to short design through the crotch; you don't want seams through the center. Look for shorts with a center gusset panel and wicking fabric.

Metro provides a center gusset & 7" inseam with loose legs

Bliss gives you the loose, light, unpadded option with fusion gusset stretch panel for comfort

Is Shorter Better?

It only makes sense that going with a shorter length bike short will also help reduce the heat. Doing it comfortably can be tricky, as the shorter the short, the more likely you are to get inner thigh/saddle chafing.

At 5", this is our shortest Bella with all the bells and whistles that's made Bella our best seller

Quickest drying fabric and at 5" is shortest of the Touring family.

Wayfarer 7" splits the difference and adds pockets.

Our 5" Club Short with minimalist chamois and new drop-in pocket knows how to take the heat.

Summer Cycling Tips

Remove your cycling shorts immediately after a ride and hop in the shower.
Don't add – no underwear under bike shorts, particularly in the heat.
Avoid riding in cotton shorts as they will absorb moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
Buy good quality (Terry) shorts that have an antibacterial cover on the chamois.
Saddles with cutaways not only provide for comfort but for ventilation.
Change up your riding style during the summer -- get out of the saddle more frequently.