Thoughts on Bike Shorts

Most everyone I know knows that I'm obsessed with mountain biking, and I will regularly have random people sending me emails or Facebook messages asking for bike-related advice. Here's a question that I got recently which I wrote a rather lengthy response to. I thought it would be worth sharing here.

Question:

"What do you suggest for mtn bike shorts? I am thinking about finally breaking down and getting some..."

Response:

Hey man!

Well, that is definitely a complicated question. What do I think about them? I think anyone that is going to be serious about riding a bike needs to have good bike shorts. Having a good pair of shorts can help you ride many more miles than you could without them, and they can help prevent a whole host of physical issues that can arise from NOT wearing them.

Since this is the main point where your body is in contact with the bike, it's important to invest a good bit of money there. I'd say see what you can afford to pay for a pair of shorts, and then go from there. There's a big difference between a cheap pair of bike shorts and a pair that's mid-range. (Mid range is probably about $50-$100.) Personally, I probably wouldn't spend less than $50 on a pair of shorts.

Name brands that make good shorts are Pearl iZumi, Dakine, Fox, and more. If you're looking to save money and still get something decent, I'd recommend going with an REI-brand short (Novara). They sell some pretty solid shorts at much less than a name brand company.

As for style, that's really up to you and what type of riding you do. If you're going with tight spandex, I'd personally recommend going with bibs over just shorts. A good pair of baggies can also ride really well even on cross-country rides. Style really is up to your personal preference and riding style.

I hope this helps! If you have any more questions, let me know!

-Greg