Cycling Bib Shorts & Tights

What features and benefits should you be considering when shopping for this kind of cycling gear? We recommend:

• Great breathability so your body temp is as regulated as possible
• Moisture-wicking material
• Elastic for easy and comfy movement
• UV protection is also a big plus, for obvious reasons for us Aussies!

And perhaps most important of all? A great cycling chamois that helps neutralise vibrations and encourages breathability. Nobody does technically advanced bike chamois like Santini.

Types of Cycling Bib Shorts 

Santini offers all types of shorts, including above-knee or knee-cut, ¾ length and full length. 

Saddle Soreness

As any newbie cyclist will attest, saddle soreness can be a persistent pain in the, well…

Cushioning here is key, as quality bib shorts (also referred to as tights or knicks) will help minimise that ache. Depending on the product, Santini’s in-built chamois offers exceptional padding. Moreover, they can provide abrasion support to help minimise any chaffing that sometimes occurs through the combination of moisture (sweat) and friction (cycling motion). Santini has engineered a proprietary chamois that is available in a range of specs. However, one crucial overarching feature is that the panels and curves are stitched from the inside, meaning a seamless construction without contacting the skin.

Pockets

Again depending on the model, women’s cycling bib and men’s cycling bib shorts can also feature very handy pockets for your keys, lip balm, credit card and the like. 

Let’s Talk Some More About Bibs

We’re happy to help with any questions you have, so don’t hesitate to contact us.

Reach out to us via info@santinisms.com.au or our experts are eagerly ready to chat to you, look out for the blue bubble to chat with us live during business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you supposed to wear underwear with cycling shorts?

It might sound strange if you’re new to the sport, but the answer is no. Men and women’s cycling bibs are best worn without underwear. They are made to be as comfortable and hygienic as possible. Adding underwear just creates unnecessary potential chafing and excess moisture build-up. By the way, this is another great reason to invest in quality Santini kit. Why? Because cheap alternatives often become fairly see-through over time, and you don’t want that!

Can you wear cycling shorts under jeans?

Technically you could wear your kit under jeans, yes. We assume you’re asking because you want to wear jeans after you finish your ride, not whilst you are still on the bike? Cycling tights with padding will make things feel extra cosy if you wear jeans over the top, so be prepared to feel a little awkward walking at first! We don’t recommend doing this for long periods of time as it will minimise the breathability for this area.

Do cycling shorts make a difference?

There is only one answer to this question - a resounding yes! Comfort, performance, fit, durability - quality kit delivers all these features in spades. Wearing normal shorts (or worse still, jeans) don’t even come close to comparing.

How should cycling shorts fit?

Men and women’s cycling tights need to feel very snug in all areas. However, you don’t want them pinching the waist or leg hemline, especially when you’re bent over in a riding position. Your core needs to feel relaxed, and breathing needs to come easily. The leg hem should never ride up - it should feature a quality silicone edge that keeps it in the same place as you move.

How to choose cycling shorts?

For women and men’s bib shorts, look for features such as moisture-wicking, breathability, wind and/or water-proofing, anti-chafe technology, and even reflective panels.

How to wear cycle shorts?

It’s really easy - just put them on (without any underwear - see question above), and you’re ready to roll! Depending on the cut you’ve selected, the leg will either finish fairly high up or closer to the knee. Obviously, ¾ bib tights for men and women will fall halfway between the knee and the ankle. You may want to wear baggy shorts over the top. This is especially common for XC and mountain bikers. If you’ve never worn them before, be prepared to feel a little unusual at first given the extra padding. In no time at all you will not notice it (but you’ll be very thankful for the protection it provides!).