With rising temperatures, lighter nights and sunnier Sunday morning rides, I would say spring has well and truly sprung and it’s got me thinking about shorts. In fact, it’s got me thinking about the absolutely critical business of choosing the right pair to get the most out of your rides. So for the entry-level enthusiasts who haven’t a clue what to go for and for those who just can’t decide on a pair for summer, here is a little review of bib shorts, my recent discovery of them and a particular pair by Polaris Bikewear, which I’m absolutely loving…
Heading out last Saturday, I found my winter Roubaix Lycra tights were far too warm and when I opted on the Sunday for last season’s polyester waist shorts they were far too baggy (having lost a stone from when I first started cycling), kept falling down and gave me a very sore bum!
Now, bib shorts can indeed be a bit of a head turner for non-cyclists (admittedly they do have a bit of a WWE wrestling suit resemblance) but the Womens E Motion Bib Shorts I have recently discovered from Polaris Bikewear are stylish, feminine and just plain comfy! Everyone’s anatomy is different but having quite a small (and bony) bum myself, bib shorts are perfect. Built-in shoulder straps prevent the shorts from sagging and support the chamois (padding) between the bum and saddle so that you’re not constantly hitching them up.
The Polaris Womens E Motion Bib Shorts have a specific Gel filled 3D chamois, which offers amazing support. The chamois has extra padding around the sit bone area so that you can sit in the saddle for longer. The first time I tried these shorts I cycled nearly 40 miles and couldn’t believe the comfort! I felt as though I could have kept going all day.
Bib shorts are great if you want a snug yet comfortable fit. While form-fitting Lyrca waist shorts offer snugness, the waistband can be very uncomfortable. Let’s be honest, a waistband digging into your stomach is the last thing you want when battling against a 14% gradient! Style wise, bib shorts are brilliant at deceivingly hiding away muffin top lumps and bumps – I’m now beginning to understand why most women have jumped on the playsuit bandwagon in recent years.
Most bib shorts come with leg grippers. The Polaris Womens E Motion Bib Shorts come with an elasticated silicone gripper, offering snug support and preventing the short uncomfortably rising and rubbing against your thighs as you peddle.
Material considerations are key when choosing shorts. There’s nothing more annoying than getting sweatier than you need when out riding so temperature control is crucial. My current tights have a warm fleece lining – I would definitely recommend fleece-lined bib shorts to keep you cosy in winter. The Womens E Motion Bib Shorts by Polaris are more appropriate for spring/summer; 82% Nylon and 18% Elastane, they offer a lightweight fabric that is stretchy and soft. They also have a stretch mesh bib which is great for temperature control, very quickly relieving a very clammy back!
The Polaris Bib Shorts are practical and aesthetic! They have a cute cut-away section in the back which is designed for over-heating but looks pretty quirky if you go for a brightly covered under top underneath! Lastly, they have sleek red zips which meet the straps at the top of the short. At first I thought these simply added a feminine touch until I discovered just how efficiently you could nip to the toilet in them! With the zip release bib, comfort breaks have never been easier…
Great for road cycling and mountain biking alike, entry-level bib shorts start from around £45 so they won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Increasing performance and making riding much more comfortable, a good pair of cycling shorts is a must for cyclists of all levels. Grab yourself a pair of bib shorts and you won’t be disappointed.
Polaris Womens E Motion Bib Shorts are available to buy online at www.polaris-apparel.co.uk
Lets Go Ride a Bike 