Protecting your bits on the bike

a discussion about the best bib shorts and other care to think about

The most important clothing you can wear on the bike is bib shorts and tights protecting your bits down south.

For those long days in the saddle, you are going to feel the benefit of spending money on some good bib shorts and tights for the winter.

A few things to know:

• You don’t wear anything under your bib shorts, no underwear. You want to have as little friction as possible between the saddle and your body. You’re going commando.
• The Chamois is the padding in the bib shorts and tights. This seemingly small material is the most important as it protects you from the saddle. These can vary in size, material, etc, depending on the brand, what type of riding you want to do, etc. Most brands will provide a lot of detail on the chamois, what riding it is good for, etc., so it is worth reading through their descriptions to find what is right for you.
• One of the challenges with bib shorts and tights is when you need to pee; it’s just a faff – taking off all your layers to get the straps down. Many brands now claim to have shorts that help this, such as straps you can undo without taking off your jersey and stretch material that you can pull down. Neither of these I have found to be that helpful, and sometimes more of a hindrance – but it’s more of a personal preference, so if that’s important to you, it’s worth checking some of these models out – Assos, Velocio
• Bib shorts are great for the summer, and you can get different lengths depending on your preference. I tend to prefer the knee. They all have grippers at the end of the bib shorts; these are ones to watch as if they are too tight, they can be uncomfortable.
• Bib tights are great for the winter as they cover your whole leg and help stop water from getting to your boots/feet.You can also find plenty of thermal options for riding on really cold days.
• Chamois cream is a must if you are going to be in the saddle for long periods, It helps protect your skin nearest to the saddle and will just make everything feel better on the ride and afterwards.
• Post-ride cream is also helpful for avoiding saddle sores and making your skin feel less sensitive and sore after a long day in the saddle
• Saddle sores are, unfortunately, part of riding long days in the saddle, particularly when you are starting or trying a new bike, gear, etc. If you are getting these often and they are painful, then it could be a problem with the set-up of your bike or saddle, so I’d 100% recommend finding a bike shop that can look at that (read my post on bike fit).
• If you do get saddle sores, the post-ride cream and an additional chafing cream will help – see my suggestions below.

As always, these are my tips from my own experiences, but everybody and everyone’s bodies are different. I’ve tested many things over the years to find what works best for me.

My recommendations:

Bib shorts: LeCol Pro Bib Shorts

Bib tights: LeCol Pro Bib Tights

Chamois cream: Assos chamois cream

After riding cream: Assos Skin Repair Gel

Saddle sore cream: Lanacane anti-chafing cream