» Tight shorts save lives… or at least skin :: Off Track

May082009

Tight shorts save lives… or at least skin

Filed under Cycling by andrew wolfe at 10:42 am

Skin tight spandex shorts may look silly on cyclists (or sexy, depending), but they serve an important function.

In addition to the comfort of internal padding, tight shorts ensure that you won’t get snagged on your seat at a critical moment, such as heading down a steep, rocky descent, which can stop you from shifting your weight back to stay topside of your bicycle.

Those who know me will have guessed what prompted these thoughts. Be assured that though there was blood, bruising and unmanly howls, it was nothing serious.

I was wearing ill-fitting spandex shorts that I’d bought online in an attempt to save money. The prices local bike shops charge for cycle wear may feel like highway robbery, but at least you get good gear.