Bike shorts and cycling tights

Baggy shorts or cycling shorts: which for the city

For an urban ride of a few kilometres, a baggy short, like the Gonso Casina for women, is enough: it can be worn like an everyday short, whether on a terrace or at the office, and dries quickly after a shower. As journeys get longer, the cycling short takes over: its padded chamois supports the sit bones and reduces chafing in the groin. Many commuters combine the two, wearing a short cycling short underneath a baggy short, which can be removed upon arrival to switch to city clothes. This duo keeps a casual look without sacrificing comfort on longer distances.

The rest of the outfit

Urban gear also comes in variations:

• Shirts.
• Trousers.
• Jackets.
• Gloves.
• Socks.
• Reflective Accessories.
• Urban Helmets.

All the gear is gathered on the urban page.

High waist, suspenders or cargo pockets

In the city, people frequently get on and off their bikes: the high-waisted cycling short, like the Endurance Hulda, covers the lower back without suspenders and can be easily removed once at the office. The suspender model, such as the VAUDE Matera or the Elite Lab, stays securely in place on long rides without compressing the stomach. The Altura Progel with cargo pockets conveniently stores a phone, keys, or transport card on the thighs, without a bag. The three-quarter Dare 2B and the long cycling shorts Endurance Jayne and Gorsk, which offer more coverage, extend daily rides into the chilly winter mornings.

A chamois suited to every body type

The chamois in a cycling short is not chosen at random: thinner for short rides, thicker and multi-layered for long distances. Women's versions, like the Endurance Jayne or the Gonso SQlab, include a chamois designed for the female anatomy, with a lighter central zone that avoids pressure points. The Gonso Sitivo features a chamois designed to support the ischial bones, the sit bones on the saddle, which relieves pressure on the perineum whether on a city saddle or a thinner one. It's important to check that the chamois stays snug without folding, which is essential for lasting comfort.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in the good plans, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within a day. Key events of the year follow a steady timeline: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the year-end holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school season.

Frequently asked questions

Should you wear underwear under a cycling short?

No, the cycling short is worn next to the skin: the seams of underwear would create friction and prevent the chamois from wicking moisture away. For an urban trip, you put it on at home and change upon arrival.

How do you choose the size of a cycling short?

A cycling short should be snug without being tight: the chamois stays in place and the legs don't ride up while pedalling. Refer to the brand's size chart, measuring waist and hips, and choose the smaller size if in doubt, as the fabric will stretch slightly.

Is a padded short useful for a twenty-minute ride?

On a city bike with a wide saddle, it's not essential for a short ride. It becomes valuable beyond thirty minutes, on a thinner saddle, or for a round trip, when discomfort at pressure points arises.

What cycling short is suitable for a larger size?

Look for a wide elastic waistband or suspenders that avoid compression at the waist, and a fabric that stretches in both directions. Long or three-quarter models also help reduce chafing between the thighs on daily rides.

How many cycling shorts should you have for commuting?

As cycling shorts are washed after each use at thirty degrees and without fabric softener, having two or three allows you to ride all week while one dries as you're wearing another. Air drying takes about a night.