Importance of Choosing the Right Chamois

No matter how much time you’ve spent in the saddle, you’ll know there’s nothing worse than an uncomfortable seat. Having padding between your bottom and the bike seat is key to preventing post-ride soreness (along with a good dose of lubricant, of course). 

Chamois (pronounced sha-mē) are built into cycling bibs or short tights, stay close to an athlete’s skin and give your undercarriage complete protection. However, if they aren’t correctly sized or gender specific, these pads can cause problems instead of relieving pressure. We hope our expert tips rub off on you so your chosen chamois doesn’t.

Padded Seat vs Padded Shorts: Which is More Comfortable?

Padded cycling shorts have a built-in chamois which sits close to your bottom and acts as protective support between you and the bike seat. A padded seat is a saddle that has extra gel or foam to cushion an athlete as they ride. This is often what beginner riders opt for, particularly if they’re cycling irregularly or for short periods of time. 

Although padded seats can offer enough protection for casual riding, padded shorts are a preferred option for most cyclists and particularly for endurance riders. That’s because they sit directly next to the skin and have anatomically-specific features to match an athlete’s body shape. This ensures any pressure is distributed evenly, particularly in sensitive areas. These pads are also made from materials which help riders stay comfortable. 

Choosing a Chamois for Your Riding Needs

If you’re in the saddle for a long time, then you’ll need plenty of protection to keep you feeling comfortable. Although comfort is equally important over sprint distances, the length of your average ride will affect how dense the pad insert material should be. The higher the mileage, the more dense your chamois material needs to be. 

Changes in terrain will also mean different levels of impact will be coming through the saddle. For example, riding over gravel and off-road trails means the chamois needs to absorb more shocks to offer adequate protection. This will also influence the type of chamois you choose. 

Road cyclists position themselves very differently in the saddle to mountain bikers. This means pressure will be placed on different parts of a rider’s anatomy. Choosing a chamois that’s specific to your cycling needs will ensure these areas are fully protected. 

Types of Chamois

At GOREWEAR, we categorize seat insert levels as EXPERT (including a 3D printed seat pad), ADVANCED and ACTIVE, each of which offers varying amounts of support: 

• N3X SEAT PAD: constructed layer by layer from a 3D design, materials are precisely placed in the right locations to ensure better comfort and performance. The N3X padding is also quick drying and has an open structure that enhances breathability

• EXPERT: with three layers, one of which is high-density, this seat pad will support endurance cyclists on long-distance rides

• ADVANCED: for medium and long-distance sessions, this medium density, two-layer construction will offer ideal comfort and support

• ACTIVE: a double layer of low density material means this seat pad supports cyclists over short to middle distances

Men’s vs Women’s Chamois

The design of men’s and women’s chamois is adapted to support the different pressure points and sensitive areas in each sex’s anatomy. 

• A male-specific central channel optimizes blood flow, reduces pressure and potential numbness in critical zones. It's also longer than the female design

• Female-specific central padding provides superior support and comfort in critical zones. It's also wider in the sit bone area

  

By wearing short tights or bibs with a gender-specific seat pad, you can ensure you get the right support in the correct areas. This minimizes rubbing, chafing, and helps prevent saddle sores. 

Most models also have a special GOREWEAR cup or liner that protects sensitive areas from wind chill while maintaining breathability. A section of material at the front of the seat pad, it offers all this without being bulky or uncomfortable.

4 Signs You’ve Chosen the Wrong Chamois

Even if you’ve done all your research before choosing your padded bib or short tights, a certain chamois might not be suitable for you. There are a few signs which indicate an inaccurate fit. These issues can also appear when a seat pad starts to wear out, which means it’s probably time to replace your short tights or bib. 

Dampness

When it comes to avoiding chafing and rubbing, any moisture is a big no-no. Too much dampness also leads to a build-up of bacteria, which can later cause problems such as rashes and spots. It can also leave the chamois feeling soggy and uncomfortable, so it’s essential you choose short tights or a bib made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics.

Pressure Soreness

If the cushioning isn’t in the right place or as dense as it should be, then you’ll soon start to feel it in certain pressure points such as your sit bones or the front of the pelvis. Choosing a chamois that’s specific to your gender and riding needs will help avoid this problem by giving extra padding in sensitive areas. 

Friction and Chafing

Although adding chamois cream is also a good idea, you should be able to wear your bibs or short tights, particularly for short periods, without experiencing any friction. Rough fabrics or badly placed seams or pads will quickly start to chafe. The leg sections should also be close-fitting and seamless to avoid thigh friction.

Excess Bulk

Seat pads should be fully cushioned and protective, but that doesn’t mean they need to be bulky. Modern technologies allow for layered chamois constructions which are lightweight. In short, they stop athletes from feeling like they’re wearing a full diaper - which is the last thing you need when getting in and out of the saddle!