Cycling shorts: Encyclopedia - Cycling shorts

Cycling shorts

Cycling shorts are shorts designed for cycling. Historically cycling shorts have been made of black wool and had a leather chamois. Most modern cycling shorts are made of lycra and contain a synthetic chamois in the seat and crotch area. They are usually worn without underwear.

The function of the chamois is to absorb moisture, thus preventing chaffing and rashes, thereby increasing a cyclist's comfort and endurance. The cling of the lycra shorts has a function as well.

One of the largest and strongest muscles in the body is the quadricep, which is used extensively in cycling. The quadricep is also one of the weakest muscles in the body in terms of endurance. For this reason, cycling shorts are intended to wrap tightly around the quadricep, but not so much as to restrict bloodflow, from just above the knee, acting like a tension wrap to maintain the quadricep's form. This allows cyclists greater endurance and strength, allowing them to cycle longer, farther and faster.

Historically, they were almost always black, they are now available in a wide variety of colours and styles.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Cycling shorts", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki