Originally posted by iajnin
Are bike shorts supposed to be tight on you?
I'm a first time rider and just picked up some bike shorts, they are very tight around the thighs. I'm just wondering how tight shorts should be. Thanks.
Well, "very tight" is a very subjective evaluation, of course, so it's hard to say. Bike shorts are skin-tight, and should look so, but the real key is the crotch.
A pair that's too loose will probably still grab your thighs, but will likely not stay firmly in place up between your legs. That's where the fit should be judged. There shouldn't really be any space between your body and the chamois padding. If you get the sense that it might shift, bunch, rub, or sag around the crotch, you're probably wearing 'em too loose.
How do you tell if they're too tight? They hurt, I guess. Approach it this way (like you would when trying on shoes): for comfort's sake, go as large as you like, so long as you can avoid running into signs that they're
too loose. A baggy crotch will cause you grief on the road.
Also, keep in mind that wearing skin-tight lycra for the first time is bound to feel strange. Good luck adjusting, and happy riding.