The right bicycling pants and shorts are important. If you want to get the most out of your cycling, the right clothing is essential.

There are a couple of options available. You can find both cycling pants and shorts. Whether you choose the shorts or the pants, you'll find that they can help you prevent chafing, bacteria, and they help to wick away moisture. Of course, you'll quickly find that the market offers many different bicycling pants and shorts. Although they may all look the same, there are actually quite a few differences. To help you make an informed purchase, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you make your final decision.

Figure Out the Length You Want

The first thing you need to do is to figure out the length that you want. You can find full length bike pants, knee length pants, and bike shorts, which are above the knee. The length that you choose is going to depend on several things. First, the length will depend on the weather you are biking in. If you're biking during the cold winter months, long pants are going to offer more protection and warmth. During the summer you'll definitely want something cooler like bicycling shorts. You'll also have to consider your comfort level when it comes to length. If you aren't as comfortable with shorter biking shorts, consider some of the knee length options available. Once you know what length you want, then you can continue your search for the perfect cycling bottoms.

Remember Fabric is Important

You'll also want to consider the fabric of the pants or shorts you are looking for. Often the fabric will influence the price, which means you'll pay a bit more for higher quality materials. One material often used is nylon spandex. While this material is durable and it provides nice stretch, it won't help to wick the moisture away from your body. Polyester blends, such as polyester spandex are betting for wicking away the moisture, but they are a bit more expensive. Just remember, too much moisture can lead to the presence of bacteria and it can make your pants or shorts uncomfortable, so paying a bit more for moisture wicking materials is probably your best choice.

Consider Padding for Comfort

Another important tip to keep in mind as you choose either cycling pants or cycling shorts is to consider the padding they come with. If you're on a bike for hours, it can definitely become uncomfortable, which is where padding can definitely come in handy. Through the years the technology behind padding has improved and today you can find padding that is functional and comfortable. Pads are designed to help avoid chafing and they work to wick moisture away as well. Always ensure that you purchase shorts or pants that have high quality pads.

Ensure That They Fit Well

The right fit is definitely essential when choosing your biking pants or shorts. Sizes can vary a bit depending on the company you are buying from. It's a good idea to try on the bottoms before you buy, putting yourself in the cycling position to see how they fit. There should be no wrinkles or bagging when you try them on. Of course, you also want to ensure that they are not too tight or you'll be extremely uncomfortable when you go out cycling.