What’s the best chamois pad for cycling?

What’s the best chamois pad for cycling? That’s a crucial point for cyclists. Ever experienced saddle soreness while cycling? Well, it might be because you’re riding with the wrong or old chamois pad. A chamois pad is incredibly important for a bit of comfort on the road bike. Today’s blog will enlighten you on everything about chamois pads in cycling shorts.

What’s a chamois pad made of?

A cycling chamois pad mainly consists of polyamide (80%) and elastane (20%) on the outer layer. This fabric combination provides a soft velvety feel to prevent chafing with the skin.

Beneath this outer layer lies the crucial foam pad, which provides the cushioning. This pad performs best when made of high-quality polyurethane. This material ensures the longest lifespan and minimal degradation compared to other foam types.

These days, there are also foam combinations with polyurethane that provide better properties. Examples include chamois pads that breathe better, are more elastic, or can absorb shocks better.

Difference between men and women

Men and women have different pressure points with the saddle due to the anatomical differences between the two genders. As you undoubtedly know, the undercarriage looks different between both sexes. Therefore, the foam pad is differently shaped in men’s and women’s chamois pads. Sometimes, manufacturers use the same chamois pad for men and women, which is quite bothersome because it leads to improper pressure distribution and can cause saddle soreness.

What should I look for?

Many cycling shorts are equipped with chamois pads boasting fancy names and patterns. However, the suitability does not depend on fancy names but on the density measured in kilograms per cubic meter.

Unfortunately, you often can’t see the absorption capacity of a chamois pad you buy in the store. Squeezing it a few times doesn’t really provide the right indication. Therefore, it’s wise to inquire about the chamois pad at the store or online shop. It may sound cumbersome, but it’s definitely worth it if you don’t want to suffer from discomfort in the coming days.

Density for short and long distances

For example, if you ride short distances of up to 4 hours, opt for a chamois pad with a density of about 80 kilograms per cubic meter. If you’re going for longer distances, it’s advisable to choose a chamois pad with a density of 100 kg per cubic meter.

Make sure your chamois pad is at least antibacterial and sweat-wicking. After prolonged use, the absorption capacity of a chamois pad decreases. So, it’s advisable to look for a new pair of cycling shorts every two years. Of course, this doesn’t apply to everyone. It greatly depends on whether you cycle every week or once a month. Additionally, there are cyclists who still feel comfortable after two years without any issues.

Are you curious about our chamois pads? They’ve been tested for user comfort and durability. All our chamois pads have a minimum absorption capacity of 80 kilograms per cubic meter. The top lines even feature an Italian quality chamois pad suitable for rides of up to 8 hours and longer. Did you know that our custom bib shorts and tights have the best chamois pads from Dolomiti and Elastic Interface? Check out this page and start designing your own custom bib shorts.