Cycling pads: everything you need to know | (2024)

The cycling pad is a padding made from a combination of fabrics and foams (sometimes even special inserts such as gel) that is placed inside the cycling shorts in order to protect the cyclist’s groin area from vibrations and bouncing while pedaling.

The pad is an essential part of cycling apparel, regardless of whether the sport is practiced at the professional or amateur level: in fact, even beginners should be equipped with one.

The various techniques for making the pads can also complement each other to make the various models, for example, models made with Blade Sign technique later are thermoformed, rather than shaped pads may have first undergone blade sign machining only on the foam part to lighten the edges, and so on.
All of the pieces that make up the backplate are cut either by stamping or by new automatic cutting systems to ensure maximum precision for final assembly.

These are grafts designed to be durable and resistant to the rigors of even intense cycling activity, as well as adhering to the anatomical conformation of the cyclist.
The foam padding can be more or less dense (ranging from 40 kg/m³ to 120 kg/m³): the denser the padding, the stronger (but also heavier) the pad.

In addition to the pads that can be inserted inside cycling shorts, there are simpler models that can be worn under clothing instead of underwear: this solution is particularly suitable for those who do not like to wear tight-fitting shorts or dungarees and prefer baggy.

Another key feature is breathability: pedaling while wearing a wet garment in contact with the skin is very unpleasant. For this reason, Teosport is committed to always researching and testing the fabrics and foams it uses. Among the main essential characteristics for a good pad is that it has the ability to expel sweat and is able to dry quickly

The breathability of a pad depends not only on the materials used, but also on whether it has contoured and perforated channels: this technology, in fact, is able to ensure air circulation and really fast drying.

The fabric on its surface should be soft and comfortable to the touch, for those who want it, you can also opt for fabrics with antibacterial treatments.

The basic function of the bike pad is to ensure the comfort and protection of the cyclist’s groin area. For this reason, the pads to be worn must take into account the anatomical characteristics of each sex.
Given how much men’s anatomy differs from women’s anatomy especially in that area, it is quite obvious that men’s bike pads should be significantly different from women’s.

In terms of bone structure, women have a wider pelvis than men: in particular, the female pubic arch is wider than that of men.

As a result of this different bone structure, women feel more pressure on the pubic area when moving forward on the bicycle seat. A women’s bike seat pad should be made with this increased pressure in mind, with thicker padding at the pubis.

Another key difference between a men’s and women’s bike pad turns out to be the presence of the central channel in the former, which has the function of accommodating the different anatomical conformation.

In general, the pad for male cyclists is longer, while the one for female cyclists has a narrower shape. This does not take away from the fact that we are all made differently, and for this reason, some more careful brands present collections with different sized pads based on the size worn. A person with a slimmer conformation has different needs than a very tall and structured person.

There are unisex bike pads on the market, but they are to be avoided especially for those who engage in constant cycling: in fact, they do not ensure the same levels of comfort and performance as those specifically for men or women.

Men’s and women’s bike pads are far from being the only two types that exist. There are, in fact, many other factors that influence the choice of a pad: the type of bicycle (racing, road, or mountain bike), riding time (long, medium, or short), experience level, and age of the cyclist.

The type of bicycle heavily influences the choice of pad.

Racing or road bike pads aim to protect especially the perineal area, while mountain bike pads the ischial bone area.

Mountain bike models have, in addition, thicker and wider padding, given the greater stresses to which the cyclist practicing this discipline is subjected.

There are, in addition, specific pads for Triathlon enthusiasts: these models ensure maximum ventilation and minimum bulk so that they can be comfortably worn by the triathlete throughout the competition.

The duration of the bike outing can be different, usually they can be grouped into: short distances (2-3 hours), medium distances (between 4 and 5 hours), long distances (above 6 hours) Depending on the distance you want to cover it would be the case to choose the most suitable pad, although this is very rare because it is difficult to have a different short depending on the bike outing. Our advice is to choose it according to the average distance you usually ride.

The rider’s level should also be considered when choosing a bike pad. While professionals generally prefer models with low thicknesses, beginners probably need softer but thicker padding as they are not yet accustomed to the bike seat.

There are bike pads specifically for children and teens, which take into account the different physical structure of younger children compared to adults.

Unlike pads for adults, those for children and teens are unisex.

Backpads are worn without underwear, so it is advisable to opt for anti-allergic, antibacterial and high-quality models. This will preserve the bacterial flora and prevent the proliferation of bacteria.
Under the cycling shorts or under the bike pad, if the latter is used as underwear, it is better not to wear anything at all: these garments are, in fact, designed to be in direct contact with the cyclist’s groin area and reduce friction and shock. For this reason, shorts should not be tight or loose, but rather fit perfectly to the physiognomy.

Unlike cycling-specific garments, knickers and boxers are not made of technical fabric and, therefore, do not have the same characteristics of comfort and functionality. First, since they are unable to absorb sweat quickly, they can remain wet even for a long time: wearing them under a bike pad is, therefore, a mistake as it defeats one of the functions of the pad.

Second, underwear, unlike bike pads, has even very thick seams on its surface, which, rubbing against the cyclist’s skin, can cause redness and irritation.

For those who do not like wearing cycling shorts, the optimal solution is to opt for underwear pads, which can be worn underneath regular clothes. These models generally have a medium density and an extremely smooth upper surface that further enhances comfort without undermining support.

Underwear pads also differ in men’s or women’s models and are shaped with different anatomical structures in mind.

Some cyclists like to apply a cream to the bike pad in order to further reduce rubbing: it is essential that it is a cream specifically for this garment.

Cycling shorts and bike pad should always be washed after each use: leaving the garment soaked in the salinity and acidity caused by sweating can, in fact, not only contribute to premature damage to it, but also increase the risk of irritation.

If it is not possible to wash the pad immediately after returning from cycling, it is advisable to at least rinse it quickly under cold water and then wash it at a later time.

Hand washing is, without a doubt, preferable to machine washing. In the case of opting for the latter, certain precautions should be followed, usually also stated on the packaging of the pad, so that the fabric does not lose its fundamental qualities to prevent the proliferation of bacteria.

First, high temperatures should be avoided as they may damage the garment; 30°C is the most suitable temperature for washing the pad in a washing machine. It is false that the hotter the water, the greater the bactericidal power of detergents: at 30°C detergents are perfectly capable of killing bacteria, without, however, affecting the integrity of the garment.

It is preferable to use mild and hypoallergenic detergents, that is, free of perfumes, coloring and bleaching agents and especially parabens: traces of these substances could, in fact, remain in the pad despite thorough rinsing and contribute to irritating the cyclist’s skin.

It is advisable not to add fabric softeners or bleaches as they could ruin the padding of the pad, making it too soft.

To remove excess water before drying the garment, it is best to compress it with your hands rather than wring it out.

The dryer should be avoided at all costs as it may dry out the padding of the pad: it is better to hang or lay it flat, but not to expose it directly to sunlight.

There is no need to iron the bike pad; in fact, the heat of the iron could damage it.