Cycling Shorts
Used road cycling shorts give you the pad and the fit of proper riding kit without the straps of bibs, which suits riders who prefer a more traditional waistband. At Cranxs, sellers list both new and second-hand road cycling shorts, so you can match a pair to your riding without paying full shop prices.
Shorts or bib shorts?
The difference is the straps. Without them, cycling shorts give you flexibility and are quicker to get in and out of on longer rides and café stops, which is why plenty of riders stay with the traditional fit. Bib shorts hold the pad in place more firmly and won't slip at the waist, so it's worth trying both before you commit to a size or a style.
What should I check buying used?
Look closely at the seat panel, as this is where the fabric thins first and where a worn pair will show its age. Ask the seller about the condition of the chamois, the elastic in the leg grippers and the waistband, and check the photos for stretched seams or loose stitching around the pad. Lycra that has gone slack or slightly see-through when stretched has done its miles, no matter how good the brand name is.
How should a pair fit?
Road shorts should feel snug rather than tight, with no loose fabric bunching at the thigh and the pad sitting centred when you're in the riding position, not standing up. Sizing varies between brands, so treat a seller's size label as a starting point and ask for the flat measurements if you're between sizes.
What about the chamois pad?
The pad is what you're really buying, and pad shape is personal, so what works for one rider may not work for another. Denser, thicker pads suit long days in the saddle while thinner ones suit shorter, harder efforts. Buying second-hand means checking that the pad has kept its shape and hasn't compressed flat in the middle.
What else do you need for a full kit?
Shorts are one part of it. Pair them with a road jersey for warm days and a packable jacket for British weather, and you have a kit that covers most of the year. The rest of the road clothing listings are worth a look if you're building an outfit from scratch rather than replacing a single worn item.