Shorts: Why JCOB Shorts?
What shorts do you reach for when you’re about to go on a long ride? What about a short ride? Do you tend to go for the thick padded shorts because that’s what people say is better? But what if you could go without the bulky diaper shorts, and still stay comfortable in the saddle, even on long rides?
For most women, the idea of riding in a thin, triathlon style chamois seems unbearable. But the reality is that the thinner the chamois, the better. Less is more (comfort). Most women are stuck on a saddle that they think is “pretty good” or “just okay” and they do not want to go up to their local bike shop to talk to a shop guy about their crotch problems. This is something we are trying to change because too many women suffer from sensitive crotch problems, and beginning that conversation with male shop personnel is not the most appealing. So, to make up for the uncomfortable lady parts on the saddle and avoiding a potentially awkward encounter, the first solution many women go for is a thick padded short. That or someone else will tell you: “Get these shorts! The padding will help!” (Spoiler Alert: it doesn’t). While it may seem that this extra padding will make riding more comfortable, bulky chamois tend to make things worse than better. We’re not afraid to talk about your crotch problems, which is why we’re here to help you find REAL comfort, instead of just trying to brush it under the rug.
The JCOB Solution: Comfortable bike seat + Sleek shorts that provide all day riding comfort and no waddling.
There are a number of problems that come about when riding in a thick padded cycling short.
One: they bunch up into the relief channel, or general crotch area, of the saddle. This brings pressure (and maybe even pain) back to the area where the crotch relief was supposed to be. Two: they bunch up on the sides of your legs and in the creases where the leg meets the crotch. This can cause inner leg chafing and saddle sores due to the increase in friction in that area. Three: thick pads hold in sweat and reduce airflow to the crotch area, causing hot spots and can lead to some unwanted bacteria. I don’t have to tell you why all those things are unfavorable! Thin, triathlon chamois improve the airflow to the crotch, they don’t hold in sweat, and they don’t bunch up in unwanted areas.
But what if you’re already riding in tri shorts with a thin pad? The problem is that the majority of companies manufacture their shorts in 4 panels, because it is easier and cheaper. This means there are seams that run directly down the middle of your sensitive soft tissue and along the sides of your legs. John Cobb took no shortcuts in designing and creating his shorts. Not only do JCOB shorts feature a thin, felt-like pad that prevents sensitive areas from sticking to the fabric, but they are stitched in a unique way that pulls the fabric away from the crotch to prevent bunching up.
The shorts are made with 10 panels with a 4-needle stitching. The panels are aligned so that they pull outward away from the crotch to align in the gap in the upper thigh area (where the crotch meets the leg). This way, the shorts do not wad up in that gap area. The unique stitching and panel placement makes the crotch area smooth and no seams in those creases where the leg meets the crotch area. Also, no uncomfortable seam right down the middle of the chamois area! The difference is wonderful and comfortable. Most people start skeptical, but once riding in them, they are sold! So, leave that diaper at home for the babies and see why JCOB shorts are the way to go.
If there’s something we know, it’s that Comfort=Speed. Get your crotch comfortable, and get back out there and show them what you’re made of!
Lastly, if you think your saddle is causing the problems, check out our seat selector guide and see what may be your solution to comfort!
** Shop for our Jcob Shorts HERE