Calendars be damned; we still have a few more weeks of good weather before most of us switch gears and keep our bike rides indoor-only. If your cycling dreams are quelled by the butt-hurt that comes from sitting on a narrow, stiff seat, the term you need to know is chamois. This is the thick padding that is added to the crotch of cycling shorts. Sure, the shorts can hang a bit weird, but the padding helps support the pelvis, keeping you comfier during longer rides.
The secret that first-timers should know: “Never wear underwear under your chamois,” says Evelyn Stevens, professional road cyclist for Team Specialized-Lululemon. The extra material will lead to uncomfortable chafing. While you might not be ready to invest in a fancy bike, a pair of cycling shorts with padding is a small-but-worth-it investment. Whether you're one of those crazy biking-in-the-snow people or not.