The last thing you want when you're out on a bike ride is to start getting an uncomfortable saddle. You want to focus on where you're going and your surroundings. That's where padded cycling shorts come into play.

If you're not an avid cyclist, you might be wondering what padded cycle shorts are and what the benefits are of wearing them are and we are going to answer these questions and more in this guide.

Essentially, padded cycling shorts are like standard shorts with extra padding in the saddle area. They have been created to ensure increased levels of comfort and to help reduce any friction you may get whilst riding.

The padding, also known as the chamois is stitched directly into the shorts and both men's and women's cycle padding is shaped slightly different in order to provide support in different places.

Here at Dare 2b, we have 4 different styles of cycle padding - AEP Pro Pad, Performance Gel Pad, Sports Pad and the Essential Pad.

• Our most basic style of cycle padding is the Essential Pad. It has been designed with a dual layer fabric and soft comfortable foam support and features moisture wicking and antibacterial properties.
• The Sports Pad is created using a moisture wicking and sweat absorbing fabric. This fabric helps with ventilation and all round comfort on the saddle.
• The Performance Gel Pad is made using the same moisture wicking and sweat absorbing fabric as the Sports Pad however it comes with added gel zones that offers a higher level of comfort. The soft sponge is moulded to help reduce friction on long rides.
• The AEP Pro Pad has been anatomically designed with 4 way stretch and 3D foam which moves and adjusts with your body. The added Coolmax treatment helps with moisture control and an antibacterial finish. We have also added our Oxyflow technology which helps increase ventilation. This style of padding is our most advanced cycle short padding.

When it comes to why you should wear padded cycling shorts, there are three main reasons. Increased levels of comfort and support, reduced amounts of irritation and chafing and improved levels of performance.

• Having the padding strategically sown into the seating area means that then you're sat down for an extended amount of time, it can help reduce pressure and it also helps to help absorb any shock from the different road textures. Increased comfort also comes from the breathability and moisture wicking properties of the shorts. The more breathable the material is, the cooler you'll feel on your ride. And moisture wicking means the shorts will be able to move any sweat and moisture away from the skin to again keep you feeling cool and to help reduce any feeling of irritation, which ties into the next point.
• Features like flat locked seams and compression fits all help with reducing any irritation that may be caused from the friction of the material of the shorts rubbing against your skin. Avoid material like cotton as that tends to hold onto moisture and can become heavy and wet.
• You may be wondering how padded cycling shorts can help with your performance, but it all ties in comfort and flexibility. Having properly fitted, padded cycle shorts means you can fully focus on your ride. If it's a race or a timed event then the last thing you want to be thinking about is how annoying your shorts feel, or how they keep riding up or rubbing on your thighs. So ensuring the shorts not only fit correctly but feel comfortable is key.

Padded cycle shorts should be a staple in your cycling wardrobe, no matter how long or short the ride is. They make every single bike ride feel better than cycling with standard/non padded cycle shorts. If cycle shorts aren't your style, then why not look into cycling leggings or tights, they include the same features as shorts, just with more coverage.

You can shop our full cycle clothing range here.