30 Mar How to choose the best pad for cyclists
Cycling pads are crucial accessories for cyclists’ well-being and performance.They are padding made by combining different materials according to different shapes and technologies to protect the intimate parts of men and women. The pads are able to make biking an even more enjoyable activity and reduce the aches and pains that can arise with the sport.
A cyclist who cares about his or her well-being should not choose the first one in front of him or her: here are some tips on how to choose the best pad for you instead!
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What are cycling pads and what they are used for
A cycling pad is a padding composed of fabrics and foams that defends the groin from rubbing caused by cycling activities. The pads allow them to absorb vibrations and reduce pressure on the intimate areas: just think of biking practiced along steep terrain and all the aches and pains that can affect the lower body.
The pad is a component of the cycling shorts that is useful for both sexes, although it is clearly made differently depending on the respective anatomical characteristics. There are also unisex models, but it is always best to opt for models made specifically for men and women. It is not strictly a shock protector: its main function is to defend intimate areas from vibration and to relieve pressure on those parts of the body.
The padding of the pad may be composed of polyurethane-based foams of different densities and thicknesses, which ensures excellent breathability of intimate areas. The outer cover, on the other hand, is made using certain technical fabrics or microfiber. In fact, technical fabrics are highly valued for their ability to dissipate sweat.
In the case of intense cold, in fact, our body finds itself in the need to maintain the blood to support vital organs and to circulate it less in the peripheral areas, which leads to the characteristic feeling of pain at the hands and feet. A principle of frostbite does not please anyone, but with the right precautions and winter clothing for biking we will not suffer this problem!
How to choose the best cycling pad
Choosing the best pad also depends on the type of racing bike you use. For example, ordinary bikes require perineal protection, while in the case of mountain biking you need to aim to protect the iliac bone area, so opt for pads with more padding.
Good quality cycling pads have a foam density such that the accessory does not feel too soft and defeat its usefulness.
To choose the best cycling pad you need to take into account several characteristics such as:
- anatomy of the user (men and women and distance between the ischial bones)
- materials adopted
- thickness
- density of the foam
- level of breathability
- bacteriostatic qualities
- type of routes to be taken
- number of hours of cycling practice
- personal preferences for softness and thickness
- type of bicycle
- degree of experience and age of the cyclist
Choosing the best cycling pad also involves other factors such as the type of cycling practiced, the terrain one faces, and how much time one devotes to cycling. The most appropriate thickness varies depending on how intensive the cycling practice each person engages in is. Contrary to popular belief, those who limit themselves to short rides may opt for thick, medium-density pads to make the biking experience as comfortable as possible; conversely, those who intensely practice two-wheeled sports may lean toward thinner-thickness models. In general, too low a density and minimal thickness make the pad too soft and therefore not very useful. The rougher the terrain and the longer you ride, the more benefit you get from pads with good density foam.
You can also find cycling pads on the market with extra padding beyond the normal foams. They are generally small inserts that are placed at the ischial bones, and they are divided between gel inserts or memory foam inserts such as Poron.
Good quality pads are made of bacteriostatic materials, that is, with special treatments designed to limit the proliferation of bacteria produced through sweating. Thus, it is not really a matter of removing bacteria in the area, but of containing them to protect the well-being of the cyclist. The cover can be made of technical fabrics such as microfiber, which provides excellent wicking and therefore sweat-reducing qualities. Due to their own elastic memory, the pads can retain their shape after each use.
To keep bicycle pads good, of course, they need to be washed after use, preferably following the manufacturer’s recommendations and generally without exceeding 30 degrees water temperature and without subjecting them to dryer and spin dryer. This removes the salt and acid contents present in sweat that lead to faster deterioration of the fabric. Once they have been used, care must be taken to lay them down in rooms protected from humidity so as to preserve their intact qualities.
Those that turn out to be the best pads for our needs are able to:
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- distribute the weight in the saddle optimally
- increase performance
- avoid the onset of irritation and pain
As we will see in a moment, men’s pads are generally longer while women’s are shorter and rounder, and each type meets specific needs.
Best men’s cycling pad
Men’s pads feature a shape designed to provide support for the pelvis and to reduce pressure on the prostate. A central groove is present to facilitate blood flow and ventilation.
The men’s version of the Mengoshi pad is designed to provide excellent performance on all kinds of terrain. High-density foam provides excellent support and reduces pressure on the prostatic part. Thanks to the innovative frame, it offers appreciable comfort for all stunts in the saddle!
Best women’s cycling pad
The women’s version of the Blade Sign Armadillo pad is excellent because, thanks to the special shaping of the foam, it guarantees all the athlete’s movements and always stays in place through special grooves.
Teosport has also devised a special system that can be adapted on all models: the first menstrual pad, Bloody Queen, for cycling with maximum comfort and preserving optimal hygiene.
Women’s pads are wider to accommodate women’s anatomical conformation (the pelvis is wider and the pubic angle is wider). Women’s pads are designed to reduce pressure on the pubis when weight is loaded forward, and have more supportive padding. An effective women’s cycling pad is able to prevent the onset of conditions such as vulvovaginitis and cystitis due to chafing that might otherwise occur.
The Multi density Evo women’s cycling pad consists of a single layer with two different foams of different intensities interlocked to provide the best support.
Teosport’s best cycling pads: the ReUP process
Teosport pursues its mission to make professional and non-professional cycling pads with the least possible impact on the environment.
ReUp stems from the intention to extend the life cycle of materials destined for the scrap heap by making new performance pads without impacting the environment.
Thanks to the ReUp process, Teosport can recover parts of leftover materials from previous processing, remodeling new components and using them to make additional products. This optimizes the use of raw materials while drastically decreasing the amount of waste going to landfill.
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