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Cycling and swimming are completely different sports, one is done on the land while the other dominates in water. However, many professional athletes also take part in a Triathlon. It is a combination of different sports, involving running, swimming, and cycling. So, what kind of wear do the athletes use for such sports?
People are eager to know whether they can use their bike shorts for swimming. You should avoid swimming in your cycling shorts, only in case, it’s an emergency. This article includes all the reasons why you shouldn’t use your bike shorts for swimming.
Cycling Shorts
The reason for using cycling or bike shorts is to offer comfort and convenience while riding a bike. Bike shorts are exclusively designed to confirm that the lining remains in the appropriate places. The seams are intentionally positioned to decrease friction. Cycling shorts use soft but tighter fabrics to decrease air resistance. It allows a rider to make a comprehensive range of bike movements. High-quality cycling shorts use premium technical sports components that are tested to enhance air movement, soak up water, decrease heat absorption, and obstruct radiations from the sun.
Cycling Shorts Vs Swim Shorts-What’s The Differences
The main difference between the two is the material used during production. Swimsuits are usually made from polyester fabric. It is lightweight and dries up fast after leaving the swimming pool. In addition, polyester is also resistant to chlorine or other chemicals in pools which deters color fading of your swimsuit.
Conversely, pair of cycling shorts are made of ordinary spandex with synthetic chamois. For sure, this breathable material is extremely lightweight and ideal for cycling. However, this fabric in cycling shorts does not possess any resistance to chlorine. Therefore, the color fades off if you swim with them. In addition, the paddings on cycling shorts start absorbing the water and becoming uncomfortable to swim in. The pair of shorts made for cycling become heavy in the water and can fall off as you leave the swimming pool.
You should consider a combination of triathlon shorts, as an alternative if you want to use cycling shorts for swimming. It is because they are created from high-quality premium nylon that allows them to be light, breathable, and excellent for swimming. In addition to this, they are commonly equipped with thinner chamois padded bike shorts have extra padding compared to tight shorts for cycling which enables them to dry rapidly after swimming. The chamois offers ultimate comfort during cycling and are a good solution for swimmers.
Swimwear Features You Probably Can’t Find In Cycling Shorts
You should be aware of how high-quality swimwear differs from modern cycling shorts. You should also know the features unique to both kinds of wear. Here are some characteristics you’ll always find in quality gear designed for water-related sports.
Water-Repellency
Purpose-built swimwear uses fabrics to offer water repellency. It helps shed water and dry quickly, so you can comfortably get out of the water. It is different from moisture-wicking material used in cycling workout clothes.
UV Protection
High-end swimming and cycling gear manufacturers know that swimmers spend a lot of their time in the sun. They guarantee that their garments offer excellent built-in UV protection to keep your skin safe through a long day at the beach.
Anti-microbial Properties
Wet shorts create chances for microbial life to grow, like bacteria and things you should avoid. While quality cycling wears often possesses these features. But, you are more likely to find them in purpose-built swimwear.
What is the Problem With Using Bike Shorts?
Swimming in bike shorts is possible but has some downfalls. There are different types of compression shorts in the market. Instead of using padded bike shorts, you should invest in Tri-shorts for better results and exceptional performance:
Chamois Padded Shorts
Some biker shorts come with a chamois. The chamois is a padded part covering the groin area of the bike shorts. Its filling is made by using foam of different densities. Its design intends to decrease pressure in the lower regions and offers an anti-friction fabric.
There is a variance between the chamois used for men’s and women’s wear. Men and women have different pressure points. Therefore, the chamois pad on bike shorts is available in different densities. The extra layers of chamois ensure the convenience of its wearer on a bike. In case you are swimming with them, they can slow you down and are uncomfortable as they soak up additional water.
Tri Shorts/ Triathlon Shorts
Tri shorts are identical to any types of bike shorts but are smaller in size and offer an ideal amount of absorption. Usually, the chamois in a pair of triathlon shorts are thin and small. It makes the groin more comfortable. The tri-shorts are developed for triathlons, they work efficiently for both cycling and swimming.
Why Do People Think Bike Shorts Can Be Used As Swimwear?
Some people think a pair of bike shorts are similar to swimming garments because of their similarity with beach shorts. However, they are only made for cycling. The material used in cycling shorts is more durable compared to any traditional swimwear.
These garments are available in a range of different styles that make them great for swimming. These shorts also possess an additional sheet of fabric, which helps absorbs sweat. It is not possible with swimwear made from low-quality and less efficient material, which is difficult to dry off and gets wet easily. It is also significant to consider many traditional swimwear brands in the market that are known for making the most exceptional cycling shorts as well.
These shorts will help avoid extra water from absorbing in the shorts. But, there is another issue with cycling shorts. Due to the tight material used the cyclist can’t bend comfortably from the knees while in an upright posture. However, there is a solution to this problem. You can choose a brand of cycling shorts that are marketed for swimming or the other way around. Such brands create an exclusive air-vent design that allows the wearer to bend in the upright body position. The shorts are a perfect solution for biking and swimming.
Conclusion
The most crucial clothing you should wear is what makes you feel comfortable (not regular shorts though – something purpose-built is needed); keep it as simple as possible. You want your concentration on the race day, not on soggy bike shorts or a too-tight wetsuit. It comes down to trial and error. So, it’s worth experimenting with different options until you discover the perfect fit for your requirements.
