“What are the best shorts to wear while riding my recumbent?” This topic arises surprisingly often within our little community.   I’ve ridden for several years in board shorts, and I’ve come to believe they are the best shorts for recumbent cycling in warm weather.  I’ll try to tell you what the alternatives are,  and why I’ve ultimately decided the board short is the perfect recumbent cycling short.

I should preface this by saying this is  just my opinion, and it’s a personal choice.  I think it is an informed opinion, based on a many miles of experience.  But I fully expect some readers will have different opinions.  If you are happy wearing flannel pajama bottoms when you ride, that’s fine with me.  I’m just writing this because I’ve been asked about it.  If your opinion is different – then that’s good too.  Why not leave us a comment and we can get a good discussion going about our favorite shorts or other items of cycling kit?

Standard Cycling Shorts And Bibs

The cycling world offers shorts made for upright cyclists.  Many riders wear these when they first start a riding recumbent bike.  There is nothing wrong with these shorts, but they offer some disadvantages for me and my style of cycling.

1.  They contain padding in the seat area, designed to keep a rider comfortable on a typical upright bike saddle.  This padding is just not needed at all on a recumbent bike, and depending upon its location, can actually cause extra discomfort, because a recumbent rider must sit on top of it while riding.
2. Manufactures design these to fit very tightly to not interfere with a cyclists motion on an upright bike, and to give a smooth, aerodynamic surface on the cyclist.  Again, this is a feature I just do not need on my bike.  At the speeds I travel, the aerodynamic advantage I might gain is pretty negligible.
3.  Skin-tight Lycra is less than flattering on my plentiful frame.   They may look OK on somebody younger and thinner and better looking than me, but certainly do me no favors in the looks department. In addition most cycling shorts are plain black.  This just compounds the fashion horror of skin-tight padded Lycra.
4. Skin tight means there are no pockets.  When I get off my bike I like to keep my phone and my wallet with me.  A pocket really helps.
5. Cycling shorts, like all clothing made especially for cyclists, are expensive.  I’ve seen them advertised for $120/pair or more.  Sure, you can buy cheaper pairs, and you can buy them on sale, but they are still pricey.

Plain Old Shorts

Many recumbent cyclists tout the advantages of just plain old ordinary shorts.  Say a pair of hiking shorts, or an old pair of gym shorts they have lying about.  These solve some of the problems that cycling shorts present.

• Clearly less fashion-adverse than cycling shorts
• Available in colors other than black
• No unnecessary padding
• Cheap
• Usually have one or more pockets.

Still, I find this approach has some drawbacks when I ride

• The pockets are often on the back, where a recumbent rider must sit on them (and their contents).  Not comfortable at all.  Even if empty, the seams in the back pockets will get uncomfortable on a long ride.
• Pockets may not have zippers or another closure mechanism.  On a recumbent bike, stuff falls out of open pockets.
• Usually made of twill or canvas or some other heavy weight material.  If you sweat the shorts get wet, and  wet shorts can get uncomfortable (rubbing and chafing)
• If they are too short, then the skin on the back of my thighs rubs on the top of my seat, which is very annoying on a long ride
• Bulky and heavy.  Maybe not a big problem for a day ride, but on tour, they take a lot of space and add weight to an already heavy load.

The Wonder Of Board Shorts

Those who know me or ride with me know that my preferred cycling shorts are board shorts.    You have all seen these swim trucks – worn by the hipster, surfer-dude folks on the beaches in Australia and in southern California.  Manufactured by companies like Quicksilver, Hurley(now Nike), O’Neill and Billabong, they are slightly longer than an ordinary swimsuit, typically falling to just above the knee.

I find them perfect shorts for recumbent riding.  Here are my reasons:

• They are usually made from strong and smooth polyester or nylon material that is quick drying and wicks moisture away from my body when I sweat.
• The are durable and hold up very well with the constant rubbing they get from the recumbent seat.
• Most contain a zippered pocket that can hold small items so that they will not fall out.
• The pocket is typically found on the sides or the front, not in the back where I would need to sit on it.
• They are loose-fitting and very comfortable
• They pack up incredibly small and weigh almost nothing – great on tour
• They are available in a variety of brightly colored, interesting and attractive patterns.  They look great both on and off the bike
• Relatively economical.  Like cycling shorts, are very expensive if you buy this year’s latest pattern from the big brands.  But shop on-sale and on-line and many nice pairs can be found for $20-$30.