Tag: WaveWear

The great thing about cycling is that it can be influenced by riders, by science, and by the industry. One area that has felt the impact of these influences is in the gear: helmets, shoes, gloves, and on and on have all been improved in some regard, sometimes for the better and sometimes not.

Bib shorts, the primary short and strap system most road cyclists wear, have also changed. The fabrics used to make them have been updated and the chamois improved, even to the point that they can be gender specific. But the look and function of bib shorts are changing (hopefully, for the better), especially with bike saddle company Posedla and compression athletic wear company WaveWear creating alternative cycling bib shorts.

The Good and Bad With Wearing Bib Shorts

Here’s the good: cycling bib shorts give riders support via a chamois and strap system that regular, pull-on shorts do not and, ultimately, make the act of cycling more comfortable.

The chamois in most bib shorts are designed to give a rider a cushion against the stiffness of his saddle so he can ride efficiently. Chamois pads have advanced enough also that they can help prevent saddle sores.

The straps that go over the shoulders hold that chamois in place so it doesn’t shift position while one is riding, which can happen with regular pull-on cycling shorts. Then the legging part of bib shorts offers some mild compression along with a gripper to hold the shorts in place.

All the elements above definitely improve the overall cycling experience. So, then, what’s the bad? Once you are fully dressed in your kit and if nature calls while you are out on your ride, you have no choice but to take off everything to use the bathroom.

Posedla’s Mooq Bib Short Helps to Easily Answer Nature’s Call

While Posedla specializes in custom bike saddles, the company decided to go one step further. They designed a bib short with several pockets where you can store your phone, a small mini-pump, or whatever else you carry on a ride that doesn’t easily fit in a jersey pocket or saddle bag.

But the most important addition to the company’s bib shorts is a magnetic buckle that’s sewn into the strap system. That means instead of a cyclist being forced to get undressed to use the bathroom, all he or she would have to do is reach back and release the buckle, then pull down the bibs like a regular pair of shorts.

This variation in the production of cycling bib shorts is a huge improvement over all the bib shorts currently on the market. Hopefully, other cycling brands will adopt it. The price point is 180 euros ($195), so pretty typical for a pair of high-end bib shorts.

What is Kinesiology Tape and What’s Its Purpose?

Kinesio Taps (also known as Kinesiology Tape) hit the market in 2003. It is a thin and flexible tape that is used to support movement and enhance athletic performance. It is also used to “…relieve pain, reduce swelling and inflammation, and provide support to joints and muscles.”

This tape is in contrast to other types of taping, such as for rehabilitation or as support adhesives. Those tapes offer support after an injury or restrict movement altogether so an injury can properly heal.

WaveWear’s Kinesio and Compression Cycling Shorts

WaveWear is a South Korean company that specializes in creating athletic garments with compression and kinesiology tape built-in. While athletes enjoy the benefits of using the tape, each time they want to use it, the tape has to be reapplied. Not only that but if the tape is applied incorrectly, it won’t be of any benefit to the athlete.

WaveWear created cycling bib shorts that have silicon strips sewn in that mimic kinesiology tape. Then, along with WaveWear’s compression fabrics, the two elements offer cyclists and other athletes muscle stimulation and support. CEO Nancy Cho says, in fact, that “I want people to be able to exercise without worrying about getting hurt and be active without discomfort.”

These shorts and bibs are a great addition to the cycling world. Again, it would be great for the industry and apparel manufacturers to adopt them. Compression with the addition of the kinesio tape could help prevent injuries and may even enhance an athlete’s performance.

Last Thoughts

Any improvement made to cycling bib shorts is a welcomed thing. If those shorts also make it easier to use the bathroom while on the ride, add compression for muscle support, and have kinesio tape built in to possibly prevent injury, then these elements will definitely improve being on the bike.

The cycling industry, however, is sometimes slow to adopt innovation and new products. But in this case, these bib short enhancements could influence more people to take up the sport of cycling. And more people on bikes instead of in their cars is always a good thing.