How To Find The Best Cycling Chamois

A More Comfortable Ride Starts Here

Whether you’re a beginner heading out for a few miles a week or a seasoned enthusiast who logs several hours a day on the bike, the foundation for a comfortable ride is a high-quality cycling short with a built-in chamois pad. But which one is right for you? Read on to get answers to the most common questions about cycling chamois pads and let us help you find the right fit.

Do You Need Padded Cycling Shorts?

You don’t necessarily need cycling shorts with a chamois pad to ride a bike. At least, not always. But if you’re riding for fitness or doing anything more than a casual spin to check the surf or get around your neighborhood, then it’s worth trying a cycling short with padded chamois. You’ll find it’s a lot more comfortable, allowing you to focus on the ride without worrying about chaffing, numbness or other discomforts that can be associated with a lack of support.

What Exactly Is A Chamois Pad?

The term “chamois” (sha-mē) refers to the pad that is sewn into a Lycra® or spandex cycling short. The chamois pad is made of cushioning foam of varying densities, with a top surface that helps to wick moisture and provide a soft feel against your skin. The chamois pad alleviates pressure in your nether regions when you sit on the saddle, reduces friction and chaffing, and often has antimicrobial properties that reduce odor and bacteria, too.

Are All Road And Mountain Bike Chamois And Cycling Shorts The Same?

No. There is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to cycling shorts, and not all chamois are the same. We make options from thin and unobtrusive, to thicker and denser for high-intensity riding and with unique versions for men and women, respectively. So, to make the right choice, start by considering a few key points including the fit of the shorts, the type of riding you enjoy, the amount of time you spend on an average ride, the terrain you ride, and how much support you want.

What’s The Difference Between Men’s And Women’s Chamois?

The basic differences between Men’s and Women’s chamois reflect the key anatomic differences between men and women. Men’s chamois are shaped to support the sit bones while optimizing blood flow in a central channel, to reduce pressure and potential numbness while riding. Women’s chamois provide continuous support through the central region and wider foam placement in the sit bone area.

How Does Foam Density And Thickness Effect Comfort?

Aside from the shape and size of the chamois, the pad density and thickness are the next things to consider. Both are important factors that determine the level of support between you and your saddle. Higher foam density (firmer feel) equates to more support because the foam will not compress as easily, which means it offers a more stable feel and greater comfort for longer rides and rigorous terrain. Increased thickness offers more cushioning, which reduces “feel” to the saddle. This is where personal preference comes into play: if you’re looking for a high level of support and protection, go for a higher density or a thicker chamois. If you prefer to have a more noticeable connection to your saddle or your rides are short and low intensity, you can opt for a slightly thinner chamois.

Why Does Intended Use Or The Type Of Riding Matter?

We engineer different cycling shorts and chamois pads to meet the needs of different types of riders. It is important to consider the intended use (the type of riding you do, the duration and the intensity) because these factors determine how the foam will be shaped, where the chamois pad is placed and the appropriate density and thickness to properly support your position on the saddle. Since a rider’s position varies between riding styles, this can have a big effect on where the pressure points are.

It’s All About Comfort!

Comfort is everything. So whichever Giro cycling short you choose, you can ride with confidence knowing that the chamois pad is created with the world’s leading materials, technology and construction for best-in-class comfort and performance. Our chamois feature seamless construction to provide full comfort, plush fast-drying materials for luxurious feel against the skin, and premium foams that offer durability and value for the long haul.

60 Days To Decide

We’re so confident you’ll be more comfortable in Giro cycling shorts with a chamois pad, that we offer a “60 Days to Decide” comfort guarantee, so you can truly find the best fit for your needs. Ask your retailer for details or see our FAQ page for more information on this program.

The Best Off-road Cycling Foundation – The Base Liner Chamois

Key Features

Intended Use: Off-Road

Foam Density: 2 medium density foams for extra support and protection

Foam Thickness: 12mm

Our Base Liner Chamois is engineered to support your off-road adventures. This chamois pad is molded with seamless construction and excellent elasticity for noticeable comfort throughout your ride. This chamois pad has a maximum thickness of 12mm and has been engineered with two different foam densities for extra support and protection. The Men’s version is engineered with a central channel to optimize blood flow and reduce numbness while riding. The Women’s version is engineered with continuous support through the central region with wider foam placement in the sit bone area to provide the best comfort for the female body.

Our Best Seller – The Chrono Sport Chamois

Key Features

Intended Use: Road/Off-Road

Foam Density: 2 medium density foams for extra support and protection

Foam Thickness: 11mm

Our Chrono Sport Chamois, made by the chamois experts at Elastic Interface in Italy, is made to support your rides on- and off-road. This chamois pad is molded with seamless construction and excellent elasticity for noticeable comfort throughout your ride. It features our Renew Series top sheet made from recycled nylon and features channels made to improve moisture transfer, so it dries quickly and remains breathable. This chamois pad has a maximum thickness of 11mm and has been engineered with two different foam densities for extra support and protection. The Men’s version is engineered with a central channel to optimize blood flow and reduce numbness while riding. The Women’s version is engineered with continuous support through the central region with wider foam placement in the sit bone area to provide the best comfort for the female body.

The Enthusiast’s Choice – The Chrono Expert Chamois

Key Features

Intended Use: Road/Off-Road

Foam Density: 3 densities: 2 medium density foams plus 1 high density 120 kg/m3 insert for ultimate support

Foam Thickness: 13mm

Our Chrono Expert Chamois, made by the chamois experts at Elastic Interface in Italy, is our most versatile chamois pad with great support for long rides on- and off-the-road. Molded with a three-dimensional shape, this chamois pad is pre-molded for consistent contact between you and your saddle with seamless construction and excellent elasticity for plush comfort. It features our Renew Series top sheet made from recycled nylon, with carbon thread to boost anti-static properties in addition to the breathability and quick-drying features. This chamois pad has a maximum thickness of 13mm and has been engineered with three different foam densities, including a high density 120 kg/m3 insert for protection and support where you need it most, and perforated foam for increased cooling and breathability. The Men’s version is engineered with a central channel to optimize blood flow and reduce numbness while riding. The Women’s version is engineered with continuous support through the central region with wider foam placement in the sit bone area to provide the best comfort for the female body.

The Ultimate In Perofrmance – The Chrono Pro Chamois

Key Features

Intended Use: Road

Foam Density: 5 densities, with high-density inserts for ultimate performance on long rides

Foam Thickness: 14mm

Our Chrono Pro Chamois, made by the chamois experts at Elastic Interface in Italy, is our plushest chamois pad – ideal for long high-intensity rides and created with optimal support for road riding as well as more aggressive aerodynamic positions on the bike. Molded with a three-dimensional shape, this chamois pad is pre-molded to have consistent contact between you and your saddle with seamless construction and excellent elasticity for ultimate comfort. This chamois pad features an ultra-soft top sheet material with carbon thread to boost anti-static properties in addition to the already great breathability and quick-drying features. It has a maximum thickness of 14mm, with five different foam densities including a high density 120 kg/m3 insert in the ischiatic area for the greatest protection where you need it most, plus perforated foam for increased cooling and breathability. Like all of our Men’s chamois, the Chrono Pro is engineered with a central channel to optimize blood flow and reduce numbness while riding.

The Beginning Of A Better Ride – The Chrono Chamois

Key Features

Intended Use: Road

Foam Density: 1 medium density foam for essential protection and coverage

Foam Thickness: 10mm

Our Chrono Chamois is the sweet spot for enhanced comfort and support for shorter distance, recreational riding on smooth roads and pathways. This chamois pad is molded with seamless construction and excellent elasticity and features a soft-brushed top sheet to improve moisture transfer, so it dries quickly and remains breathable. This chamois pad has a maximum thickness of 10mm and has been engineered from a single foam density for essential support and protection. The Men’s version features a central channel to optimize blood flow and reduce numbness while riding. The Women’s version is engineered with continuous support through the central region with wider foam placement in the sit bone area to provide the best comfort for the female body.

The Most Discreet Comfort – The Ride Chamois

Key Features

Intended Use: Mountain Bike/Urban

Foam Density: 2 medium density foams for extra support and protection

Foam Thickness: 9mm

Our Ride Chamois is our minimalist chamois pad – ideal for short, casual rides or when you’re on and off the bike throughout the day. It features seamless construction, a soft brushed top sheet and good elasticity for unobtrusive comfort. This chamois pad has a maximum thickness of 9mm and has been engineered with dual-density foam for essential support and protection.