Should You be Swimming with Bike Shorts ?

Whether you are a occasional rider who likes to stop for a swim or an active triathlete, you might want to go for a dip during your ride. Here are some facts to consider before swimming into the lake with your cycling bib or short.

Should You be Swimming with Cyclng Bibs ?

Triathlon Attire Dilemma with swimming in bike short

A cyclist is preparing for his first Olympic triathlon but is unsure about what to wear. Should he considering using cycling bib shorts under a wetsuit and a cycling shirt for the bike segment ? Many remamin uncertain about comfort during the run.

• Advice Against Wet Shorts: Several commenters advise against running in wet cycling shorts due to discomfort, suggesting it would feel like “running in a wet diaper.”
• Tri Shorts Recommendation: Many experienced triathletes recommend investing in tri shorts, which have a thinner chamois pad suitable for both cycling and running, and are more comfortable and quicker to dry.
• Race Number Display: It’s important to adhere to race rules regarding the display of the race number, with a race belt being a handy and inexpensive solution if required.

The consensus is to avoid running in wet cycling shorts and consider purchasing tri shorts or a tri suit for a more comfortable race experience.

Risks incurred by using Bike shorts for swimming

Swimming with cycling shorts can pose several risks and discomforts due to their design and material. Here are some potential issues:

1. Chafing and Irritation: The padding and seams of cycling shorts may cause chafing and skin irritation when wet.
2. Heavy and Uncomfortable: The pad in cycling shorts can absorb water, making them heavy and uncomfortable to swim in.
3. Reduced Mobility: The waterlogged padding can impede your movement through the water, making swimming more difficult.
4. Damage to Shorts: Chlorine in pool water or salt in seawater can degrade the material of the shorts, causing them to fade and deteriorate over time.
5. Hygiene Concerns: Cycling shorts are not designed for swimming and may not have the same antibacterial properties as swimwear, potentially leading to hygiene issues.

It’s generally recommended to use proper swimwear designed for the activity to avoid these risks and ensure a comfortable and safe swimming experience. Ultimately you should be finding a practical solution for wearing apparel that is suitable for both biking and swimming. Triathlon shorts are the ideal choice for this purpose.