If you’re a tall, heavy guy looking for cycle clothing that fits, you may have had difficulty finding the most important piece of cycling gear: plus size bike shorts with a comfortable padded liner.
This article offers advice on where to look for XXL padded bicycle shorts, how much to pay and alternatives if you can’t find the perfect pair due to limited choice.
Plus Size Cycling Shorts and Cycle Clothing
While a lot of cycle clothing ranges are only made in core sizes of small, medium, large and extra large (XL), many bicycle wear manufacturers now realize that big, heavy people want to lose weight through cycling and therefore need plus size cycling shorts as their most essential piece of kit.
Customers have a choice of either buying a padded Lycra short or a baggy short with an internal liner, favored by mountain bikers and leisure cyclists and also good for big, heavy men who don’t want to emphasize their weight through wearing tight skinny Lycra.
XXL Bike Shorts for Men
Baggy bike shorts in size XL only fit someone with a 36-38” waist. If you’re bigger, then the choice is more limited, but some specialty online retailers like Love2pedal.com cater for XXL (2XL) through XXXXL (4XL), for waist sizes up to 44.”
Here’s a selection of 2XL to 4XL plus size baggy and Lycra bike shorts for men from Love2pedal.com:
- Ascent baggy bike shorts with padded Lycra separate inner shorts up to size 4XL to fit waists of 42-44.” Price $33.95.
- Mt Borah Beartooth baggy short, a larger spec short where the 2XL size fits a 42-44” waist, priced at $48.95.
- Ascent 6-panel Lycra short with high quality padded liner up to size 3XL (40-42”waist), priced at $25.95.
- Falconi 8-panel high quality Lycra short in a vast range of sizes up to 4XL (42-44” waist) just $29.95.
Remember that Lycra shorts can be worn underneath other shorts and, as they have a stretch waistband rather than a fixed waistband with belt or poppers, they may also be suitable for someone with a waist size of 45" or more.
Padded Undershorts as an Alternative to XXL Cycle Shorts
If you can’t stand the thought of shiny Lycra or you’re struggling to find a pair of baggy shorts big enough to fit a tall heavy frame, then padded undershorts are a good alternative to XXL+ bike shorts. They’re basically snug fitting jersey boxer shorts with a light padded liner, so don’t have the diaper effect of a traditional bike short but crucially, they provide comfort where you need it most.
Good brands and value for money models to consider are:
- Endura coolmax undershorts – popular shorts that come in XXL to fit 42-44” waist. £11.74/$18.75 from Tredz.co.uk.
- Madison padded undershorts – available in XXL again to fit a 42-44” waist, £15.74/$25.
Undershorts can be worn with any activewear short suitable for cycling, just be sure not to choose a pair that is too short or tight in the leg to allow plenty of room underneath the short for breathability.
Where to Buy Big Bike Shorts for Men
Online retailers like Lovetopedal.com or Tredz.co.uk will usually have a greater choice of styles and larger sizes than traditional high street bike shops. As they don’t have a bricks and mortar store, they can also offer heavily discounted prices of up to 50% versus the high street.
When buying online, look at detailed images of each cycling short carefully to check both quality and size of the padded liner. Plus check the size chart for each short, as brands often differ or a particular model may be more generously sized.
Buy Plus Size Shorts for Cycling
While it can be hard to find plus size shorts for cycling at your local bike store, it is possible to find larger sizes online. As long as you check the returns policy and shipping prices carefully, you can order extra large bike shorts for cycling with confidence and save money versus high street prices at the same time.
Prices correct as at January 31st 2011.
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Also of interest may be
- Big Mountain Bikes for Tall Heavy Men, Buying Tips for XL Cycles
- Cool Cycle Clothing for Big and Tall Men, XXL Cycling Jerseys
- Large Size Men's Cycle Clothing - XXL Waterproof Cycle Jackets
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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