Ogreinaz

I've been told by a knowledgeable tech at my local bike shop that the gel pads for shorts might be OK for a short ride, but that on a long ride they retain way too much heat, and once hot they do not cool down. In Tucson AZ, where temps are higher than most places, this can be a problem. Does anyone else share this opinion??

Mike

pdlamb

Eh, no. I've done some riding in and around Tucson and never felt like the gel kept heat any differently than the outer shell of the shorts, or the saddle for that matter.

GuessWhoCycling

Nope! I have done some major rides and climbs in the summer heat. Never had a problem.

Late 90's I used a brand called Trico. Loved them. Thin gel and great fit. Can't find them any longer.

Now I have 3 new pair Pearl Izumi. Two the blue pad work well and one is an orange gel pad. Feels great.

Never had a problem with the gel, can't tell a bit of difference as far as temperature between gel and regular pads.

However I tried the Performance brand gel shorts years ago. Didn't work for me because of the shape of the pad. The nose was cut back a bit and it was annoying riding with the edge of the pad under my nuttie buddies.

fietsbob

I have favored bike shorts with an artificial Chamois, as a successor to real wool/leather sit pad ones .. of 40+ years ago..

with no gel padding in either the saddle pad or the saddle.. you can choose to not use that which is too warm for you? right?

FlMTNdude

I have lived both in the Southwest and Florida. Florida weather is worse for me than the sw. I sweat like a pig. Even on the worst of days I would rather have a padded bike short than wearing a more ‘normal’ short. The moisture stays off my skin longer, less chafing and more comfortable.