Tight shorts

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2wd

Canyon Aeroad CF 7.0 Di2
I wore proper cycling shorts last night for the first time and after about 8 miles suffered serious cramps in both calves.

This has never happened before so got me thinking about what I had done different and the only thing was the shorts

The shorts are quite tight on my lower part of my thighs where the elasticated bit at the bottom of the shorts is

Could this cause cramping in the calves?
 

Rob3rt

Man or Moose!
Location
Manchester
Personally, I would assume coincidence this time and continue using them, if it continues happening stop using them and see if it stops.
 

ColinJ

Puzzle game procrastinator!
I developed the most agonising pain in my right leg on a couple of forum rides earlier in the year. It felt like someone was plunging a dagger into my upper thigh. When I got home the pain was so bad that I couldn't get up from a chair without getting down on my hands and knees first and raising myself from that position.

I suspected that the problem was due to my fat legs being squeezed too hard by my by-then too-tight lycra shorts and the blood supply being cut off. I switched back to wearing baggy MTB shorts and the problem went away.

Incidentally, I damaged a nerve in the same leg by riding the Kirklees Sportive in a pair of legwarmers that were too tight. I have a loss of sensation in the skin on that leg now. Again - that was due to wearing kit that had only fitted me properly when I was slim.

Excessively tight clothing should be avoided!
 
OP
OP
2wd

2wd

Canyon Aeroad CF 7.0 Di2
Thanks Colin, very helpful

@ Sittingduck

Yes I did hydrate with water before I set off and drank high5 zero on the ride

Drank a bottle of water today with a teaspoon of salt in as I'm still in pain
 

Mad Doug Biker

Banned from every bar in the Galaxy
Location
Craggy Island
Tight shorts you say?? Any pictures?

Seriously though, I as a rule don't wear Lycra, so you will see me in trackie bottoms instead.
 

slowmotion

Quite dreadful
Location
lost somewhere
John Wayne liked them:eek:
john-wayne-short-shorts.jpg
 

yello

back and brave
Location
France
The causes of cramp are a mystery but I would genuinely be surprised if it was tight shorts that were the reason. I'd certainly give them another go.
 
OP
OP
2wd

2wd

Canyon Aeroad CF 7.0 Di2
Both calves are still very sore but I may go out for a gentle ride out tonight (with the shorts on) to see how I go

Wife will be on standby to pick me up cos I ain't struggling home like the other night :sad:
 
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