Wearing the right sized product is key to having a much better experience on your bike in terms of comfort and performance. When you ride you don’t want distractions. You just want to feel your muscles work, your steady breathing, your heart beating, enjoy the view and think about nothing. Choose the right size following our size guide and consult our fit guide to make sure you get the fit that works for you.

The model is 1.85m, with a 98.5cm chest, a 79cm waist, and is wearing a size M.

CHEST: Measure the fullest part of your chest while keeping the tape measure horizontal.
WAIST: Measure the narrowest part of your waist, keeping the tape measure horizontal.
HIPS: Measure the widest part of your hips, keeping the tape measure horizontal.
*INSEAM: Measure the inside of your thighs with a measuring tape vertically.
* The length of the shorts may vary depending on the model.

How to Measure for Men's Cycling Apparel

Here's a step-by-step guide to help men measure themselves for cycling jerseys, bibs, tights, and other cycling apparel:

• Chest: Stand up straight and relax your arms at your sides. Measure around the fullest part of your chest, which is typically just under the armpits. Keep the tape measure horizontal and snug, but not tight, to get the correct measurement for jerseys and jackets.
• Waist: Locate your natural waistline, which is often the narrowest part of your torso, situated above your belly button and below your rib cage. Measure around this area, ensuring the tape is parallel to the ground for the best fit in bib shorts and tights.
• Hips: While not always necessary for all types of cycling apparel, measuring the hips can be important for certain fits. Measure around the widest part of your hips to ensure a good fit for certain types of shorts or tights.
• Inseam: This measurement is crucial for determining the correct length of your bib shorts or tights. Measure from the highest point of your inner thigh down to the bottom of your ankle.
• Height: Your overall height can influence the fit of various garments, especially when considering the length of jerseys or tights. Measure your height without shoes, from the top of your head to the floor.

How to Measure for Women's Cycling Apparel

Achieving the right fit in women's cycling apparel is essential for comfort, performance, and confidence on the bike. Here's a guide to help you measure yourself accurately for the best fit in Santini's women-specific cycling gear:

• Chest: To find your chest size, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your bust. Ensure the tape is level around your body and firm but not tight. This measurement is crucial for selecting the right size in jerseys and jackets.
• Waist: Locate your natural waistline, which is the narrowest part of your waist, typically above your belly button. Measure around this area, keeping the tape measure horizontal and snug but not constricting. This dimension is important for the fit of your shorts and tights.
• Hips: Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips. This measurement helps determine the size of your shorts or tights, ensuring they provide adequate coverage and stay in place while riding.
• Inseam: For an accurate inseam measurement, especially relevant for bib shorts and tights, measure from the crotch down to the desired length at your ankle or below the knee, depending on the garment style.
• Height: Your overall height can influence the fit of various garments, including the length of jerseys and tights. Measure your height without shoes, from the top of your head to the floor.

Santini Cycling Chamois Pad Guide

The chamois pad is arguably one of the most important features of cycling apparel. It's position is of great importance between you and your bike, the rider and their saddle. Yet, a lot of people - especially those new to cycling don't like to talk about it. Perhaps it is the position of the pad, or simply the pronunciation of the word ("sham-wa") that shooshes would-be speakers of the special textile.

Well, the 'bike diaper', 'crotch cushion  ', or 'saddle sofa', shall no longer be besieged by bad names. Advancements by Santini in material technology and chamois pad design have reduced the look and feel of the pad to where riders simply remain riding comfortably for longer - without ever considering the size or shape of the pad. In this post, we'll feature three pads and share more about what matters most in selecting your next chamois pad. 

• Foam Bio
• GITevo
• C3

"What kind of bike shorts should I buy?"

At the shop, we're often asked what separates one pair of cycling shorts from another, and why they are priced differently. We get this question from novice bike path riders to seasoned cyclists who already have a calloused gluteus maximus, and are interested in the material nuance of chamois pads.

The first thing to acknowledge is that the fit and comfort of cycling shorts and their chamois is highly subjective.  Two people wearing the same bib shorts can easily have different opinions in their experience.  And to complicate matters further; a chamois that is great for a 2 hour ride, might not be great for an 8 hour ride.

The GITevo and C3 are very similar (and different from the Foam Bio) in that they both have a gel insert.  The gel insert in the C3 is about 23% thicker than the GITevo, which is one of the main reasons it is better suited for your longest days in the saddle (8-10+ hours).

Many manufacturers have a dedicated chamois they use in their off-road or gravel clothing lines.  Santini uses the same C3 pad in their road bibs that they use in their gravel bibs and the same GITevo pad in their road shorts as in their 3/4 length gravel tights and full length gravel tights.

Chamois Care

One wear-one wash.  Always wash your cycling bottoms between wears.  Failing to do so increases the risk of bacteria in the chamois which can lead to saddle sores.

We also recommend hanging them to drip dry after wash.  The dryer can be hard on clothes and manufacturers often times bond the layers of the chamois together; a hot dryer can compromise their lifespan causing them to separate prematurely.

Chamois Wear

Never EVER wear underwear under your bike shorts.  Hundreds, if not thousands of hours have gone into chamois research and development to make them as comfortable, breathable and to reduce chaffing as much as possible.  Underwear makes the chamois' job to keep you comfortable very difficult.

Men's Chamois Pads

FOAM BIO

• Ride Duration: Up to 5 hours
  
• Cost: $

Items Featuring the Santini Foam Bio Pad

Foam Bio is an innovative endurance seat pad with an eco-friendly soul. Made from a special bio-foam derived from vegetable polyols, it is constructed using EvoLogic carving technology, which reduces foam waste by 80% compared to traditional carving techniques. This allows for smoother transitions between foams, increased saddle stability, seamless construction, minimized weight, and excellent air permeability. 

GITevo

• Ride Duration: Up to 7 hours
  
• Cost: $$

Items Featuring The GITevo Chamois Pad

If you're riding for a few hours or more on a regular basis, this is your go-to chamois pad. The GITevo is the technological evolution of the original bestseller GIT chamois with Twist Gel core. The silicone gel absorbs shock steadily and gradually. 

 GITevo is even more performance-oriented because it is constructed with a carving process that is able to create various thicknesses without seams and sticking, reducing the weight and increasing the softness of the padding. The top layer with antibacterial microfiber and depressions on the surface, offers excellent fit and freedom of movement by protecting from chafing and irritation.

C3

• Ride Duration: 8-10 hrs hours
• The most advanced chamois pad offered by Santini. It's what Lidl-Trek pros have ridden for the past 6 years
• Cost: $$$
  

Items Featuring The C3 Chamois Pad

C3 is an endurance high performance chamois, ideal for long hours in the saddle. This is the most popular pad among elite and professional bicycle racers. 

Women's Chamois Pads

GILevo

• Ride Duration: Up To 7 hours
• Most popular chamois pad
• Cost: $$

Items Featuring The C3W Chamois Pad

GILevo is a feminine chamois with an extremely versatile gel heart. All-round comfort for any type of cycling activity. 

Extremely high performance chamois thanks to the innovative Carving process that is able to create thicknesses without the need for seams or glue. The carving process reduces weight while increasing the softness, elasticity and breathability of the pad.

How to Measure for Kids' Cycling Apparel

Ensuring a proper fit for your child's cycling apparel is crucial for their comfort and enjoyment while riding. Here's a straightforward guide to help you measure your child accurately for cycling jerseys, shorts, and other gear:

• Height: This is the foundational measurement for children's cycling apparel. Have your child stand straight against a wall, barefoot, with their feet together. Measure from the top of their head to the floor to determine their height.
• Chest: To measure the chest, wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your child's chest, typically just under the armpits. Make sure the tape is parallel to the floor and not too tight, allowing for breathing room.
• Waist: Identify your child's natural waistline, which is the narrowest part of the waist, usually located just above the belly button. Measure this area with a relaxed tape measure for the best fit in shorts and tights.
• Hips (if applicable): For items like cycling shorts that fit around the hips, measure the widest part of your child's hips for the correct sizing.
• Inseam (if applicable): If you're buying bib shorts or tights, you'll need the inseam measurement. Measure from the crotch to the inside of the ankle for the correct leg length.

How to Measure for Cycling Gloves

Finding the right size gloves is crucial for comfort, grip, and protection while cycling. Follow these steps to measure your hands accurately and choose the perfect pair of Santini cycling gloves:

• Hand Circumference: This is the most important measurement for glove sizing. Wrap a measuring tape around the widest part of your hand, excluding the thumb. The tape should be snug but not tight. Note the measurement in centimeters or inches, as this will determine your glove size.
• Hand Length: Some gloves also consider hand length. Measure from the tip of your middle finger to the base of your hand at the wrist. This measurement can be helpful for finding gloves that provide adequate coverage without restricting movement.
• Check the Size Chart: Once you have your measurements, compare them to the Santini glove size chart. If your measurements fall between sizes, it's generally recommended to choose the larger size for better comfort and flexibility.
• Consider the Fit: Glove fit preferences can vary. Some cyclists prefer a tighter fit for better bike control, while others opt for a looser fit for comfort. Consider your personal preference and the type of cycling you'll be doing when selecting your size.

How to Measure for Socks and Shoe Covers

Ensuring a perfect fit for your cycling socks and shoe covers is key to comfort and performance. Here's a guide to accurately measure socks and shoe covers, designed to keep your feet protected and comfortable on every ride.

Socks

• Foot Length: Measure the distance from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe. Use this measurement in centimetres or inches to find your size on the Santini size chart for socks. A correct fit means your socks will be snug without being too tight, providing the right balance of comfort and support.
• Arch Circumference (Optional): For a precision fit, especially with compression socks, measure the circumference of your foot's arch. This is done by wrapping the measuring tape around the widest part of your arch, just below the ball of your foot.
• Sizing: Consult the Santini size chart with your measurements to select the ideal sock size. If you find yourself between sizes, consider your preference for a tighter or looser fit, as well as the type of cycling you'll be doing.

Shoe Covers:

• Shoe Size: The primary determinant for shoe cover size is your actual shoe size. Knowing your European, US, or UK shoe size will guide you to the correct shoe cover size.
• Foot Length: If you're between shoe sizes or want to ensure the best fit, measure your foot from heel to toe. This measurement can help you choose shoe covers that will comfortably fit over your cycling shoes.
• Size Chart: Refer to the Santini size chart for shoe covers, which uses shoe sizes to help you find the right fit. If you're between sizes, consider the bulkiness of your cycling shoes; mountain bike shoes might need a larger size compared to more streamlined road cycling shoes.
• Closure System Considerations: While not directly related to measuring, the closure system (e.g., zippers, Velcro) of the shoe covers can affect fit and ease of use. Consider this when selecting your shoe covers to ensure they meet your needs for protection and convenience.

How to Measure for Cycling Warmers

Properly sized warmers are essential for comfort and effective protection against the elements. Follow these steps to measure yourself for the best fit in Santini cycling warmers:

1- Arm Warmers:

• Measure the length of your arm from the shoulder to the wrist.
• Measure the circumference of your bicep at its widest point, which is typically the upper arm area.
• Measure the circumference of your wrist.

2- Leg Warmers:

• Measure the length of your leg from the top of your thigh (just under the buttocks) to your ankle.
• Measure the circumference of your thigh at its widest point.
• Measure the circumference of your calf at its widest point.
• Measure the circumference of your ankle.

3- Knee Warmers:

• Measure the length of your leg from the top of your thigh to your knee.
• Measure the circumference of your thigh where the top of the knee warmer will sit.
• Measure the circumference of your leg right above the knee.

Tips for Accurate Measurement:

• Ensure the measuring tape is snug but not too tight on the body.
• For the most accurate results, take measurements while standing in a relaxed position.
• If your measurements fall between two sizes, consider how you prefer your warmers to fit. Choose the smaller size for a tighter fit or the larger size for a looser fit.