3d vs 4d padded cycling shorts?
 

What’s the Difference Between 3D and 4D Padded Cycling Shorts?
Thanks

Likely marketing/hype, but allegedly 4D not only has thicker/thinner padding but varying density for better comfort over pressure points with less bulge/bunching in areas where not needed.

At least that’s my understanding.

I agree with datlas, mostly marketing/bs. I've had pads that worked for me, and those that didn't, long (long, long...) before 3D/4D pads, and I expect to be cycling long after they're gone. It doesn't matter what they're called, as long as they work for you. Unfortunately, once you do find a pad that you really like, it'll probably be changed next year (or certainly by the year after that).

1d

4D shorts are made by aliens from the future.

Can we assume that the dimensions are X, Y, Z and time? Not sure how that applies to bike shorts. Probably "business physics" rather than something based on reality.

one is thick, the other is thicker. Both are like wearing a diaper.

4D adds a whole other dimension that 3D lacks. I think the 4D shorts are recommended for riding right before sunrise and right after sunset. I could be wrong.

Well, how about links to the items in question? My take, like others is that it is marketing doublespeak

It's the cheap chinese ones on Amazon. They will label them as 3d or 4d padded...whatever that means.

They made "string theory" shorts, with 10 dimensions, but those extra 6 dimensions didn't improve the riding performance.

String theory
The existence of these additional six dimensions which we cannot perceive is necessary for String Theory in order for there to be consistency in nature. The fact that we can perceive only four dimensions of space can be explained by one of two mechanisms: either the extra dimensions are compactified on a very small scale, or else our world may live on a 3-dimensional submanifold corresponding to a brane, on which all known particles besides gravity would be restricted (aka. brane theory).

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Choosing
Unfortunately, it's not easy to pick out good shorts. For me, it's all about the fit. Some are just right, others are annoying to wear.

I most always prefer the thinner, more engineered padding on the more expensive models. The cheapest ones often have thick but easily compressible foam.

Now, once I find some shorts I like, I get as many spares as I can afford. They tend to change the designs and not always for the better.

in the end, they tend to wipe the same.

Let’s not rush things. :D

Sometimes, ya gots the urge of the runs.

I bought the 3D and they felt fine so tried the thicker 4D. TOO MUCH padding, sent them back.

Who wouldn’t want more Ds?

I like having extras.

the aliens who designed the 4d ones know that towards the end of a ride, your backside gets more sore. so the thickness of the pads is tapered in time, medium right at the beginning of the ride, thin in the middle where you're really hammering out of the saddle, and then a rapid thickening for the seated bonk.

voted best answer

Time?

4d
 

Ya'll can laugh and have your science nerdy joking fun. It's a size thing, like bra cups. 4d is for really big butts! :lol:

Probably it's marketing.4 Padded shorts are thicker than 3D padded shorts. This is the only difference. 4D padded shorts used 4 layer cushion. For comfortable cycling, I think 3D padded shorts are best.

Normally that's true, however in cycling shorts the relevant dimensions are X, Y, Z, and Absorbency

...and only really appreciated by the very young and very old.