Class, today we're going to talk about underwear. This has nothing to do with bike riding, but rather what you wear when you're not riding. Whether your preference is for boxers or briefs, one truth holds fast: Cotton underwear leaves much to be desired. Cotton boxers fit loosely and tend to bunch up, particularly under tight-fitting denim jeans. And elastic-hemmed cotton briefs can pinch you in countless ways -- your waistband, your legs, not to mention elsewhere.

Boxer briefs are enchanting from a construction standpoint. They largely cure the rumpling headaches you get from boxers, and they pinch your legs far less than briefs. But until lately we've yet to find the perfect version --

We once bought a pair of Under Armour to try, but the waistband was like 2" high, making our waist feel like was wrapped in sausage casing. And the material was akin to heavy Power Lycra: No breathability and no stretch, which makes summertime quite unpleasant.

From there we thought about trying the legendary brand -- Calvin Klein. But then we realized that (a) we don't know where to buy Calvin Klein, and (b) we're still traumatized by those Marky Mark boy-toy ads from when we were teenagers. We recused ourselves.

So, instead, our research took us over to Target, where we got a set of Hanes. The fit itself was decent, but the materials quality just sucked. It might've said "100% Cotton", but they were scratchier than the sheets at a Super 8. Maybe they break in after a few washings, though we didn't know if we could stay sane for that long.

Our final option, we're delighted to say, was nirvana. The Craft proCOOL Boxer with Mesh is to underwear what their proCOOL T is to base layers: perfection. The front and rear panels of the Craft boxers are made from their standard proCOOL material. It's ideal for warm-to-really-hot weather temperatures, since its multi-channeled, hollow fibers exponentially increase moisture absorption and the release of warm body heat as the temps increase. A mesh knit creates more air pockets across the surface of the fabric, maximizing ventilation and air to skin contact. Even as temperatures soar, proCOOL keeps you dry and comfortable.

The side panels of the Craft boxers are made from proCOOL mesh, giving you greater air permeability along your hips. The waistband and legbands have just enough tension to keep the boxers in place, but they're not so tall that they oversqueeze your flesh. And they're soft, light, and they have the bonus of being anti-microbial (not just anti-odor).

Yes, Competitive Cyclist is just a bike company. But you've gotta trust us on this one. You'll never wear or buy any other underwear again. Available in sizes Small-XXL in Black.