A pair of the best cycling shorts can make the difference between a ride to remember and one you’d rather forget. The major benefits offered by cycling shorts are that they allow your body to breathe and provide support to your muscles, thanks to their compression construction.
If you are a cyclist that prefers those long-distance rides, a pair of modern compression cycling shorts include technical fabrics that can give you huge advantages. They can wick away moisture keeping you cool and sweat-free, and also prevent chafing and rashes.
What are the different types of cycling shorts?
The most common type of cycling shorts is waist shorts, which are shaped like a regular pair of shorts but have an elastic waist. However, one of the best styles of cycling shorts is the bib short, which removes the elastic waist and instead uses a pair of straps or suspenders to keep them in place. Finally, there are the compression tights that are similar in shape to the bib shorts but cover more of the body.
The style of cycling shorts you choose depends on your type of ride. Competitive racers will be best off wearing a pair of bib shorts, as they offer support and comfort for the muscles. Beginners, however, will do well with a pair of compression waist shorts, especially for shorter but athletically intense rides.
Features of quality cycling shorts
One of the major features that are unique to cycling shorts, is the chamois. Pronounced ‘sha-me’, the chamois is a pad that is sewn into the fabric and was designed to ensure comfort during long-distance rides. The functions of the pad are to alleviate pressure in the groin region, reduce friction and chafing, and even have antimicrobial properties to keep everything fresh down there.
They are often made of cushioning foam that varies in density depending on the type of ride. Professional riders on the Tour de France for example would use a chamois that is extremely dense to keep them comfortable under those gruelling conditions.
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Siroko
This has allowed them to craft a range of chamois bib shorts from a fabric blend of polyester and spandex that is interwoven with UV protection and reflective panelling, making them some of the best cycling shorts around. They can withstand the intensity of a long ride and have power length elastic bands to keep everything in place the whole time, distraction-free. For the very best, check out the ‘SRX Pro Elite’.
Sigr
Their range of bib short are some of the best cycling shorts for those who go for long-distance outdoor rides and even for indoor competitive cycling. However you choose to ride, you’re guaranteed to be moving comfortably and with their ‘Riksettan’ bib, you’ll ride without fear of injury with laminated pads throughout that reduce load on typical pain points.
Pearl Izumi
The ‘Pro Bib’ shorts are the very best cycling shorts on offer and feature a comfortable, supportive fit that will resist twisting and binding. With breathable chamois and ultra-soft fabrics that allow for a flow of natural movement that is completed by the addition of thin silicone grips on the leg hems that stop them from riding up.
Santini
Their range of bib cycling shorts offer aerodynamic cuts and top of the range chamois for the best performance, all ride long. With the ‘Trek-Segafredo Pro’ bib short, the elasticated seamless braces ensure the utmost comfort and contain an internal silicone gripper within the durable elasticated leg bands.
POC
Their range of cycling shorts includes boxer shorts, bib shorts and even thermal tights, and they are all of the utmost quality expected by the professionals. Featuring their patented ‘VPDS’ contour pads that reduce vibration and enhance anatomic support, the Çeramic VPDS’ bib short is the best on offer and guaranteed to keep you comfortable and safe from unnecessary injury.
Mavic
Designed for those long and hot rides, the ‘Cosmic Ultimate SL’ bib shorts are some of the best cycling shorts for keeping you cool. With strategic engineering to promote cooling airflow without losing its fitting form so you can push yourself during those sweltering days. The chamois includes a multi-layer construction that absorbs jarring vibration for when you’re pedalling over uneven and rough terrain.
Twin Six
Their range is full of sleek designs and patterns that break the mould and perform even better. With a selection of bib shorts that pay close attention to the details for a comfortable fit that is versatile for any kind of rider. With their ‘Standard’ bib you’ll find eight panels of eight-ounce micro-denier nylon and soft fabric that will absorb and disperse moisture.
Campagnolo
With their cycling shorts, they approached the development with top-quality materials, exquisite construction and classic design. They’ve made shorts that will move with you, and with the ‘Magnesio’ bib short you’ll find the very best fit, with compressive fabrics, triple-density chamois and even UV protection.
Assos
The range of cycling shorts on offer include bib shorts, compression shorts and even cargo shorts that work the same as your regular cycling shorts but have a semi-baggy fit. The best however comes in the form of the ‘T.rallyShorts_s7’ shorts that were designed for trail riding and mountainous terrain complete with padding that centres on the hip joints.
DHB
The range of cycling apparel available includes bib shorts, waist shorts and bib tights. All of them feature the highest quality but serve a different function for the kind of ride and the kind of season. For those indoor training sessions, you’ll go with their ‘Aeron Turbo’ and for those more intense mountain rides, you’ll go for something like the ‘Aeron Lab XC’ bib short.
Cafe du Cycliste
With technical fabrics and aerodynamic cuts to keep you cool and comfortable, their cycling shorts really are some of the best, helping you to perform as well as they make you look. With their ‘Augustine Mesh-Panelled Jersey’ bib short you’ll find a lightweight, stretch jersey fabric that wicks moisture and a padded ‘CyTech’ seat that ensures those long rides are comfortable.
Sportful
With tradition comes a level of expertise and their range of cycling shorts match that and go beyond in terms of fabric and feel. With their ‘Total Comfort’ bib tights, you’ll find the very best in construction, featuring a stretchy, fleece-lined fabric that is double-layered in the front for protection from harsh, cold winds, and a thinner band of thermal fabric at the base ensures everything stays breathable.
Kalas
Their range of cycling shorts are built to withstand the high levels of endurance that is familiar to European cycling. With the ‘GBCT Pro’ bib short, you’ll find technical construction using bonded seams, an Elastic Interface Endurance pad, and a compressive, aerodynamic Goffrato fabric that has all been tested by professional cyclists and worn by British Cycling endurance squads.
Castelli
With that history of helping the very best perform at the highest level, their cycling shorts come with the guarantee of professional quality. Using some of the most advanced tech fabrics such as Gore-Tex and Nanoflex, the range is designed for performance under any condition. You’ll find the best with the ‘Sorpasso RoS Wind’ bib short, that will keep you rolling through brisk weather. In short, Castelli make some of the best cycling shorts around.
Ashmei
Ashmei makes some of the best cycling shorts for active riders which are complemented by a muted colour palette and minimalist aesthetic. The ‘Signature’ bib shorts come in a variety of different hues and in terms of performance, you’ll find a super compressive race fit, water and wind-resistant microfibre fabric and leg cuffs with silicone non-slip treatment.
De Marchi
Whether you are a trial rider or racer, this range of cycling shorts will support you and match your level of performance, all ride long. With their ‘Perfectos’ series of bib shorts, you’ll get the very best for any terrain, featuring unrivalled comfort and support thanks to lightweight mesh fabrics and padding that will support all muscle groups.
Louis Garneau
Bib shorts, waist shorts and tights are all on offer with their range of cycling shorts and are constructed to make a tough ride or workout feel easy. With the right materials and supportive cuts, their shorts will make a difference and the ‘CB Carbon Lazer’ bib shorts are some of the best cycling shorts around, featuring a blend of fabrics from Lycra to carbon fibre and a coating that will absorb UV rays.
Rapha
With their range of cycling shorts, you’ll find quality over quantity and premium fabrics within durable constructions. If you had to pick one for your ride, however, the ‘Pro Team Winter’ bib tights are the company's best cycling shorts available. With a windproof stretch-jersey cut that is ideal for cold-weather rides, and internal fleece backing and chamois pad for comfort.
GORE Wear
Their range of cycling shorts invoke quality and the development was helped with collaboration form professional cyclists such as Fabian Cancellera. Made to withstand the intensity of road cycling and built with technologies to support the lower body through the gruelling motions. With their ‘C7 Long Distance’ bib shorts, you’ll find breathable fabrics and a three-point chamois that means you’ll never have to readjust during your ride.