Choosing the Best Bike Riding Shorts is crucial for any cyclist looking to enhance their comfort and performance on the road or trail. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the right pair of cycling shorts can make the difference between a joyful ride and a day filled with discomfort. Bike shorts are specially designed to provide padding, support, and breathability, all essential for long hours in the saddle. This guide breaks down the top bike shorts available, helping you find the perfect fit for your riding style and budget.
Best Overall Bike Shorts
SUGOi Evolution Bibs
Cyclist wearing SUGOi Evolution Bib Shorts, highlighting the stylish design and comfortable fit
OVERALL SCORE: 86
- Padding and Protection: 9.0
- Comfort and Fit: 9.0
- Breathability: 9.0
- Efficiency and Pedal Friendliness: 9.0
- Durability: 7.0
- Style: 8.0
REASONS TO BUY:
- Stylish design appealing to modern cyclists
- Exceptional breathability for hot weather rides
- Thick and firm chamois providing excellent padding and support
- Comfortable fit allowing for freedom of movement
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Leg grippers can occasionally slide up during intense rides
- Seams located in high abrasion areas might affect long-term durability
- Potential need for replacement after 2-3 seasons of regular use
The SUGOi Evolution Bibs consistently ranked at the top of our tests, proving themselves as the best overall bike riding shorts. These bib shorts offer an exceptional chamois that provides superior padding and protection, coupled with a fit that moves seamlessly with your body while cycling. The strategic fabric selection and placement are designed to maximize breathability, keeping you cool and dry even during strenuous rides. The high-quality construction ensures these bibs can withstand the rigors of regular cycling.
Priced affordably, the SUGOi Evolution Bibs deliver outstanding value for money. Whether you’re tackling short, fast-paced circuits or enduring long-distance rides, these bibs perform exceptionally well. They allow you to focus on your ride without distractions from discomfort or the need for constant adjustments, helping you stay in your zone and maximize your performance. This is what every cyclist seeks in the best bike riding shorts. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Gore Wear C5 Bib offers excellent performance across all test metrics at a lower price point. We also highly recommend the Assos Equipe RS S9 Bib, although a more premium choice, it provides outstanding padding and is among the most durable options available.
Read more: SUGOi Evolution Bibs review
Model showcasing the stylish look of SUGOi Evolution bib shorts, emphasizing the aesthetic appeal for cyclistsWhile our model might not fully capture the ‘cool’ factor, rest assured, you’ll look remarkably stylish in the SUGOi Evolution bib shorts.
Credit: Thomas King
Best Premium Bike Shorts
Endura Pro SL Bib Short
Endura Pro SL Bib Short, showcasing the high-quality material and design features
OVERALL SCORE: 85
- Padding and Protection: 9.0
- Comfort and Fit: 9.0
- Breathability: 8.0
- Efficiency and Pedal Friendliness: 8.0
- Durability: 8.0
- Style: 8.0
REASONS TO BUY:
- High compression fabric for muscle support and enhanced performance
- Multiple inseam and chamois options to cater to different body types
- All-day comfort, ideal for long rides and endurance cycling
- Quick-drying material for moisture management
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Waistband design might be problematic for some body shapes
- Medium and large chamois sizes can sometimes bunch up
For cyclists seeking top-tier performance and willing to invest in premium gear, the Endura Pro SL Bib Short stands out as the best premium bike shorts. While many cyclists dream of elite gear, practical considerations often necessitate budgeting for essentials like maintenance and upgrades. The Endura Pro SL bridges this gap, offering near top-level performance at a more accessible premium price. Our testers emphasized their suitability for both long, comfortable days in the saddle and intense, high-speed criteriums in hot conditions. The availability of multiple chamois sizes and inseam lengths is a significant advantage, ensuring a better fit for a wider range of body types, making them truly among the best bike riding shorts for serious cyclists.
A common concern, however, is the waistband design. The Endura SL features a low-cut, waders-style waistband, a trend in high-end premium cycling shorts aimed at improving support and cooling. While effective in these areas, it can create a less flattering fit for some, particularly those with a ‘dad bod’ physique, potentially causing a slight bulge that might be visible even under a jersey. Chamois bunching is another potential issue, especially with medium and large sizes, but this can often be resolved by opting for a narrower chamois. Despite these minor drawbacks, common in the realm of high-performance cycling shorts, we are confident that the Endura Pro SL Bib Shorts are an excellent choice for dedicated everyday riders seeking premium quality. For those with a larger budget, the Assos Mille GTO C2 Bib Shorts are another exceptional premium option, known for their superior breathability and padding. Another worthy contender in a similar price range is the Louis Garneau CB Carbon 2 Bib, which excels in comfort with its flexible and non-restrictive design around the legs.
Read more: Endura Pro SL Bib Short review
Close-up of Endura Pro SL Bib Short leg gripper, highlighting the tough silicon grip and potential for tan linesTough silicon grips ensure a secure fit but might lead to sharp roadie tan lines.
Credit: Ryan Baham
Best Bang for the Buck
Castelli Competizione Bib Short
Castelli Competizione Bib Short, displaying the efficient and lightweight design
OVERALL SCORE: 75
- Padding and Protection: 7.0
- Comfort and Fit: 8.0
- Breathability: 6.0
- Efficiency and Pedal Friendliness: 9.0
- Durability: 7.0
- Style: 8.0
REASONS TO BUY:
- Excellent price point, offering great value for performance
- Supportive design suitable for various riding intensities
- Lightweight and efficient construction for optimal performance
- Breathable legs, body, and straps enhancing comfort in warm conditions
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Minor stitching issues reported in some instances
- Chamois may retain excess moisture, potentially affecting comfort on longer rides
For cyclists seeking an affordable yet high-performing option, the Castelli Competizione Bib Short stands out as the best bang for the buck bike riding shorts. These bib shorts are not positioned as premium, but they offer reliable performance, a comfortable feel, and sufficient support for fast riding, while keeping you reasonably cool in sunny conditions. They truly earn their reputation as some of the most affordable high-performance shorts on the market, making them an excellent choice for value-conscious riders looking for the best bike riding shorts within a budget.
While we confidently recommend the Castelli Competizione as among the best cycling shorts available today, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Their comfort is optimized for shorter rides, ideally under 90 minutes. While they can certainly handle longer rides, even up to 5 hours, riders prioritizing maximum comfort for extended periods might prefer shorts with more substantial padding. They are perfectly suited for shorter, high-intensity crit-style races and also serve as a great secondary pair for regular training rotations. For cyclists focusing on longer distances, the Sugoi RS Century Zap Bib is a superior choice for endurance riding. If long-distance cycling isn’t your primary focus, the Gore Wear C5 Bib remains a fantastic all-around option, particularly well-suited for fast, intense workouts.
Read more: Castelli Competizione Bib Short review
Cyclist in Castelli Competizione bib shorts, illustrating the second-skin feel and streamlined fit on the roadThe Competiziones truly feel like a second skin when you’re out on the road, enhancing both comfort and performance.
Credit: Ryan Baham
Best on a Tight Budget
Pearl Izumi Quest
Pearl Izumi Quest bike shorts, highlighting the durable and value-oriented design
$60 at REI (before member cash back!)
OVERALL SCORE: 59
- Padding and Protection: 6.0
- Comfort and Fit: 6.0
- Breathability: 6.0
- Efficiency and Pedal Friendliness: 6.0
- Durability: 6.0
- Style: 5.0
REASONS TO BUY:
- Extremely affordable, making them accessible for budget-conscious cyclists
- Supportive construction providing adequate muscle support
- Tough material ensuring decent wear resistance
- Reduced friction design enhancing pedaling efficiency
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Fit can be somewhat imprecise for some body types
- Comfort diminishes relatively quickly on longer rides
The Pearl Izumi Quest Bike Shorts earn recognition for outstanding value by being among the most affordable options available, making them the best bike riding shorts on a tight budget. We evaluated the essential features needed for a few hours of comfortable cycling against their cost, and these shorts emerged as the top choice in this category. They are built to last, utilizing a high nylon blend for a snug fit with enhanced durability compared to many other shorts.
The updated Levitate Chamois provides a reasonable level of in-saddle comfort, a noticeable improvement over previous versions, making trainer sessions and commutes significantly more pleasant. However, comfort does start to decrease after about an hour to an hour and a half, making them best suited for commutes or newer riders covering shorter distances. Regardless of distance, the Pearl Izumi Quest shorts are a reliable option when budget is a primary concern. For those with a slightly larger budget seeking enhanced comfort, the Giordana FR-C Pro offers superior comfort and padding but comes at roughly three times the price of the Quest. Another excellent budget alternative is the Pearl Izumi Escape Quest, a great entry-level pair of bike riding shorts ideal for short rides and commuting, similar in performance to the Quest.
Read more: Pearl Izumi Quest Bike Shorts review
Cyclist wearing Pearl Izumi Quest shorts, demonstrating their resilience and suitability for regular ridingConsidering the amount and intensity of riding we put these shorts through, we are impressed with their durability, even though they are not professional-grade shorts.
Credit: Ryan Baham
Best for Short Courses
Louis Garneau CB Carbon 2 Bib
Louis Garneau CB Carbon 2 Bib, showcasing the design optimized for short, intense rides
OVERALL SCORE: 78
- Padding and Protection: 8.0
- Comfort and Fit: 9.0
- Breathability: 7.0
- Efficiency and Pedal Friendliness: 9.0
- Durability: 5.0
- Style: 8.0
REASONS TO BUY:
- Natural-feeling fit providing excellent freedom of movement
- Lean padding specifically designed for short, high-intensity rides
- Good breathability to keep you cool during intense efforts
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Less supportive compared to more compressive shorts
- Tighter groin compartment might cause discomfort for some riders
For demanding criteriums, intense trainer sessions, spin classes, and other short, high-intensity workouts, you need bike riding shorts that fit snugly without hindering your pedaling and avoid bulky padding that can bunch up when you’re in a forward riding position. The Louis Garneau CB Carbon 2 Bib perfectly meets these criteria, making them the best bike riding shorts for short courses. Constructed with nine panels of CB Carbon+ lycra and strategic EndureXX panels along the back thighs, these bibs enhance both fit and comfort. We consistently chose them for challenging, fast training sessions lasting under 90 minutes. They also perform adequately on longer rides, but for extended, slower rides, other options might be preferable.
Cyclists seeking highly compressive and supportive bike bib shorts might find the LG CB Carbon 2 lacking in that aspect. We appreciated the more unrestricted feel, but some riders might prefer a tighter, more supportive fit for performance benefits. A minor drawback is a slight constriction in the groin area, which can make mid-ride adjustments less comfortable, although high-intensity races are rarely comfortable anyway. If you prefer shorts over bibs, the shorts version of this model is also a well-regarded option.
Read more: Louis Garneau CB Carbon 2 Bib Short review
Cyclist in Louis Garneau CB Carbon 2 bib shorts, demonstrating their ideal use for trainer sessions and criterium racingThe Carbon 2s are perfect for pushing your limits on the trainer or during an hour-long criterium race.
Credit: Ryan Baham
Best Long-Distance Touring Shorts
Sugoi RS Century Zap Bib
Sugoi RS Century Zap Bib, showcasing the design with storage pockets and endurance-focused features
OVERALL SCORE: 79
- Padding and Protection: 8.0
- Comfort and Fit: 8.0
- Breathability: 7.0
- Efficiency and Pedal Friendliness: 9.0
- Durability: 7.0
- Style: 8.0
REASONS TO BUY:
- Exceptional endurance comfort for long days in the saddle
- Moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry and comfortable
- Convenient storage pockets for carrying essentials on long rides
REASONS TO AVOID:
- Leg grippers may occasionally slip during extended rides
- Compression might feel too tight for some riders
During our spring testing, which involved numerous long, slow base mile rides, we found ourselves needing more storage for nutrition without resorting to bulky touring bags. The SUGOi RS Century Zap Bib arrived just in time as weekend rides extended beyond 65 miles. The integrated pockets proved invaluable for carrying extra calories, freeing up jersey pocket space for additional water bottles. However, these are much more than just bike riding shorts with pockets. Testers highlighted the targeted padding of the Formula FX chamois as a significant benefit, providing enhanced density under the sit bones and reduced density in the perineum area. This thoughtful design greatly improves comfort and is a key reason why these shorts became our preferred choice for long days in the saddle, making them the best long-distance touring shorts.
The Century Zap bibs are not without minor drawbacks. The high nylon content, while enhancing compression, can sometimes feel overly tight. While it doesn’t restrict movement while cycling, the compression is noticeable when performing significant stretches, such as standing up for sprints. Some riders have also reported chafing from the upper edge of the chamois. While we didn’t experience this issue, it remains a possibility. Overall, these shorts are likely to satisfy many long-distance cyclists and certainly met our needs for extended rides. The Assos Equipe RS S9 Bib is also an excellent bib for long rides, albeit at a higher price point.
Read more: Sugoi RS Century Zap review
Cyclist wearing Sugoi RS Century Zap bib shorts, showing the slight cuff creep after extended use but overall secure fitYou might notice a slight cuff creep as the ride progresses, but it’s generally minor and not overly bothersome.
Credit: Ryan Baham
Compare Products
Group of cyclists in various bike shorts, encouraging readers to find their perfect fit for road cyclingSee you on the road! Find your best bike riding shorts and enjoy the ride.
Credit: Ryan Baham
How We Test Bike Shorts
For each of our review categories, we conduct thorough research to select the products for testing. After extensive market research, we purchased 13 top-rated pairs of bike riding shorts for comprehensive evaluation. We rigorously tested these cycling shorts, pushing them to their limits to assess their durability, wear resistance, and overall performance. Each pair underwent a minimum of 10 hours of saddle time, encompassing spin classes, training rides, commutes, and specific testing protocols. We also conducted in-depth research into design, materials, user feedback, and other relevant aspects to ensure a thorough and comparative product assessment across various metrics.
Our bike shorts testing is structured around six key rating metrics:
- Padding and Protection (25% of total score)
- Comfort and Fit (20% weighting)
- Breathability (15% weighting)
- Efficiency and Pedal Friendliness (15% weighting)
- Durability (15% weighting)
- Style (10% weighting)
For detailed information about our testing methodology, please refer to our full How We Test Bike Shorts article.
Why Trust GearLab
Ryan Baham is a dedicated road cycling enthusiast with a deep passion for the sport. His fascination with long-distance cycling began in his youth, captivated by the freedom it offered in rural settings. He has accumulated extensive experience in riding, training, researching, and racing, logging thousands of miles annually, fueled by an ever-growing love for cycling. After enduring five years of snow and ice in Virginia, the Florida native relocated to Southern California to enjoy its ideal year-round cycling climate. Beyond his cycling passion, Ryan possesses a strong background in research, material quality, and integrity, holding a Master’s in Public Administration, a Graduate Certificate in Procurement, and two BAs in social sciences, complemented by his professional role as an enterprise software implementation consultant.
GearLab team putting bike shorts to the test, showing various shorts being evaluated in a real-world cycling scenarioPutting our selection of best bike riding shorts to rigorous testing.
Credit: Crystal Huffman
Analysis and Test Results
There are two primary categories of cycling shorts: tight spandex-style shorts and baggy mountain bike shorts with a padded liner. Tight cycling shorts are predominantly used for road biking but are also favored by cross-country mountain bikers who prioritize maximum fit and performance from their padded shorts and do not require the additional protection of an outer layer.
Types of Cycling Shorts
Understanding the distinctions between road and mountain biking needs, and between tight and baggy shorts, will help you determine if you’re in the right place. If you’re still reading, we assume you’re interested in form-fitting cycling shorts. Now, the next decision is: bibs or shorts? Our testing encompassed both shorts and bibs to identify the best bike riding shorts for various preferences. Bib shorts are generally preferred by road cyclists, especially for longer rides. Newer cyclists and triathletes often opt for shorts. While bib straps might seem a bit unconventional and prevent the option of going shirtless, their benefits become apparent on rides exceeding an hour. Ultimately, the choice is personal. If you prefer shorts over bibs for 100-mile rides, that’s perfectly acceptable – there are more crucial factors to consider than bib straps alone.
What’s the Best Value?
Value is always a key consideration at GearLab. We purchased and tested top-performing bike riding shorts, evaluating their performance relative to their price. Which products offered the most value for their cost? The PEARL iZUMi Quest shorts offer impressive performance for their very affordable price. The SUGOi Evolution Bibs, while more expensive, are still priced below the average of the tested pairs and deliver exceptional performance and fit, representing outstanding value.
Close-up of chamois padding in bike shorts, illustrating the different shapes and sizes available for optimal rider comfortChamois and padding vary significantly in shape and size, ideally designed to accommodate a wide range of riders. We find that the most effective padding is flexible, form-fitting, and provides firm support at key contact points.
Credit: Crystal Huffman
Padding and Protection
Padding and protection are paramount when selecting the right cycling shorts. These features distinguish bike riding shorts from standard athletic shorts. They can determine whether you enjoy a comfortable ride or endure saddle fatigue that forces you to cut your ride short.
The chamois is the padded insert that provides crucial protection between your body and the saddle. Chamois technology has advanced significantly in both ergonomic design and materials. The chamois is engineered to protect the ischial tuberosities (sit bones) and the perineal region. These areas are gender-specific, so it’s important to choose a chamois designed for your anatomy.
In our testing for padding and protection, we assessed chamois designed for various riding styles. Unlike mountain bike shorts, road bike shorts typically have a fixed chamois position, optimized for a more aggressive riding posture.
Assos GoldenGate chamois design, highlighting the advanced padding technology and flexibility for rider movementAssos is known for producing some of the best chamois. Here is their GoldenGate design, which allows the padding to move more naturally with your body during pedaling.
Credit: Ryan Baham
All the shorts we tested included chamois pads, but some, like the SUGOi Evolution Bibs, feature smaller chamois pads that require more precise saddle positioning. This isn’t necessarily a flaw but should be considered in relation to your riding style. If you typically ride in a more upright position, these forward-oriented chamois pads might become uncomfortable quickly. You’ll need more rearward padding designed for touring or relaxed riding. Some models, such as the Gore C5 Bib Shorts+, are designed for a more forward and aggressive riding style, with padding concentrated primarily along the perineum.
Range of chamois pad thicknesses, demonstrating the variation from minimal padding to robust cushioning for different riding needsChamois pads range from very minimal to extremely robust. Most reputable brands now offer decent chamois, but for longer rides, opting for more robust padding is advisable.
Credit: Ryan Baham
We generally sought bike riding shorts that balanced padding between the ischial and perineal regions. Maintaining comfort during a ride often involves slight adjustments to your saddle position. You need shorts or bibs with a chamois that protects high-pressure areas and accommodates these adjustments without hindering pedaling or creating a “wet diaper” sensation.
FR-C Pro shorts chamois, illustrating the design that minimizes the wet diaper effect and enhances breathabilityThe FR-C Pro shorts effectively minimize the “wet diaper effect,” enhancing comfort and breathability during rides.
Credit: Ryan Baham
Beyond overall thickness, we also evaluated chamois density or firmness. Density, the compactness of the padding, significantly influences its performance.
The SUGOi Evolution Bibs excelled in padding and protection due to their thick, targeted padding. The updated version features even more comfortable padding in the rear chamois area and a redesigned front that includes a cradle pouch for enhanced frontal support, adding a welcome degree of freedom. The Giordana FR-C Pro shorts also scored highly with their thin, multi-layer padding, which proved extremely comfortable and effective for their intended use—short, intense rides. On longer rides with many other models, we needed to frequently adjust our position to manage saddle fatigue.
Comparison of chamois designs in bike shorts, showing the updated SUGOi Evolution with enhanced front cradle pouchThe updated Evolution (left) features a 3D fit design with a new cradle pouch in the front, offering significantly more coverage than its predecessor, the Evolution Pro (right).
Credit: Ryan Baham
Comfort and Fit
Fit and comfort are integral to quality road bike shorts. The primary function of bike riding shorts or bibs is to enhance cycling comfort. The chamois plays a critical role, needing to be sufficiently thick, dense, correctly sized, and properly positioned to maintain comfort, particularly on rides lasting seven or eight hours. Poorly designed shorts or shorts that don’t fit correctly can lead to numbness and discomfort in sensitive areas within just ten minutes, a distinctly unpleasant sensation.
Besides the chamois, we evaluated bike riding shorts and bibs for good cut and effective use of strong nylon combined with fibers like spandex or polyester to provide stretch and form-fitting qualities. Any slight imperfection in fit can significantly impact comfort. We assessed the placement and effectiveness of leg cuffs. Various methods are used to keep shorts in place, typically involving materials inside the cuffs that grip the skin, such as double-folded fabric, silicone bands, or strips.
Leg grippers on Castelli Competizione bib shorts, highlighting the secure grip and potential difficulty in pulling them onThe trade-off with excellent leg grippers, like those on the Castelli Competizione bib shorts, is that they can be challenging to pull on and properly position.
Credit: Ryan Baham
The Sugoi RS Century Zap and Giordana FR-C Pro Shorts feature a compression fit, offering a different feel compared to traditional road bike shorts or bibs. These are designed to support leg muscles and improve blood flow, reducing fatigue during cycling. Compression should be snug but targeted to the right areas. These three models effectively supported the quads, hamstrings, and hip abductors, feeling tight yet comfortable.
Even the most comfortable bike riding shorts can cause irritation on very long rides. We highly recommend using chamois creams like DZ Nutz Pro Chamois Cream or Chamois Butt’r for extended rides. While initially feeling unusual, these creams can significantly enhance comfort and prevent chafing, making the difference between enjoyment and discomfort. Consider trying a menthol-based cream for a cooling sensation.
Considering these factors, the robust fabric needed for compression and support can sometimes be more of a hindrance than a help. We looked for the optimal balance of chamois comfort, flexibility, form-fit, and compression. Our top-ranked shorts and bibs in comfort and fit were the Endura Pro SL bib shorts, SUGOi Evolution bib shorts, and Louis Garneau CB Carbon 2 Bib.
Comparison of leg grippers on bike shorts, showing the improved silicone MAB PowerBand on the updated Evolution modelThe leg grippers on the Evolution Pro (left) were not as effective as the updated Evolution (right) with its new silicone MAB PowerBand.
Credit: Ryan Baham
Breathability
Breathability is a crucial factor in cycling shorts or bibs. More breathable shorts enhance comfort during rides. Sweat needs to be effectively wicked away to the fabric’s exterior for evaporation. Cycling is efficient due to airflow at speeds of 15 to 40 mph, but breathable clothing is essential for this process. With the right bike riding shorts, you’ll feel surprisingly dry, even with significant exertion. Conversely, inadequate gear can lead to soggy shorts and saddle slippage throughout your ride.
Breathability also plays a key role in temperature regulation, critical for endurance. Even slight temperature changes can impact aerobic efficiency—overheating reduces efficiency. For long rides, you need shorts that promote airflow to keep you cool.
Mesh straps and open design in Castelli Competizione bib shorts, highlighting features for enhanced breathability and coolingThin mesh straps and open designs, like those in the Castelli Competizione bib shorts, significantly enhance cooling and dryness.
Credit: Ryan Baham
All tested bike riding shorts and bibs were made from synthetic materials known for breathability and moisture-wicking. Advances in material technology have greatly benefited the cycling apparel industry. Since bibs cover more of the upper body, extra attention to breathability is particularly important.
SUGOi and Assos led in breathability, incorporating vented mesh fabrics and a high percentage of hydrophobic polyester fibers. The new Assos Equipe RS Bib Shorts S9 closely followed, utilizing very thin material and a skin-tight design to maximize breathability and drying.
Cyclist in hot weather, emphasizing the importance of breathability in bike shorts for comfort and performanceBreathability is crucial, especially in hot conditions when you’re stuck without wind or shade.
Efficiency and Pedal Friendliness
Efficiency and pedal friendliness were heavily weighted in our testing. This metric assesses how well bike riding shorts perform while pedaling. The chamois is again crucial, needing to allow leg movement without interference from excess fabric. This is why the size of the saddle, chamois, and ischial contact points must be precisely matched.
Fabric also plays a significant role. Materials like nylon, spandex, and polyester reduce air drag and friction between the body and saddle, enhancing efficiency. Improved pedaling efficiency contributes to better posture, increased speed, and reduced fatigue. Efficiency and pedal friendliness are more noticeable on medium to long rides, making longer tests essential for accurate evaluation.
The Castelli Competizione bib shorts and Assos Mille GTO C2 bib shorts ranked highest in this category. They feature low-profile padding concentrated under the ischial and perineal areas, tapering to a simple chafe guard along the inner thighs. This design facilitates smooth transitions in and out of the saddle and easy adjustments while riding. The chamois also conform closely to the body, allowing a greater range of motion.
Cyclist in Assos Centos bib shorts, highlighting the efficient fabric and design for optimal pedaling performanceFabric efficiency becomes increasingly important as you start to feel fatigue. It’s inversely related to your effort and overall exertion. The Assos Centos were nearly unmatched in this aspect.
Credit: Ryan Baham
Their fabric combines polyamide, elastane, and polyester for a supple yet supportive material. Broad shoulder straps prevent chafing without compromising snugness, ensuring no bunched-up fabric interferes with form. The Louis Garneau CB Carbon 2 bib shorts use a less compressive but equally supple fabric blend for a close, natural fit.
Both SUGOi bib shorts also performed exceptionally well in this metric. Their updated leg grippers use silicone MAB PowerBand to securely hold the legs in place, resolving issues with the previous version’s grippers riding up when wet or sweaty, which caused bunching near the crotch.
Durability
Durability is a newer metric in our reviews and challenging to assess fully within our testing timeframe. We evaluated durability through intensive testing, design analysis for seam and structure longevity, fabric strength and abrasion resistance assessment, and online consumer feedback research for common issues.
Products scoring highest in durability used robust fabrics with high nylon content and seam designs minimizing external rubbing or repetitive wear. Lower-scoring products, like the Louis Garneau CB Carbon 2, used lycra and thinner materials; we experienced a rip in the shorts version during testing.
Damage to Louis Garneau CB Carbon 2 shorts, showing a large hole developed during testing, highlighting durability concernsThe Louis Garneau CB Carbon 2 shorts developed a significant hole on the left side, indicating lower durability compared to some other models.
Credit: Crystal Huffman
Determining long-term durability requires extensive longitudinal studies. We rely on rigorous testing and consumer feedback to evaluate product longevity. For example, the updated SUGOi Evolution bib shorts, while generally high-performing, received some consumer quality complaints, slightly lowering their durability score compared to the previous version, which had fewer reported issues.
Style
The style of road cyclists is a complex and often debated topic. Perceptions of style vary widely. While cyclists appreciate the latest advancements in bike riding shorts, such as 10-panel designs, four-way stretch fabrics, and antimicrobial chamois that offer a sleek, aerodynamic look and showcase muscle definition, non-cyclists might find the term style questionable when describing skin-tight cycling apparel.
Close-up of bike shorts chamois, humorously highlighting the protective codpiece-like appearance often associated with cycling shortsProtective codpiece prominently displayed – a humorous take on the aesthetic of cycling shorts.
Credit: Ryan Baham
Style is subjective, but the tested bike riding shorts varied in aesthetic appeal, with some brands prioritizing style more than others through stitching details, logo placement, color schemes, cuts, and materials.
In our style assessment, we favored more subtle and understated designs. The SUGOi Evolution bib shorts feature tasteful color accents, panel designs, and branding. We also appreciated the Gore C5s for their design with a bold white panel along the thighs and lower back. Most of the tested items were primarily functional, emphasizing utilitarian black designs and prioritizing quality over flamboyant colors and styles.
Gore C5 shorts design, showing the subtle yet stylish white paneling that sets them apart from standard black shortsThe Gore C5s stand out subtly, especially compared to the typical all-black design of most bike riding shorts.
Credit: Tara Kharrazian
The iZUMi Quest shorts ranked lower in style—not unattractive, but not particularly exciting either.
Cyclist preparing for a ride, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right bike shorts for a successful workoutFinding the right best bike riding shorts is essential for a comfortable and effective workout on the bike.
Credit: Tara Kharrazian
Conclusion
This guide is focused on highlighting the best bike riding shorts. If a pair isn’t mentioned as a top performer or in one of our top ratings, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not an excellent option that might be perfect for your specific needs. We encourage you to explore the individual reviews for more details on shorts that catch your eye or require further clarification. We aim to be as comprehensive as possible without being overwhelming. Hopefully, this guide has provided valuable insights to help you select a great pair of bike riding shorts that will work well for you. Good luck and enjoy safe riding!
