Cycling through pregnancy offers numerous benefits, from maintaining fitness to boosting mental well-being. Many expecting mothers are keen to continue cycling, just like I did even until the day before labor. However, a recurring challenge arises: finding comfortable and supportive cycling apparel, especially Cushioned Bike Pants, designed for a pregnant body.
During my own pregnancy, a single pair of maternity bike shorts became my essential gear. It’s a shame that finding suitable options remains difficult. While maternity exercise wear can be adapted, cyclists often seek specialized gear for enhanced comfort and performance on the bike. If you’re looking for dedicated cushioned bike pants to support your cycling routine during pregnancy, navigating the limited market is key. Let’s explore some of the best available options and clever alternatives to keep you comfortably riding.
Top Cushioned Bike Pant Options for Expectant Mothers
Despite the limited selection of maternity-specific cycling apparel, a few brands offer excellent cushioned bike pants designed with pregnancy in mind. Here are some standout choices:
Kaden Apparel Primo Maternity Chamois Bike Shorts
The Primo Maternity Chamois Shorts from Kaden Apparel are a top recommendation for cushioned bike pants during pregnancy. These shorts are specifically engineered to provide exceptional comfort and support for expectant mothers who wish to continue cycling. The design incorporates a high belly band and a carefully shaped curve beneath the belly, ensuring an optimal fit throughout your ride.
The adaptability of these cushioned bike pants is remarkable. The tall belly band can be worn extended for maximum coverage or folded down, making them versatile even after pregnancy. Their c-section friendly design further extends their usability into the postpartum period, offering continued comfort and support.
Cyclists who have used these shorts frequently highlight their comfort and excellent fit. The leg openings are generously sized, preventing constriction, and the integrated padding provides effective cushioning in key areas. The positive feedback also consistently mentions the brand’s responsive and helpful customer service. While minor points like a slightly itchy tag or a desire for thicker padding have been noted, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive.
Price & Where To Buy:
- $114.99 List
- Buy at KadenApparel.com
Kaden Apparel Kokopelli Maternity Mountain Bike Shorts
Kaden Apparel also offers the Kokopelli Maternity Mountain Bike Shorts, another option worth considering if you prefer a baggier style of cushioned bike pants, particularly for mountain biking. These shorts are designed without a built-in chamois liner, allowing you to pair them with your preferred padded underwear for customizable cushioning.
The Kokopelli shorts are crafted from a 4-way stretch fabric, ensuring a comfortable and flexible fit that adapts to your changing body. They provide ample room in the seat and thigh areas, accommodating various body shapes and sizes throughout pregnancy.
Similar to the Primo shorts, the Kokopelli features a soft, supportive belly band with a curved design for enhanced comfort. This band can also be worn up or rolled down, offering flexibility and prolonged use. With a 9-inch inseam, these shorts provide good coverage and can be adjusted for length by rolling them up. Practical features like rear pockets and a zippered phone pocket add to their functionality. Durability is a key feature, with these shorts maintaining their shape and performance even after extensive use, making them suitable for longer cycling adventures.
Price & Where To Buy:
- $119.99 List
- Buy at KaldenApparel.com
2XU Prenatal Active Tights: A Cushioned Pant Alternative
While not technically cushioned bike pants or cycling-specific, the 2XU Prenatal Active Tights are an excellent alternative, especially for cooler weather cycling. Although they lack dedicated padding, they offer other benefits that enhance comfort for pregnant cyclists.
These compression tights can help minimize leg swelling, a common issue during pregnancy, particularly after exercise. The compression support can also feel beneficial during bike rides, providing stability and reducing muscle fatigue.
The high-rise belly panel provides substantial support, which can be particularly comforting when cycling and experiencing the typical bumps and vibrations. Additionally, the high waist design allows you to pair these tights with non-maternity jerseys without worrying about midriff exposure, offering versatility in your cycling wardrobe. You can wear these tights with cushioned cycling underwear underneath to achieve the desired padding.
Price & Where To Buy:
- $99.99 List
- Buy at us.2xu.com
Bib Shorts – An Unexpectedly Comfortable Cushioned Option
Many cyclists who have biked throughout their pregnancies have found bib shorts to be surprisingly effective cushioned bike pants alternatives. Although not designed for maternity specifically, bib shorts bypass the waistband entirely, which can become restrictive and uncomfortable as your belly grows.
By choosing a size larger than your pre-pregnancy size, bib shorts can often accommodate a pregnant belly for the entire nine months. The inherent padding in cycling bib shorts offers the cushioning needed for longer rides, making them a practical solution when maternity-specific options are limited. For guidance on selecting quality bib shorts, resources like FemmeCyclist.com’s list of women’s cycling bib options can be invaluable.
Chamois Briefs: Versatile Cushioned Underwear
Cycling briefs, or chamois briefs, are padded underwear that serve as a versatile and affordable way to add cushioning to any bottom wear. They are not bike pants themselves but are designed to be worn underneath gym shorts or similar loose-fitting outerwear. Chamois briefs fit comfortably under a pregnant belly and provide the necessary padding for cycling without the expense of dedicated bike pants.
A popular and budget-friendly choice is Baleaf Cycling Underwear, known for its comfort and affordability. For a wider selection of padded options, exploring resources like FemmeCyclist.com’s list of women’s padded cycling underwear can help you find the perfect level of cushioning.
Making the Most of Limited Options
The market for maternity cycling jerseys and cushioned bike pants remains underdeveloped. Maternity-specific jerseys are particularly scarce, with current options practically nonexistent. However, resourceful strategies can help you manage.
For jerseys, consider these alternatives:
- Mountain bike jerseys: Their looser fit around the torso makes them more accommodating to a growing belly. Simply sizing up can provide sufficient room.
- Borrow from your partner: A larger jersey from a male partner can be a temporary and cost-effective solution.
- Full-zip jerseys with maternity tanks: Wearing a maternity tank top underneath an unzipped full-zip jersey was my approach during the later stages of pregnancy, offering flexibility and comfort.
Final Thoughts
Finding suitable cushioned bike pants and cycling wear during pregnancy requires resourcefulness due to the limited market. However, by exploring the available maternity options and considering versatile alternatives like bib shorts and chamois briefs, comfortable and enjoyable cycling throughout pregnancy is achievable.
Remember, this phase is temporary. Soon, you’ll be back in your regular cycling gear. And who knows, perhaps this exploration will inspire the next line of maternity cycling apparel!
More Resources for Cycling Moms
- Bike Riding While Pregnant: 9 Things You Need To Know
- Biking With Baby: From Newborn To Infant To Toddler
About Us
We are the Rascals – Kristen, Blair, and Parker. Rascal Rides began when we wanted to continue biking after Parker’s birth. Sharing our experiences has grown into years of testing kids’ bikes, helmets, trailers, and more.
Kristen is a certified USA Cycling coach passionate about family cycling. Blair is our resident bike mechanic and mountain bike enthusiast. And Parker is our inspiration and chief tester. Say hello if you see us on the trails!
