The Best Bike Shorts
Table of Contents
One of the worst feelings when cycling is wearing a pair of shorts or pants that never quite stays on properly. You have to do that awkward shuffle to try and haul them back up or down only to be in the same situation a few minutes later. Why put yourself through that unnecessary routine? Enter bike shorts, a go-to buy for cyclists. They’re specifically designed with padding to help provide comfort throughout your ride, reduce chaffing, and even decrease air resistance. If you find the right pair of bike shorts, chances are you’ll never want to ride without them again.
Buying the right bike shorts can make a huge difference during your ride. Typically made from spandex or synthetic materials, bike shorts use dense padding that’s catered to your body, layered with antibacterial materials to fight off saddle sores and any other unwanted smells or infections. If you’re a novice rider and plan to do a quick loop of the neighbourhood, odds are you’ll survive wearing any old pair of gym shorts. But if you plan to go the distance, you’ll want to invest in a pair of proper biking shorts.
Check below for our list of the top best bike shorts or scroll to the bottom for more info and factors to consider before buying bike shorts to help you find the right pair for you.
1. Best for Men: Santic Cycling Men's Shorts
Key Specs
X-Small to XXX-Large sizes | |
Made of 80 percent nylon, 20 percent spandex and lycra | |
4D COOLMAX cushion | |
Anti-sweat, anti-pilling, anti-shrink, anti-wrinkle material | |
Wide variety of colours |
These Santic cycling shorts are made from nylon, spandex and lycra materials that work to not only keep your skin dry and cool, but prevent irritation as well. These shorts use a 4D COOLMAX cushion that has nearly 40 vents to reduce the chance of bacterial growth, and provides maximum comfort to protect your delicates during rides.
Built with anti-sweat, pilling, shrink and wrinkle properties, you can ride comfortably, (figuratively and literally) knowing your shorts have your best interests in mind.
2. Best for Women: BEROY Womens Bike Shorts with 3D Gel
Key Specs
X-Small to XXX-Large sizes | |
Very wide range of colours and patterns | |
80 percent polyester, 20 percent spandex | |
Moisture absorbing, flexible material | |
3D gel padding |
The BEROY Women’s bike shorts provide a close, comfortable fit that forms to your legs to quickly absorb moisture and reduce the amount of friction as you ride. Combining polyester and spandex materials, a non-slip belt and 3D gel padding, these long shorts allow for a breathable, flexible ride — perfect for those wanting to go the distance.
3. Runner Up for Men: Souke Sports Men's Cycling Shorts
Key Specs
Anti-slip leg grippers (1.8” wide) | |
Lightweight, breathable mesh material | |
85 percent polyester, 15 percent spandex | |
Seamless chamois with four-way stretch, six-layer protective multi-density foam padding | |
Small to 4X-Large sizes |
If you’re looking for a pair of shorts for an occasional leisurely ride, or want something a little more comfortable during your commute to work, the Souke men’s cycling shorts are a great choice.
Their anti-slip silicone leg grippers help eliminate slipping and chaffing. They also work to ensure that the ergonomic 4D pad stays where you need it to so you can have a comfortable ride from start to finish. Made with a lightweight, breathable mesh fabric that wicks away moisture and a wide elastic waistband, these biking shorts will give you the best bang for your buck.
4. Runner Up for Women: Nicewin Bike Shorts 4D Gel Padding
Key Specs
Small to 2X-Large sizes | |
Available in six colours, two with reflective dots for greater low-light visibility | |
4D gel pad | |
Two big side pockets, one back zippered pocket | |
Made of 80 percent polyester, 20 percent spandex |
For anyone just starting out on their cycling regime and for women who are dedicated spinners, a pair of comfortable bike shorts is a must to help you ride through it all in the best possible way.
These bike shorts for women are made of 80 percent polyester and 20 percent spandex for the ultimate in flexible fit and breathability. The shorts come in a few colours, but the black colour and the grey colour are the only ones that have a unique, wide white dot pattern running down the sides of each thigh that is reflective in the low light conditions.
But what really makes this a stand-out choice is the 4D gel of the bike chamois pad that is thick enough to protect your butt and genitals and will not shift out of place while you ride, and most importantly, will not feel as if you are wearing a diaper.
Other neat features include two big side pockets where you can keep your cellphone, plus a back pocket with a zipper to store a credit card or keys. Non-slip leg openings keep the shorts from riding up while you cycle and the smooth seamless design reduces friction, so when you’re in for the long haul, you’re also in for comfort.
5. Best Unisex Baggy Fit: Lixada Baggy Shorts
Key Specs
Sizes from small to 3X-large | |
Loose, baggy fit | |
Made from 80% polyamide and 20% spandex | |
Multiple pockets | |
Good for mountain biking |
If you’re not comfortable wearing tight bike shorts on your mountain bike, we’ve got you covered. With these baggy-style bike shorts from Lixada, you won’t have to endure your time on the trails wearing shorts that will cause undue pain and discomfort. And even if it’s only just for a short ride around the neighbourhood biking trails, there’s no reason to be uncomfortable.
These mountain bike cycling shorts are made of a soft and light-weight blend of 80 percent polyamide and 20 percent spandex that make them a comfortable fit with good breathability that lets you stay cool during your ride. They are made for men but because they have no extra padding, they can also be worn by women.
The loose design still fits well, with an elastic waistband and a fastener tape on the band. There are also multiple pockets in the shorts so you can keep your keys, money and phone close at hand. Plus, once you’ve finished your ride, you won’t have to go home and change if you choose to go somewhere else after your ride. These shorts are available in 11 different colours.
6. Best Padded for Men: Sportneer Cycling Shorts Men's 3D Padded Bicycle Bike
Key Specs
Small to 2X-Large sizes | |
Suitable for all kinds of bike rides | |
3D gel pad | |
No pockets | |
Made of 90 percent polyester, 10 percent spandex |
Different kind of bike rides require a different posture; for example, a leisure ride has you in a more upright position with the pressure points more evenly distributed on your bum, while as you more forward into a more performance or aggressive position for speed and concentration, the pressure shifts to the middle and then the front of your butt. If this sounds like the way you bike ride, then you may benefit from these 3D padded bike shorts from Sportneer.
Specifically designed for men and to support different riding postures, these shorts will let you cycle the distance in all kinds of riding positions without you experiencing chafing and saddle sores. The 90 percent polyester and 10 percent spandex blend of fabric contribute to a flexible wear and breathability that adds to their comfortable fit.
But it is also the quality stitching of the 3D chamois pad that is durable, won’t wear down even after many long-distance rides and provides that level of cushioning you need that score high points with us.
7. Honourable Mention: Ceroti Men's LongInseam Bike Shorts
Key Specs
Sizes small to 4X-large | |
Long inseam | |
UPF50+ protection | |
Double power grips on leg openings | |
Made jacquard compression fabric |
You might not be a pro bike rider, but that doesn’t mean you don’t feel like one when you’re hitting the road or trails for a long-haul ride. These bike shorts from Ceroti are worth mentioning for three reasons that make them stand out: their long inseam design; UPF50 protection; and their elite hard ride design that is also ideal for the average rider.
These high-compression bike shorts extend above your waist so there is only comfort and no muffin top. They are constructed with quality Italian perforated chamois with a denser padding than some other cycling shorts, offering up all day comfort. And with the long inseam and UPF50+ protection from the burning rays of the sun, you can ride all day and not worry about your thighs getting sunburned.
The bottom opening of the legs are equipped with double power bands to hold them in place and to retain the compression and shape, so it won’t cut off your circulation. Made from carbon jacquard ultra-compression fabric and cool air regulation, with these bike shorts, it’s comfort all the way.
What is a Bike Chamois?
This term refers to the padded crotch section of your bike shorts. While it used to be made from non padded leather, thankfully today manufacturers use a blend of synthetic materials. Finding a pair of shorts with the right amount of chamois is crucial. It alleviates pressure to make rides more comfortable and is created to wick away moisture and reduce chaffing on sensitive areas, which is vital in fighting off any unwanted bacteria.
Men's vs. Women's Bike Shorts
Although both men's and women's shorts work to accomplish the same things, the design of them are slightly altered to account for the different genetic makeups of the lower region. Women’s chamois are slightly larger in the sit bone region, with narrow pads in the middle and lower in the front, while men’s chamois opt for an inlet down the middle.
Things To Consider
UnderwearThis may seem like a strange thing to think about, but the best way to use cycling shorts is to go commando.
Fit: Tight or Baggy?Tight bike shorts are ideal if you plan to go on long bike rides since they provide the most comfort and are the most aerodynamic style of shorts. If you use your bike to commute, know you’ll be hopping off and on the bike or prefer style over function, baggy mountain biking shorts might be a better fit — not to mention they usually have spacious pockets.
PaddingThe amount of padding on your shorts can make or break your ride. From thick to thin, the padding, or chamois, is designed specifically for men and women — never, buy a pair of unisex shorts. If you’re willing to shell out a few extra bucks for anything, let it be for a better quality chamois, and when shopping online, make sure to read the reviews to make sure that your money goes to good use.
Panel ConstructionFancy, expensive shorts are constructed with up to eight different panels of fabric that work to give riders a comfortable, form fitting pair of shorts. The less expensive a pair of shorts, the fewer panels.
InseamThe inseam, or length of the shorts, all depend on what you want to use them for. Shorter styles are great for spin classes and triathlons, while longer inseams tend to stay in place better and help prevent chaffing on the inner thighs. Typically, cyclists wear shorts that reach just above their knees.
BudgetBike shorts can range pretty widely when it comes to price. Some shorts are sold for around $20, while more expensive professional pairs can be up to $200. While a cheaper pair is totally within reason for people who only bike on occasion, keep in mind that the more you invest, the better the fabric and chamois will be.
Leave a Comment
We're always looking for more feedback! If you own one of these bike shorts and would like to share your experience, please comment below!
About the Author: Carlen Oliveira
Carlen Oliveira is a graduate from Ryerson University’s RTA Sport Media program and is currently working as a writer based out of Toronto. She has an avid interest in all things sports and finding engaging new ways to workout. She discovered a love of individual activities like yoga and skipping, which pushed her both mentally and physically. When she’s not writing or working out, you can find her exploring the outdoors and traveling, come rain or shine… and especially snow!