Your cycling kit is nearly complete—you’ve dialled in your shoes, picked the right pedals, found a helmet that fits just right, and chosen a jersey that breathes well. Now it’s time to focus on one of the most important pieces of gear: your cycling shorts.
Whether you’re a road cyclist, mountain rider, casual commuter, or weekend warrior, the right pair of cycling shorts can make all the difference. But with so many styles—bibs, baggies, 2-in-1s, liners—choosing the right fit can feel like an uphill climb. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best cycling shorts and bibs for every kind of rider, along with a straightforward buying guide to help you make sense of the options.
Table of Contents
Best Cycling Shorts Reviewed
Best Overall
The Garneau Neo Power Motion Bib remains a top choice for cyclists seeking a performance-driven, comfort-first short. Built with compressive Endurexx fabric and breathable Power Mesh, it supports muscle efficiency while keeping you cool on long rides.
Its laser-cut leg grippers and seamless construction reduce friction and ensure a secure fit without digging in. Meanwhile, a gel-reinforced chamois provides dense padding in key areas, helping to absorb vibration and reduce fatigue.
For Which Type of Cyclist
Ideal for serious road cyclists and endurance riders looking for all-day comfort and compression support. Also available is the women’s CB Neo Power Cycling Shorts.
Features & Benefits
- High-density gel chamois with Cupron top layer for comfort, moisture-wicking, and reduced irritation
- Power Mesh straps enhance ventilation and stay invisible under a jersey
- Endurexx fabric offers muscle support and quick-drying performance
- Laser-cut leg bands and anti-chafing seams keep the fit smooth and secure
- Reflective details on back and sides for added safety in low-light conditions
Price: 0.00$
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Best Budget Cycling Shorts
The SUGOi Classic Cycling Shorts are a dependable, entry-level option for anyone just getting into cycling. Built with comfort in mind, these shorts feature a six-panel design and soft waistband that stay securely in place without feeling constrictive.
The RC 100 chamois offers basic cushioning that’s well-suited for short commutes, indoor training, or building base fitness. With lightweight compression and vibration-damping foam under the sit bones, they deliver surprising support for the price point.
For Which Type of Cyclist
Perfect for beginner cyclists or casual riders seeking comfort and functionality without a hefty price tag.
Features & Benefits
- RC 100 chamois with 3D construction offers comfort for short to medium rides
- Piston 230 compression supports muscles and enhances performance
- Soft waistband and self-fabric leg bands provide a snug, irritation-free fit
- No-silicone leg grippers for comfort and freedom of movement
- Made with a durable nylon-spandex blend for stretch and breathability
Price: 0.00$
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Best Cycling Shorts for Beginners
The SUGOi Evolution Shorts are a beginner-friendly option that blend comfort, support, and ease of wear—without overwhelming newer riders with too many technical features.
The forgiving eight-panel design and soft, breathable Evo Plus fabric ensure a smooth ride, while the RC Pro Chamois offers just the right amount of structure and padding for building up mileage. Flat seams and slip-free leg grippers round out a short that’s easy to trust from your first ride to your first Fondo.
For Which Type of Cyclist
Ideal for new cyclists who want dependable comfort and performance while getting into the sport.
Features & Benefits
- RC Pro Chamois with 3D cradle construction provides balanced support
- Moisture-wicking Evo Plus fabric helps regulate temperature and sweat
- Flat seams and PowerBand leg grippers keep the fit secure without discomfort
- Eight-panel design promotes a natural fit as you move in the saddle
Price: 0.00$
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Best Cycling Bib
Looking for a premium bib built for rugged routes and long hauls? Look no further than the Parmi Lifewear All Trail Bib Shorts. Designed with ultra-durable French-woven nylon, they strike a rare balance between compression, comfort, and breathability.
The Italian Elastic Interface chamois delivers high-performance support where it counts, while clever details like laser-cut hems, lightweight mesh backing, and two cargo pockets elevate the experience. Whether you're gravel grinding or bikepacking, these bibs are ready.
For Which Type of Cyclist
Made for endurance riders and trail adventurers who demand quality, function, and durability.
Features & Benefits
- Elastic Interface Italian chamois with Hybrid Cell System for pro-level support and moisture control
- French-woven nylon is abrasion-resistant, compressive, and long-wearing
- Flat elastic straps and mesh back provide ventilation and pressure-free comfort
- Laser-cut legs and custom-printed silicone grippers keep everything in place
- Dual side pockets for trail snacks or small essentials
Price: 0.00$
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Best 2 in 1
Built for demanding trail rides, hot-weather missions, and all-day adventures, Patagonia’s Dirt Roamer Bike Shorts are a lightweight outer shell designed to pair seamlessly with padded liner shorts.
Made from breathable, four-way stretch recycled polyester, they offer a contoured fit that moves effortlessly with your body. Welded seams and a curved waistband eliminate chafing, while zippered thigh pockets add smart storage. Although sold separately, they’re optimized to work with Patagonia’s liner systems for full 2-in-1 performance.
For Which Type of Cyclist
Perfect for mountain bikers and gravel riders who prefer a casual outer shell with technical performance—and want the flexibility of layering liners.
Features & Benefits
- Four-way stretch fabric made from 86% recycled polyester for lightness and durability
- Welded seams and curved waistband minimize friction and improve mobility
- Zippered side pockets with pass-through access pair with compatible liners
- Adjustable OppoSet waistband offers a custom fit that stays put
- Fair Trade Certified sewn with a 12.5" inseam for knee coverage
Price: 0.00$
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Best Cycling Shorts for Long Distances
Castelli brings pro-level performance to endurance riders with two standout options. The Competizione bibs for men strike a balance between affordability and high-end features—with breathable mesh straps, aerodynamic Vortex fabric, and the plush Kiss Air2 chamois for all-day comfort.
The Free Aero Race 4 bibs for women raise the bar even higher with Castelli’s Progetto X2 Air Seamless pad, ultra-stretch Forza2 fabric, and wind-tunnel-tested aerodynamics that reduce drag by 3%. Both shorts are engineered for long-haul rides, whether you're training, racing, or tackling your first century.
For Which Type of Cyclist
Built for dedicated road cyclists and endurance riders who log serious miles and want lasting comfort, fit, and speed.
Features & Benefits
Competizione Bibs
- Kiss Air2 seat pad for lasting support without bulk
- Vortex V2 fabric and integrated silicone leg grippers enhance aerodynamics and stay put
- Mesh back panel and lightweight straps for breathability on long rides
Free Aero Race 4 Bibs
- Progetto X2 Air Seamless chamois offers elite comfort on extended rides
- Forza2 fabric molds to your body and improves airflow
- Aerodynamic cut tested to reduce drag and increase efficiency
- UPF 50+ sun protection and grippy silicone leg bands for a pro-level finish
Price: 0.00$
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Best for Commuting
Designed with versatility in mind, Garneau’s Range 2 for men and Latitude 2 for women are commuter-ready shorts that transition seamlessly from bike to city life. Both feature lightweight, abrasion-resistant fabrics treated with DWR for weather protection, and are tailored for unrestricted movement in and out of the saddle.
The integrated or removable liners (depending on the model) include the AirSport chamois, offering just enough cushioning for short-to-medium rides. With thoughtful updates like seamless inner legs, breathable mesh zones, and zippered pockets, these shorts are made for everyday riding comfort and convenience.
For Which Type of Cyclist
Perfect for urban cyclists, casual riders, and commuters who value practicality, comfort, and a low-profile look.
Features & Benefits
- Abrasion-resistant, DWR-treated fabrics keep you dry and comfortable in variable conditions
- AirSport chamois delivers light, breathable padding for everyday rides
- Integrated liner (Range 2) or removable liner (Latitude 2) for flexible use
- Seamless inner legs reduce friction; zippered front pockets store small essentials
- Inseam falls just above the knee (Range 2: 10.25"; Latitude 2: 12") for freedom of movement and casual styling
Price: 0.00$
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Best for Mountain Biking
POC’s Essential Enduro Shorts are a mountain biker’s dream for hot days and rugged trails. Built with lightweight, stretchy nylon, they wick moisture efficiently, dry quickly, and are shaped for seamless knee pad compatibility.
Reinforced at key areas for durability, these shorts strike a balance between pedal-friendly mobility and rugged protection. An elastic waist system ensures a personalized fit, while zippered side pockets keep essentials secure through every climb and descent.
For Which Type of Cyclist
Ideal for trail, enduro, and downhill riders who need durable, pedal-friendly shorts that can handle heat, sweat, and sudden downpours.
Features & Benefits
- Lightweight, quick-drying stretch nylon for moisture management and durability
- Pre-shaped fit designed for comfort while pedaling and compatibility with knee pads
- Elastic waist adjustment and strategically placed seams for a secure, chafe-free ride
- Zippered side pockets for safe storage of small essentials
- Fluorocarbon-free DWR treatment for protection against spray and light rain
Price: 0.00$
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Buying Guide: What to Look for in Cycling Shorts
When shopping for cycling shorts, you want to look at material, construction, and comfort. The most important factor will be how they fit your anatomy since everyone has different butts, crotches, seats, and riding positions.
It’s hard to recommend one size fits all, but we’ll give some pointers. In general, the higher the price, the higher the quality of the shorts. The more panels the better as well, as 6 to 8-panel shorts will conform to your body better. Continue reading for the specifics of what to look for in cycling shorts.
Types of Cycling Shorts
Road biking short (bib)
Bibs have built-in shoulder straps to make sure the shorts stay snug. The suspenders keep the chamois or padded liner in place to prevent irritation. Bibs can be helpful for men to make sure everything stays in place, but they also make it less convenient to urinate. Women also would have to take off their jersey and bib to go to the bathroom. However, these days bibs have click-off detachable straps for easier pit stops.
Commuter short
Commuter shorts are casual shorts that are looser than road biking shorts. They have woven stretch fabric, lots of pockets, and are better for cycling around town. They rely on the waistband to keep shorts in place and are best for casual cyclists that don’t want to wear spandex. Unpadded shorts give a better range of motion, but padded ones help prevent chafing between legs.
Mountain biking short
Known as the “Baggy” short, mountain biking shorts are rugged and loose-fitting. Some have a padded liner that reduces friction on the crotch area. Padded MTB shorts will usually be ‘2 in 1’ with a padded liner layer and a looser outer layer. They’re great not only for MTB cyclists but also for urban cyclists who want a more casual look.
Size & Length
The length of the inseam is a personal preference. Some people like 7″ or longer “Belgian style” shorts that rest just above the knee. These are better for more professional riders that participate in races, long-distance cycling, or off-road cycling.
Shorter 5″ shorts are better for bikers that don’t want an awkward tan line. If you opt for shorter shorts, just make sure they’re not so short that the nose of the saddle rubs your bare skin. Short shorts are better for commuters as they have a more casual look. Whichever length you get, the shorts should fit snug with the pad close to the skin.
Liners
Liners are popular with cyclists who want to wear their favourite cycling shorts. Liners transform any pair of shorts into cycling apparel, giving more versatility. Mesh liners usually have sewn-in chamois or padded liners. The “chamois” needs to be large enough to cover your crotch and is most comfortable when it’s moderately padded.
Briefs
Briefs are padded cycling underwear. They can be used for any high-impact sport like cycling, rowing, horseback riding, or even running. They keep everything in place, and the mesh fabric helps with cooling and ventilation.
2-in-1 Shorts
2-in-1 shorts have a loose outer shell made of nylon and an inner stretchy padded liner. They’re great if you want a casual look and mostly do commuter or urban biking. They’re longer and looser than traditional road cycling shorts, which makes them more versatile.
Fabrics
Most cycling shorts are made of a stretchy material called spandex. Others will purposefully be stretch-resistant to help you with your pedal stroke or to maximize energy. Look for a short made with at least 15% spandex and other key materials like nylon and polyester. These materials hold up against abrasion as the shorts rub against the biking seat.
Nylon shorts are more rugged while polyester is softer and more colourful. Nylon, polyester, and spandex, and other quick-drying materials are useful for sweaty rides.
Pockets
You’ll find more pockets in today’s cycling shorts to hold phones and devices. Pockets are also great for holding snacks, tissues, and other essential items.
FAQ
Can you bike in running shorts?
No, running shorts will chafe your skin when it rubs against the seat. One good solution is to wear briefs underneath running shorts to stay comfortable while cycling.
Should I wear underwear with cycling shorts?
When you’re wearing cycling shorts, it’s better to go commando. The chamois liner provides a smooth surface and prevents friction, which is undone by underwear (especially cotton).
Conclusion
Choosing the right pair of cycling shorts is a personal decision, shaped by your riding style, goals, and comfort preferences. Whether you’re commuting to work, tackling technical trails, or pushing through long-distance road rides, the right fit can make all the difference. This guide highlights top options across a range of needs, so you can ride longer, feel better, and stay focused on the road—or trail—ahead.
Next up, check out the best cycling clothing brands!
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