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Whether you’re looking for shorts, bibs or baggies, these are our favorite men’s cycling shorts for long days in the saddle.
Whether you're hopping on your bike for a quick ride or pushing 50 miles, good bike shorts and a comfortable chamois can keep you comfortable in the saddle. Modern shorts and bibs with integrated chamois not only provide some extra cushion, they also help wick moisture away, ensuring your continued comfort as you ride. Whether you're a triathlete, gravel rider, or mountain biker, these men's shorts are perfect for going the distance.
Cycling shorts largely fall into three categories. Road cycling shorts are generally either shorts or bibs and almost all have built-in chamois (we’ll get to those in a second). Baggies are for those who don’t want to wear a pair of spandex thigh-huggers, like mountain bikers. Cycling shorts are generally made out of spandex and are tight to the skin to help reduce drag. With an integrated chamois, they’re not really meant to be worn with underwear underneath. They have a highly elasticized waistband to help ensure they stay up during long rides. Still, a low waist or a waist that’s too tight on a pair of cycling shorts can be uncomfortable by exposing your skin to the elements or by cutting into your abdomen while riding. Cycling bibs share the same features as cycling shorts, in terms of having integrated chamois, and being made of skin-tight spandex. They’re also meant to be worn without underwear. Where they differ, however, are the shoulder straps. Like suspenders, the shoulder straps on cycling bibs keep them in place. That means the shorts don’t have a tight waistband, which makes them more comfortable to some riders. The main tradeoff is that it’s harder to go to the bathroom in a bib than it would be in a pair of traditional shorts. They also put some downward pressure on your shoulders and help hold your stomach in, which might not be comfortable for all riders. Baggy bike shorts are usually worn by mountain bikers and more casual riders. Many baggy bike shorts don’t come with a chamois, but some have an integrated chamois liner. Baggy shorts tend to be looser than spandex shorts while remaining flexible, allowing them to move easily with the rider’s legs. Since mountain bikers often wear pads, particularly on steep, tricky descents, baggy shorts are designed to fit over knee pads without getting caught on them. While these shorts are designed for mountain bikers, they’re also great for gravel and roader bikers who don’t want to wear skin-tight spandex shorts. For those baggy shorts without chamois, people can choose to buy a chamois liner or cycling underwear with some padding.
Modern chamois are really feats of engineering designed to reduce friction on the most sensitive areas of your body that come into contact with your bike. They feature a mix of padding and a liner that is low-friction and anti-microbial. All of this leads to less irritation, sweat and salt buildup, bacteria growth, and reduced saddle sores.
Chamois are definitely a case where bigger isn’t always better. Too much padding in a chamois can have you waddling around like a duck when you’re not riding. The best chamois feels supportive without feeling like a diaper between your legs. Look for anatomically shaped patterns and channeled areas of foam that help ensure the chamois breathes well and doesn't bunch up while you ride.
Increased emphasis on fit has led to an expansive range of product sizes, making it easier than ever to find a pair of cycling shorts that fits your body comfortably. Some brands offer two (or more) “fit types” to cover riders who might have the same waist size but sharply different proportions. The “pro” fits are for flat stomachs and skinny quads, while “club” or “touring” fits allow for larger abdomens and legs.
With our keisters in the saddle at least 10 hours a week, we’re pretty familiar with what makes a good bike short. We’ve based our picks on our personal favorites, those tested by Bicycling staffers, those recommended by customers, and those that have earned high praise from other professional reviewers we trust. These choices for men represent a variety of options that fit every budget, riding style, and fit from brands known for their quality and value. For more great cycling gear, check out our picks for the best cycling jerseys and women's bike shorts!
These skintight lycra shorts from Louis Garneau feature slight compression and their 4 Motion chamois with four-way stretch will keep you comfortable riding on long days. The CB Carbon+ fabric and the Coldblack treatment provide good sun-reflection and UV protection. If you like the features on this pair of shorts but prefer a different fit, they're also available in a bib.
In a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Pearl iZUMi has made its popular Attack Bike Shorts for years. Though less expensive than many comparable options, these shorts pack in technology found on Pearl’s more expensive offerings, making these one of the best values on the market.
They breathe well, have minimal stitching, use Pearl’s comfortable Select Escape 1:1 Chamois, and are made with recycled materials.
Made for all-day comfort, the Core Bibs are Rapha’s most affordable bibs, yet still boast high-quality features. They are a favorite of road riders and tourers alike. The silicone leg grippers help keep the short leg down while the stretchy blend throughout ensures you don’t feel too much downward pressure from the straps. They're also available with either white or black suspender straps, making it easy to coordinate them with the rest of your gear.
Patagonia’s Dirt Roamer shorts are a long-time favorite of casual riders and mountain bikers alike. Made with nearly 90 percent recycled polyester and spandex, they're as good for your cycling comfort as they are for your conscience, and their sonic-welded seams mean the shorts won’t chafe. They also offer ample room for knee pads underneath and have a high degree of stretch, with cinches on the side to allow wearers to tighten them more.
If you’re looking for a low-profile pair of liners or underwear to wear with your baggy cycling shorts, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better pair than REI’s Co-Op Link Padded Liners. These liners are made for comfort on long days with a low-profile chamois, soft elastic waistband, and compression leg bands to keep them in place. Bonus: Integrated leg panel pockets easily hide some cash and valuables like cards and ids while riding.
Bicycling editors loved these cool weather bibs so much we gave them our Editor’s Choice Award in 2020. Despite having a brushed fleece inner, Assos managed to keep these bibs thin enough to remain comfortable, with a non-bulky feel. The fronts also feature a windproof and waterproof panel that will keep you protected during rides in inclement weathers. The included leg grippers not only keep the shorts in place while you ride, but can keep leg warmers in place, too.
The sponeed Men’s Cycling Shorts are an incredible bargain at under $40. They’ve also garnered nearly 15,800 reviews on Amazon, with an average customer rating of 4.5 stars. They might not have all the trappings of more expensive shorts but they are sweat-wicking and customers rave about their comfort.
If you’re looking for an affordable pair of baggy biking shorts that come with a liner, then check out this pair from Zoic. They’re stretchy for riding and have a removable, padded liner with a built-in flap that makes it easier to use the bathroom. They’re as at home on the trail as they are on the road, gravel path, or just around town.
Specialized’s RBX Cycling Short offers excellent four-way stretch and breathability at an affordable price. The 3D molded chamois is designed to reduce bunching and friction, making these an excellent choice for long rides on the road.
If you’re looking for a premium cycling short with good yet unrestrictive compression, check out Giordana’s FR-C Pro shorts. With an abrasion-resistant lining on the inner thighs and a high-end 14mm chamois, the FR-C Pro shorts provide plenty of cushion without being too bulky, making them ideal for all-day comfort on your rides.