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Anyone who has spent a few hours on a hard bike seat without the right shorts knows the unforgiving feeling. Perhaps you've recently had this experience, and that's why you're here. Or, maybe you're looking to swap out a well-worn pair of shorts for something new. Either way, we have you covered. Since 2013, our team of expert cyclists has tested and ranked over 150 pairs of bike shorts and bibs for men and women. We spent hundreds of miles in these shorts evaluating their comfort, breathability, and overall function.
The best men's bib is the Rapha Core Bib. They're comfortable, fit great, and versatile enough for the road or MTB trail. Our female test team's favorite bib is the Endura FS260 DropSeat Bib Shorts. They loved the high-quality chamois and the drop seat feature for bathroom breaks.
Whether you are new to biking or a long-time cyclist who likes to keep your finger on the pulse of the latest and greatest, check out our recommendations for cycling shoes and bike saddles. If you prefer dirt over pavement, our team has also extensively tested top mountain bikes.
Who it is best for: We love the Rapha Core Bibs and think they're the best option for cyclists who ride a lot and are looking for a versatile, comfortable bib. These perform as well in both cool and warm weather, and if you plan to spend several hours at a time in the saddle, these will keep you comfy. They're designed for road biking, but can handle some mountain biking, too, since the chamois is plusher.
Why we love it: The compression offered by the Core hits that just right zone — not too much, not too little. The straps were long enough (not so with every bib!), and we like their casual style. They're breathable enough for toasty rides and well-constructed, and they had the most comfortable straps in the test fleet.
Should you buy it? If you're looking for a classic, comfortable, all-around bib at a mid-range price, then yes, we highly recommend the Rapha Core. If you're looking for pockets, though, you won't find them here.
Who it is best for: For all female cyclists looking to up their game and put in high mileage, the Endura FS260 DropSeat Bib Shorts are reliable, well-made, and comfortable. These are great for every level of female cyclist, and make a good addition to your cycling wardrobe. These bibs can handle every ride, from short and casual, to races and all-out efforts. “The gel inserts really paid comfort dividends on long rides, and the compression noticeably reduced my fatigue overall,” said our lead tester.
Why we love it: These bib shorts had high scores across nearly every test metric. They're a great all-around pair of bibs that deliver strong performance for a range of riders. With the full coverage fit, articulated multi-panel design, and raw edge leg hems, these shorts offer a flattering, streamlined silhouette. “The drop seat function is a game changer, and worked the best for me of any pair of drop seat bibs we tested,” our tester shared.
Should you buy it? The approachable, mid-range price point and high performance of these bib shorts is tough to beat. With premium protection, breathable body-hugging fabric, quality construction, and a comfortable fit, there's little not to love. While they have a classic, understated look, these bibs aren't the most standout for style.
Who it is best for: The Endura Pro SL is best for dedicated cyclists who want near-premium performance without the ultra top-shelf price, ideal for long rides or intense crits while accommodating various body types with multiple chamois sizes and inseam lengths. It suits budget-conscious riders balancing cycling gear with other expenses. “These shorts gave me pro-level comfort without breaking the bank,” a tester shared.
Why we love it: We love the leg and chamois comfort, offering tight, compressive performance that supports long days in the saddle and high-intensity races, with a waders-style design that enhances support and cooling. Testers raved, “They have the leg and chamois comfort to last through a long day in the saddle and the tight, compressive performance to carry you through a white-knuckle crit out in the heat.”
Should you buy it? If you're a dedicated rider seeking elite performance on a budget, the Endura Pro SL is a top pick. However, its low-cut waistline may cause discomfort or an unflattering look for some, and chamois bunching can occur (opt for the narrow chamois to avoid this).
Who it is best for: If you're a casual cyclist or just don't ride a lot, the Bikewa 3D Padded is an affordable way to get on the saddle without blowing a wad of cash. We were quite surprised by the totally decent chamois design at this price point. It's also a great option if you just need an extra pair of shorts and don't want to shell out for another premium pair to alternate with your others. The material is thicker, which isn't great for ventilation, but it makes them a bit more durable and also means they'll do well in cool weather.
Why we love it: Put simply, the price-to-performance ratio here is great. We tested other cheapie options that were not this well-built. Are they top-shelf? No, but at this price, you don't expect that. We appreciate that they have a variety of pockets to hold snacks and a phone, and they come in a variety of color options. And, they're decently comfortable.
Should you buy it? The chamois design is nicer than expected, although it can compress after a couple hours. If you're a serious cyclist, you probably want to have a couple of premium shorts and bibs in your rotation, but this can function well as a backup option on laundry day. Our biggest gripe is that these aren't breathable for hot weather riding. If you temper your expectations, we think you'll be quite pleased with what you get for the price.
Who it is best for: If you're looking to get into cycling, but can't stomach the high cost of premium bike gear, enter the Heathyoga 4D Padded Bike Shorts. These padded bike shorts offer protection and utility at a much lower price, with a women's specific chamois, silicone leg grippers, and three effective stash pockets. “These shorts cost even less than my post-ride cafe lunch,” joked one tester.
Why we love it: Testers were impressed with how these affordable shorts blend useful features, flattering fit, and practical design. “I actually got more compliments out on the road and trail in these shorts than any other pair,” our tester said. They come in a range of colors and sizes. “I did notice some wear and tear during the test period, with some seams fraying a bit. Not a deal breaker, but something to take note of,” cautioned our tester.
Should you buy it? For a very low price and decent performance, it's tough to go wrong with these highly affordable bike shorts. For serious cyclists looking for premium materials for longer rides, you won't find the cushion you're looking for here. But for newer cyclists, casual outings, or an affordable pair of bike shorts to add to your cycling wardrobe, these are an excellent choice that doesn't break the bank.
These shorts have incredible versatility and features for the price. Credit: Kaylee Walden
How We Tested
The essentials of what makes a good pair of bike shorts remain the same across different categories and gender models. They need to keep you comfortable on your ride, offering the right balance of flexion and breathability, while protecting your nether regions from the bike saddle and friction you'll encounter on your rides. Bonus points if the shorts also look cool. Our team of male and female cyclists tested bike shorts to make sure they covered all the important bases. Between work commutes, spin classes, rides over winding mountain passes, and never-ending gravel roads, the shorts selected for this review each got at least 10 hours of saddle time in, and we made sure to include at least one ride of 2+ consecutive hours. Any pair of shorts will do the trick for a quick 20-minute ride, but extended use is what sets truly reliable bike shorts apart. A general breakdown of our testing metrics is as follows:
Comfort/fit
Padding/protection
Breathability
Durability
Style
We rode thousands of miles in these shorts, in all kinds of terrain to put them to the test. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Why Trust GearLab
Our women's testing team is led by Rebecca Eckland and Kaylee Walden. Each of these women has an abundant love for the outdoors and a fair amount of experience in the cycling world. Rebecca is a marathoner-turned-cyclist who has competed as a USAC Cat 3 road racer under the Clean Power Powered by Tesla flag. Kaylee brings more of a mountain biker's perspective, but is no stranger to gravel and road races, and frequently plans adventure rides in the triple digits. Our lead tester for men's bike shorts is Ryan Baham. Ryan is a runner, road cyclist, and armchair philosopher who works out his demons over 100-mile bike rides. He started biking as a young teen, and today, he puts in thousands of miles year-round in the temperate climate of southern California.
Side by side testing of women's cycling shorts. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Our training and testing regimen includes indoor spin classes. Credit: Jeffrey Mogavero
Our testing team is made up of cyclists from all over the country, from SoCal to Nevada. Credit: Tara Kharrazian
How to Choose the Best Bike Shorts for You
Bibs or shorts? Gel or foam? These considerations, along with inseam length, cuff type, and chamois thickness, are things you'll have to decide when picking out your shorts. To start, there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all bike short (and if you see a unisex version claiming to be so, run in the other direction). However, the goal of a great pair is universal: to make sitting on a hard, narrow saddle for hours on end a little more bearable so you can focus on enjoying your ride or pushing yourself that much further in your training.
The Assos Cento EVO is an excellent bike short with fantastic comfort. Here, we see our lead tester taking to the streets to test each actually test each short we discuss. Credit: Ryan Baham
Riding Style
The first consideration is the type of terrain you typically ride. This review mainly covers road cycling shorts, so if you spend most of your time on the trail, you'll want to take a look at our recommendations for the best mountain biking shorts for men or trail shorts for women. Beyond that, the intensity, length, and location of your rides can all make a difference in the features you want to look for in your perfect shorts.
Just because you spend most of your time on dirt doesn't mean you won't find anything of interest here. Many serious XC riders and racers opt for more form-fitting shorts for their improved comfort, aerodynamics, and overall performance. Additionally, many mountain bike shorts are made to accommodate a liner short worn underneath, so the following info might still be worth a read.
For longer rides, comfort reigns supreme. In the words of one of our testers, “I want shorts so comfortable that I forget I am even wearing them.” This means you should look for a pair of shorts that minimizes chafing, bunching, and pinching. For shorter, more relaxed rides (cafe commute, anyone?), you probably don't need such a “techy” short and might want something casual enough to wear into the coffee shop or grocery store. Maybe you do a bit of both and can find a different short to match your ride each day. Either way, keep your realistic riding goals in mind as we go over the features that make bike shorts great for long, grueling centuries vs casual family cruises.
The right cycling shorts can provide comfort for all different types of riding, from road to singletrack. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Bibs vs Shorts
Still wondering if you should go for shorts or over-the-shoulder bibs? The short answer: bibs. The long answer is a bit more nuanced and comes down to personal preference. Many serious riders prefer bibs because they are more comfortable and just hold everything in place a lot better, if you know what we mean. The straps keep the chamois close to the body no matter what position you're in, and there is less chance that the shorts will bunch, pinch, or roll at the waist. Additionally, the lack of a waistband means you won't have to worry about continuous pressure on your abdomen, which can feel restrictive to your breathing and potentially cause tummy troubles down the road.
Bibs have the advantage of comfortably snug (but not too tight) waist edges. Seamless edges like the one shown here can help reduce the risk of chafing. Credit: Ryan Baham
That's not to say shorts don't also have their pros. If we know we're going out for a cruisy ride where we'll be hopping on and off the bike, and we're not worried about performance or efficiency, we'll throw on a pair of shorts. They are more casual, and it is much easier to slip on a pair of street shorts or even a skirt over top if you decide to pop into a shop or restaurant. Shorts can also feel a bit cooler on hot rides, as you don't have extra layers of fabric under your jersey.
Shorts offer casual convenience, but are sometimes less comfortable than bibs. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Finally, you'll want to consider bathroom logistics. This may seem like a funny thing to point out, but getting in and out of a full Lycra getup is not always the most convenient, and the reality is that choosing shorts over bibs can make bathroom pit stops less of a hassle. Anyone who has ever had to get nearly naked in a cramped public restroom to take care of nature's call will understand the draw here.
A handy drop seat feature can facilitate more convenient bathroom breaks on the go. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Chamois
A chamois is the key element that differentiates bike shorts from any other pair of athletic shorts. This thin layer of padding is sewn into the fabric of your shorts and offers a few millimeters of cushion to smooth out your ride. The idea is to alleviate pressure points and protect against chaffing/numbness. While it is arguably the most important component of your cycling apparel, ideally, it is the least noticeable part of your riding gear, and because it is the only thing protecting your tush from hours of grinding on a rigid bike seat, a good chamois is worth its weight in gold. If you intend to spend a serious amount of time in the saddle, we recommend getting a good one.
Some mountain bike shorts have a chamois (often removable) that may be enough for some riders. However, you can get higher-quality padding and a better fit by wearing a pair of close-fitting liner shorts underneath. This gives you more flexibility in your choice of chamois style as well as your choice of over-shorts.
Most chamois are either made from a dense foam or gel material covered with a layer of moisture-wicking microfiber material. Some of our testers prefer gel as it tends to have a denser (read: more supportive) makeup that doesn't pack out as fast as foam versions. It is also less bulky under the seat. However, gel is also usually more expensive, so it's up to you to decide if it's worth it based on how much time you spend riding. Aside from materials, the next thing you'll want to look for is a chamois with a formed panel construction. Rather than one smooth, flat piece of padding, these chamois are formed to follow the contour of your anatomy before you even put them on, and can have a quilted effect that predetermines where the material will bend and fold. This helps prevent any unnecessary bunching.
You can see the difference between thoughtfully designed chamois with paneling and varying thickness, vs a large flat piece of foam. Which one would you rather have under your bum?
Paneled chamois can also have different thicknesses throughout, providing more padding where you need it and cutting down on bulk where you don't. Ideally, the composition is thicker in the center and thinner toward the edges. The overall thickness of the padding also directly impacts comfort. For longer or more frequent rides, you'll want to level up the padding and probably go with a dense gel. For shorter rides, good-quality foam should suffice, and you may be able to get away with something thinner.
Our women's reviewer, Rebecca Eckland, geared up and ready to put these shorts through their paces. Credit: Rebecca A. Eckland
Two of our male reviewers stop to take in the views midway through one of their longer testing rides. Credit: Tara Kharrazian
Men's vs Women's: Chamois, Fit, and Style
For many gear items, the differences between men's and women's versions can be as minimal as color and size, and we recommend going for what feels the most comfortable for you, regardless of gendered branding. However, with bike shorts, it really does matter, mainly due to the shape and placement of the chamois. Men's chamois tend to be longer and narrower, and have a hollowed channel through the center to allow for blood flow. Women's models tend to be a bit wider overall, but especially in the back to accommodate wider sit bones.
That said, you should still purchase the pair that feels most comfortable for you, and the best way to figure this out is to try on a pair and hop on a bike. Make sure the padding of the chamois covers the entire surface of the seat when you are leaning forward in the saddle and gripping the handlebars, taking your actual riding position. While you can't exactly take a pair of shorts for a 5-hour test ride before you buy them, you can at least make sure that you don't notice anything immediately bothersome. Keep an eye out for itchy fabric or irritating seams, things that only get worse after hours of riding.
Aside from the chamois, other differences mostly pertain to the cut. Women's shorts typically have a curvier cut and a higher rise. Women's bibs have shorter shoulder straps to accommodate a shorter torso and are wider set in the chest area. The leg grippers usually have a more generous cut to avoid cutting off blood flow in thicker thighs (this is a key area of the fit that you want to get right).
It doesn't take long to understand the need for gender specific gear in this instance. Especially in the case of close-fitting gear that is meant to support intimate bits, differences in anatomy call for specially tailored cuts.
A few other notes on fit can be universally helpful in finding the right pair of bike shorts. You want the leg cuffs to stay put, and most shorts achieve this by way of silicone grippers or compression cuffs, sometimes a combination of the two. We recommend looking for a pair of shorts that have a decent amount of compression overall to help increase blood circulation and support your muscles.
The overall width of the cuff and the articulation of the silicone placement can change the comfort and effectiveness of leg grippers.
If you decide to go with bibs, make sure the straps are not too tight, as this can cause strain on the fabric and put extra pressure on your shoulders. Check that there is no loose fabric that could cause eventual chafing, and if you decide against bibs, make sure the waistband on your shorts isn't too restrictive.
We hope this review helps point you in the right direction to find the right cycling shorts for your adventures on two wheels. Credit: Kaylee Walden
Conclusion
Ultimately, the goal of finding the right cycling gear is to keep you moving, no matter your style of riding. We put each pair of shorts through real-world testing to evaluate their comfort, practicality, durability, and style. With our insights, we hope you now have a clearer idea of what to look for in a great pair of bike shorts. Here's to spending less time searching online and more time on the road.
