Best Cycling Shorts and Bib Shorts

What Are Cycling Shorts?

Cycling shorts are close-fitting shorts with a built-in padded insert (chamois) that sits between you and the saddle. The chamois reduces friction, absorbs vibration, and wicks moisture away from your skin. They come in two styles: regular shorts with an elastic waistband, and bib shorts with shoulder straps that eliminate waistband pressure.

If you’ve ever finished a ride with a sore backside, the shorts are usually the problem — not the saddle. A good pair of cycling shorts transforms the experience.

Who Needs Them?

Anyone riding for more than 30 minutes. Short commutes on a comfortable saddle might be fine in regular clothes, but anything longer and you’ll feel the difference. For rides over an hour, cycling shorts aren’t a luxury — they’re essential for comfort and preventing saddle sores.

Bib shorts are preferred by most road cyclists. The shoulder straps keep the chamois in position and eliminate the uncomfortable waistband digging into your stomach when you’re bent over the handlebars.

What to Look For

Chamois quality is the most important factor. A good chamois is multi-density foam — thicker where you sit, thinner elsewhere. It should be smooth against your skin with flatlock stitching to prevent chafing. Premium chamois pads are made by specialists like Elastic Interface or Cytech.

Fit should be snug without restricting movement. The shorts need to be tight enough that the chamois doesn’t shift around on the saddle. Loose cycling shorts defeat the purpose entirely. Silicone leg grippers keep the hems in place.

Fabric should be compressive, breathable, and quick-drying. Look for a blend of nylon and elastane. Mesh panels on the thighs help with ventilation on warm days.

Bib vs waistband is partly personal preference. Bibs are more comfortable for most people — no waistband pressure, no shorts riding down. The downside is that nature breaks require more effort. Women’s bibs often have drop-tail designs to solve this.

No underwear — this is important. Cycling shorts are designed to be worn without underwear. Adding a layer defeats the purpose of the chamois and creates friction points.

Top Picks

dhb Aeron — Unbeatable value from Wiggle’s own brand. An Elastic Interface chamois pad, good compression fabric, and reliable construction at a fraction of premium prices.

Rapha Core Bib Shorts — Rapha quality without the eye-watering price tag. Comfortable chamois, excellent fit, and understated design. A great mid-range option.

Castelli Free Aero RC — Premium Italian bib shorts with one of the best chamois pads on the market. The fit is outstanding and the fabric compression is class-leading.

Decathlon Van Rysel — Surprisingly good for the price. A decent chamois and comfortable fabric that punches above its weight. Perfect for getting started.

Where to Buy

• dhb Aeron Bib Shorts
• Rapha Core Bib Shorts
• Castelli Free Aero RC
• Decathlon Van Rysel

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.