Best Cycling Shorts 2023 | Reviews & Buying Guide
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This article will go through the reviews of the best cycling shorts. Let’s Explore!
If you don’t have the correct gear, you’ll endure more perspiration, chafing, and general discomfort as a bicycle.
Socks that are comfortable, a sweat- and moisture-wicking shirt, and other accessories are required. Shorts, on the other hand, are unquestionably the most vital part of any rider’s outfit.
In this article, we’ve analyzed the five best bike shorts for beginners on the market and prepared a buyer’s guide. We hope you find your perfect match here, or at least learn what to look for when shopping for bike shorts.
Top 5 Best Cycling Shorts
Without further ado, here are the best cycling shorts of this year.
- Sponeed Men’s Cycling Shorts
- POC Resistance Pro DH Shorts
- Hiauspor Men’s Mountain Bike Shorts
- Fox Racing Shorts
- Troy Lee Designs Flowline
Best Bike Shorts Reviews
This post will go through the features and benefits of the best biking shorts that will undoubtedly prove their worth if purchased.
We’ll also go over the pros and cons of each pair of shorts so you can figure out which one is ideal for you.
So, now that we’ve cleared that up let’s get into the in-depth reviews of the best bike shorts.
1. Sponeed Men’s Cycling Shorts
Key Features:
Getting a cheap pair of bike shorts may seem like a good idea at first, but once you’ve thrown them away after the first ride, you’ll regret it. Men’s cycling shorts that are too cheap rarely pay off in the long run. There are, however, exceptions to this rule.
The Sponeed Men’s Cycling Shorts are an excellent example of this. Yes, the Sponeed website material is written in particularly terrible English, yet the company produces excellent products.
This device has a lot of features, especially for the price. The 3D silicone padding, as well as the elastic fabric on the inside, provide optimal seat comfort. Sponeed Men’s Cycling Shorts are soft, lightweight, and breathable, which are the three pillars of a good pair of bike shorts. These shorts don’t restrict mobility despite their snug fit.
They provide rider comfort, offer sweat- and moisture-wicking characteristics, and are suited for all-weather and environmental circumstances. Well, as long as the weather isn’t too cold; after all, we’re talking about shorts.
With that said, the Sponeed Men’s Cycling Shorts are a little snug where they stop, just above the knees, so any discomfort will be felt there. Of course, this is dependent on your thigh size; those with smaller thighs are less likely to have discomfort in this area.
This soft, light pair can be washed in the machine or by hand.
Pros:
- Great 3D padding
- Cheap
- Breathable and soft
- Lightweight
- Comfy
Cons:
- Tight above the knee part
2. POC Resistance Pro DH Shorts
Key Features:
If you enjoy mountain or off-road cycling, you’ve most likely come across POC equipment. POC Sports is known for their bicycle helmets, but they also sell high-quality clothing.
The POC Resistance Pro HD Shorts are one of POC’s most popular items. These shorts are designed for competition, with a pre-shaped riding fit that complements knee pads wonderfully.
The higher back on the POC Resistance Pro DH Shorts is designed to keep your backside warm and dry while also providing position and comfort assistance.
The outside is comprised of tough nylon fabric with excellent water resistance. Nonetheless, because this POC variant is elastic, it provides additional comfort and wiggle room.
The waist is Velcro-adjustable, and the Velcro is of excellent quality. The shorts have belt loops for extra adjustment, so you may adjust them to your liking.
Because POC Resistance Pro DH Shorts is a high-performance mountain bike, don’t anticipate any side cargo pockets — they’d just be inconvenient. Nonetheless, there are two mesh-lined side zipper pockets. There’s also a keycard pocket on the back with a zipper. Although the storage possibilities aren’t particularly impressive, whatever you put inside these pockets will remain dry, secure, and ventilated.
Pros:
- Adjustable
- Ventilated
- Pre-shaped and pre-bent
Cons:
- Pricey
3. Hiauspor Men’s Mountain Bike Shorts
Key Features:
Mountain riding requires baggy lower clothing, whereas sports cycling shorts require a snug fit for maximum muscle support and comfort. The Hiauspor Men’s Mountain Bike Shorts are constructed of 92 percent polyester and have a baggy fit. Spandex makes up the remaining 8% for optimal stretch comfort.
In fact, the cloth here stretches four directions, giving it an edge in the comfort department. The stitching is really strong and sturdy, so this model should last a long time.
Mountain biking is known for its cold air and wet circumstances; therefore, water repellency and quick-drying should be expected. These bike shorts not only have moisture-wicking technology, but they also dry quickly. This makes them an excellent choice for mountain biking in snowy, muddy, or rainy situations.
When it comes to adjustability, the Hiauspor Men’s Mountain Bike Shorts include an elastic waistband, so you won’t need a belt. The belt loops, on the other hand, are incorporated. Leg Velcro straps let you choose between a looser and a tighter fit. In terms of adjustability, this model leaves a lot to be desired.
The storage possibilities are fantastic. Two cargo pockets are located on the thighs, two on the left waist, and one on the right. All of the pockets are deep and have YKK zippers. There aren’t many bike shorts with storage choices that are as convenient and safe as these.
Hiauspor Men’s Mountain Bike Shorts are designed for mountain biking, but they also work great for boating, hiking, and trailing.
Pros:
- Comfy, Baggy, Breathes
- Great for mountain biking and other activities
- Fantastic storage options
- Great adjustability features
Cons:
- Run large, particularly at the knees
4. Fox Racing Shorts
Key Features:
You’d think these shorts were designed for off-road and mountain use based on their appearance. They function well on all terrains and in all types of weather, and they perform well in tougher circumstances.
The liner shorts, which are actually rather comfy, are included on the inside. They also come with EVO chamois, which gives just the right amount of padding for your sit bones. This padding option isn’t very unique, but it’s the cushioning placement that determines ultimate comfort. The Fox Racing Shorts also have excellent cushioning.
There isn’t much to see here in terms of value for money. The model has two waist pockets that are completely trim and do not have any pleats. Even so, a large smartphone can fit within.
What about the actual content? It’s tough and water-resistant, to be sure. However, there is a lack of venting as a result of this, possibly overemphasized durability. This can be particularly aggravating on hot days.
Some belt loops would be ideal for adjustability. Unfortunately, you only get a single button here. There is no Velcro or other type of waist closure.
As a result, the Fox Racing Shorts are tough, water-resistant, and extremely comfortable. Well, unless your button pops open or the comfort is disrupted by an extremely hot day. Still, in terms of variety, these shorts are unrivaled.
Pros:
- Very diverse
- Durable
- Water-resistant
- Comfy
Cons:
- No belt loops
5. Troy Lee Designs Flowline
Key Features:
The Troy Lee Design shorts are extremely popular among cyclists, particularly mountain bikers. The Flowline model was introduced earlier this year with the goal of providing a perfect balance of ruggedness and pedaling economy.
These shorts aren’t made for high-intensity activity. They strive to maintain a mix of comfort and performance. Make no mistake: their ruggedness and pedaling efficiency make them ideal for both casual and severe mountain bike expeditions.
The Troy Lee Designs Flowline shorts are easily adjustable and stay in place on your waist, thanks to the waistband grippers.
They’re composed of polyester, but they come with a chamois and a COMP-padded inner for enhanced comfort. Each side also has a waist pocket, which is secure enough for storing despite the lack of zippers.
Pros:
- Balance between performance and comfort
- COMP-padded liner and chamois for comfort
- Waistband grippers
- Quality design
Cons:
- Not for peak performance sessions
Best Bike Shorts Buying Guide
We’ve put together the definitive buyer’s guide to help you find the best cycling shorts.
At least one of the models listed above is certain to meet your requirements. On the off-chance that you want to go out and get a pair of bike shorts on your own, we want you to know exactly what to look for. Choosing the appropriate model, as simple as it may seem, maybe a little more complicated than you think.
Inner Vs. Outer
Every pair of bike shorts has two primary components: the inner shorts and the outer shell. Inner shorts are designed to support your muscles while also wicking away perspiration for improved comfort and performance. The exterior shell, on the other hand, is designed for long-term use and water resistance.
Don’t be put off by the nylon outerwear. To repel rain and moisture, the vast majority, if not all, bike shorts have a percentage of nylon in their outer layer. This is no easy task. If you’re concerned about comfort, look at the inner layer of the shorts, which comes into contact with your skin.
On the inside, though, don’t anticipate 100 percent cotton. After all, the goal here is performance, which implies sweat-wicking and muscular support. Although the majority of bike shorts are slim-fit, which means they are stretchy and snug, some, particularly those designed for mountain biking, are baggier and resemble conventional cargo shorts.
Comfort should always come first, no matter what style of fit you choose. This is why inspecting the inside of the shorts is so important.
Adjustability
Bike shorts, especially sporty types, aren’t designed to be adjustable. Expect no adjustment if you’re seeking tight-fitting shorts that go directly against your skin. Taking this into account, selecting the ideal size is critical.
Some more elaborate models, such as those for mountain riding, do, at least to some extent, include adjustability possibilities. Elasticized waistbands and other adjustable tabs are found on several bike shorts.
Adjustability, on the other hand, does not always determine whether a pair of cycling shorts is good or bad. In reality, you must be aware of what to expect from a model. Mountain bike shorts with no adjustability capabilities are generally not a suitable choice. Adjustability, on the other hand, may not be a priority for sports biking.
Pockets
If you can find a pocket on a pair of sports bike shorts, you’re in luck. Most of the time, the only pocket you’ll find is a little, hidden one on the inside of the waistband (typically for a small item like a key). Instead of looking for multi-pocket sports bike shorts, invest in a simple, lightweight storage solution for your bike.
Mountain bike shorts, on the other hand, feature cargo pockets as well as standard side pockets. Mountain biking shorts are frequently mistaken for cargo shorts because of this.
A zipper should be in every pocket; if you lose something while cycling, your chances of finding it are limited at best.
Style
As previously said, cycling shorts are divided into two categories: sports and mountain or off-road biking. The former are slim-fitting, with no pockets and as little wiggle room as possible. The goal is to completely forget that you’re wearing shorts.
The other is a type that is more common. These are typically adjustable and resemble cargo shorts, as previously indicated.
Consider this: the sports approach emphasizes performance, whereas the mountain style emphasizes performance combined with pragmatism.
There are also bibs that cover the stomach and back and have shoulder straps. It’s the long-sleeved version of sports bike shorts. Because we believe that bibs need their own area, we have left them off our list.
Conclusion
The five models shown here are among the best bike shorts on the market right now. The
Hiauspo Men’s Mountain Bike Shorts, on the other hand, come out on top. They have a lot of versatility, as well as belt hoops and a lot of storage options. They’re also water-resistant and quick-drying, as well as comfortable and versatile for a variety of biking sports.
Unless you’re looking for a typical tight-fit pair of sports shorts with no storage options, the Hiauspor model is the best overall selection.
