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The Best Cycling Shorts to Buy on Amazon

woman wearing short drinking water


Biking is one of the most fun, eco-friendly, and healthful ways to get around. The aerobic exercise provided by biking is excellent for losing weight and maintaining optimal health. When you feel the wind on your face and the angular momentum of rounding a corner, you feel the rush that freedom affords you. To make the most of your biking experience, you need some essential equipment like the best cycling shorts around.

Very few people bike naked, and this is for good reason. However, simply covering your nether regions with cloth is not ideal for biking, either. A premium pair of cycling shorts not only provides optimal comfort: they can enhance your mobility and even help to manage sweat.

However, it can be difficult to determine which are the best cycling shorts on offer on the internet. So many companies offer cycling shorts that it can be hard to determine whose claims are worth your money and whose are not. It is for that reason that we put together this list of the best cycling shorts by our estimation.

This is not an estimation we reached lightly. We will reveal our review process, our short list of top competitors, and the pair we consider the best cycling shorts around. But first, let us answer some of the most frequently asked questions about cycling shorts that we have received.

Quick Navigation
Product FAQ
How We Reviewed
Overall Price Range
What We Reviewed
The Verdict

Preview Product Price
NOOYME Men's Cycling Shorts 3D Gel Padded Bicycle Riding Men's Bike Shorts (XL, Black) NOOYME Men's Cycling Shorts 3D Gel Padded Bicycle Riding Men's Bike Shorts (XL, Black) $25.99 Buy on Amazon
Louis Garneau, Men's Fit Sensor 2 Padded, Breathable, Compression Bike Shorts, Black, Large Louis Garneau, Men's Fit Sensor 2 Padded, Breathable, Compression Bike Shorts, Black, Large Buy on Amazon
sponeed Cycling Shorts for Men Cycle Bike Pants Riding Road Biking Gel Padding US S/CN M Blue sponeed Cycling Shorts for Men Cycle Bike Pants Riding Road Biking Gel Padding US S/CN M Blue $37.99 Buy on Amazon
BALEAF Men's Cycling Shorts Padded Bike Riding Bicycle Pants Quick Dry Tights UPF 50+ Yellow Size M BALEAF Men's Cycling Shorts Padded Bike Riding Bicycle Pants Quick Dry Tights UPF 50+ Yellow Size M $24.64 Buy on Amazon
PEARL IZUMI Women's Escape Sugar Shorts, Black/Screaming Pink, X-Small PEARL IZUMI Women's Escape Sugar Shorts, Black/Screaming Pink, X-Small Buy on Amazon
SUGOi - Men's Evolution Zap Short, Black, Medium SUGOi - Men's Evolution Zap Short, Black, Medium $119.95 Buy on Amazon
PEARL IZUMI Elite Escape Shorts, Black, Small PEARL IZUMI Elite Escape Shorts, Black, Small Buy on Amazon
Louis Garneau CB Carbon 2 Bib Shorts - Men's Black, L Louis Garneau CB Carbon 2 Bib Shorts - Men's Black, L $159.95 Buy on Amazon
Przewalski Men's Cycling Bib Shorts, 4D Padded Compression Bike Tights Breathable Bicycle Pants UPF 50+, Classic Series, Black/XS Przewalski Men's Cycling Bib Shorts, 4D Padded Compression Bike Tights Breathable Bicycle Pants UPF... $37.99 Buy on Amazon

Product FAQ


woman doing a stretching in the grass

image source: Pexels

1. What Are Cycling Shorts?

Cycling shorts can be defined as short, skin-tight legwear that is designed to be comfortable and efficient while the wearer is engaged in all the motions necessary to riding a bike.

2. What Are the Advantages of Cycling Shorts?

Different models of cycling shorts provide different benefits to their wearers. The best cycling shorts accomplish many things. You can expect some of the best cycling shorts to cut down on the wind resistance that you experience during a ride. They also protect your skin against friction, which of course can be a problem when pedaling. Many work like a jockstrap, helping to keep men more comfortable on a bike seat.

Many of the best cycling shorts models are sweat-wicking. This means that their fabric helps to draw sweat away from the body to the surface of the shorts where it can evaporate. This simultaneously helps to keep the cyclist cool and dry. Some of our favorite pairs included a “cycling pad,” which added extra padding in the place where the shorts were likely to rub against the bike seat.

3. Why Are So Many of the Best Cycling Shorts So Tight?

You may have noticed how form fitting most of the cycling shorts we picked tend to be. This is not merely to show off the legs of the cyclist. Tight shorts won't get caught in the bike chain or other moving part of the bike. This tightness also helps to compress the muscles of the legs, which is scientifically shown to cut down on the amount of muscle fatigue that the cyclist experiences.

How We Reviewed


After scouring the internet for a short list of cycling shorts that could be considered the best, we ultimately ended up with ten competitors. After separating the wheat from the chaff, we scored each of these ten competitors against each other. These competitors were scored across the criteria of their price point and what key features they offered. Their pros and cons were listed for easy comparison. From these evaluations we named our winner the best cycling shorts for the money.

Overall Price Range


Any specialty gear requires you to dig a little deeper into your pockets. This is as true for cycling shorts as it is for welding masks or climbing gear. However, many of our picks can be yours for around $25, which is not too exorbitant.

What We Reviewed

  • NOOYME Men's Cycling Shorts 3D Gel
  • Louis Garneau Men's Fit Sensor 2
  • Sponeed Men's Cycling Shorts Padded Bicycle Riding Pants
  • Baleaf Men's Cycling Shorts 3D Padded Bicycle Bike Quick-Dry Pants
  • Pearl iZUMi Women's Escape Sugar Shorts
  • Castelli 2017/18 Men's Cento Cycling Short
  • SUGOi - Men's Evolution Zap Short
  • Pearl iZUMi Men's Elite Escape Shorts
  • Louis Garneau Men's CB Carbon 2 Padded
  • Przewalski Men's Cycling Bib Shorts, 4D Padded Compression Bike Tights

NOOYME Men's Cycling Shorts 3D Gel



NOOYME Men's Cycling Shorts 3D Gel Padded Bicycle Riding Men's Bike Shorts (XL, Black)
NOOYME Men's Cycling Shorts 3D Gel Padded Bicycle Riding Men's Bike Shorts (XL, Black)
  • (Last-Minute of Deals)3D structure chamois is breathable and comfortable.
  • Smooth flatlocked seams can avoid friction and the skin irritation.
  • Non-slip silicone legs grippers and elastic to keep shorts in place, no slide up.
  • Two reflective marks design for highly reflective and visible when riding at night.
  • Suitable for M=29-31" L=32-34" XL=35-37" XXL=38-40" XXXL=41-43"(waist measurement).
$25.99
Buy on Amazon

Features

NOOYME offers a great cover for your cycling lower half with their Men's Cycling Shorts complete with 3D Gel. These 80% Polyamide and 20% spandex cycling shorts are molded in a 3D structure that lets your legs breathe. The seams are flatlocked, meaning that you cut down on both friction and rashes.

If visibility is your concern, luckily these shorts come with reflective marks no matter what color option you choose. In terms of color options, you have more than a dozen to choose from.

PROS
  • 80% Polyamide and 20% spandex is breathable and comfortable
  • Many color options
  • Flat seams resist friction and cut down on rashes
  • Seat is padded for a smooth ride
CONS
  • Some find them uncomfortable for rides exceeding ninety minutes

Louis Garneau Men's Fit Sensor 2



Louis Garneau, Men's Fit Sensor 2 Padded, Breathable, Compression Bike Shorts, Black, Large
Louis Garneau, Men's Fit Sensor 2 Padded, Breathable, Compression Bike Shorts, Black, Large
  • The Airzone chamois is made from moisture wicking, antibacterial memory foam with an ergonomic fit and no pinch points or chafing.
  • BREATHABLE: The brushed back fabric provides body thermoregulation and superior moisture wicking.
  • ULTRA COMFORTABLE: The stretch trim on the straps, seamless inner legs, flatlock seams, and elastic drawstring waist offer even more comfort.
  • STAY IN PLACE: The Powerband lower cuffs provide support and keep the garment in place without restricting circulation.
  • VISIBLE: The reflective accents provide extra safety in low light.
Buy on Amazon

Features

Louis Garneau charges about twice what NOOYME charges if you want their Men's Fit Sensor 2 cycling shorts. This hike in price does come with a hike in features, however. The Men's Fit Sensor 2 is a breathable, seamless, and includes visibility stripes just like the NOOYME Men's Cycling Shorts. Where it goes above and beyond is that its Airzone chamois is composed of a sweat-wicking, antibacterial memory foam. That means it will not bunch up in pinch points nor will it cause chafing.

PROS
  • Composed of a sweat-wicking antibacterial memory foam
  • Construction is breathable, seamless, and high visibility
  • Designed to avoid pinch points and chafing
CONS
  • Not the cheapest shorts on this list
  • Only come in black

Sponeed Men's Cycling
Shorts Padded Bicycle Riding Pants


sponeed Cycling Shorts for Men Cycle Bike Pants Riding Road Biking Gel Padding US S/CN M Blue
sponeed Cycling Shorts for Men Cycle Bike Pants Riding Road Biking Gel Padding US S/CN M Blue
  • EASY MAINTENANCE & SIZE SUGGESTION - Package includes bike cycling shorts with padding. Wash under 100 degrees F, Hand washing or machine (Put in mesh laundry bag when washing in a machine).Do not brush or bleach for it can affect the quality of your biking shorts. Tag is Asian size that runs smaller than US standard, please check the size chart in Product Description, We recommend one size larger to buy,that means if you wear US XL please choose Asian XXL
  • QUALITY CYCLING SHORTS - This men bicycle shorts,half pants has a great moisture feature and a four-way performance stretch, 6-Panel anatomic design for superior,chafe-free comfort. It is made of high-quality fabric,80% polyester and 20% spandex
  • PREMIUM & COMFORTABLE - This bicycling shorts are suitable for all levels cyclists, which includes road biking or mountain biker. It has a quick-dry and breathable feature which makes you feel more comfortable. Silicone leg grippers keep shorts in place,and 3D gel pad in key areas, moisture-wicking
  • SERVES AS BEST GIFT - This sports elastic pants with padding,bicycle riding shorts are highly durable. Cycling pants designed with skin-friendly materials. This is the best gift (with individual nice package) to give to those cyclist freak and they will Very much value it
  • Excellent SATISFACTION SERVICE - As a brand, we believe in quality our shorts are definitely worth the cost.We are cycling supplies manufacturer, we can provide top-level quality and good design, We also accept your special customized ,such as club uniforms, gloves, cycling helmet and arm sleeve etc. If the size issue need to return, Please contact us freely we will send suitable size to replace very quickly
$37.99
Buy on Amazon


Features

Looking good can be just as much a goal for cycling as riding without chafing. That is why we loved the six color options that the Sponeed Men's Cycling Shorts Padded Bicycle Riding Pants came in. You can choose between blue, grey, green, red, white, and multi-black.

All of these models are made of 80% polyester and 20% spandex lycra. These shorts are constructed with a 4D gel pad that is elastic and breathable.

PROS
  • Comfortable 80% polyester and 20% spandex lycra material
  • Uses a 4D gel pad to increase riding comfort
  • Designed for long rides
  • Six color options
CONS
  • Sizes are listed for the Asian market

Baleaf Men's Cycling Shorts
3D Padded Bicycle Bike Quick-Dry Pants



Sale
BALEAF Men's Cycling Shorts Padded Bike Riding Bicycle Pants Quick Dry Tights UPF 50+ Yellow Size M
BALEAF Men's Cycling Shorts Padded Bike Riding Bicycle Pants Quick Dry Tights UPF 50+ Yellow Size M
  • High Stretchy durable, breathable and moisture-wicking properties fabric offer you great comfort,especially suitable for sensitive skin
  • Silicone leg particle gripper holds the shorts in position, wide and flexible waistband offers great comfort
  • Reflective elements for low-light visibility while riding. 4-way stretch construction increases mobility and flexibility.Wide and elastic waistband offers great comfort
  • 3D padding in ideal place is adequately sized and sufficiently thick that provides decent protection on your bike saddle while long-distance riding
  • 9" inseam long half bike shorts for indoor/outdoor bicycle enthusiasts,whether you are road bike, riding, mountain bike, MTB, spinning and motorcycle.
$24.64
Buy on Amazon

Features

The Men's Cycling Shorts 3D Padded Bicycle Bike Quick-Dry Pants manufactured by Baleaf are one of the cheapest items to make our best cycling shorts top ten list. Do not let this budget price point fool you, however. They are still solid shorts.

A special weaving process allows the fabric of these shorts to be extraordinarily flexible and long lasting. They will not deform when you wash them. They do indeed dry quickly as their name proclaims.

PROS
  • Winged cycling pad is optimized to keep your blood flowing efficiently.
  • Comfortable and breathable shorts
  • Budget price point
  • Five color options
CONS
  • Some users find that they fit too thin
  • Others wish they had a drawstring

Pearl iZUMi Women's Escape Sugar Shorts



PEARL IZUMI Women's Escape Sugar Shorts, Black/Screaming Pink, X-Small
PEARL IZUMI Women's Escape Sugar Shorts, Black/Screaming Pink, X-Small
  • Spring/summer 2017
  • Select transfer Dry fabric sets the benchmark for compression and moisture transfer
  • Women's Select pursuit 1:1TM Chamois is smooth next to skin for cushioned chafe-free comfort. UPF 50+. flattering wide waistband for superior comfort
  • BioViz reflective elements for low-light visibility. BioViz Black/screaming pink color option for added daylight visibility
  • Fabric: 88% Nylon/12% Lycra Elastane Silicone leg grippers hold hems in place smoothly and without constriction
Buy on Amazon

Features

We would be remiss to only evaluate men's cycling shorts in this article. The Pearl iZUMi Women's Escape Sugar Shorts are excellent for the cycling lady and reasonably priced. They are comfortable and durable. They provide sweat-wicking and compression to help cut down on muscle fatigue.

PROS
  • Will retain their shapeliness even when washed
  • Price is reasonable
  • Design wicks away sweat to manage moisture
  • Compression cuts down on muscle fatigue
CONS
  • Style is from Spring 2017
  • Patches of color are not in the most flattering spots for women

Castelli 2017/18 Men's Cento Cycling Short


Castelli Cento Short - Men's Black, M
Castelli Cento Short - Men's Black, M
$79.99
Buy on Amazon


Features

Castelli provides one of the most straightforward pairs of shorts for biking with their 2017/18 Men's Cento Cycling Short. These shorts are made from spandex. They are designed to be worn in the spring, summer, and fall. We loved the relaxed fit that these provided. In terms of the best cycling shorts, having a relaxed fit option is fairly unique.

PROS
  • High quality spandex
  • Three season coverage
  • Unique and helpful relaxed fit
CONS
  • There are cheaper options that offer more

SUGOi - Men's Evolution Zap Short



SUGOi - Men's Evolution Zap Short, Black, Medium
SUGOi - Men's Evolution Zap Short, Black, Medium
  • Evo Plus is a moisture wicking and breathable fabric for high output performance and comfort
  • Flat seams and eight panel design combine for a low profile, contoured fit
  • Updated RC Pro chamois with 3D construction for increased comfort in the saddle
  • Zap leg band with silicone gripper provides slip free comfort and high visibility during night rides
$119.95
Buy on Amazon

Features

If you are looking for the cutting edge of material science to be used in your cycling shorts look no further than SUGOi's Men's Evolution Zap Shorts. These cycling shorts are made of a high tech type of nylon called “Ultra Evo.” These are form fitting and provide a cycling pad that is fifteen millimeters thick for a comfortable ride.

PROS
  • Made from highly durable Ultra Evo nylon
  • Form fitting to help with compression
  • Thick cycling pad to aid with comfort
CONS
  • Some prefer relaxed fits
  • One of the more expensive pairs of shorts

Pearl iZUMi Men's Elite Escape Shorts



PEARL IZUMI Elite Escape Shorts, Black, Small
PEARL IZUMI Elite Escape Shorts, Black, Small
  • Spring/summer 2017
  • New p.R.O. Transfer fabric in the body of the short provides superior comfort and optimal moisture transfer. With a 9.5 inch inseam [size medium]
  • Select transfer fabric in selected panels sets the benchmark for moisture transfer
  • Raw edge p.R.O. Transfer fabric at leg opening for soft stretch comfort with silicone for added grip
  • BioViz reflective elements for low-light visibility. New elite escape 1:1 Chamois with floating top sheet design reduces friction
Buy on Amazon

Features

Sometimes you need to escape on your bike. With Pearl iZUMi Men's Elite Escape Shorts you'll be ready to hit the road. These shorts are composed of a complex blend consisting of 46% polyamide, 38% polyester, and 16% elastane. Its inserts are 88% polyamide and 12% elastane. These materials together make a short that is sweat-wicking, comfortable, compressive, and long lasting.

PROS
  • Complex blend of materials enhances comfort
  • Sweat-wicking design helps to manage moisture
  • Four color options to choose from
CONS
  • Not the cheapest cycling shorts
  • Can be difficult to find in stock

Louis Garneau Men's CB Carbon 2 Padded



Louis Garneau CB Carbon 2 Bib Shorts - Men's Black, L
Louis Garneau CB Carbon 2 Bib Shorts - Men's Black, L
  • Material: [body] CB Carbon+, [thigh inserts and legbands] Endurexx, [bib straps] Highlander Mesh, [bib back] Carbon X-Mesh
  • Fit: race
  • Inseam: 9.25 in
  • Chamois: 4 Motion
  • Bib: yes
$159.95
Buy on Amazon

Features

This is a bit of a curveball in terms of the best cycling shorts you can find. Unlike the shorts we've listed so far, the Louis Garneau Men's CB Carbon 2 Padded comes with over the shoulder straps, making it look like a combination between bike shorts and a weightlifter onesie. These straps help to keep your shorts in place and many professional riders seem to love this style. Their material is both compressive and breathable, giving you the best of both worlds. Plus, they are fully padded for comfort.

PROS
  • Shoulder straps create excellent staying power
  • Fully padded for optimal comfort
  • Compression helps cut down on fatigue
CONS
  • Not everyone likes the shoulder strap look
  • One of the more expensive pairs of cycling shorts

Przewalski Men's Cycling Bib Shorts,
4D Padded Compression Bike Tights



Przewalski Men's Cycling Bib Shorts, 4D Padded Compression Bike Tights Breathable Bicycle Pants UPF 50+, Classic Series, Black/XS
Przewalski Men's Cycling Bib Shorts, 4D Padded Compression Bike Tights Breathable Bicycle Pants UPF 50+, Classic Series, Black/XS
  • 【4D Ergonomic Chamois Pad】 5 layers 4Dimensional design, with the firm seams will fit tight into all of the curves of your saddle area. Effectively reduce abrasion, absorb shock, provide good protection and enhance the comfort for you
  • 【No Sweat Breathable & Durable Material】 These Cycling Bib Shorts made of 90% polyester and 10% spandex, are designed for mens cyclists who love to ride. Our premium breathable material effectively absorb moisture and release sweat from the skin and keeps you dry and cool. It is designed with skin-friendly materials that does not irritate the skin and never fade
  • 【Compression & Fit】This cycling pants adopt high stretchy fabric weaving, features excellent abrasion resistance and compression. Provide muscle support by enhancing blood flow, and reduce fatigue. Snug fit make it stay in place for maximum freedom of movement
  • 【Reflective & Silicone Strip Design】This bike pants features reflective strips on both sides of the calf, which can enhance visibility in low light condition, keep you safe in darkness. Silicone leg grippers are gentle on the skin and work perfectly to keep the wear from rolling up with the muscle flex during bicycle riding.
  • 【Satisfaction Guaranteed】100% full refund assurance within 90 days if you are not satisfied for any reason. Friendly customer service
$37.99
Buy on Amazon

Features

If you think that you will like the over-the-shoulder model of cycling shorts, we have another contender for you. The Przewalski Men's Cycling Bib Shorts, 4D Padded Compression Bike Tights look very similar to the Louis Garneau Men's CB Carbon 2 Padded model, except that they are airier and lighter.

Made from 90% polyester and 10% spandex these ergonomic shorts are great for those who love long rides in comfort. These materials provide the right amount of compression without sacrificing breathability. 

PROS
  • Great for long rides
  • Over the shoulder design makes for excellent staying power
  • 90 day love it or leave it warranty
  • Very inexpensive
CONS
  • Not everyone loves the over the shoulder design for cycling shorts

The Verdict

Ultimately, the decision about which are the best cycling shorts for you will be determined by two factors. One factor is your gender. Women's shorts are optimized for women's bodies and men's shorts are optimized for men's.

The second factor is whether you like the over-the-shoulder design or not. If you know that you can rock that look, then there is no question which is the best set of cycling short for your money.

That's right, we saved the best for last. Przewalski Men's Cycling Bib Shorts, 4D Padded Compression Bike Tights cannot be beat when it comes to providing all the essential features without breaking the bank.

Featured Image source: Pexels

Last update on 2021-02-28 at 23:59 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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