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The Best Bicycle Shorts

Last updated on June 30, 2022

We looked at the top 16 Bicycle Shorts and dug through the reviews from 37 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Bicycle Shorts.

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

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While cruiser bikes often have large, comprehensive, padded seats, road and mountain bikes have smaller, harder ones known as saddles. Sitting on the latter for a short time might not feel uncomfortable, but anyone who rides on mountain and road bikes will tell you that padded bike shorts or padded bike pants are mandatory. This sportswear cushions the bones used for sitting and protects the genitals and bottom from the pressure of the body on the saddle.

The pad, also called a chamois, creates a thick cushion between the saddle and your body while helping wick away sweat. The padding is usually made of gel and foam and may have a soft fabric cover with anti-microbial properties. The thickness varies, and the ones made for longer rides will be heavier and heavier.

You can buy bicycle short liners that include the padding, and these are worn under biking pants and shorts that don’t have padding; you wouldn’t want to wear padding in both because it’d be too bulky and awkward.

Bike shorts also come in different styles for road cycling and mountain biking. Road biking shorts should fit snugly and may or may not have elasticized bands on the bottoms to hold them in place. Mountain bike shorts are looser and often have pockets; they usually have padding, which also helps protect you from all the bouncing around and vibrations.

Thinner padding can be fine for a short ride, but if it is too much, you will feel sore after riding. On the other hand, if it is too thick, it will be uncomfortable, and you may feel like you are wearing a diaper.

Look for bike shorts with more panels, as they conform to the body better than other styles. Another good feature is flat-seam stitching so the shorts won’t rub against your body. Also, remember that bike shorts come in different lengths. Some are mid-thigh or even shorter, and others come to just above the knee. The shorter ones are good for hot weather but show more leg.

Our Picks For The Top Bicycle Shorts

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

BALEAF Gel Padding & 3D Cushion Men’s Underwear Bicycle Shorts, 4.7-Inch

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BALEAF

Gel Padding & 3D Cushion Men's Underwear Bicycle Shorts, 4.7-Inch

These versatile padded shorts making riding a bike for long periods of time more comfortable, whether you're a beginner or super advanced rider. They feature moisture-wicking polyester and spandex.

Overall Take

Versatile PickThese shorts are great for cyclists at all levels.

Pros
" If you're not a fan of the traditional bike short look, these low-profile shorts will give you ultimate padding without any restriction. Essentially a mix between shorts and underwear, they can be worn on their own or under other less..."
Cons
"It does not have pockets to store things."
 Runner Up

Souke Sports 4-D Padded Stay-Put Legs Second Skin Men’s Bicycle Shorts

Souke Sports

4-D Padded Stay-Put Legs Second Skin Men's Bicycle Shorts

This pair of men’s bicycle shorts liners can be worn under cycling shorts or pants or alone to work out in the house. They are made from 90% polyester and 10% spandex, have 4-way stretch, a thick, 6-layer chamois padding and are breathable and comfortable. You’ll also appreciate the lightweight, moisture-wicking mesh fabric and wide elastic wai...

Overall Take

Just Cushiony EnoughThis bike shorts liner will keep you dry and comfortable for hours.

Pros
" Designed to feel like a second skin, the Souke Sports Men's Cycling Shorts provide a secure yet breathable fit that keeps you feeling dry and comfortable. Between their moisture-wicking mesh, four-way stretch material, and 4D foam padding, the cycling shorts..."
 We Also Like

VAYAGER 6-Pockets 2-Layer Loose Men’s Bicycle Shorts

VAYAGER

6-Pockets 2-Layer Loose Men's Bicycle Shorts

Vayager’s affordable mountain bike shorts are made of 92% polyester and 8% elastane. The baggy design features a looser fit on the outside, plus six pockets and reflective strips, and the shock-absorbing, padded sponge liner is in just the right place.

Overall Take

Wear on the TrailsTackle those dirt and gravel roads in these shorts, and feel free to wear them when hiking, fishing or enjoying outdoor sports.

Pros
" You also get to see several pockets on the lightweight mountain bike shorts. Hence, you can store your phone and other personal items safely. The deep side zipper pockets are extra roomy for some snacks and small tools."
 Also Great

Ohuhu Gel Padding Anti-Slip Legs Men’s Underwear Bicycle Shorts

Ohuhu

Gel Padding Anti-Slip Legs Men's Underwear Bicycle Shorts

These soft, breathable, sweat-resistant liners are designed to wear under bicycling shorts and pants. They have a 3D silica gel padding that keeps you protected mile after mile, and you’ll also appreciate the integrated, anti-slip grips on the bottom hems that prevent them from riding up on your legs.

Overall Take

Great for Longer RidesYou can rely on the comfort and support of these liners every time you wear them.

Pros
" These shorts offer many of the same features as other liners but are available at under $10 at Amazon. The 3D padding on the shorts is designed to prevent chafing for men and includes breathable holes to minimize moisture buildup...."
Cons
"Tends to ride up."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
23

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the bicycle shorts available to purchase.
16

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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37

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Heavy, Top Value Reviews, Verywell Fit, Car Bibles, Best Reviews Guide.

285,708

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 16 Bicycle Shorts and also dug through the reviews from 37 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Bicycle Shorts.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Ohuhu Gel Padding Anti-Slip Legs Men’s Underwear Bicycle Shorts

Our Expert Score

7.8
3 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

8.6
3,245 user reviews

Our Take

These soft, breathable, sweat-resistant liners are designed to wear under bicycling shorts and pants. They have a 3D silica gel padding that keeps you protected mile after mile, and you’ll also appreciate the integrated, anti-slip grips on the bottom hems that prevent them from riding up on your legs.

What other experts liked

These shorts offer many of the same features as other liners but are available at under $10 at Amazon. The 3D padding on the shorts is designed to prevent chafing for men and includes breathable holes to minimize moisture buildup. The flexible mesh design of the underwear includes grid ventilation...
- AskMen
Breathable and lightweight: Ohuhu created an airy, light biking short that’s perfect for those who want very breathable underwear. Thick 3D shock absorbing gel padding provides good protection minus any chafing. These soft and comfortable cycling shorts feel great on and off the bicycle. Moisture-wicking flexible mesh keeps your nook...
- Undywear

What other experts didn't like

Tends to ride up.
- Undywear

What to Look For

  • You can also wear padded bike shorts and liners to spin class.
  • Many bike shorts and liners are unisex.
  • The elastic waistband on the bike shorts should feel snug but not too tight or uncomfortable.
  • Bike shorts that come with built-in shoulder straps are called “bibs.”
  • These shorts often run small, so check the sizing chart and read the product reviews.
  • Wash your bike shorts in cold water and air dry them to prevent shrinkage.

 

Bicycle Short Rankings

3. VAYAGER 6-Pockets 2-Layer Loose Men’s Bicycle Shorts

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 6

4. Sunzel High Waisted Side Pocket Biker Shorts

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 1

5. Colorfulkoala High Waisted Side Pocket Biker Shorts

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 1

6. NICEWIN Fast-Dry Knee-Length MTB Men’s Bicycle Shorts

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 4

7. Souke Sports Men’s 4D-Padded Mountain Bike Underwear

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 3

9. Hanes Stretch Jersey Biker Shorts

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 1

14. Santic 4D COOLMAX Loose-Fit Men’s Bicycle Shorts

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 4

15. CADMUS High Waisted Pocket Biker Shorts, 3 Pack

Overall Score: 8.3
Reviews Included: 1

16. CAMPSNAIL High Waist Compression Biker Shorts, 4 Pack

Overall Score: 8.1
Reviews Included: 1

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As the world’s most challenging (and prestigious) bike race, the Tour de France is for men only and passes through France and neighboring countries like Denmark and France. It covers about 3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles) in multiple stages over 23 days, with only two days off.

The first such race occurred in 1903, and the youngest rider that won was Henri Comet (talk about a perfect last name!). This victory was in 1904, and he was four days shy of his 20th birthday. The oldest bicyclist to ever win was Firmin Lambot in 1922 when he was 36.

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