The Best Bicycle Shorts
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.
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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
- 1. BALEAF Gel Padding & 3D Cushion Men’s Underwear Bicycle Shorts, 4.7-Inch
- 2. Souke Sports 4-D Padded Stay-Put Legs Second Skin Men’s Bicycle Shorts
- 3. VAYAGER 6-Pockets 2-Layer Loose Men’s Bicycle Shorts
- 4. Sunzel High Waisted Side Pocket Biker Shorts
- 5. Colorfulkoala High Waisted Side Pocket Biker Shorts
- 6. NICEWIN Fast-Dry Knee-Length MTB Men’s Bicycle Shorts
- 7. Souke Sports Men’s 4D-Padded Mountain Bike Underwear
- 8. Ohuhu Gel Padding Anti-Slip Legs Men’s Underwear Bicycle Shorts
- 9. Hanes Stretch Jersey Biker Shorts
- 10. SPONEED Highly Elastic & Silicon Non-Slip Leg Bands Men’s Bicycle Shorts
- 11. qualidyne 3D Ergonomic Gel Chamois Pad Men’s Bicycle Shorts
- 12. Eco-daily Female-Specific Foam Cushion Pad Underwear Women’s Bicycle Shorts
- 13. EZRUN Drawstring 2-In-1 Quick-Dry Padded Men’s Bicycle Shorts
- 14. Santic 4D COOLMAX Loose-Fit Men’s Bicycle Shorts
- 15. CADMUS High Waisted Pocket Biker Shorts, 3 Pack
- 16. CAMPSNAIL High Waist Compression Biker Shorts, 4 Pack
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.
Versatile PickThese shorts are great for cyclists at all levels.
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...
Just Cushiony EnoughThis bike shorts liner will keep you dry and comfortable for hours.
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.
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.
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.
Great for Longer RidesYou can rely on the comfort and support of these liners every time you wear them.
Why we recommend these bicycle shorts?
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Expert Reviews Included
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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.
The Best Bang For Your Buck
Ohuhu Gel Padding Anti-Slip Legs Men’s Underwear Bicycle Shorts
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
What other experts didn't like
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
1. BALEAF Gel Padding & 3D Cushion Men’s Underwear Bicycle Shorts, 4.7-Inch
2. Souke Sports 4-D Padded Stay-Put Legs Second Skin Men’s Bicycle Shorts
8. Ohuhu Gel Padding Anti-Slip Legs Men’s Underwear Bicycle Shorts
10. SPONEED Highly Elastic & Silicon Non-Slip Leg Bands Men’s Bicycle Shorts
11. qualidyne 3D Ergonomic Gel Chamois Pad Men’s Bicycle Shorts
12. Eco-daily Female-Specific Foam Cushion Pad Underwear Women’s Bicycle Shorts
13. EZRUN Drawstring 2-In-1 Quick-Dry Padded Men’s Bicycle Shorts
More to Explore
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.