4 Affordable Bike Shorts That Will Change the Way You Ride

August 30, 2023 by Eric Lister

If you are just getting into cycling, you have likely been left awestruck by at least two things. One being this newfound capability that allows you to travel incredible distances with relatively little effort, and two, a painfully sore backside. The saddle is unforgiving to say the least, so today we wanted to introduce you to some padded biker shorts that won’t break the bank.

(Credit: Adobe Stock)

What Bike Shorts Are Best for Cycling?

The best bike shorts for cycling are typically those that provide a comfortable fit, moisture-wicking properties, and a design that minimizes friction and chafing during long rides. Padded shorts in particular are highly-desirable for the extra cushioning they provide. They not only make you feel good, but also help protect what is a very sensitive area.

Cyclists are not infrequently diagnosed and have to deal with a range of urogenital disorders. These include things like genital numbness, pain, erectile dysfunction, testicular torsion, and even (though less common) infertility. Having some extra padding can really make a difference in your overall health, and we want to show you some affordable ways to get there.

Affordable Bike Shorts for Women & Men

While individual preferences can vary, these four bike shorts each have a low cost of entry while still being well-reviewed for things like comfort, durability, sweat-evaporation, and padding thickness. That being said, the cheaper options do tend to have similar issues with sizing, so there may be some experimentation in order to truly benefit from the lower price points!

Sponeed Men’s Padded Cycling Shorts ($40.99)

The Sponeed Men’s Padded Cycling Shorts are known for a remarkable sense of comfort and reliable overall design. These shorts cater to a wide range of preferences, and have proven themselves even on century distance rides. However, they do come with a few trade-offs to consider, including a lack of pockets and questionable durability.

Benefits

Century Riding Comfort: Even during century rides (which exceed 100 miles), these shorts offer sustained comfort throughout. The shorts’ design offers a pleasant riding experience, allowing cyclists to focus on their technique without chafe or soreness becoming an issue.

Enhanced Elasticity: The elasticity of the waistband allows for a secure fit without feeling too tight. This feature is particularly appreciated during the longer rides, as it prevents the shorts from slipping down or causing discomfort.

Disadvantages

Lack of Pockets: Some cyclists have expressed a desire for pockets in these shorts, particularly for storing small items like keys and phones. The absence of pockets can be inconvenient, especially during times where these items need to be readily accessible.

Durability of Padding: While the overall construction seems to hold up well, there have been instances where the foam padding wears out or tears. This issue may impact the longevity of the shorts’ comfort, and leaves something to be desired in terms of better durability.

NORTHHILL Women’s Padded Bike Shorts ($27.99)

The NORTHHILL Women’s Padded Cycling Shorts are a highly-rated model. They’re tailored for an optimal fit (which is unique for the shorts we’re reviewing) and offer both style and practicality. They do though come with certain considerations to bear in mind, such as color fading and long-term quality concerns.

Benefits

Accurate Sizing: Different from the other models we’ve presented in this article, these shorts tend to run true to size, providing both comfort and ease of movement for various types of riders.

Gel Technology: The inclusion of gel technology in these shorts offers a higher level of comfort by reducing pressure points. The thoughtful design, including a higher waist and shorter length, adds to the overall comfort and provides a more flattering appearance, as well.

Disadvantages

Color Release During Washing: Some people have mentioned that the shorts release color during washing, raising concerns about fading over time. This reality might require one to take extra care during laundry to preserve the shorts’ appearance.
Quality Considerations: While the shorts have been praised for their value, a few reviewers pointed out that the material quality might not be as high as expected. This could affect durability and long-term performance of the short.

Lixada Men’s Padded Cycling Shorts ($19.99)

The Lixada Men’s Padded Cycling Shorts are praised for their comfort while still being a good value option for the money. The gel padding is generally well-received, although some people have differing opinions about its softness. General length and sizing complaints are also noted in our analysis of this short.

Benefits

Comfort and Protection: The gel padding in these bike shorts is noted for the comfort and protection it provides while riding, especially for beginners, those recovering from injuries, or just anyone looking to reduce discomfort while riding.

Value for Money: Many appreciate the affordability of these shorts, which still offer decent quality and comfort for cycling, making them an overall budget-friendly option for cyclists.

Disadvantages

Sizing and Fit Issues: Some have encountered sizing problems where the shorts feel too snug or too big. This shines light on inconsistencies that might affect the overall comfort, and is something to watch for particularly after using on multiple rides.

Short Length: There are mixed opinions about the length of these shorts, with some users finding them too short and voicing concerns about them riding up.

BALEAF Padded Bike Shorts for Women ($31.99)

The BALEAF 5” Bike Shorts for Women are generally well-received, and offer good comfort and value for their price. They feature dense and effective padding that provides good protection while cycling, however there have been mixed feelings about the overall fit of the short, which could be a deterrent for some riders.

Benefits

Quality Padding: People who buy this short highlight the effectiveness of the padding, particularly in sensitive areas, making these shorts suitable for long rides; providing comfort during extended periods on the saddle.

Comfort and Quality: These BALEAF bike shorts appear to be comfortable and well-made, with many people praising the overall quality of the materials. The padding is often noted as a standout feature, even compared to other short models.

Disadvantages

Sizing Variability: Some reviewers have encountered sizing issues, with some shorts fitting too tight or becoming loose after just a few uses. This suggests inconsistencies in sizing, which can lead to discomfort or dissatisfaction for people who get unlucky and don’t get the right fit.

Fit Considerations: While some users appreciate the fit of these shorts, there are differing opinions about the 5” inseam. There are also concerns about a general “roominess” in the leg area. This might be a matter of personal preference and riding style, as some cyclists prefer a snugger fit.

Beginner’s Guide: What To Wear Cycling

July 14, 2020 by Sarah Lauzé

Figuring out what to wear cycling can be a little confusing when you’re starting out. If you’re new to the sport, putting on a pair of funny looking shorts and a jersey may seem unnecessary. However, all it takes is a couple rides in a baggy t-shirt and you’ll be more than willing to give it a try.

A lot of it comes down to wind resistance, a snug fit to avoid chafing, and moisture wicking material. So, that loose fitting t-shirt won’t do you any favours as you get faster and stronger. Plus, having a cool looking jersey can make you feel like a pro and have you ripping up those climbs in no time.

What to Wear Cycling: The Cycling Kit

You may hear the term “cycling kit” thrown around when you’re just starting out. A cycling kit refers to the core cycling clothing: the combination of cycling shorts (with a chamois) and a jersey.

Step 1: Bike Shorts

Bike shorts may just be one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll get for cycling. Cycling shorts will include a chamois, which is the padded part. When you wear these shorts correctly (without underwear), the chamois not only adds a little extra padding for your sit bones, but it also but also prevents chafing. The three main reasons to wear bike shorts are:

Extra Cushion – The padded area provides a smooth surface for your bottom, with no uncomfortable seams or uneven bits.
Reduce Friction – The snug fitting fabric moves with you as you pedal, minimizing the chance of chafing.
Moisture Management – Normal pants or shorts can act as a trap to moisture, keeping sweat on your skin while making the material damp. Cycling shorts are made from materials that work to move and evaporate moisture away from your skin.

Not only will a good pair of bike shorts allow you to ride longer, a bad pair will make for a painful experience! Ensure shorts should be snug enough so they will conform to your body and not shift with your movements.

Shorts vs Bibs – Bike shorts come in two styles: regular shorts or bibs. Bibs are bike shorts with built in suspenders. Most beginners will shy away from the look of them, but once you try them, few go back. Since they have no need for an elastic waistband, bibs can be more comfortable as they conform to your body. When bibs are worn under a jersey, they look just like regular bike shorts.

Step 2: Jersey

Similar to bike shorts, cycling jerseys are made from materials that should work to get moisture away from your body. The general design will be a zipper down the front, with back pockets specifically designed to carry food, tools, and whatever else you’ll need out on the road. They have a shorter front panel (as you will be bent over on your bike), with a longer back panel. The bottom hem will have silicon grip tape to keep the jersey in place as you ride. A jersey should be fairly form fitting to keep you as aerodynamic as possible.

Step 3: Layers

Although bike shorts and a jersey are the basics, knowing how to layer to stay comfortable in any weather is an important skill. The most important thing is to keep your core temperature consistent as you ride. Being too warm or too cold both waste energy, so you want to avoid it whenever possible.

It’s always a good idea to take a waterproof outer shell with you just incase you get caught in a rainstorm. There are also bike tights or pants you can get to wear over your bike shorts to stay warm on those cooler rides.

Step 4: Accessories

Cycling Caps

Cycling caps are great to both keep your head warm in the winter, and keep the sun and sweat out of your eyes in the summer. Plus, they look pretty cool when you stop at a coffee ship on your ride.

Gloves

It’s nice for beginners to have a bit of padding on the palm of their hand, which cycling gloves can offer. You can get fingerless gloves for the summer, and then full moisture-wicking gloves for the winter months.

Cycling can be an intimidating sport to get into, especially when you walk into a bike shop with no idea where to start. You may see a ton of kitted out riders with all the bells and whistles, but you really don’t need much to get started. Start off with the basics, and you can build from there!

5 Of The Best Women’s Cycling Shorts

October 9, 2016 by Emma Lujan

Possibly the most critical item of technical-gear you can purchase for cycling is a good pair of cycling shorts. A solid pair of cycling shorts with a good chamois will allow you to feel more comfortable, powerful and in control while on the bike. It will also allow you to ride for longer periods of time without discomfort.

These are 5 of the best women’s cycling shorts and they differ from men’s or unisex shorts in several ways:

the size run goes smaller in women’s shorts than men’s or unisex sizing
the cut of the short is wider in the hips
the shape of the chamois is slightly different to accommodate women’s anatomy
the inseam is shorter

There are several key features to consider when buying cycling shorts:

Chamois

You want the shorts to fit tight with no bunching material that could potentially chafe later. The chamois should feel slightly like a diaper and isn’t very comfortable for walking around in, but sitting on a bike, it should feel like a cushion.

Leg Grippers

Every company and model uses different leg gripper technology. Some use a compression fabric that is tapered around the thigh while others use a silicone band to keep the short from moving.

Inseam Length

This is based on personal preference and how long your legs are. Some women prefer short shorts with a 6″ inseams, while others like them to be just above the knee with a 7-9″ inseam.

Bibs or No Bibs?

Bib shorts are a cycling short that have shoulder straps like suspenders. The design eliminates the pressure of exercising with a tight waistband which can become irritating when you are hinged at the waist and pedaling. However the main problem bibs pose to women is taking them off for pee breaks. This can be especially exasperating when having to pee during a winter ride when you have to take off multiple layers.

5 Of The Best Women’s Cycling Shorts

Sugoi Evolution Shorty

The Evolution Shorty is the perfect pair of shorts for that woman wanting a shorter inseam. The Evolution Shorty comes with a 6” inseam, a higher compression material around the thigh for grip without constricting your thighs. The Evolution Shorty has a comfortable waistband and a high-grade chamois for comfort at an affordable price.

Price: $110

Castelli Mondiale Bib Shorts

The Mondiale Bib Short is the ultimate blend of comfort, performance and functionality. The short is manufactured from a blend of lycra making it light-weight and wicking. The short comes complete with a SnapLock fastener making it easy to slip out of for those necessary pee breaks. The Mondiale Bib Short is top of the line for those long endurance training rides or fondos as its fabric and chamois thickness opts for comfort versus aerodynamics. The leg gripper is a wide compression material with a silicone band for comfort while keeping the short in place to avoid chafing. This short is an investment but one you will not soon regret.

Price: $249

Garneau Course Race 2 Cycling Bib Shorts

The Course Race 2 bib short is the best cycling shorts for those women looking to do a road race or time trial. The aerodynamic cut and minimal stitches provide a high-end race-day garment. The Course Race 2 comes with a 5Motion women’s specific chamois for ultimate comfort without sacrificing performance. This pair of bib shorts also comes with detachable straps for ease of taking bathroom breaks.

Price: $230

Gore Power Lady 3.0 Shorts+

The Gore Power Lady short comes with a 9” inseam, an elastic gripper on the leg, large reflective logos, and minimal seams to avoid chafing. This short comes in several colors and has a rainbow band along the leg gripper for an added splash of color. With a women’s-specific chamois this is the perfect short for any level of rider at an affordable price point.

Price: $100

Pearl Izumi Women’s Pursuit Attack Bib Short

The Pursuit Attack bib-short provides comfort, performance and functionality at a great price. This pair of shorts comes with an 8” inseam, a silicone leg-gripper, women’s-specific chamois and reflective logos. This short is affordable and will still give any woman the comfort of riding without a waist-band

Price: $120

It will take trying on several brands and models of shorts or bibs to decided which is the right fit for you and your purse. However, once you find the right pair of the best women’s cycling shorts for you it will make pedaling a bike even more fun!

10 Best Chamois Butter

October 1, 2015 by U.M.

There is a lot of debate about the necessity of chamois butter in the modern cycling world, particular since the introduction of synthetic chamois in cycling shorts. However, even beyond the antibacterial properties, chamois butter is also useful when it comes to comfort as it can reduce the levels of friction between your sensitive regions and the saddle, cutting down on saddle sores in the process. Here we look at ten of the best on the market today.

Chamois Butt’r Original 8oz tube

Price: $13 – $18

Marketed as the original chamois butter, this is used by a host of professional and endurance cyclists and comes with a good pedigree when it comes to performance. It is non-greasy and contains no artificial fragrances of coloring, plus it is exceptionally easy to wash off when you have finished riding.

Chamois Butt’r Her’ 8oz tube

Price: $13 – $18

Designed with the women in mind, this chamois butter utilizes a range of naturally occurring materials, such as aloe vera and tea tree oil, to create a product that feels great and performs excellently. Better yet, it is completely gluten-free, making it ideal for people who suffer from an intolerance.

Chamois Butt’rGoStik Skin Lubricant

Price: $11 – 15

This chamois butter comes in a stick, making it much easier to apply while still maintaining the effectiveness of other butters on this list. It is specially designed to protect against chafing and other skin irritations that are common in the sport of cycling.

Gooch Guard Chamois Cream

Price: $15 – $23

Comedic naming aside, Gooch Guard does exactly what it says on the tub – it protects your more sensitive regions from the rigors of cycling. Made using natural ingredients, it offers a lubricated barrier that cuts down on friction and soothes the skin at all points of the ride.

Chamois Butt’rEurostyle

Price: $17 – 20

Made using menthol and witch hazel, so you can be sure you’ll stay fresh “down there”, this chamois butter can be applied both to your skin and your cycling shorts before a ride to ensure that you reduce friction levels and protect yourself from saddle sores.

Eastern Mountain Sports PACELINE Chamois Butt’r

Price: $13 – $15

As the name implies, this is the perfect chamois butter for people who like to go a little off the beaten track when they ride and is used by both professionals and recreational cyclists alike. It washes off easily and contains no artificial fragrances, making it ideal for people looking for a natural chamois butter.

Chamois Glide Stop Saddle Sores Balm

Price: $8

Easy to apply and completely portable, so you can take it out on the road when you are adventure cycling and use it whenever you need, this chamois butter is dry and long-lasting. It also resists against sweat, so you won’t need to worry about it washing off during the ride. The least expensive, it still does the trick but it feels as if it goes on a bit dry.

DZ Nuts Pro Chamois Cream

Price $17 – $24

The name makes no bones about the area that this butter aims to protect, but it’s one that will resonate quite readily with men. The antibacterial nature of the cream means that you don’t need to worry about inflammation or other skin irritants, plus it ensures your skin heals quickly should you suffer from any chaffing incidents.

Udderly Smooth Chamois Cream

This chamois cream is enriched with Shea butter and has received rave reviews in a number of different cycling publications. It’s as smooth as the name suggests and there are few better for protecting against the hazard of chaffing and other friction-related issues.

Assos Chamois Cream

Price: $23 – $26

This chamois butter offers everything that a chamois needs, allowing the chamois to maintain its supple texture and antibacterial properties while also protecting the rider’s skin at all times. It can be applied directly onto the skin in addition to being rubbed into the chamois itself. This is our my favourite! Assos makes the best quality product on the market.

Everything You Need to Know About Chamois Butter

September 20, 2015 by U.M.

Chamois butter is one of those things that seems to be fairly unique to the sport of cycling. If you ask the average person on the street what it does and why cyclists use it, you’re probably going to get little more than slightly confused glances and a shrug of the shoulders. Even avid cyclists are less prone to talk about it than they would other aspects of the sport, probably due to the delicate nature of its usage.

However, it is still something that is commonly used, particularly by professional cyclists who are trying to ensure they remain as comfortable as possible when they are on their bikes for long periods of time. Here we will take a more in-depth look at chamois butter so you can decide for yourself whether or not it’s something that you need.

What Is Chamois?

The chamois is actually a piece of padding that is commonly found in your cycling shorts that has been placed there with the purpose of offering you extra comfort during long bike rides. It is pretty much a must-have feature if you are going to be riding your bike for anything more than an hour a day.

The name stems back to the older days of cycling, where riders would place a chamois cloth in their shorts in an effort to protect their delicates. This was typically made of sheepskin leather, but today’s chamois will usually be made from foam, microfiber cloth or a gel.

What Does Chamois Butter Do?

Back in the days of sheepskin leather chamois, you would need to make sure that you used the appropriate creams or butters to properly condition it so that it would remain usable and also to tackle any bacteria that had built up on the chamois. If you didn’t, the chamois would stiffen, particularly after washing, which would defeat the purpose of having one in the first place.

However, most modern chamois are made using materials that remain soft and supportive on their own accord. Despite this, many people still swear by chamois butter as an essential product and you will find that many professional riders use it to maintain even synthetic chamois.

Essentially, chamois butter is a lube and an antibacterial butter that you rub on your special parts to keep them from getting raw and sore.

So Why Would I Need Chamois Butter?

Technically you don’t need to use chamois butter if you have a modern pair of cycling shorts. Synthetic chamois are developed to stay pliable for many washes and will generally be able to combat the bacteria that older chamois were liable of developing.

However, there is an argument to be made for using chamois butter to increase your comfort levels. After all, applying it to your chamois creates a lubricated layer that helps to reduce friction between your delicate areas and the shorts themselves. This prevents chafing and also leads to a reduction in saddle sores, so if you find that either of these is a regular problem it may be worth investing.

It all comes down to your personal comfort levels, rather than the traditional uses of chamois butter. Check the chamois in your shorts and determine whether or not it is going to remain comfortable for you. If you think there might be an issue, particularly over longer rides, then it is at least worth experimenting with. Every cyclist is different, so you may end up finding that it really works for you.

Where to Buy Chamois Butter

Chamois butter is standard in all local bike shops. Chamois butter can also be purchased online.

Is Chamois Butter For Me?

Only you will know. Try it out, if you enjoy your ride more, then chamois butter is for you!

10 Best Bib Shorts

September 8, 2015 by U.M.

While we all know about the many benefits that a good pair of cycling shorts bring to the sport, many people prefer to have that extra bit of support when they are riding. This is where bib shorts come into play. Though they are perhaps not as common as their counterparts, a good pair of bib shorts not only supports your legs but also keeps your core strong at all times, allowing for increased levels of performance.

Pearl Izumi – Ride Men’s Elite In-R-Cool Bib Shorts

Our first pair of bib shorts is produced by Pearl Izumi, who regular readers will already recognize as one of the top producers of cycling apparel. Featuring a mesh bib that offers improved levels of support in addition to the special ELITE Transfer In-R-Cool fabric that allows for better cooling and protection from the sun, these bib shorts are a great choice for any cyclist.

Castelli 2015 Men’s Evoluzione Cycling Bib Short

With a smart design that juxtaposes white and black to great effect, these bib shorts are made to fit your form perfectly and are ideal for cycling in practically all conditions. Made using Lycra, they also feature mesh padding that allows your skin to breathe at all times.

Louis Garneau Signature Optimum Bib Shorts

Featuring anatomic panels that ensure the shorts provide support to every major area of your body, this pair of bib shorts is made using polyester and features a SilvercooL3 chamois, so you can protect yourself against chaffing and other skin irritants as well.

Astek Premium High Top Shorts

These bib shorts feature silicone leg grippers, so you can be sure that they will stay in place no matter how rough the ride gets. They are also machine-washable and offer an increased level of support when compared to standard cycling shorts.

Louis Garneau Fit Sensor 2 Bib Shorts

Featuring An AirZone chamois and made using Louis Garneau’s Fit Sensor technology, you will struggle to find a pair of shorts that fit your form as perfectly as these, allowing for an increased range of motion and perfect flexibility at all times.

CastelliVelocissimoDue Bib Shorts

Built to suit the bodies of professional cyclists and those who want to race on a competitive level, these shorts are made using polyester and are recommended for use when road cycling. They also feature a snazzy design on the shorts themselves that is sure to catch the eye when you are leading the pack.

CastelliVelocissimoDue Bib Shorts

Made using breathable fabrics that will keep you at the optimal temperature to pull out your best performance, these bib shorts are also designed to wick away pesky sweat and ensure you stay comfortable. The RC Pro chamois is also intended to ensure you stay comfortable in the saddle, no matter how long the ride.

Allnice® SKY Blue+ Stripe Team Cycling Shorts

Team Sky has managed to make quite the name for itself in the world of professional cycling in quite a short time, so it should come as no surprise that their branded shorts are amongst the best on the market today. Show your support for the team while also getting the best quality support for your body.

Louis GarneauEquipe Motion Bib Shorts

These stylish shorts are the perfect addition to your cycling wardrobe, offering you all of the support that you could want while also ensuring that all eyes stay on you when you’re riding. Breathable fabrics also ensure that you remain comfortable during the ride.

Pearl Izumi – Ride Men’s Pro In-R-Cool Bib Shorts

Ideal for those who want all, of the major benefits of the Elite variant of these shorts, while spending a little less money in the bargain, this is the perfect piece of cycling gear for those who are just starting to really push themselves with their riding and need that added support.