Are you wondering what the big deal is with bike shorts?
Why do you need long distance cycling shorts?
Why even wear bike shorts at all?
And what are the best biking shorts?
Well-fitted shorts for cycling make your bike rides far more comfortable and enjoyable because of their stretchy material, seat padding, and dry-wicking nature.
But with so many bike shorts to choose from, what are your best options? We’ll dive into the best long-distance cycling shorts in this post.
First, let’s talk about what you need to know about bike shorts.
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THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON BIKE SHORTS
Why wear bike shorts at all?
The seat padding in bike shorts (called the “chamois” and pronounced as “sha-mee”) makes it more comfortable to ride your bike.
How do I choose bike shorts?
Decide whether you need a men’s or women’s bike short. They’re constructed differently to relieve pressure points based on your anatomy.
Look for bike shorts made with stretchy material—usually made with spandex—that don’t restrict your range of movement and moves with you.
Decide if you want cycling shorts or bibs. Cycling shorts are pulled on much like tight shorts and are convenient for emergency pit stops.
But the major drawback: if you spend much of your bike ride hunched over your handlebars, the waistband might dig into your waist.
You can avoid an uncomfortable waistband with a cycling bib, which is held up by two shoulder straps to keep your shorts firmly in place.
But there are a couple of disadvantages to the cycling bib.
You may find that the shoulder straps dig annoyingly into your shoulders.
And, if you ever need to stop for a restroom break, be prepared to peel off your jersey (and hope nothing falls out of your back pockets) before getting to your bib.
How tight should bike shorts be?
Your bike shorts should be snug (like a second skin), but you should be able to move comfortably in them without your bike shorts falling off.
Do I wear undies with bike shorts?
No, for comfort reasons.
Bike shorts are designed to reduce both friction and chafing.
But if you wear underwear with your bike shorts, you’ll re-introduce friction (through your underwear seams) and moisture (especially if your underwear is made of cotton), which leads to chafing, a common cycling injury.
So then, what are the best shorts for long-distance cycling?
You’ll find a roundup of different cycling shorts styles and price points for both men and women.
But note, the fit of cycling shorts differs from brand to brand—some may run large, and others may run small.
Though checking the manufacturer’s size chart is a good start, you’ll have to put a pair of cycling shorts through your own series of tests to decide which one truly works for you.
Can you move comfortably in a pair of cycling shorts? Does it cut uncomfortably in certain areas? Do they slide down when you’re getting on and off your bike?
THE BEST LONG-DISTANCE CYCLING SHORTS | WOMEN
Machines for Freedom Essential Cycling Short
Every woman’s body is shaped differently, and Machines for Freedom knows this. It’s why they’ve created women’s cycling apparel that fits almost all women’s sizes—from XS to XXXL.
And this essential cycling short is a buttery soft mid-thigh cycling short that’s designed for over 6 hours in the saddle.
Buy them, try them out for 30 days, and if they don’t work out, you can always send them back.
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Not quite ready to invest a ton of money into bike shorts? Try this budget option, but you *may* want to double-check the fit because it can run small.
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A short, lightweight cycling short that’s perfect for hot days or indoor cycling. These bike shorts run small, so you may want to size up.
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THE BEST LONG-DISTANCE CYCLING BIBS | WOMEN
Machines for Freedom Endurance Bib
Warning—you may experience sticker shock, but this endurance bib may be worth every penny.
It has an Italian chamois to fit all sit bone widths, a compressive fit to prevent chafing, and an overall comfortable, flattering fit.
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If you’re not quite ready to sink your dollars into an expensive bib short, then this bib short is a great value. It’s a supportive, breathable bib short that stays put throughout your bike ride—short or long.
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THE BEST LONG-DISTANCE CYCLING SHORTS | MEN
Louis Garneau CB Carbon 2 Short
Your bike shorts shouldn’t hold you back on long rides. And if you need a high-end pair of shorts, consider Louis Garneau bike shorts, made with performance fabric that resists bacteria, reflects the sun to keep you cool, and gives you unrestricted range of motion.
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If you don’t want to break the bank on cycling apparel, consider this budget bike short that wicks moisture and has a chamois that gives you enough cushioning for short rides.
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This budget bike short can give you decent support and breathability on short rides.
But if you’re an avid cyclist who does long hours in the saddle, these shorts probably won’t hold up as well as a more expensive pair that’s made with better quality performance materials.
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THE BEST LONG-DISTANCE CYCLING BIBS | MEN
A bib short for long-distance cycling. This high-end bib is silky soft, breathable, with supportive chamois and flat shoulder straps to prevent chafing.
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Bib shorts can get pretty pricey, but this one offers great value for your money. Lightweight, breathable, and stays put throughout your bike ride.
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