11 Excellent Cycling Shorts for Men, According to a Certified USA Triathlon Coach

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IF YOU'RE looking for a low-impact cardio workout, cycling is a go-to option. These days, indoor cycling is every bit as popular as outdoor, thanks to cycling clubs and the Peloton "movement." Whether you're into at-home spin workouts, downhill mountain biking, or good ol' fashioned road riding, the opportunities are endless with cycling.

As with any specialized workout regimen, the right apparel makes all the difference. Cycling is no different. Sure, just about any pair of athletic shorts will work, but they're not ideal. That's why having the right pair of cycling shorts (in addition to a good pair of cycling shoes!) is guaranteed to make any ride a bit smoother. Whether you prefer a little extra padding, more storage space, or a moisture-wicking material (or, even better, all three), being outfitted with a proper pair of bike shorts will allow you to go the distance by minimizing gear distractions and discomfort.

Read more: How Men's Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products

The key to a good pair of cycling shorts? The chamois—a special pad designed to protect your bottom from injury as you spend time on the seat. You can also opt for a full bib, which uses shoulder straps for maximum support and security. Ready to upgrade your shorts? Let us help you get back on the saddle with the best cycling shorts (and bibs) for men in 2023.

Want more guidance? Continue reading on to the bottom of this guide and you'll hear from our very own Men's Health Health Director and USA-Triathlon-Certified coach, Marty Munson.

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Padded Cycling Shorts

This Amazon best-seller might lack some of the qualities that the most premium options will offer, but thousands of positive ratings prove that they can get the job done for beginners and hobby riders alike. That's thanks to a six-panel design made of mostly nylon blended with 20% spandex for plenty of stretch. The result is a breathable, moisture-wicking material that keeps you dry and prevents overheating. Gel padding in "key areas" provides ample comfort, even on long rides.

We also like that these cycling shorts are available in a dozen colors and a wide range of sizes, from Small up to 3XL. But, the best part is the price. At just under $40, these are well-priced for beginners looking for a solid first pair of shorts, or seasoned riders who might need a backup pair of shorts for endurance rides.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 18,500 Amazon reviews, 90% recommend the Sponeed Padded Cycling Shorts with at least a 4-star rating.

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Core Bib Shorts

We've said it before, but we believe that you almost always get what you pay for. That's doubly true when it comes to the best fitness apparel. While you'll pay a little more for these bib-style cycling shorts than others, you can't go wrong with Rapha. Their Core Bib bib-style shorts work well as a daily driver with plenty of performance-minded features. Namely: a single-density chamois pad that delivers supreme comfort and protection for your "most sensitive" areas. Plus, laser-cut silicone leg grippers help keep these cycling shorts from bunching up as you ride.

Rapha keeps it simple with only three available colors, but these are available in a good range of sizes, from XS to XXL. The main downside? They're pricey. At around $130, these fall squarely into the "premium cycling shorts" category. But, if you're an intermediate or veteran rider who doesn't mind spending a little more for the best, these are your man.

What do buyers say? "This is my first time buying from Rapha... These bibs provide a good amount of compression, but they do not constrict. The length is perfect for my taste-they sit just above your knees and offer [a] very aesthetic look," said one Rapha.cc reviewer.

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9'' Warrior Compression Short

For most cyclists—from novice to veteran—we typically recommend a purpose-built pair of cycling shorts. But, if you're after a pair with a little extra versatility, these compression shorts from Alo Yoga are bike-style shorts, rather than true padded gear for long rides. Alo's compression shorts can go from short distances on the bike to cross-training thanks to their flat-seam construction with a full gusset panel for extra comfort and ease of movement. They also have an adjustable drawcord waistband for a customized fit, plus the wide range of sizes (S-XXL) will fit just about any cyclist.

On the downside, these aren't true cycling shorts, though to be fair they're not pretending to be. But, we love the versatility to use these for a wide range of workouts, cycling or otherwise. Plus, at under $70, they're decently priced for any cyclist looking for an upgrade to their existing shorts without overspending.

What do buyers say? "I've consistently worn these for the last two years and they've been great. They keep things high & tight and have held up in yoga classes, swimming, hiking, and jiu jitsu," said one AloYoga.com reviewer.

Read more: Best Compression Shorts

Men's Ranger Short

Of course, mountain bikers need cycling shorts too, but most have an entirely different set of requirements that traditional indoor and road riders. Some of the best mountain biking shorts come from Fox Racing, whose Ranger model features stretch ripstop fabric that blends polyamide nylon and polyester with an elastane liner. The result is a durable exterior designed to stand up to the rigors of hardcore off-road biking (i.e., spills) and a comfortable interior that keeps your most important parts protected and in place. The adjustable waist and good range of sizes (from 28 to 44 inches) ensure these fit a wide variety of body types. We also like the solid selection of more than a dozen colors.

It's worth noting that these, too, are not typical cycling shorts. If you're a mountain biker, they're likely to be damn-near-perfect—especially given the reasonable $70-$80 price tag. But, the lack of a chamois or any padding at all means traditional cyclists will want to look elsewhere.

What do buyers say? "Technically two shorts in one. Functional padded spandex inner shorts carry the work while outer shorts are baggy and comfortable letting you stay stylish and relaxed. Love the look and am so happy with this purchase," said one Amazon reviewer.

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Vital Drive Training Half Tight 10"

If you're not yet a Lululemon convert, these cycling shorts might be your tipping point. Another pair made with cross-training or spin in mind rather than serious cycling, these cycling-esque shorts are made of a Lycra material that has interior gripping engineered to promote joint and muscle support. They also feature side drop-in pockets for extra storage. Although they're only available in black, we love the simple, streamlined design that's typical of the brand's best workout gear.

These, too, aren't your typical cycling shorts. But, Lululemon packs plenty of great biking-inspired features to ensure these work for just about any workout, cycling or otherwise. As with much of the brand's famously awesome gear, you'll pay a premium. These are pricey at around $100, but we think the next-level design makes them worth the splurge.

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Evolution Zap Cycling Shorts

Of course, you don't need to spend north of $100 on a decent pair of cycling shorts. But, that's often the price of admission for the best cycling shorts. If you ride in the morning or evening, the reflective leg bands of these high-visibility shorts will help you stand out on the road. The 8-panel shorts use a 3D-constructed standard chamois to keep your butt comfortable, with silicon leg grippers to keep the fit snug without being too restrictive.

At more than $130, these are some of the priciest cycling shorts we've seen this year. But, the long list of well-thought-out features make these worth the added expense, especially if you're into endurance races or longer training rides.

What do buyers say? "Did an 80 miler followed by a 30 miler the next day... These shorts did not disappoint. They were comfortable throughout my back-to-back ride days without a fault. I would HIGHLY recommend these and plan on getting another in the not too distant future," said one CompetitiveCyclist.com reviewer.

Cycling Bike Bib Shorts

Yeah, we did say "you get what you pay for," and that's usually true. But this budget cycling bib from Przewalski is a rare exception. It offers a long list of must-have features that we expect from many of the best cycling shorts. That includes a 4D-molded construction and multiple pads for comfort, along with an ergonomic, high-density foam chamois. Anti-slip silicone grippers help ensure that these shorts stay put, even on the longest rides. These shorts are also available in the widest range of sizes—from XS to 4XL—ensuring that just about anyone can find a size for them.

At under $40, it's hard to find much to complain about. With more than 600 five-star Amazon ratings, it's clear many buyers agree. The only quibble we could find is that some buyers—even those who love these cycling shorts overall—note that these feel like a budget pair. But, if you're just getting started with cycling, these are easily our pick for the best budget bib-style cycling shorts this year.

What do buyers say? "Great fit, quality materials, and awesome value for the price, compared to cycling bibs I have bought in stores. I re-purchased a second set," said one Amazon reviewer.

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Hummvee Baggy Cycling Short

These durable mountain biking shorts from Endura have both zipped air vents and zippered pockets for extra storage. The seat pad can also be removed.

A crowd favorite among the mountain biking community, they were originally designed in collaboration with London delivery couriers who shared their needs for comfortable, urban cycling shorts. The fabric has a DWR finish for protection against spray and the seams are twin-needled for added security. The shorts also include an detachable liner made of lightweight stretch mesh with an elastic waistband that can be removed quickly thanks to the brand's innovative design. A new and improved seat pad offers wicking comfort and can be easily attached or detached with the same convertible system as the liner, and is interchangeable with other mountain biking shorts in the range.

What do buyers say? 84% of Amazon buyers recommend the Hummvee Baggy Cycling Short with at least a 4-star rating.

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Endurance 3 Cycling Short

If you're looking for a better fit than the standard spandex shorts, these might be the ones for you. They're cut to leave some extra space for your quads, along with a slightly longer inseam.

The new and improved fabric is both supportive and compressive, while a seamless seat pad and flat-laying leg band add to the overall comfort of the shorts. These shorts also have a unique grip at the bottom of each leg that provides a better grip without cutting into the skin.

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Ether Bike Shorts

If you're not an all-compression-everything kind of guy, there are still options for you. This pair of mountain biking/cycling shorts has a 2-in-1 design with a removable liner—including a built-in chamois, of course—with plenty of zipper pockets and other storage for cyclists who are as concerned with practical functionality as they are about performance.

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3D Padded Cycling Quick-Dry Pants

Another budget option, these inexpensive cycling shorts can still get the job done. Gel padding will keep your bottom comfortable, while a silicone leg particle gripper prevents your shorts from sagging.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 6,000 reviews, 90% of Amazon buyers recommend the 3D Padded Cycling Quick-Dry Pants with at least a 4-star rating.

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How To Choose the Best Cycling Shorts (for You)

Like most workout apparel, cycling shorts are deceptively simple. But, if you're planning to spend serious time in the saddle, you need a pair that's able to go the distance. You want shorts that are supportive, comfortable, and even protective. Here are the most important considerations when shopping for the best cycling shorts for you:

Design: The first and most important question: what kind of shorts are you in the market for? From compression, to bibs, to relaxed-fit shorts, there's many options to choose from. It’s all about what feels most comfortable and secure to you.

If you’re going to be doing a triathlon, you need tri shorts—their thinner padding lets water from the swim drain faster and makes them possible to run in. But get them long before your tri.

The other option for cycling shorts is the baggy bike short variety. These are most frequently worn by mountain bikers and road riders who prefer a loose fit that's not suctioned to their body. They often lack a built-in chamois, plus, they're more versatile and can carry you from a ride to a lunch or coffee in town.

Chamois: The chamois is really what separates cycling shorts from traditional athletic shorts. This purpose-built pad is made to be anti-microbial, odor-resistant, and reduce friction. The result? A more comfortable and protected undercarriage, especially for longer rides.

Fit: Cycling shorts are designed for two purposes: comfort and protection. So, you need a pair that's perfectly comfortable for you. Riding long distances on little padding might take some getting used to.

"Picking the right fit for you will be all about comfort—and some trial and error. Investigate what keeps the shorts from riding up your legs," Munson advises. "Cycling shorts usually have some kind of leg gripper on the inside. Some of the thinner leg grip bands give you a sausage-link look if your legs are on the generous side. Wide bands at the bottom of the shorts may work better for you."

Budget: Price is, of course, always a consideration. Most decent cycling shorts won't cost you more than $50-$100. We've found many models in this price range (including some of the shorts above) that tick all the essential boxes for what we expect in a good pair of shorts. If you're a hardcore rider with an eye toward maximum performance and comfort, plan on spending between $150-$200 for some of the best cycling shorts.

Cycling Shorts vs. Bibs

Cycling shorts and cycling bibs are similar in that both are typically form-fitting (even skin-tight) with a good dose of spandex, and most feature an integrated chamois. What separates bibs from traditional shorts is the addition of shoulder straps. These act like suspenders that, together with anti-slip padding in the legs, keep your shorts in place—neither falling down or riding up.

Still need help determining which works for you? Take some advice from Men's Health health director and USA-Triathlon-Certified coach, Marty Munson:

"There’s no clear winner in the bibs v. shorts debate, because each has its pros and cons," Munson says. "Bibs are more comfortable around your waist area, but they’re more complicated when nature calls (gotta take off the jersey to deal).

What Are The Health Benefits of Cycling?

While it's a no-brainer cycling will get you in shape, many individuals are probably unaware of the true potential the activity has to offer.

If you want to know how awesome cycling is for your health, read up on a few of our favorite success stories. This 75-year-old beat diabetes thanks to cycling. It helped this guy finally get off of blood medication, and this guy lost 75 pounds thanks to cycling and triathlon training. And this drummer lost a whopping 460 pounds through diet and cycling.

So don't be shy about getting into cycling. In fact, buying your first pair of cycling shorts might be the tipping point to your next favorite hobby.

Why You Can Trust Us

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. For this story, we spent hours researching online and interviewing Certified USA Triathlon coach Marty Munson. Our writers and editors are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality.

Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.

How We Selected

For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Fitness editors and writers on the best cycling shorts for men. Experts including our Health Director and Certified USA Triathlon Coach, Marty Munson, and Senior Fitness Editor, Brett Williams, NASM, evaluated dozens of shorts. They compared and rated every feature and spec, including durability, function, comfort, and, of course, price. We also considered top-reviewed cycling shorts with at least 100 five-star customer ratings on the e-commerce websites that we trust most. The list above represents our honest picks for the 12 best cycling shorts for men in 2023.

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