The 12 Best Cycling Shorts for a Smooth, Seamless Ride

"It's as easy as riding a bike." We've all heard that ubiquitous phrase some time or another, and for most, I’m sure it's applicable. I, however, have characteristically managed to prove it false. It was summer 2020 when my friends coerced me to bike along a desolate West Side Highway. I hadn’t hopped on a bicycle in years, far too many for me to remember. But taking that expression to heart, I thought, “Hey, I totally got this.” As you can imagine, it didn’t go very well. I was the embodiment of clumsy. Not only that, but I was completely ill dressed for the exercise. The thought of wearing cycling shorts didn’t even register in my brain, and it went downhill from there.

I wore a pair of denim short-shorts, a tee, a linen cardigan, and sandals. This fit would have been great if I was leisurely riding around my neighborhood. But no, the plan was to bike from the top of Harlem all the way down to Battery Park. That’s about 10 miles, give or take, and with overachievers, no less. A mile in, my legs began to quiver, my ass just couldn’t handle the rigidity of the seat any longer, and I started to chafe between my thighs. I was also visibly drenched in sweat. To say that I was a complete mess is an understatement. Still, the whole debacle didn’t entirely rest on my inability to actually ride a bike. Much of the problem stemmed from the fact that I wasn’t wearing cycling shorts. I know that now.

To really go the long haul, it is important to consider the factors that go into the best cycling shorts. First is the fabric, which should always be made of a moisture-wicking textile. Next is the silhouette: The style tends to be super fitted and fall just above the knee. But some guys like it loose, and there are standalone liners that you can wear underneath, say, gym shorts, for that. Just make sure it covers the scope of your inner thigh, cause chaffing is the worst. Last is built-in padding. Some shorts have it, others don’t. But if you’re like me, and just can’t handle sitting on that tiny seat for an extended period of time, some cushioning is a lifesaver.

Now that you know all that, you can avoid looking like a complete dunce on the Westside Highway, or wherever your bike takes you. From brands like Castelli and Rapha that cater to cycling enthusiasts to activewear giants like Nike and REI, the market is filled with options for pros and beginners alike. I want to say that getting your hands on these shorts is as easy as riding a bike, but you already know how I feel about that.