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GQ’s edit of the best men’s cycling shorts you can take to ride the two-wheeled wave in chafe-free comfort and style
Cycling is a great way of getting from A to B and improving your fitness, but it’s not always a pain-free experience. The most common complaint from new members of the commuter crew or those dabbling in exercise bike-based workouts concern the groin area – particularly chafing or, worse, saddle sores. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Enter cycling shorts. Unlike your best summer shorts, cycling shorts are made specifically for the task at hand – ensuring freedom of movement and good breathability to keep things comfortable and sweat-free downstairs. Some even come packing padding – ideal for those long days in the saddle.
There are two schools of cycling short. The most common and integral to your riding comfort is the tight-fitting Lycra/spandex kind. Sitting just above the knee and usually hoisted up with a bib suspender, the flexible materials are favoured by competitive cyclists to decrease air resistance while allowing for a full range of motion as they pedal. At the higher end of the market, these shorts will heighten comfort in seamless designs and incorporate additional technical materials that work to better regulate your temperature as you cycle.
Then there’s the more commuter-friendly option, which closely resembles traditional summer shorts. These tend to be designed to be worn over the top of the tighter-fitting shorts, offering an additional level of function (pockets) and keeping your modesty covered (in the same way a gym short is advised over compression tights). Stretchy, breathable and made in a shell blend of technical fabrics like polyamide and nylon, a good pair will easily pass for stylish casualwear.
The key to comfortable cycling shorts is in their padding, and the most important area is that which comes into contact with the bike’s saddle, otherwise known as the chamois. Once made from unpadded leather, modern cycling shorts tend to pad this part with foam of varying densities and layers to take the pressure off your crotch area. A good chamois will be decked out with antimicrobial properties to keep things hygienic in this particularly sweat-prone area, too. And, it’s for this reason that you shouldn’t wear underwear underneath your bike shorts, as it will detract from the friction-proofing. If you’re going to opt for the baggier style without a chamois-fitted Lycra short underneath, you could consider using a spray to prevent chafing, such as that from Smoovall (£14.99. smoovall.co.uk).
Tune into any professional level cycling race and the elite peloton will exclusively favour a bib cycling short. By omitting a waistband in place of the shoulder straps that hoist them up, they’re preferred because they remove any discomfort around the midsection as you ride. If you’re serious about your cycling, they’re well worth considering the slightly heightened investment. Consider, though, that just as a jumpsuit on a night out makes having a wee an ordeal, they’re that bit less in keeping with your regular get-up, so the compromise is that they’re not the most convenient for that seamless transition from commute to desk.
Pro cyclists and enthusiasts alike are known to go to extreme measures to enhance their performance, which means a higher budget will translate to streamlined aerodynamics and clever use of technical fabrics. For a bib short you should generally expect to pay anything from £100 to £300 for a pair that is premium quality, while the baggier kind will tend to come in under the £100 mark.
When it comes to a cycling wardrobe that doesn't look all that different from your casual wardrobe, Rapha's your brand. Its technical, lightweight shorts are the perfect commuter piece for summer months getting around on two wheels, not forgetting easing back into office life. They're incredibly lightweight and breathable, so are well suited to any journeys where you won't have the access to a shower on the other side, while the high-cut back ensures a great fit (and no builder’s bum) when riding. £100 £75. At rapha.cc
Although aimed at gravel riding, cargo bib shorts are pretty handy for the majority of rides. Rather than rummaging around in a cycling jersey’s back pockets, you can simply slip your hand down into the thigh-mounted pouch, enabling you to keep essentials up front and leave emergency supplies (inner tubes, a multi-tool, bike pump) out of the way. Our pick from Le Col’s entry-level Sport range feature mesh pockets on both sides and a plump, triple-layer chamois pad. £155. At lecol.cc
South London-based Pearson can boldly claim to be the oldest still-trading bicycle shop in the world, with roots that date back to 1860. Fortunately, its clothing offering doesn’t lean too much into this heritage and is as cutting-edge as it comes. Its adventure-focused cargo bib shorts are perfect for on and off-road exploring – a single, large pocket on the left leg is ideal for stowing snacks or your phone for mid-ride snaps; a stretchy fabric that is comfortable and close-fitting; wide, brace-like straps that alleviate pressure points on the shoulders while performing their main aim of keeping the shorts up. The bottle green and burnt caramel colourways are a nice break from the norm too, helping you stand out from the crowd. £160. At pearson1860.com
Late nights in the office equal darker commutes home and any additional visibility you can afford outside of your bike lights alone will make that journey all the safer. Proviz's Lycra shorts are just the thing, with strategic reflective dealing throughout that will make you far more noticeable to oncoming traffic. £42.99 £36.54. At provizsports.com
We’re a big fan of Universal Colours, but if its Chroma range is slightly out of your budget, then these £125 Mono bib shorts are a very worthy alternative. A thick, 13mm chamois pad takes the sting out of bumps in the road, while the short’s BlueSign-approved recycled fabric is breathable and holds a good shape. Our favourite feature though? The different colourways that the Mono comes in, with canopy green a real highlight. £125. At universalcolours.com
On gruelling days in the saddle, you want a pair of shorts that will help – rather than hinder – your long-distance desires. Café Du Cycliste knows this, and its Mathilde shorts are the result. Designed for ride durations that stretch into double figures, the Nice-based brand has minimised seams to keep chaffing at bay, while a mesh layer between the bib straps wicks sweat away at source, aiding temperature control – whether in Provence’s sunny climes, or tackling some of those undulating UK climbs. £265. At cafeducycliste.com
Can you put a price on comfort? If the latest Hors Categorie shorts from British brand Le Col are anything to go by then the answer is yes – and it’s just north of £200. While that might seem excessive, the short's premium, multi-density chamois, silicon leg grippers and laser-cut bib straps can take the sting out of the longest of rides, keeping things comfortable from the first pedal stroke to the last. £210. lecol.cc
While road cycling is all about being aerodynamically optimised and leaning into lycra, gravel allows you to have a slightly more relaxed approach to apparel. Although bib shorts (or at least something with a chamois pad) are recommended as a base layer to aid comfort, baggy shorts are favoured on top for their extra storage, protection from trail-side foliage, and less revealing fit. The Farside set from Vancouver-based 7Mesh are durable, breathable and, best of all, have a zipped pocket perfect for stowing snacks. From £63. At sigmasports.com
They say that the third time’s a charm, and that's certainly true with the latest version of Maap’s training bib shorts, which hit on the perfect combination of all-day comfort and breathability without impacting on performance. The main fabric is constructed from a four-way stretch, meaning they hold their shape well, wash after wash. Another smart feature is the bib’s mesh back, which helps to wick away sweat, and keep you dry and well-ventilated even on the hottest summer day. £195. At maap.cc
If you’re investing north of £150 in a pair of bib shorts, you want to know that they’re going to last longer than a single summer. The Chroma from Sigma Sports’ in-house brand Universal Colours uses French woven nylon, which the brand claims will last up to seven times longer than its knitted version – meaning these are shorts you can return to, year after year. The tight, compressive design helps to keep blood circulating in your quads and hamstrings on long rides, helping you go further, and its finish is OekoTex 100 certified – meaning they’re environmentally friendly too. £165 £115. At sigmasports.com
The Rapha revolution helped make cycling clothing cool again, and more fashion-focused brands, such as Pas Normal Studios, have sprung up to meet the demands of style-conscious spinners. Started by Wood Wood founder Karl-Oskar Olsen, the Danish manufacturer produces bold, minimalistic, streetwear-inspired designs that help you stand out in the peloton. Its Mechanism bib shorts come in a variety of colours too – ideal if you want to break out from the bog-standard black. £220. At sigmasports.com
When prioritising affordable, value-for-money cycling kit, Decathlon's Triban is up there with the best of them. Developed with a team of road cyclists based at the B'Twin Village in Lille, no feature has been spared in making these some of the most comfortable waistbanded shorts you could wish to take to the saddle in. Fitted with an ergonomic gel pad for sitting comfort and silicone-coated elasticated band on the thighs to keep them in place, they have you covered whether you're Alps-side or Thames-side. £34.99 £29.99. At decathlon.co.uk
Free from any overt cycling branding, which has a tendency to be on the garish side of design, Rapha's cargo bib shorts are sleek and simple. Featuring handy pockets on both legs and the upper back, they free up the need for a cycling jersey with storage solutions for your keys, phone and wallet. The material is both lightweight and water-resistant, too, perfect for England's most unpredictable weather turns. £240. At rapha.cc
Another Aussie addition to the world of cycling clothing, Sydney-based Attaquer goes big on functional pieces in bold colours. Its A-Line is its entry-level range, but there’s nothing basic about these bib shorts. Constructed from 80 per cent recycled Italian fabric and packing a slightly relaxed fit with wide rubber leg grippers, they’re the perfect intro if you’re making the upgrade from waist shorts. Featuring UPF 50+ protection from the sun but also thick enough to be worn on all-but-the-coldest winter days, they’re an investment that can be slipped on year-round. £134.95. At attaquercycling.com
Australian brand Maap is another company that has brought streetwear to cycling, collaborating with fashion labels such as PAM on limited edition releases that are snapped up as soon as they’re released. Its Motion Short 2.0 is a commuter-focused pair of shorts that are stylish enough to be worn even when leaving your ride at home. On the bike, a durable, water-resistant coating keeps the worst of the summer showers at bay, while three zipped pockets allow you to keep all of your essentials at hand without needing a dedicated cycling backpack. £100. At maap.cc
Premium cycling kit with laid-back skater vibes? Consider us sold. Chrome Industries meant business when it went about constructing its Union shorts – the stretchable, water-resistant fabric is tough as nails. Version 2.0 of the signature shorts boasts more storage options, care of an additional back pocket and zipped wallet pocket, plus extra reflective hits to keep you seen and safe. £105. At chromeindustries.com
Veering off the Garmin GPS mapped route? It's Rapha's trusty trail shorts you'll want to be doing it in. These offer the best of both durable nylon fabrication – amplified by a variable width belt for locked-in comfort – and easy movement care of ergonomic patterning. But, as with most things Rapha, it's the signature aesthetic that we love most about them, in a versatile colourway and that script logo you'll be wanting all on your trail to see. £130 £97. At rapha.cc
This is the cycling short for people who don't want to keep their affinity for two wheels on the down-low. Resembling a classic chino short, they're made from a durable mix of cotton and twill fabrics for a stretch that won't impede your legs as they pedal, while a 12mm moulded antibacterial stretch pad attached to an engineered in-built boxer provides comfort without the need for a Lycra short underneath. £74.99. At endurasport.com
This is a performance-geared short that we'd be more than happy to pack in a suitcase and wear on a stroll down a Mediterranean promenade. The shade of navy is easily integrated into a summer outfit and heightened by its contrasting dark green and burgundy detailing. As a performance piece, these are designed for off the beaten track – lightweight and with ample stretch, with hems bonded to prevent any friction. With no padding, though, they're best worn over a gravel-geared pair of bib shorts. £147. At cafeducycliste.com
If you’re more of an endurance cyclist than an urban one, Gore Wear’s bib shorts really go the distance. They’ve been developed with pro WorldTour cyclist Fabian Cancellara to really get to the nitty-gritty of what’s needed from a short that’ll take you on longer-haul journeys. Standout features include flat-lock seams and low-force elastic that’ll keep everything as it should be from mile one to 100, while a denser-than-usual knit means they’re soft on the skin and won’t chafe. £199.99 £119.99. At gorewear.com
These Climber bib shorts are the latest in Stolen Goat's line-up and are perfect for the warmer months ahead. They're highly breathable thanks to their ultra-light weight and are made from UV protective fabrics for sun-soaked rides. The brand's signature Vapour Pad provides highly comfortable padding where it's most needed, without adding any notable weight (just 24g), while forgoing a silicone gripper in place of an elasticated panel means they won't pull at the skin. £120. At stolengoat.com
These shorts were designed in tandem with a Scicon saddle – meaning the padding is primed for its particular ergonomics – so should you opt for the set, you'll struggle to find anything that's been engineered quite so meticulously for your comfort and performance. As a standalone piece, this remains an impressive short, though. The Miti Tech Power panelling features a compression tech that's primed to reduce fatigue, while an Italian EIT signature pad is uber comfortable and made from a completely recycled fabric. £260 £130. At sciconsports.com
The eight-panel construction of Ecliptic’s cycling shorts keep things in place with excellent comfort, without the need for bib straps. The brand has gone to every length to ensure there’ll be no chafing when wearing these, incorporating flat-lock seams into the design as well as a 3-D moulded foam seat insert with gel injection pads to cushion you on your saddle all the better. £60 £36.30. At millets.co.uk
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