Cycling shorts for long distances: 18 cycling shorts for women & men put to the test
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When every muscle fibre is burning towards the end of the Ötztal Cycle Marathon, on the ascent to the Timmelsjoch, even the smallest disruptive factors in your cycling shorts become torture. A scratchy seam suddenly grates against your thigh like a saw. The saddle presses like a pincushion through the sagging seat pad, and overly tight braces weigh on your shoulders like heavy barbells.
Cycling shorts - the most important link
Cycling shorts are the most important link between rider and bike. Lucky are those who have already found a pair that fits perfectly. For everyone else, we tested 18 short cycling shorts for men and women. We invited the manufacturers to send us their best marathon model, which promises the best riding comfort even after many hours in the saddle.
Just in time for the test, we had long-distance candidates from A for Assos to V for Velocio on the table, with prices ranging from 90 euros (women's model from Protective) to 290 euros (Assos). The fact that the current models differ enormously from the often flabby skins of earlier days became clear as soon as we tried them on.
Perhaps some people still remember the trouser standard from a few years ago: Narrow, sticky silicone leg cuffs pressed uncomfortably on the muscles, irritated the skin and still slid up. Thin straps with thick seams rolled up on the shoulders. And the material of the trousers sometimes had the elasticity of the skin of a Chinese wrinkled dog. As a result, the seat cushion moved between the saddle and the bum instead of being supportive and non-slip under the sit bones.
Road cycling shorts should sit comfortably on the shoulders
In contrast, the latest road cycling shorts are true luxury items. Even the cheaper models from Gonso, Protective or Sportful are equipped with seamless straps that spread comfortably over the shoulders and distribute the pressure over a large area instead of cutting in at certain points. The tension of the bib straps has also changed and is generally tight enough to keep the rest of the trousers in place. There are only two outliers here: Gore's braces could do with a little more tension, and the thin material tends to roll in. At the other extreme are the Sportful trousers: the mesh braces are so tight that they can only be pulled over the shoulders with a little pressure.
Incidentally, the testers felt particularly comfortable in the mesh body from Café du Cycliste. The French company wraps the entire upper body in airy mesh fabric. It doesn't get too warm or pinch the shoulders or chest. Only under the armpits and at the neck could the bodysuit be cut a little wider. Only the straps of the Assos women's shorts fit similarly well. They run comfortably along the sides of the chest and hold the shorts perfectly in place thanks to the double attachment over the bum.
The two strapless trousers from Protective and Löffler make it easier to take a wee break, but have the problem that the waistband can fold down and press on the stomach. The cuts of the trousers have also changed over the years. There are no more cycling shorts in the test that we would actually advise against buying. Nevertheless, there are clear differences: the cheaper models such as Protective or Sportful are made from numerous panels of fabric and therefore have many seams, which in the worst case can eventually chafe against the skin. High-priced shorts such as those from Assos, Castelli or Velocio consist of just three pieces of fabric at best. This minimises the number of seams. The cuffs are also no longer attached separately to the trouser legs, but run seamlessly - which effectively prevents differences in the stretch of the materials and thus pressure points on the muscles.
Trouser pads: Immense range
When it comes to trouser pads - the most basic component of cycling shorts - there is, metaphorically speaking, an immense range of different thicknesses and hardnesses, from plush sofas to beer benches. Whilst occasional cyclists prefer the soft "sofa cushion", which can easily sag in the long term, long-distance cyclists should opt for firmer padding. Your sit bones are usually well accustomed to the pressure of your body weight on the saddle due to regular training. In addition, a thin, firmer padding harbours less risk of pressure points developing in the perineal area and blood vessels being constricted there. If the width of the padding also matches the distance between the sit bones, you can roll over the finish line without pain even after many hours in the saddle - at least on your bum.
TOUR test: 18 selected cycling shorts for the long haul
Cycling shorts models for women
- Assos Dyora RS Summer Bib Short
- Café du Cycliste Mathilde
- Löffler W Bike Tights Hotbond RF XT
- Sportful Supergiara W Bibshort
- Protective P-Traverse W
- Dos Caballos Ease ladies bib shorts
Cycling shorts models for men
- Assos Mille GTO Bib Shorts C2
- Café du Cycliste Mathilde Bib
- Castelli Premio Black Bibshort
- Dos Caballos DC34-2 Evolution bib shorts
- Gonso SQlab Go Bib
- Everve Me bib shorts high
- Gorewear Long Distance Bib Shorts+
- Isadore Gravel Bib Shorts
- Protective P-Traverse Bib
- Sportful LTD Shield Bibshort
- SQLab SQ-Short ONE12
- Velocio Luxe Bib Short
The women's cycling shorts in the individual test
Assos Dyora RS Summer Bib Short
- Sizes: XS-XLG
- Weight in M: 156 grammes
- Equipment: seamless X straps, wide stretch cuffs, rubberised
- Upholstery length/width: 21/13 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium/11 mm
- Country of manufacture: Bulgaria
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 1,6
- Seat cushion (30 %): 1,5
- Equipment (20 %): 1,6
- Quality (10%): 1,0
Overall grade: 1.5
Conclusion: The Assos only sits perfectly in the saddle, the robust material fits tightly. The wide, taut straps run along the sides of the chest and hold the trousers perfectly in place, but can pinch at the shoulders. The leg cuffs and raised waistband are comfortable on long rides. The padding fits well.
Cafe du Cycliste Mathilde
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Weight in M: 180 grammes
- Equipment: Mesh body, seamless rubberised cuffs, chest clip
- Upholstery length/width: 17.5/12.5 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: soft/12 mm
- Country of manufacture: Albania
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort(40 %): 1,5
- Seat cushion (30 %): 3,0
- Equipment (20 %): 1,3
- Quality (10%): 1,3
Overall grade: 1.9
Conclusion: Mathilde impresses with its supple comfort; the seams and the silicone-free leg hems are not noticeable. All testers felt well wrapped up in the mesh bodysuit, but taking it off during a wee break is awkward. Relatively tight at the neck and armpits. The padding is well positioned, but too soft.
Löffler W Bike Tights Hotbond RF XT
- Sizes: 34-36
- Weight in M: 160 grammes
- Equipment: wide comfort waistband, reflective seams, fleece in the back area
- Upholstery length/width: 19/13 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium/14 mm
- Country of manufacture: Austria
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 2,6
- Seat cushion (30 %): 2,0
- Equipment (20 %): 1,4
- Quality (10%): 1,7
Overall grade: 2.1
Conclusion: The welded seams on the strapless trousers are reflective and improve visibility. The waistband sits nicely high on the stomach, but tends to fold over, and the kidney area is protected by a fleece layer. The slightly thicker padding is well positioned and pressure-resistant. The silicone on the leg cuffs is a little tight.
Protective P-Traverse W
- Sizes: 36-48
- Weight in M: 163 grammes
- Equipment: wide, tight waistband, rubberised leg cuffs, side pocket
- Upholstery length/width: 19/10.5 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium/15 mm
- Country of manufacture: Lithuania
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 2,8
- Seat cushion (30 %): 2,5
- Equipment (20 %): 1,6
- Quality (10%): 2,0
Overall grade: 2.4
Conclusion: The waistband of these strapless trousers also rolls up and pinches the tummy. Otherwise, the high-cut trousers are comfortable to wear and wrap the wearer well, but the material feels a little cheap when full of sweat. The seams are barely noticeable. The silicone at the cuffs pinches a little, the narrow padding is inconspicuous.
Sportful Supergiara W Bibshort
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Weight in M: 163 grammes
- Equipment: Mesh straps, rubberised leg cuffs, side/back pocket
- Upholstery length/width: 19/15 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: soft/13 mm
- Country of manufacture: Italy
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 2,9
- Seat cushion (30 %): 2,3
- Equipment (20 %): 1,3
- Quality (10%): 2,2
Overall grade: 2.3
Conclusion: The trousers are small and almost force you into a racing bike position. The straps are tight and roll up a little, which can cause pressure points. The firm material compresses a little and feels slightly scratchy. The wide leg cuffs offer support, the seat pad is slightly soft and fits well.
Dos Caballos Ease ladies bib shorts
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
- Weight in M: 141 grammes
- Equipment: seamless mesh straps, wide leg cuffs with silicone
- Upholstery length/width: 21.5/14.5 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium/13 mm
- Country of manufacture: China
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 2,6
- Seat cushion (30 %): 2,5
- Equipment (20 %): 1,5
- Quality (10%): 2,3
Overall grade: 2.3
Conclusion: The straps run across the chest but don't pinch. Testers complained about noticeable seams, for example on the stomach, and the fabric also creases at the hips. The silicone print on the waistband provides little support. The medium-thick padding feels thin and nestles inconspicuously between the bum and the saddle.
The men's cycling shorts in the individual test
Assos Mille GTO Bib Shorts C2
- Sizes: XS-TIR
- Weight in M: 190 grammes
- Equipment: glued seams; wide, seamless stretch waistband; seamless finish
- Upholstery length/width: 18.5/15 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: soft/22 mm
- Country of manufacture: Bulgaria
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 1,3
- Seat cushion (30 %): 1,3
- Equipment (20 %): 1,3
- Quality (10%): 1,0
Overall grade: 1.2
Conclusion: The shorts offer a compromise between comfort and compression, the cuffs with silicone dots are seamless, the straps crossing at the back hold the padding in place perfectly, although it feels slightly nappy when standing. Very well made; by far the most expensive trousers in the test.
Cafe du Cycliste Mathilde Bib
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Weight in M: 206 grammes
- Equipment: Generous mesh body, seamless cuffs with silicone strips
- Upholstery length/width: 21.5/12 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium/12 mm
- Country of manufacture: Bulgaria
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort(40 %): 2,3
- Seat cushion (30 %): 2,5
- Equipment (20 %): 1,8
- Quality (10%): 1,7
Overall grade: 2.2
Conclusion: The single-seam trouser legs are very comfortable to wear and are held firmly in place by silicone cuffs. The seat pad is unusually narrow, which can slip when in action and only provides effective cushioning for narrow sit bones. The braces seams can be annoying.
Castelli Premio Black Bibshort
- Sizes: S-XXXL
- Weight in M: 147 grammes
- Equipment: seamless straps and cuffs, mesh back
- Upholstery length/width: 20/12 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium/15 mm
- Country of manufacture: Moldova
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 1,6
- Seat cushion (30 %): 1,3
- Equipment (20 %): 2,3
- Quality (10%): 1,3
Overall grade: 1.6
Conclusion: The material is thin, tight and has few seams, the cut is race-like. Rubberised cuffs and tight braces, which roll up, keep the trousers and their narrow, well-placed padding in place. If you have strong thighs, creases in the bend of the hips can be annoying.
Dos Caballos DC34-2 Evolution bib shorts
- Sizes: S-XXXL
- Weight in M: 199 grammes
- Equipment: seamless straps, wide stretch waistband, lots of reflection
- Upholstery length/width: 19/15 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium/11 mm
- Country of manufacture: Albania
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort(40 %): 2,3
- Seat cushion (30 %): 2,0
- Equipment (20 %): 2,0
- Quality (10%): 1,7
Overall grade: 2.1
Conclusion: The trousers have a normal fit, the cuffs can pinch a little if you have strong thighs, the material at the front is elasticated and comfortable to wear, although the waistband offers so much support that the straps feel loose. The padding fits well, but seems a little inflexible overall and the seams are a little bulky.
Everve Me bib shorts high
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Weight in M: 137 grammes
- Equipment: seamless straps and cuffs, 9 padding hardnesses, 2 waistband versions
- Upholstery length/width: 13/12 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium/9 mm
- Country of manufacture: Germany
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 1,8
- Seat cushion (30 %): 1,8
- Equipment (20 %): 2,8
- Quality (10%): 1,7
Overall grade: 1.9
Conclusion: Made in Germany at a fair price, the padding and cut can be customised in the configurator, although the small padding hardly allows any changes of position in the saddle. The very lightweight trousers fit snugly and smoothly. Despite small silicone dots, the trouser legs tend to ride up.
Gonso SQlab Go Bib
- Sizes: S-6XL
- Weight in M: 197 grammes
- Equipment: seamless stretch waistband, wide cuffs, rubberised, mesh back
- Upholstery length/width: 18.5/16 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: hard/6 mm
- Country of manufacture: Turkey
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort(40 %): 2,1
- Seat cushion (30 %): 1,3
- Equipment (20 %): 3,0
- Quality (10%): 1,8
Overall grade: 2.0
Conclusion: Price-performance tip. The thin, firm padding of the trousers from a cooperation with the specialists at SQlab remains pressure-resistant even on the longest rides, but requires hard sit bones. The fabric is elasticated but a little scratchy. The seamless straps are sufficiently tight and hold the trousers securely in place.
Gorewear Long Distance Bib Shorts+
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Weight in M: 177 grammes
- Equipment: seamless waistband and straps, windstopper in the crotch, back pocket
- Upholstery length/width: 20/12.5 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: hard/10 mm
- Country of manufacture: China
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 2,3
- Seat cushion (30 %): 1,8
- Equipment (20 %): 1,3
- Quality (10%): 1,2
Overall grade: 1.8
Conclusion: Pleasantly soft material with few seams; the trouser legs fit strong thighs best, the straps could do with a little more elasticity. The padding is hard and thin and retains its shape even under heavy pilots. Windstopper in the crotch protects against chilling.
Isadore Gravel Bib Shorts
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Weight in M: 175 grammes
- Equipment: DWR coating, abrasion-resistant material, back pocket
- Upholstery length/width: 17/13 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium/12 mm
- Country of manufacture: Czech Republic
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 2,4
- Seat cushion (30 %): 2,3
- Equipment (20 %): 1,3
- Quality (10%): 1,2
Overall grade: 2.0
Conclusion: Water-repellent and ceramic coating make the trousers robust, but also very tight, which is why a size larger is the right choice. The leg cuffs and straps are seamless and fit snugly. The thin padding is not particularly pressure-resistant. Practical back pocket.
Protective P-Traverse BIB
- Sizes: S-5XL
- Weight in M: 206 grammes
- Equipment: seamless straps, mesh back, wide cuffs, rubberised
- Upholstery length/width: 21/10.5 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium/16 mm
- Country of manufacture: Lithuania
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 2,8
- Seat cushion (30 %): 3,0
- Equipment (20 %): 2,0
- Quality (10%): 2,0
Overall grade: 2.6
Conclusion: The trousers do not feel as high-quality as the competition in terms of choice of material, cut and comfort. The padding is extremely narrow and only fits slim types. The creasing in the hip crease is annoying on long rides. Only Gonso is more favourable.
Sportful LTD Shield Bibshort
- Sizes: S-XXXL
- Weight in M: 158 grammes
- Equipment: seamless mesh straps, abrasion-resistant material on the thigh
- Upholstery length/width: 21.5/12 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: soft/13 mm
- Country of manufacture: Croatia
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 2,1
- Seat cushion (30 %): 2,3
- Equipment (20 %): 1,6
- Quality (10%): 1,5
Overall grade: 2.0
Conclusion: The trousers fit very snugly and should be bought one size larger. Some of the seams are noticeable; the mesh cuffs are airy and keep the trouser legs taut. The braces, also made of mesh material, roll up quickly. The soft padding is not particularly dimensionally stable.
SQlab SQ-Short ONE12
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Weight in M: 194 grammes
- Equipment: seamless straps, wide stretch waistband with silicone, 4 mm thin padding
- Upholstery length/width: 20/16 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: hard/4 mm
- Country of manufacture: Italy
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 2,1
- Seat cushion (30 %): 1,3
- Equipment (20 %): 2,5
- Quality (10%): 2,0
Overall grade: 1.9
Conclusion: The unique selling point of the SQlab is its 4 millimetre thin, firm padding, which always retains its shape and is particularly suitable for pilots with trained seat flesh. Otherwise, the high-quality trousers have a normal cut - with seamless, wide leg cuffs and comfortable straps.
Velocio Luxe Bib Short
- Sizes: XS-4XL
- Weight in M: 163 grammes
- Equipment: seamless stretch straps, seamless cuffs with elasticated dots, many colours
- Upholstery length/width: 19/13.5 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium/13 mm
- Country of manufacture: Italy
TOUR rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 1,3
- Seat cushion (30 %): 2,0
- Equipment (20 %): 1,5
- Quality (10%): 2,2
Overall grade: 1.6
Conclusion: The material feels soft, but is not very robust. The seams are barely noticeable, and the straps are strong without any noticeable pressure points. The padding is well positioned, medium-width and medium-hard and offers space for changing positions. Available in several colours.
Interview with Max Holz, Head of Research and Development at SQlab
TOUR: Compared to the competition, SQlab uses an extremely thin and firm padding for cycling shorts. What is the advantage?
Wood: Almost all trouser pads are between 12 and 16 millimetres thick and can usually be completely compressed with just two fingers. Our trouser pad retains the comfort and function of the tight saddle. As we only use four to eight millimetres of padding, depending on the model, we have chosen the padding to be firm enough to support the rider and not compress completely straight away. The thin, firm padding also does not soak up as much moisture and sweat, making it more hygienic.
TOUR: How important is the interaction between cycling shorts and saddle?
Wood: The saddle determines the shape, the pad merely adapts to it, but is a very important and decisive interface. Unlike the saddle, the trouser pad can absorb the slight movement caused by pedalling and the resulting shear forces.
Thick pads press on the perineum
TOUR: And if the upholstery doesn't suit the rider?
Wood: Soft, thick pads often migrate inwards due to the pedalling movement. This creates an accumulation of padding directly under the perineal area, which can severely restrict blood flow. We recently conducted a study in which we measured the oxygen supply to the penis during cycling. As was to be expected, a soft material also seals off the blood flow very strongly. The result is numbness with all its negative side effects.
TOUR: What is the ideal seat set-up for cycling shorts for long distances, for many hours in the saddle?
Wood: The saddle must fit the sit bone distance. The perineal area does not have to be at zero pressure, but must be properly relieved - across the entire width of the saddle. Seat cream can help and is particularly indispensable for marathons, stage races and 24-hour races. If you lubricate well, you ride well.
Stefan Frey
Editor
