Cycling shorts for women: 10 pee-friendly models up to €260 put to the test

Cycling shorts for women: What does pee-friendly mean?

Tester Birgit stands slightly irritated in front of the mirror. Something is not quite right. She turns round once and wonders why these trousers fit so strangely. The zip at the front of the bib belongs there - doesn't it? Are bib shorts that are designed for female pit stops put on differently to normal bib shorts? Where is the instruction manual?

Manufacturers have come up with different terms for the pee break on the go: Gore calls it a "bio break", describing the break for a biological need; "pit stop" is also popular, while the simple "loo break" sounds rather wooden. In the English-speaking world of international marketing, the term pee-friendly which ultimately means nothing other than "pee-friendly" - although strictly speaking it's not just about being able to do your business in specially designed cycling shorts without having to undress almost completely.

Reason for separation - why cycling shorts with straps are better

Until now, or at least until a few years ago, the trousers of choice for the problem described were waistband trousers without braces. After all, without straps under a jersey or jacket, every break is relaxed and fumble-free. Accordingly, there was no alternative to waistband trousers for those who wanted an uncomplicated pit stop. However, most women who are regular and committed road cyclists quickly realise that, apart from this one point, cycling shorts without bibs mainly have disadvantages; they slip, the waistband can roll in at the hips, the kidney area is not protected and the seat pad is not reliably held in position.

The bib shorts can do all this much better, which is why female cyclists prefer to wear cycling shorts with braces. As a result, shorts tailors have had to come up with solutions that allow the shorts to be pulled down without having to take off the jersey or other tops. For our first major comparison test of these pee-friendly cycling shorts, we invited 14 manufacturers and ten took part. From Assos to Velocio, many well-known manufacturers are included; the cheapest shorts come from Craft and cost 130 euros, the model from Velocio is the most expensive and costs exactly twice as much at 260 euros.

Separation phase - these systems for pee-friendly cycling shorts are available

The variants for the trousers with the quick release are essentially divided into three categories: Gore and Bioracer use zips to separate the shorts, Assos, Craft, Isadore and Rapha use clips, magnetic fasteners and hooks and eyes to separate the straps, while the shorts from Endura, Pas Normal Studios, SQ-Lab and Velocio can be easily pulled down and pulled up again in a few simple steps thanks to sensibly placed elastic material on the waistband and straps - without having to fiddle with zips or hooks.

Overall, the trousers in the test are very solid and receive good to very good marks. There are major differences in handling. In this category, each of these trousers is better than a standard bib short, with the pull-down trousers allowing by far the quickest pit stop; the longest time is required to remove the Assos trousers, where the clips have to be threaded in, and the Craft trousers with the somewhat fiddly hook system.

Incidentally, our tester Birgit noticed the reason for the poor fit of the test trousers with the zip after a few moments. She had simply got into the trousers the wrong way round and the "bib" wasn't one, but belonged at the back. Once she slipped the zip off and slipped it back on the other way round, the trousers fitted just like any other bib shorts. Without any instructions.

In a nutshell: The cheapest and lightest cycling shorts

Almost every cycling clothing manufacturer now has pee-friendly bib shorts for women in its range, which are designed to make pit stops possible without the hassle of having to take them off. We tested ten pairs of trousers from Assos to Velocio, ranging in price from 130 euros (Craft) to 260 euros (Velocio). The overall conclusion of the test is very positive, as all the trousers make the pee break easier and shorter. The testers gave the best marks to the trousers that can be pulled down easily thanks to elasticated straps, such as the models from Endura or SQLab.

The cheapest trousers: Craft ADV Aero Bibshort W >> available here

The lightest trousers: Pas normal Studios Women's Essential Light Bib >> available here

Seat cushion: small and flat or large and thick

Experience shows that experienced and trained female cyclists, like most men, predominantly prefer a rather thin, firm and smaller seat pad in their cycling shorts. This is because the pubic arch and the sit bones flatten or push through any pad, no matter how thick and soft, after a short time and the displaced material between the skin and saddle forms rubbing surfaces, which can lead to skin irritation pedal after pedal.

Less trained people may find a very thin and firm padding uncomfortable at first; however, the tissue in the seat area gets used to the strain after a certain time, and then the thinner and firmer seat padding is usually perceived as more comfortable.

>> How thick should the seat cushion be?

Opening and closing the cycling shorts: three options

Zips

In this version, the zips run either vertically down the back or horizontally over the hips on both sides. With the vertical zip, the bike shorts split and can be pulled open on both sides, which works well for short pit stops, but requires a lot of attention to cleanliness during bowel movements. Horizontal zips provide a little more space. Both variants restrict the elasticity of the cycling shorts somewhat, and the zips can pinch a little on bare skin.

Straps with hook, clip or magnetic fastening

The braces can be detached from the cycling shorts either at the back or completely. Most models use mechanical or magnetic clips as fasteners; Craft uses a series of hooks and eyelets that can also be used to adjust the tension of the braces. This variant offers the advantage that the trousers can be pulled down a long way. However, rethreading the braces can be a test of patience due to the tension of the braces.

Pull Down

With the pull-down version, the straps and trousers are designed to be so flexible that the trousers can simply be pulled down together with the straps. This method is the easiest and quickest, but the straps can leave pressure marks on the shoulders over time due to the pull.

Instructions for pulling down: Take both hands and place them behind your back. Find the inside of the straps with your thumbs and place your thumbs under the fabric at the base of the trouser box. From this position, you can start to squat or sit down while your thumbs or hands simultaneously push the trouser box downwards. The straps slide past the buttocks.

>> How warm are winter jackets and trousers? 12 models in the test.

>> Winter jackets and trousers for cycling must be able to do this.

An overview of the 10 pee-friendly cycling shorts

Cycling shorts for women: Assos Uma GTV Bib Shorts C2

• Price: 200 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Bulgaria
• Weight (size S): 170 grammes
• Sizes: M to XXL
• Pee function / Features: Rear braces with clips, comfort leg cuffs, comfort straps, floating padding sewn to the front and back
• Upholstery length, width / hardness: 23, 13 cm / soft

TOUR rating

• Carrying properties (30 %): 7 out of 8 (grade: 1.5)
• Pee function (30 %): 6 out of 8 (grade: 2.0)
• Seat cushion (20 %): 7 out of 8 (grade: 1.3)
• Equipment (20 %): 6 out of 8 (grade: 2.0)

Overall grade (100%): 1.7

Conclusion

The firm and dense material feels great, possibly a little too warm in high summer temperatures; long trouser legs. Soft padding that hardly rubs thanks to the floating fastening. The clip fasteners are easy to reach.

Pee-friendly cycling shorts: Bioracer Epic Women's Bibshorts

• Price: 147 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Europe
• Weight (size S): 205 grammes
• Sizes: XS to XL
• Pee function / Features: Rear zip, comfort leg cuffs, reflective material
• Upholstery length, width / hardness: 20, 13 cm / medium

TOUR rating

• Carrying properties (30 %): 5 out of 8 (grade: 2.5)
• Pee function (30 %): 7 out of 8 (grade: 1.5)
• Seat cushion (20 %): 6 out of 8 (grade: 2.0)
• Equipment (20 %): 5 out of 8 (grade: 2.6)

Overall grade (100%): 2.1

Conclusion

The vertical zip for opening and dividing the trousers at the back is easy to reach, but takes away some of the elasticity. The straps tend to roll up.

Cycling shorts for women: Craft ADV Aero Bib Shorts W

• Price: 130 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (size S): 155 grammes
• Sizes: XS to XXL
• Pee function / Features: Braces with hook fastener, comfort braces, reflective material
• Upholstery length, width / hardness: 22, 13 cm / firm

TOUR rating

• Carrying properties (30 %): 6 out of 8 (grade: 2.3)
• Pee function (30 %): 4 out of 8 (grade: 2.8)
• Seat cushion (20 %): 6 out of 8 (grade: 2.3)
• Equipment (20 %): 6 out of 8 (grade: 1.8)

Overall grade (100%): 2.3

Conclusion

Cheapest trousers in the test. The material lacks elasticity, so the padding is not optimally fixed. The hook fastening at the back works well, but requires a lot of skill. The mesh straps feel a little scratchy on bare skin.

Pee-friendly cycling shorts: Endura Women's Pro SL Bibshorts

• Price: 140 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: China
• Weight (size S): 210 grammes
• Sizes: XS to L
• Pee function / Features: Slip-on trousers, comfort straps, comfort leg cuffs, money-back guarantee (90 days), crash replacement
• Upholstery length, width / hardness: 23, 13 cm / solid

TOUR rating

• Carrying properties (30 %): 5 out of 8 (grade: 2.3)
• Pee function (30 %): 8 out of 8 (grade: 1.0)
• Seat cushion (20 %): 5 out of 8 (grade: 2.7)
• Equipment (20 %): 4 out of 8 (grade: 3.0)

Overall grade (100%): 2.1

Conclusion

The front of the cycling shorts is closed like a bodysuit, making them a little heavier. Among the best for the pee function. Due to the very sticky gel print on the leg cuffs, they take a little longer to put on.

Cycling shorts for women: Gore Wear Ardent Bib Shorts Women's

• Price: 150 Euro
• Country of production: Romania
• Weight (size S): 170 grammes
• Sizes: XXS to L
• Pee function / Features: two side zips at the hips, comfort leg cuffs, comfort straps, reflective material
• Upholstery length, width / hardness: 22, 13 cm / medium firm

TOUR rating

• Carrying properties (30 %): 6 out of 8 (grade: 2.0)
• Pee function (30 %): 6 out of 8 (grade: 2.0)
• Seat cushion (20 %): 5 out of 8 (grade: 2.5)
• Equipment (20 %): 6 out of 8 (grade: 2.2)

Overall grade (100%): 2.1

Conclusion

The horizontal zips are barely noticeable when pedalling, but are a little scratchy when putting them on and taking them off. The padding is well positioned, but is a little bulky and more noticeable when pedalling than on the other trousers in the test.

Pee-friendly cycling shorts: Isadore Women's Signature Clippee Syst. Bib Shorts 2.0

• Price: 190 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Portugal
• Weight (size S): 190 grammes
• Sizes: XXS to XL
• Pee function / Features: Magnetic fasteners on the braces, comfort leg cuffs, latch pocket, reflective material, made from recycled material
• Upholstery length, width / hardness: 22, 13 cm / medium firm

TOUR rating

• Carrying properties (30 %): 5 out of 8 (grade: 2.3)
• Pee function (30 %): 6 out of 8 (grade: 2.0)
• Seat cushion (20 %): 8 out of 8 (grade: 1.0)
• Equipment (20 %): 6 out of 8 (grade: 1.8)

Overall grade (100%): 1.8

Conclusion

The straps can be completely detached from the trousers thanks to the magnetic fasteners; however, the magnets are noticeable when pedalling. The padding is very comfortable and fits perfectly. Latch pocket on the right trouser leg.

Cycling shorts for women: Pas Normal Studios Women's Essential Light Bib

• Price: 255 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Portugal
• Weight (size S): 150 grammes
• Sizes: XXS to XXL
• Pee function / Features: Slip-on principle, comfort straps, comfort leg cuffs, bar tacks
• Upholstery length, width / hardness: 20, 13 cm / solid

TOUR rating

• Carrying properties (30 %): 8 out of 8 (grade: 1.0)
• Pee function (30 %): 7 out of 8 (grade: 1.5)
• Seat cushion (20 %): 7 out of 8 (grade: 1.2)
• Equipment (20 %): 7 out of 8 (grade: 1.4)

Overall grade (100%): 1.3

Conclusion

The lightest trousers in the test; the material feels comparatively thin, predestined for summer temperatures. Very comfortable to wear, inconspicuous padding; relatively expensive.

Pee-friendly cycling shorts: Rapha Women's Detachable Bib Shorts

• Price: 260 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Portugal
• Weight (size S): 185 grammes
• Sizes: XXS to XL
• Pee function / Features: Braces with clip fastening at the back, comfort leg cuffs, reflective material
• Upholstery length, width / hardness: 26, 15 cm / medium firm

TOUR rating

• Carrying properties (30 %): 5 out of 8 (grade: 2.3)
• Pee function (30 %): 7 out of 8 (grade: 1.4)
• Seat cushion (20 %): 5 out of 8 (grade: 2.5)
• Equipment (20 %): 7 out of 8 (grade: 1.6)

Overall grade (100%): 1.9

Conclusion

Very easy to use clip fastening; relatively firm, very large padding that is not held in position optimally, which creates a certain nappy feeling. The airy braces made of mesh material tend to roll up.

Cycling shorts for women: SQlab SQ-Short One 12 Women

• Price: 200 Euro >> available here
• Country of production: Lithuania
• Weight (size S): 170 grammes
• Sizes: XS to XXL
• Pee function / Features: Slip-on principle, comfort straps, comfort leg cuffs
• Upholstery length, width / hardness: 20, 16 cm / solid

TOUR rating

• Carrying properties (30 %): 8 out of 8 (grade: 1.0)
• Pee function (30 %): 8 out of 8 (grade: 1.0)
• Seat cushion (20 %): 8 out of 8 (grade: 1.0)
• Equipment (20 %): 6 out of 8 (grade: 2.0)

Overall score (100%): 1.2 (TOUR test winner)

Conclusion

The test-winning trousers are top in all functional criteria, the only thing missing is reflective material. Thin, firm and securely positioned seat pad. Uncomplicated and quick pit stop.

Pee-friendly cycling shorts: Velocio Women's Luxe Bibshort

• Price: 261 Euro
• Country of production: Italy
• Weight (size S): 180 grammes
• Sizes: XXS to XXXL
• Pee function / Features: Slip-on principle, comfort straps, comfort leg cuffs, reflective material
• Upholstery length, width / hardness: 23, 14 cm / firm

TOUR rating

• Carrying properties (30 %): 7 out of 8 (grade: 1.5)
• Pee function (30 %): 7 out of 8 (grade: 1.5)
• Seat cushion (20 %): 6 out of 8 (grade: 1.8)
• Equipment (20 %): 7 out of 8 (grade: 1.4)

Overall grade (100%): 1.5

Conclusion

The most expensive trousers in the test impress in all categories and are very comfortable to wear. At most, the circumferential and somewhat bulky seams on the comparatively narrow leg cuffs can be annoying.

How TOUR tests

All trousers were washed according to instructions before the test and assessed by our testers according to four differently weighted criteria:

• Carrying properties (30 per cent): This is based on the documented impressions and experiences of the testers with regard to the quality and function of the straps and waistband, the cuffs, the feel of the fabric and the overall construction.
• Pee function (30 per cent): When comparing the opening concepts, we assessed handling and time required. The trousers that worked most easily and quickly in every position were awarded the highest marks.
• Seat cushion (20 per cent): A seat pad is good when it does its job unobtrusively. To do this, it must be reliably held in position by the trouser fabric and provide good cushioning in the area of the sit bones without causing chafing when pedalling.
• equipment (20 per cent): The evaluation includes: The design and quality of the straps and the opening mechanism, leg cuffs, flat seams, the use of reflective material, sensibly placed mesh material and extras such as pockets.

>> We have improved our test procedure for bikes. You can find the changes here.