Cycling shorts for women and men put to the test: Affordable bib shorts for under 100 euros

Comfortable seating has never been particularly cheap. A box seat at the cinema? On average, it’s up to six euros more expensive than a standard seat. First class on the train? It costs 60 to 70 per cent extra. And a VIP ticket for the Bundesliga? That can cost up to ten times as much as a standard seat in the main stand. But what about cycling shorts? Here, too, premium manufacturers are charging almost ridiculous sums: Assos’s top-of-the-range shorts are available for 350 euros. Pas Normal Studios charges 300 euros for the Mechanism Pro. And Maap will still set you back 260 euros if you opt for the Australians’ finest fabric.

But is that really necessary? Can’t you sit comfortably in the saddle for a lot less? We say yes! That’s why we set out to find affordable cycling shorts for a maximum of 100 euros – and we’ve found what we were looking for: Our test line-up includes the brands Alé, Cube, Ekoï, GripGrab, Nalini and Van Rysel for women’s shorts, and Gonso, Rose, Scott and Sportful for men.

​In a nutshell – the editorial team’s conclusion

In our test, the women’s trousers from Nalini and Ekoï, as well as the men’s trousers from Rose, impressed with their comfortable fit, pleasant fabrics and practical details. The many differences in the details of the padding, straps and leg cuffs are particularly noteworthy. We recommend trying them on. Matthias Borchers, Test Editor

We tested these 10 pairs of cycling shorts

• ​​Alé Traguardo 2.0 – Women’s trousers >> e.g. available here
• ​​Cube Road/XC WS Artline Bib Shorts – Women’s Shorts >> e.g. Available here at a reduced price
• ​​EKOI Perf Gel Power Women’s Trousers >> e.g. Available here at a reduced price
• ​​GripGrab Women’s Ride Bib Shorts - Women’s shorts >> e.g. Available here at a reduced price
• ​Nalini Fast Lady Bib Shorts – Women’s Shorts >> e.g. available here
• ​Van Rysel RCR‑R 2 - Women’s trousers >> e.g. available here
• ​Gonso Essential Bib Kit – Men’s Trousers >> e.g. Available here at a reduced price
• ​Rose M Bib Shorts – Men’s Shorts >> e.g. Available here at a reduced price
• ​Scott Sports Endurance ++ Men’s Trousers >> e.g. Available here at a reduced price
• ​Sportful Pulse Bib Shorts – Men’s Shorts >> e.g. available here

It’s worth comparing prices!

Our research revealed that prices can vary considerably, particularly in online shops. At Ekoï, the price of the exact same model can vary by up to 50 euros depending on the size or colour. The cheapest trousers in the test are from Van Rysel, Decathlon’s own brand. One more thing to note: the availability of individual sizes also fluctuates over the course of the season – some models are hard to come by at times.

In terms of quality, the cycling shorts priced at around 100 euros make a good impression. It is astonishing how differently manufacturers approach the task of designing comfortable and functional cycling shorts, even though the brief seems so clear-cut. The wealth of details is certainly surprising – and offers every cyclist the chance to find a pair of shorts that fits them perfectly. The women’s shorts from Nalini and Van Rysel, as well as the men’s model from Rose, stood out particularly favourably. They feature pleasant fabrics, comfortable leg cuffs and well-fitting straps. Practical extras such as small pockets or a zip for easy toilet breaks – even for men – further enhance the practicality of individual models.

It’s the little things that make all the difference

Women’s trousers come in a wide variety of styles.

• Soft, stretchy fabrics are comfortable even for those with curvier figures, whilst cyclists looking for more support should opt for shorts made from a firmer fabric.
• The cushions range from thick, soft versions to thinner, sportier models with different support zones.
• There are various designs for leg cuffs: silicone prints are often used to keep them in place, but these can be a nuisance when putting the trousers on or during long rides. Nalini creates laser-cut cuffs with a smooth transition that do not ride up if they fit properly.
• The length, material and elasticity of the braces determine whether they sit comfortably on people with different torso lengths, without digging into the shoulders or rolling up.
• The issue of toilet breaks is also relevant: the Ekoï trousers have a zip, whilst with other models it’s possible to manage without one if you use the right technique.

New cycling shorts? You’ve got to try them on!

The differences in sizing are particularly noticeable in the men’s models. The Scott trousers, in test size L, are larger than average. The soft fabric makes them very comfortable to put on. With the Gonso shorts, on the other hand, the coated leg cuffs make them difficult to slip on. On the other hand, the German manufacturer offers its model up to size 6XL. Trouser leg lengths vary considerably: in test size L, for a rider 1.80 metres tall, some models reach the kneecap, whilst others cover significantly less of the leg. The ‘trouser box’ – the section from the seat pad to the waistband – also varies greatly. On the Rose and Scott models, it is cut very high; whilst this protects against draughts, some riders may find it too warm and it can be awkward to put on.

The pads differ in volume and shape: when standing, the Gonso and Sportful pads feel like cushions, which is noticeable when in the saddle. The Rose pad is well segmented and positioned precisely beneath the sit bones. Scott and Sportful deserve criticism for their elasticated braces, which roll up as the tension increases and leave visible marks on the shoulders. On the high-cut men’s models, a zip should really be standard to make using the toilet easier.

Just a quick side note: Light-coloured and, at times, very tight-fitting dark trousers can appear see-through, particularly around the bum. This isn’t pleasant for you or for any fellow cyclists, and it’s something to bear in mind when buying trousers.

How we tested the cycling shorts

​Comfort (40 per cent)

The assessment is based on the testers’ impressions of how the trousers feel to wear. The focus is on the quality and functionality of the leg seams and waistband, the hem cuffs, the feel of the fabric, and the overall construction of the trousers.

Seat cushions (30 per cent)

A seat pad is good if it does its job without drawing attention to itself. To achieve this, it must be held securely in place by the fabric of your trousers and provide good cushioning around the sit bones, without causing chafing whilst cycling.

Facilities (20 per cent)

The assessment takes into account: the design and quality of the trousers, the leg hems, the seams, the use of reflective material, strategically placed mesh panels and extras such as pockets.

Quality (10 per cent)

This check is carried out after washing to assess the quality of the seams and seam junctions, as well as the durability of the fabric, printed logos and reflective appliqués.

The cycling shorts put to the test

​Alé Traguardo 2.0 Women’s Trousers

• Price: 87.95 euros >> available here
• Country of manufacture: not specified
• Weight (Size S): 155 grams
• Facilities: Comfortable leg cuffs, mono-elastic straps, mesh on the back, reflective material
• Upholstery length / width: 23 / 12 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: thick / firm
• Trouser leg length: 28 centimetres (* measured from the hip bone)

Alé Traguardo 2.0 – Review & Verdict

The leg cuffs are a pleasure to wear, with a comfortable fit and subtle silicone dots that feel less sticky than those on GripGrab, for example. The fabric is opaque and gives an overall impression of high quality. As is typical for Alé, the padding is rather generous; however, on long rides, the seams can rub a little. Apart from that, the shorts are comfortable to wear and stay firmly in place even under strain. All in all, a solid pair of cycling shorts with impressive material quality.

​Cube Road/XC WS Artline Women’s Bib Shorts

• Price: 99.95 euros >> Available here at a reduced price
• Country of manufacture: Albania
• Weight (Size S): 173 grams
• Facilities: Single-strap neck design (toilet-friendly), mesh fabric at the front, reflective material
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 23 / 13 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: medium / firm
• Trouser leg length: 22 centimetres (* measured from the hip bone)

Cube Road/XC WS Artline – Review & Verdict

At first, we were rather sceptical about the halter-neck straps – but on the trail, this impression quickly changes. Thanks to silicone strips, the shorts stay securely in place at the back, though they’re only truly reliable if you’re not wearing an additional base layer underneath. A real practical bonus: for a quick change on the go, all you need to do is unzip the jersey, pull the straps over your head and slide the shorts down – there’s no need to take everything off.

The leg cuffs are less impressive. The comparatively short trouser legs fit snugly but can cut into the skin uncomfortably, particularly as the all-round seams are clearly noticeable. The seat pad tends to sit slightly further forward, which may not suit every riding position equally well. On the other hand, the trousers score points for the double-layered fabric in the seat area, which ensures a secure, opaque fit.

All in all, the design is well thought out, but it does have its quirks: anyone who is sensitive to pressure on the back of the neck would be better off looking for an alternative.

​EKOI Perf Gel Power Women’s Trousers

• Price: 91.23 euros >> Available here at a reduced price
• Country of manufacture: Albania
• Weight (Size S): 183 grams
• Facilities: Seamless, comfortable leg cuffs, mono-elastic straps, mesh fabric on the back and waistband, zip (pee-friendly)
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 23 / 16 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: thick / medium-firm
• Trouser leg length*: 28 centimetres

EKOI Perf Gel Power – Review & Verdict

The trousers fit surprisingly well right from the start: they sit comfortably around the waist without feeling tight, the straps sit comfortably, and the padding is also impressive, with its well-balanced positioning and excellent comfort. The low-cut waistband at the back makes the otherwise slightly scratchy zip practically unnecessary. With the right technique, you can even pull the trousers down whilst they’re zipped up: hook your thumbs into the straps at the back and, as you squat, pull the trousers down over your bottom – this worked surprisingly well in our test.

Then, however, came the let-down: at least in the ‘Sand’ colourway, the trousers fall short when it comes to opacity. In the mirror, the sewn-in label was almost legible through the fabric – a clear no-go. At least the problem seems to be colour-specific; darker versions appear to be far less of an issue. Our verdict is therefore twofold: comfort, fit and wearability are all spot on – if the manufacturer were to use double-layered fabric in the seat area instead of a zip and get the transparency under control, the overall package would be close to perfection.

​GripGrab Women’s Ride Bib Shorts

• Price: 100 euros >> Available here at a reduced price
• Country of manufacture: Albania
• Weight (Size S): 156 grams
• Facilities: Seamless, comfortable leg cuffs with silicone print, elasticated straps, mesh fabric on the back and waistband, cargo pocket, reflective material
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 22 / 13 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: medium / firm
• Trouser leg length: 27 centimetres (* measured from the hip bone)

GripGrab Women’s Ride Bib Shorts – Review & Verdict

The first time you slip them on, the trousers immediately impress with their comfortably wide leg openings, which stay securely in place – even if the silicone dots are a little too strong for that. We initially had concerns about the straps causing pressure marks, but in practice they’re more comfortable than expected: whilst they don’t lie quite as flat on the shoulders as on some other models, they’re far less uncomfortable than we’d feared.

These trousers also deliver when it comes to seating comfort: the padding is well-positioned and provides good support on longer rides. The cargo pocket on the right thigh proves handy for everyday use; it offers plenty of space for a smartphone, energy bars or gels, and often means you don’t need to reach into your jersey pocket.

However, opacity remains a clear weak point. Depending on the angle of the light – particularly in direct sunlight – the fabric can become surprisingly transparent in places, allowing unwanted views through it. This noticeably detracts from the otherwise solid overall impression, although to be fair, it must be said that this problem is not uncommon even with significantly more expensive cycling shorts.

​Nalini Fast Lady Bib Shorts for Women

• Price: 140 euros >> available here
• Country of manufacture: Italy
• Weight (Size S): 147 grams
• Facilities: Comfortable leg cuffs, single-elastic straps, reflective material
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 20 / 14 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: thick / medium-firm
• Trouser leg length: 29 centimetres (* measured from the hip bone)

Nalini Fast Lady Bib Shorts – Review & Verdict

The Nalini impresses right from the moment you touch it, with a pleasantly soft fabric that moulds to even slightly curvier tummies without feeling constricting. It’s particularly forgiving in this respect – even during times when your body is changing, they remain comfortable to wear. However, anyone looking for targeted support around the tummy area is unlikely to find it here.

On the saddle, the thick, soft padding performs reliably, though it really comes into its own on shorter to medium-length rides. The laser-cut leg cuffs are a delight to wear: nothing cuts in, nothing pinches. Despite the lack of silicone grippers, the legs stayed securely in place throughout the test – a pleasant surprise. The straps also performed unobtrusively and showed no weaknesses.

These shorts score highly when it comes to fabric thickness: the comparatively thick fabric gives a feeling of security and proved to be pleasingly opaque in our test. All in all, the Nalini is a comfortable choice for leisurely rides – albeit with a slight compromise on support around the tummy.

​Van Rysel RCR‑R 2 women’s trousers

• Price: 69.99 euros >> available here
• Country of manufacture: Albania
• Weight (Size S): 161 grams
• Facilities: Seamless, comfortable leg cuffs, mono-elastic straps, back panel with laser-cut holes
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 21 / 13 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: medium-thick / firm
• Trouser leg length: 33 centimetres (* measured from the hip bone)

Van Rysel RCR‑R 2 – Review & Verdict

Visually, these trousers are an instant eye-catcher: the grey fabric combined with the pink print really makes a statement and stands out refreshingly from the run-of-the-mill look. On the bike, they impress with a comfortably snug fit around the legs. The comparatively long trouser legs are held securely in place by vertical silicone strips, without feeling uncomfortable.

One clear compromise is how they handle a toilet break: the trousers aren’t pee-friendly, which means a bit more effort when you’re out and about. On the other hand, the overall fit on the bike is all the better for it. At first glance whilst standing, the pad looks a bit unusual; it sticks out slightly at the back and is also slightly raised at the front on the sides – but in the riding position, this impression is completely put into perspective; here, everything sits just right and is comfortable.

The straps, on the other hand, do feel a bit tight – at least on our comparatively petite test subject, who is 1.60 metres tall. Anyone who is sensitive to pressure on their shoulders should therefore definitely try it on beforehand.

All in all, this is a clear recommendation for anyone looking for a pair of trousers that are good value for money and have a striking look, and who aren’t counting the seconds when they need a toilet break.

​Gonso Essential Bib Kit Men’s Trousers

• Price: 109.95 euros >> Available here at a reduced price
• Country of manufacture: Turkey
• Weight (Size S): 173 grams
• Facilities: Comfortable leg cuffs with gel print, mono-elastic straps, mesh fabric on the back
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 30 / 14 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: thick / medium-firm
• Trouser leg length: 33 centimetres (* measured from the hip bone)

Gonso Essential Bib Kit – Review & Verdict

The Gonso trousers made a generally positive impression in the test. The pleasantly soft, opaque fabric and the neatly finished seams are testament to their solid quality. The waistband sits at a standard height, whilst the wide leg cuffs keep the trousers securely in place – although this does come at the expense of comfort when putting them on.

In terms of fit, this model has a rather slim cut: the trousers feel a little tight, particularly around the upper thighs. Taller and more heavily built riders over 1.80 metres would therefore be better off choosing a size larger. Although the padding feels a little bulky and not very stable at first touch, it performs well on the bike, offering a good fit and decent comfort.

One clear advantage: taking a toilet break is delightfully straightforward and requires no acrobatic manoeuvres. Another strong point is the wide range of sizes. With options up to 6XL, Gonso caters to a particularly broad spectrum of cyclists – something that is by no means a given.

​Rose M Bib Shorts Men's Trousers

• Price: 79.95 euros >> Available here at a reduced price
• Country of manufacture: China
• Weight (Size S): 185 grams
• Facilities: Comfortable leg cuffs with gel print, mono-elastic straps, mesh fabric on the back, cargo pocket, reflective material
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 23 / 14 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: medium-thick / firm
• Trouser leg length: 38 centimetres (* measured from the hip bone)

Rose M Bib Shorts – Review & Verdict

In the test, the Rose trousers really catch the eye with their strikingly long legs, which reach just above the kneecap – this is clearly a matter of personal taste, both visually and functionally. On the body, they appear just as compact as the Gonso model: the briefs fit snugly and are cut unusually high, extending well beyond the navel and thus providing a very enveloping fit.

When worn, the support system is particularly impressive. The elastic straps lie flat against the skin, fit comfortably and do not dig in at all. Both practical and stylish: the small cargo pocket, which adds extra practicality to the design.

It is in the padding that these trousers really come into their own. It feels high-quality, is neatly segmented and sits precisely under the sit bones. It also provides plenty of coverage at the front. Combined with the high-waisted fit, this results in a very stable and secure fit overall.

All in all, the Rose cycling shorts are particularly recommended for cyclists who prefer long legs and a high-cut waistband – and who place particular importance on well-designed, comfortable padding.

​Scott Sports Endurance ++ Men’s Trousers

• Price: 99.95 euros >> Available here at a reduced price
• Country of manufacture: Albania
• Weight (Size S): 184 grams
• Facilities: Narrow leg openings with gel print, elasticated straps, mesh fabric on the back and waistband
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 22 / 15 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: medium thickness / medium firmness
• Trouser leg length: 34 centimetres (* measured from the hip bone)

Scott Sports Endurance ++ – Review & Verdict

In our test, the Scott trousers proved to be a comfort-focused all-rounder with clear strengths in terms of fabric and fit. They have a slightly roomier cut and stand out thanks to a pleasantly soft, stretchy fabric that makes them noticeably easier to put on. On the legs, the relatively narrow cuffs, thanks to their grip coating, ensure a secure fit without slipping.

The extremely high-cut torso area is particularly striking: at the front, the suit extends almost to just below the chest and is also very close-fitting at the back – ensuring a warm, snug fit all round. The padding complements this perfectly: it extends well round the front, provides generous coverage and offers noticeable protection from the wind. At the back, it is slightly more voluminous than on the Rose model, yet feels significantly more stable than its Gonso counterpart – overall, it creates a pleasant, comfortable feel in the saddle.

However, there are some criticisms regarding the straps: the elastic bands dig in noticeably and leave pressure marks on the skin – which detracts from the otherwise very good impression of comfort.

All in all, the Scott trousers are an excellent choice for anyone who values soft fabric, a comfortable fit and good wind protection – provided they can cope with the slightly bulky shoulder straps.

​Sportful Pulse Bib Shorts for Men

• Price: 99.90 euros >> available here
• Country of manufacture: Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Weight (Size S): 184 grams
• Facilities: Comfortable leg cuffs with gel print, elasticated straps, mesh fabric on the back
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 23 / 14 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: medium thickness / medium firmness
• Trouser leg length: 30 centimetres (* measured from the hip bone)

Sportful Pulse Bib Shorts – Review & Verdict

In our test, the Sportful trousers proved to be a well-balanced pair, with just a few minor flaws in the details. They fit true to size and, with their comparatively long legs, are aimed primarily at cyclists with longer legs. They’re easy to put on, the fabric feels comfortable against the skin and gives an overall impression of high quality.

There are some drawbacks to the padding: it’s quite bulky, seems a bit clunky at first and is noticeably thicker than usual. Although this impression is put into perspective when seated, the saddle pad remains a constant presence. Another point of criticism is the stiff rubber supports, which, over time, press uncomfortably into the shoulders and noticeably reduce comfort.

The trousers, however, score points for their low-cut crotch, which allows for quick and hassle-free toilet breaks – a clear practical advantage. At the back, a mesh insert between the straps ensures a high-cut, sturdy design, whilst the seams remain discreet throughout.

All in all, the Sportful shorts are best suited to people with long legs and a relatively short torso. However, anyone who is sensitive to pressure from straps or prefers a flatter, more discreet pad will find more suitable alternatives among the products reviewed here.