Cycling trousers test: 23 cycling trousers for women & men in the big TOUR test

In a marathon, pressure comes not only from the competition, but often also from your own trousers. Several hours in the saddle are a challenge for the body and especially for the "seat meat". Seat discomfort is one of the most common problems when cycling. Depending on which study you look at, up to 91 per cent of the cycling community complain about it. The saddle is quickly identified as the main suspect, but the influence of cycling shorts on seating comfort is often overlooked. The right padding and small but crucial details are particularly important on long-distance rides. We tested 23 endurance shorts for long distances for women and men at prices between 70 and 270 euros and were pleasantly surprised at how well the current generation of shorts performs.

Minimalism is the trump card

We particularly noticed that many manufacturers are trying to make their bib shorts with as few seams as possible and to keep them particularly flat. Seamless, wide bib straps are now standard, while attached leg cuffs such as Löffler's are the absolute exception. In our experience, the less playful the details of the shorts are, the better they work in the saddle. Some models manage with just one seam on the thigh and the leg cuffs no longer slip up when pedalling, even without sticky silicone tape. This is particularly beneficial for those who like to ride long distances. In the long run, silicone strips can scratch the skin like chaff or rough and coarse seam knots can chafe against sweaty skin. Most manufacturers don't skimp on the choice of materials either and use high-quality yarn. High-quality yarn with high elasticity and a robust surface surrounds the wearer with pleasant compression and still feels supple and soft - no comparison to cheap goods with often flabby fabrics, for example from some discounters.

Focus on women

Manufacturers are responding to the fact that more and more women are discovering a love of long-distance cycling with high-quality women's models - some with clever details. Until a few years ago, women often had to make do with entry-level or waistband trousers, but now there is a large selection of bib shorts that are on a par with men's models. The female anatomy also plays a role here - for example in the straps. Some of these are centred and some are positioned on the outside of the chest, which can be an advantage, especially for larger breasts. So-called drop-tail designs make it easier to stop peeing - you simply pull the trousers down over your bum. And the padding is no longer just made from nappy-soft foam, but from materials that provide real support for hours in the saddle.

Just no pressure

This is also the case with men's trousers. Plush, soft "sofa cushions" are hard to find in this test. Denser foams with a lower height also promise good support in the long term. SQlab takes this trend to the extreme with its ultra-firm padding, which is only four to six millimetres thick (also on Löffler). A recommendation for well-trained endurance athletes - but definitely not for occasional cyclists. So everything is fine? Not quite. Some manufacturers still haven't understood that a firm, denser padding offers more comfort in the long term than a soft cushion that can be compressed like a marshmellow and is worn out after a short time.

Short & sweet

Most trouser tailors are masters of their craft and can also impress when it comes to comfort on long journeys. However, it is a myth that soft and thick padding improves comfort; the opposite is true. Manufacturers such as Alé, Gobik and Gore Wear offer the best compromise of all properties, while Shimano and Grip Grab offer good value for money. The lightest shorts are the SQlab Q-Shorts One12R at 144 grams.

Test cycling shorts: the details

1 Load-bearing roller

Bib straps made of firm and elastic material that fit the body without creases should be standard. With Castelli (men), Gobik and Shimano (women), these roll easily and pinch.

2 Pit stop

SQlab and Castelli make it easier for female cyclists to take a pee break. Thanks to the clever design, you can simply pull the trousers over your buttocks.

3 pressure points

With the Dynamics trousers, the rough connection between the braces and the trouser box is annoying. In the long run, the clump of fabric on the hips and waist is annoying.

4 Seamless

A pair of trousers with a classic leg hem should have no cross seams, ideally also without bold silicone prints. This increases comfort enormously, as is the case with Löffler, for example.

5 Pack mules

Thanks to the small side pockets, Castelli and Van Rysel bibs are always at hand. However, heavy mobile phones rub against the thigh.

6 Leg dress

How long the trouser leg can, should or must be is debatable. In any case, the Gobik trousers also fit long thighs.

7 Transition

Different stretch and cross seams can pinch or rub. Gore Wear flatters sensitive thighs with a perfect and seamless transition.

8 Management style

Outside, in the centre or straight across - the shape of the straps is a matter of taste for women. However, the larger the breasts, the more comfortable the straps tend to be.

The ideal seat cushion

What does the ideal seat cushion look like? Soft and thick or thin and firm? It all depends. We reveal which factors play a decisive role in the choice of trouser padding.

Thick or thin?

Either the flat, firm and wide Löffler cushion from SQlab, or a narrow and highly foamed standard cushion from Elastic Interface.

In the long term, frequent riders will feel more comfortable on the flat pad, while the right-hand version is more of an option for light riders with a narrow pelvis.

The right width

As with the saddle, the width of the seat pad also plays an important role. This must match the individual sit bone distance. A distance of between ten and fourteen centimetres is typical for women and men. The basis for the choice should always be a measurement of the sit bones. Caution: Some seat cushions are stepped towards the outside and only offer maximum comfort in a narrow area. It is better to choose thick trouser pads throughout.

The state of training

The more hours you spend in the saddle, the more "settled" your bum becomes. The sit bones get used to the pressure peaks with increasing training and develop a kind of insensitive callus, which hurts less quickly than in untrained riders. Well-trained bikers will therefore always be better able to cover many kilometres with a thin and tight seat pad. On short laps and for less trained riders, the padding can sometimes be a little thicker and softer.

Upholstery shape

Steps, bumps, seams - any unevenness on the seat cushion can lead to pressure points or friction in the long term. The seat pad should therefore be designed to be as flat and seam-free as possible. A small channel as a recess in the centre can possibly prevent pressure points in the perineal area. Important: There should not be too much fabric in the padding area, as otherwise the nappy will feel spongy, the material will lay in waves, cause chafing and can pinch blood vessels and nerves.

The myth

Thick and soft equals comfortable: this equation doesn't work. Many manufacturers have now realised that the opposite is true. As a result, flatter and firmer padding is increasingly being used in endurance trousers. Thick, low-density pads quickly sag over time and often cause pressure in the perineal area. Tighter pads retain their shape over time and provide more support for the sit bones.

How TOUR tests

All trousers were washed according to instructions before the test and assessed by our test crew in practice according to four criteria with different weightings.

Wearing comfort (40 per cent)

This is based on the documented impressions of the test crew, focussing on the quality and function of the straps and waistband, the cuffs, the feel of the fabric and the overall construction of the trousers.

Seat cushion (30 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 assessment includes: The design and quality of the straps, leg cuffs, flat seams, the use of reflective material, sensibly placed mesh material and extras such as pockets.

Quality (10 per cent)

This check is carried out after washing, which quickly puts the quality of seams, seam intersections and the durability of materials or printed logos or reflective material to the test.

The cycling trousers for men and women in the individual test

The cycling shorts for men

• Alé Voltage Bib Shorts >> e.g. available here
• Castelli Unltd Endurance Bibshort >> e.g. available here
• Dynamics Rapido II
• Gobik Lancer
• Gonso Ride Miles Bib Circle >> e.g. available here
• Gorewear Distance Bib Shorts+ 2.0 >> e.g. available here
• GripGrab Grinta Bib Shorts >> e.g. available here
• Löffler M Bike Bibshort Concept SQL >> e.g. available here
• Shimano Distanza Bib Shorts >> e.g. available here
• Sportful Supergiara 2
• SQlab SQ-Short One12 R >> e.g. available here
• Van Rysel EDR Ultra >> e.g. available here

The cycling shorts for women

• Alé Voltage >> e.g. available here
• Castelli Unltd Endurance Bibs W >> e.g. available here
• Gobik Ultralite 2.0
• Gonso Ride Miles Bib Circle W >> e.g. available here
• Gorewear Distance Bib Shorts+ 2.0
• GripGrab Women's Pacr Bib Shorts
• Löffler W Bike Bibshort Concept SQL >> e.g. available here
• Shimano W's Eleganza Bib Shorts
• Sportful Supergiara 2 W
• SQlab SQ-Short One12 Women >> e.g. available here