If you really want to like cycling and spend long hours in the saddle every warm weekend, choosing good cycling shorts for men is perhaps the second most important purchase, right after the bike itself.
A perfectly fitting model should be sought by both road riders and gravel riders in body-hugging bibs with braces, as well as MTB cyclists who prefer loose cycling shorts with a pad.
Why Does the Butt Hurt if You Don’t Wear Cycling Shorts for Men?
Hands, bottom and feet are three points of support. It is on them that the weight of your body rests when you pedal. The greatest pressure is on the butt. When sitting in the saddle, about 60% of your body weight rests on two points in your pelvis called the ischial tuberosities.
When you feel a burning sensation after a workout or ride, know that your gluteal muscles ache, which were squeezed between the surface of the saddle and the ischial tubercles. I go on short trips, on a trip with panniers, or on distances of 35 miles or even 60 miles in one day.
What Is Important in Cycling Shorts for Men?
What to Look for When Buying Cycling Shorts for Men?
-quality
-insert shape
-material from which the insole is made
-the material the shorts are made of
-seamless technology
Insert – The Most Important Element of Cycling Shorts for Men
Cycling shorts stand out from other sports shorts primarily with the insert. A foam or gel insert sewn into the shorts protects soft tissues and ischial tubercles from being bruised by the bicycle saddle. In addition, it prevents chafing, which is important during longer routes. The condition for comfortable use of the insert is its appropriate size and correct sewing. The insert should be under the buttocks.
Contrary to appearances, the comfort of the shorts is not only the thickness of the insole. Its flexibility is much greater. In order to absorb shocks, the insole must remain springy at all times.
Cheap sponge inserts compress after about 15-40 miles, which causes them to lose their properties. Importantly, cycling shorts are worn directly on the naked body. Underwear could lead to abrasions, and in addition, cotton boxers would soak up sweat quite quickly.
Cycling shorts with braces increase the comfort of riding and that’s it. Just remember to choose shorts with suspenders made of mesh. It increases the drainage of sweat in relation to braces made of uniform material. The shape of the insert and the material from which it is sewn is basically the most important aspect of buying shorts.
Long or Short Cycling Shorts For Men?
Most models of cycling shorts are shorts. This applies to both mountain and road cycling. However, longer versions are available, intended mainly for autumn or winter. You can replace them with additional knee warmers, which in combination with cycling shorts provide effective protection against frost.
However, it is worth having long waterproof trousers in your cycling wardrobe, especially if you use the bike to communicate around the city or go on longer bicycle trips.
Road Cycling Shorts for Men and MTB Shorts – How to Choose?
Currently, there are so many different models on the market that choosing blindly, we have a rather small chance that the first time we will find cycling shorts that are not only well-fitting, but also comfortable and worth the money that should be spent on them.
That is why we will start with a list of features and parameters that you must pay attention to when buying, and only then we will indicate a list of proven women’s and men’s cycling shorts for various applications. It is worth remembering, however, that even the best gel or foam insert sewn into long-distance cycling shorts will not provide adequate comfort if it is combined with an uncomfortable saddle and a poorly adjusted bike.
Only when all elements related to broadly understood bikefitting harmonize with each other, then we will get to know the full possibilities of clothing.Choosing the type of cycling shorts you choose – tight or loose – is a fundamental decision when looking for a cycling outfit. The first type, with a tight-fitting cut, is used in professional cycling shorts for road, gravel and MTB bikes.
Not only do they have much better aerodynamic properties, but they are also equipped with a foam or gel insert that perfectly adapts to the body.
This ensures good comfort and prevents chafing, which is why this solution is also often used in models for recreational driving. And it seems to be the optimal choice for most cyclists. In turn, loose MTB shorts are the basic choice in extreme types of mountain biking – Enduro as well as in recreational trips. That is why users of trekking, cross or city bikes who do not like tight-fitting cut of shorts are more likely to choose them.
Cycling shorts can also come with a pad, but they don’t fit as well as the tighter lycra models. Road bikes are distinctly different from mountain bikes. Cycling shorts for men are made of tight, well-fitting material. But it’s not just about aerodynamics on a road bike. It is equally important that the shorts do not rustle in the wind and warm up the muscles well. When driving at speeds up to 30-45 mph, it has a significant impact on driving comfort.
MTB cycling shorts for men have a completely different construction. They look like regular shorts and have a much looser cut. However, they do not lack an insole, which is equally needed in the mountain area. Manufacturers use pockets in MTB shorts. Sometimes a belt is also attached to the shorts. For cold days, MTB shorts with inner lycra are a good choice. Such models combine the advantages of road and mountain shorts.
Quality Workmanship Worthy of Professional Cycling Shorts.
We can usually trust recognized manufacturers in terms of attention to detail, but with cheaper, poorly known brands, it is worth making sure that the insert is sewn into the shorts using the seamless method (better) or flat seams (slightly worse), and the construction of the braces and the middle panel will not cause abrasions during the first trip.
Both in the case of MTB cycling shorts with a pad, as well as road cycling shorts, it is difficult to talk about additional functionalities. The material is always elastic lycra, but sometimes it can have special antibacterial properties or a filter against UV radiation.
In loose models for mountain biking and fitted cargo bibs, popular among gravel riders, sometimes special pockets are also used, which should be considered an interesting addition.
What Shorts Can I Recommend to You? – Subjective Ranking of Cycling Shorts
Endura Shorts – Reliable Middle Class
The ENDURA Xtract Gel II model is available in two versions – with or without braces, so everyone will easily find the perfect variant for their needs. However, we especially recommend the option with suspenders. It is worth remembering that shorts from the Scottish manufacturer are not offered in such tight-fitting sizes as more “racing” brands – Castelli
Certainly, the advantage of these shorts is the 400-Series antibacterial gel insert with a micro-ventilation system, which ensures very good driving comfort, and thanks to the quality of the materials used, it will serve us for a long time
The CASTELLI Cycling Shorts
Are the perfect for those cycling enthusiasts who are looking for the highest quality and comfort. Comfortable, braces-based construction does not move and adheres perfectly to the body. High-quality materials fulfill all the functions of good training clothing.
CASTELLI Competizione shorts are made of high quality lycra. This fabric is not only light, but also flexible, thanks to which it perfectly adapts to the user’s figure. The type of material and the sewing technique used guarantee great freedom of movement and minimize the risk of abrasions. The braces made of mesh are well breathable.
The innovative Kiss Air2 insole. It stands out not only with decent softness and flexibility, but also with excellent cushioning. Perfectly protects delicate body parts from injuries. It allows you to comfortably travel long training routes.
Rogelli – Solid Shorts
Created with men in mind, the Rogelli Men’s Tyro Bib Shorts have everything you need for recreational trips and training sessions lasting up to 2-3 hours.
Their most important advantages are elastic cuffs on the legs, wide and well-ventilated suspenders, as well as a three-layer insert. Its first part is made of a seamless, delicate fabric and at the same time they do not have a very high price.
ALE R-EV1 HAMMER MEN BIBSHORT 8H SHAMMY
Bib shorts which, according to the manufacturer, have been pampered in every detail. Starting with the choice of Airfix fabric, through the cut of the legs for maximum rider comfort. The use of a highly breathable fabric with 38% lycra content ensures quick drying without compromising UV protection.
The insert used – 8H shammy made of flexible microfiber with a shape-memory lining, is strategically placed at the contact points. In the crotch and ischial area, the padding is well calibrated and breathable and provides the ultimate protection against road shocks and abrasions on sensitive areas.
For MTB Cyclists – We Recommend Loose Cycling Shorts With a Pad
ENDURA Hummvee II Padding Cycling Shorts
These shorts are very popular among cyclists.
They gained “fame” thanks to the use of tear-resistant material by the manufacturer (Rip-Stop) and a comfortable, well-profiled 200 series insole, convenient side cargo pockets and the ability to detach the insole thanks to the Clifast system.
The Fox Ranger Shorts
Are a product similar to the Endura shorts described above, in the Fox model we can also detach the insert if necessary, and the material used protects the user from tearing the shorts.
Comfortable cut, zippered pockets and a good quality insole ensure comfort and freedom of movement when dynamically riding on mountain trails.
Summary
Before buying cycling shorts, take the time to check exactly what you need – ask your cycling friends, read reviews. Don’t save money on comfortable shorts. When you buy them, remember not to wear anything underneath! If you go deeper into the topic of Cycling shorts for men we answer 13 FAQ about Cycling Shorts here.
