When choosing a pair of cycling shorts, you’ll need to consider your style and riding goals. Whether you’re looking for a couple of padded shorts to help you slog through long-distance races or you want some practical, comfortable bibs that can be used for commuting and other shorter rides, there are plenty of options.
1. Pearl Izumi In-R-Cool Bib Shorts
The Pearl Izumi In-R-Cool Bib Shorts are an excellent option for riders who want to stay comfortable during hot rides. They offer cooling technology, sun protection, and solid durability that all severe cyclists will appreciate.
They feature a seamless, well-placed chamois and are made with cold black technology from Eschler that deflects some of the sun’s heat. These bibs also have an anatomic, multi-panel design that ensures the riding position fits perfectly and is free of bunching or gapping fabrics.
For long-distance comfort, the bib shorts feature Pearl Izumi’s three-layer 3D Elite chamois designed to relieve pressure and permit blood flow where it matters most. It is covered in a moisture-wicking four-way stretch fabric and features active carbon yarns that assist with thermo-regulation and resist bacteria.
The bibs have a long inseam and silicone leg grippers inside elastic cuffs that keep the shorts on your legs. They also have reflective elements to help you stay visible on the road, even if the sun is beating down.
2. Pearl Izumi Attack Bib Shorts
These bib shorts provide the ultimate performance and comfort at a fraction of the cost. Their lightweight fabric rapidly wicks moisture away from the skin, and their bibs have minimal panels for a snug fit. They also have raw-edge bib straps that offer a barely-there feel against the skin and PI’s SELECT Escape chamois to keep your sit bones happy.
These men’s shorts are a step up from Pearl Izumi’s Quest, and they’ve been proven to be comfortable on long rides. They wick moisture more effectively than the Quest shorts and have a slightly stiffer feel, which is often appreciated on longer rides.
They feature a full-length zipper that allows you to access your leg gear quickly and securely. There are two open hand pockets and a zippered cargo pocket for extra storage. A rear security pocket holds your valuables and is easy to open/close. Designed for the ultimate in cycling, these shorts will become your go-to for all-day rides.
3. Garneau Bib Shorts
Regarding bib shorts, Louis Garneau has several options offering good aerodynamics and excellent breathability. However, each pair is different and is designed for a specific type of cyclist.
For example, the Course Superleggera Bib Short has a high capacity for managing heat and sweat. The fabric also has excellent shape recovery and muscle support.
On the other hand, the Carbon 2 Bib Short offers more race-ready features that make them perfect for crit racing. They are made from a unique knit fabric construction that maximizes the particular properties of each fiber.
These bib shorts are built with a mix of Lycra, nylon, polyester, and mesh for added moisture-wicking and breathability. The nylon helps to prevent abrasion and abrasion damage, while the polyester keeps you dry. The breathable mesh keeps your legs cool and prevents excessive sweating.
4. Endura Xtract Lite Bib Shorts
Endura’s Xtract Lite bib shorts are lightweight, with heat-busting features for hot weather riding. They help keep your core temperature cool by moving sweat away from your skin and feature a couple of desirable weather-beating extras, including a UPF50+ treatment for the fabric and a 500 series temperature regulating pad.
The pad in these shorts is a crucial part of temperature regulation, helping you feel comfortable on long rides by keeping your core body temperature steady and preventing sweat from building up. It’s designed specifically for hot climates and features water-expelling foams, which can improve airflow dramatically, keeping you feeling more relaxed than you might be if you don’t have an excellent temperature-regulating pad.
The chamois in these shorts are also an excellent choice for hot weather as it features a temperature-regulating, molded antibacterial seat pad. It’s designed to move with you, ensuring your comfort throughout the ride, and the mesh straps quickly wick moisture away.
