Cycling Shorts for Comfort

Cycling Shorts: What Makes Them Worth It

Cycling apparel choices have gotten complicated with all the fabric technologies and fit options flying around. As someone who rode my first 50 miles in running shorts — and by mile 30 understood why cycling shorts exist, and by mile 50 was ready to pay almost anything to never make that mistake again — I learned everything there is to know about what actually matters. Today, I’ll share why proper shorts are worth it.

The Chamois Is Everything

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. The padded insert — the chamois — is what separates cycling shorts from regular athletic wear. Good chamois padding cushions your sit bones, absorbs vibration, and reduces friction where your body meets the saddle.

Cheap shorts have thin, flat padding that compresses quickly. Quality shorts have multi-density foam with strategic shaping — more padding under sit bones, less elsewhere to prevent bunching. The difference is massive on rides over an hour.

Why the Tight Fit

Cycling shorts are supposed to be snug. Loose fabric bunches and creates friction. The compression supports your muscles during repetitive pedaling motion and can reduce fatigue on longer rides.

They shouldn’t be so tight that they restrict blood flow or feel uncomfortable. But if they feel loose when you’re standing around, they’re probably too big.

Bibs vs Shorts

That’s what makes bib shorts endearing to us long-distance riders — no waistband digging into your stomach when bent over the bars. The shoulder straps keep everything in place. More comfortable on rides over two hours.

Regular shorts work fine for shorter rides and are easier to deal with for bathroom breaks. Both are valid; bibs are just more comfortable when you’re hunched over for hours.

What to Spend

Cheap shorts ($30-50) work for occasional short rides. Mid-range ($80-120) delivers significantly better chamois quality and durability for regular riders. Premium ($150+) adds refinements that matter most for very long rides or daily use.

Buy fewer pairs of better shorts rather than many pairs of cheap ones. Your comfort on every ride justifies the investment.