Best cycling shorts for men 2025: the best bib shorts for comfortable riding regardless of your budget

A surefire way to ruin any ride is to find yourself in discomfort while still miles from home. While tired legs are hard to avoid after a few hours of cycling, a well-designed pair of the best cycling shorts go a long way to negating any issues you may have between you and your saddle.

The best bib shorts typically blend stretchy Lycra materials with a seat pad or chamois, a complex layering system of foam inserts, to deliver both compression and comfort. In this guide, we’ve focused on the best bib shorts for summer riding. If you are looking for something for cooler climates and seasons, you might want to check out our guide to Winter Bib tights.

Similarly, our focus here is men’s shorts, as we have a dedicated guide to the best Women's cycling shorts.

Choosing the right pair of cycling shorts for you is no easy task, given the wealth of choice; for help with this, you can find more information in our How To Choose section. Fortunately, we’ve tested dozens of bib shorts in recent times and have selected the best performing here, with top honours going to the Assos Mille GT C2 bib shorts.

To further help you narrow your choice somewhat, we’ve selected shorts that are particularly notable in a specific area, such as fit and price tag—for example, our best budget shorts, the Pearl Izumi Attacks. Don't forget, for maximum protection against sores, the best cycling shorts are best paired with one of the best Chamois Creams.

The quick list

Best cycling shorts for men 2025: tested and rated

Best Overall

On performance alone, the Mille GT is among the very best bib shorts I've ever tested. Combine this with their outstanding value, and they become unparalleled in the road category.

Like many Assos shorts, the star of the show here is their choice and design of chamois. This isn't even the Swiss brand’s top-tier offering, and it still impressed me with its construction and its comfort. It boasts thermoformed compressive 11mm foam layers, which are designed to both absorb and support. From my testing, I can confirm that it works. Assos’ ‘floating’ platform also helps provide greater comfort; essentially, there’s stitching that anchors the padded front and back but still allows it to conform with your body during riding. Add in a perforated waffle-like foam for ventilation, and you have a pad that doesn’t miss a trick and is ready for long days in the saddle. I was especially impressed with its ability to wick moisture away during hot days also.

Just as supportive is the shorts ‘X-Frame suspension’ design. Here, the suspenders are made from a thicker, high rebound material delivered in an 'X' shape to fit snugly across your upper back. Combined with the aforementioned floating pad, it yields a superior fit and performance compared to its rivals. Another noteworthy feature is the hidden seams, which add further to the overall comfort of the shorts.

Best mid-range

Not only are the Castelli Espresso bib shorts a brilliant addition to the Espresso collection, but I found them to be an excellent addition to my cycling wardrobe. While they aren't cheap, they are certainly not expensive; however, with this extra cost, you get a very high-end finish and features, which makes them actually exceptional value.

It is the high-quality and minimalist design that really stood out straight away. While the Espresso Doppio fabric feels slightly heavier with a matte, stretch-woven texture, it impressed me with its apparent durability. Fit is good, although the shorts felt snug; once on and in the right place, there was no hint of restriction. Sizing is consistent with Castelli's other bib shorts, as well as those of other brands.

While I have tested several shorts fitted with Castelli's Progetto X2 Air seat pad and found it not to be the best for long days or multiple days in the saddle, I had zero issues with the Espresso bibs, even after longer six-hour plus rides. It is, of course, worth remembering these things are always subjective and won't be the same for everyone.

Read our full Castelli Espresso bib short review

Best Budget

The sign of a great pair of budget bib shorts is that they don’t look or perform as such. That is exactly what I experienced when testing the Attack bibs from Pearl Izumi.

The knit fabric used in the main body is smooth to the touch, resulting in a luxurious feel against the legs that truly belies its price. I loved the second-skin feel and can safely say, based on my testing, that it comfortably rivals far more expensive shorts. At the price, it’s perhaps unsurprising that there is a drawback, and here it's the lack of breathability, making the Attack shorts suitable only for cooler conditions.

That said, the rest of the shorts are just as impressive as the feel of the material. The silicone leg grippers successfully held the shorts in place throughout our testing, while the brand’s mid-tier chamois, the Elite Levitate, performed well. It’s certainly not the most breathable and will only provide the required support for shorter riders, but given the shorts' price, it does an admirable job.

Another bonus is the choice of colours. There are five different colourways, including our favourite, ‘Screaming Yellow’, which surely help aid visibility. That said, even if you opt for one of the more muted offerings, the shorts feature some BioViz reflective elements for enhanced night visibility at up to 100 meters.

Best under $150/£150

For an everyday pair of bibs, Rapha’s Core shorts are hard to beat.

Made from a densely knitted fabric, they aren’t the most breathable, but they do offer plenty of compression with a good fit. I found that flatlock seams were comfortable over the course of a few weeks; I used them primarily on short to mid-length rides.

The chamois, too, reflects the short's suitability for shorter rides as well as its lower price point. While it’s comfortably padded and proved to be reasonably breathable, I did find that they began to chafe a little when wet.

That said, I could find very little wrong with the core bibs, and Ultimately, they are a solid all-rounder and a very reasonable price.

I am not the only one who rates the Rapha Core Bib Shorts here at Cycling Weekly, though. Both the men's and women's versions previously received 4.5 stars out of 5. As affordable bib shorts go, they don't get much better.

Read our full Rapha Men's Core bib short review

Read our full Rapha Women's Core bib short review

Best Cargo Bibs

The best cargo bib shorts have been gaining in popularity for a while now, buoyed by both the practicality of the design and their association with gravel riding. The Utility bibs from Velocio aren’t cheap, but they do feature all that is good about the cargo design.

That starts with the pockets that give the shorts their name. Here, you get three deep pockets, which I've packed with all the essentials, such as nutrition bars, a puncture repair kit, and a mobile phone. Velocio eschews any clasps or flaps to secure the contents, but I certainly didn't have any issues with anything jumping out or flying down the road, even during tucked descents or when I headed down rougher roads and tracks.

Talking of gravel trails, Velocio’s proprietary Signature Chamois worked a treat when the going got tough, with enough padding to dampen vibrations without it feeling too bulky at other times. On the road, this made it feel like an extra luxury pad that you can sit on for long days in the saddle.

While I've reviewed the men’s version here, it’s worth pointing out the women-specific Utility bibs feature Velocio’s ‘Fly Free’ design, created to make bathroom breaks less of an issue; the design means the bibs can be pulled down without removing the straps.

Best Budget Cargo Bibs

Another pair of cargo bibs, but this time at a far more affordable price point. The Expedition Bib Short delivers excellent value for money, featuring smooth, breathable fabric that does a great job of keeping me cool while also feeling pleasant against the skin. No rubbing or chaffing here!

The Elite chamois proved adept on challenging, hilly terrain where its high-density padding came in handy. I did feel like it was a little too thick at times, especially when we were off the bike. Thicker isn't always better when it comes to chamois pads; however, I didn't experience any issues, but others might, especially those who like to get in and out of the saddle a lot.

In terms of fit, the high waistband and shoulder straps, which are secured with a clasp, combine to deliver ample security. Even when tackling challenging terrain, they stayed firmly in place. The same can’t be said for the legs, however. The small grippers weren’t up to the job, and as a consequence, I found myself having to reposition the legs of the bibs far more often than I would have liked.

As for the pockets, they proved large enough to store all the essentials.

Also tested, honourable mentions

MAAP Aeon Bib Shorts ★★★★☆

The Aeon bibs are beautifully made and incredibly comfortable, with many refined details. The chamois are first class, and the fit is performance-oriented without being punished. However, I fear you are paying here for the MAAP name printed on the leg. A brand with a reputation for high-end and fashion-forward garments, there is no denying that Aeon reinforces this image.

Read Joe's full MAAP Aeon bib short review

Specialized Prime Bib Short ★★★★☆

The standout feature of the Prime bib shorts is its material. It’s soft against the skin while being compressive and breathable. The simple construction is what allows the fabric to perform so well, with the hidden seamwork adding to the comfort. Unfortunately, the shorts are let down by the body geometry pad, which lacks support.

How we test

For the Cycling Weekly team, testing the best cycling clothing is easy, given that you have to wear something to leave the house. This means that getting time in a variety of garments can be done regularly, given the hundreds of hours spent in the saddle every year and the constant changing of seasons here in the Northern Hemisphere.

While the best cycling shorts can be subjective, we set out strict criteria that not only offer transparency in our testing but also a clear and easy-to-understand gauge of how we rate our products. You can read more about that in our overarching guide on How We Test products.

When evaluating the best bib shorts for cycling, we place a strong emphasis on fit, feel, and overall comfort. We achieve this by comparing the garment's measurements to our own using a tape measure and cross-referencing them against other garments from competitors or the brand's own products.

Durability is high on the list, too, and while getting in decent miles will always be a telling sign, so is washing and everyday wear and tear. So our testers will certainly subject all the shorts on test to multiple washes and no doubt have the bibs in a bag or travel with them at some point.

While not a complete or exhaustive list, we will ultimately test the shorts, when possible, in various temperatures and conditions, often beyond their intended use, to uncover any unexpected issues.

How to choose the best cycling shorts?

The most critical part of any cycling shorts is the seat pad, so it's worth looking for a pair with a pad that's dense, even if it's not thick, to help protect you from the saddle on longer rides. While this might seem counter-productive a chamois with a denser foam will offer great support and better mold to your contours, reducing irritation and the possibility of sores occurring.

Next, look at the fabric. Do you want super-lightweight shorts for hot summer rides or more insulation for spring and fall? Or maybe you're looking for extra protection for gravel rides or in case of a fall. They're all catered for across the range of available shorts.

A cycling shorts fabric can also offer compression and aerodynamic qualities. Compression can help with blood flow and reduce fatigue, allowing you to push harder for longer and potentially aid in recovery. Flat or hidden seams, laser-cut leg grippers, and added textures can provide vital wattage savings, especially if the wind picks up.

Make sure to pay attention to the construction and materials used. These features not only benefit those pushing their limits but also aid in providing extra comfort

Which leads me nicely to leg grippers. Wider grippers tend to be more comfortable and less likely to irritate your legs. However, fewer seams and changes in material can offer aerodynamic benefits, increased comfort and durability.

What you really want to avoid is shorts that ride up. They need to stay in place, and you can't just determine that by trying cycling shorts on in a changing room. Request to hop on a bike for a minute or two to ensure they grip your thighs. Be careful, they shouldn't feel restrictive.

Finally, straps or the bib part of the shorts. Straps can differ depending on the construction, Ideally you want them to lay flat and not dig in at all. Straps are not only there for holding up your shorts either like braces, they should help to offer some compression and support your muscles.

Every does straps slightly differently and its certainly subjective to what works and what doesn't for you. Again if you can try the bibs before you buy or return them, try to get a couple minutes on the bike to see what works.

Frequently asked questions about the best cycling shorts

Glossary

• Chamois/seat pad - is a mixture of materials, generally several different densities of foam placed in the short to offer more comfort around your perineum and as far back as your sit bones.
• Lycra - also known as Spandex or Elastane, is a stretchy fabric with several outstanding qualities that make it ideal for cycling. For example, it helps you stay cool by removing sweat from your skin and allows you to get into more awkward positions on a bike with minimal restrictions.
• Bib Shorts - These are effectively shorts with braces built in them. They help stop your shorts from slipping down when cycling, offer additional support and compression to the muscles, as well as a whole host of other benefits like aerodynamics.
• Cycling Waist Shorts - With or without a chamois or pad, these are generally lycra shorts that stop at the waist and do not feature the bib or strap design to keep them in place. This style is popular with spinners, triathletes, and mountain bikers for the increased freedom of movement.
• Straps - Sometimes called the bib section, these are the brace-like features of bib shorts or tights that help to keep your shorts from falling down when you are bent over on a bike.
• Leg Grippers - Generally located around the thigh or leg opening and usually made of silicone strips or shapes, these are designed to stop the leg of your shorts riding up. Not all shorts feature them, as some rely solely on compression or the fabrics finish.
• Laser Cut - Often found on high-end garments, laser-cut finishes are very precious and eliminate the need for a join, trim, or stitching. Which all aids in ensuring good comfort levels.