Matt Ischt-Barnard
It's true that cycling kit can be very expensive – and that regular riding only compounds the problem. Whether you're simply wearing through it or in need of extra garments to tide you between wash cycles, building up a reasonable draw full of kit can cost as much as a new set of wheels.
The good news is that cycling clothing has come a very long way in recent years. Yes, at the one end, this has seen the very best cycling bib shorts become ever more expensive as they cram in ever more tech – but at the other end, the best budget bib shorts have come on light-years in terms of the comfort they offer.
This guide really only features shorts ideally designed for spring and summer riders; however, there is a mix of both men's and women's options. While the fits can be quite different, we stand by our suggestions regardless of gender – If you would like more information on women's bib shorts, we have a dedicated page on the best women's cycling shorts, too.
The Quick List
Just edging out the Rapha on comfort and value, it's incredible what Sportful have done with the classic bibs and range. Offering a genuinely high-quality cycling kit for a very good price.
Featuring fabric that provides a decent amount of compression and keeps the quality pad in place, the Alé Strada is a good choice for budding racers.
You may not consider $150 as a budget option, but when you consider that these are half the cost of Rapha's top-level offerings, they are a bargain considering their performance.
While you can feel the difference between these and more expensive shorts, the Madison Turbo shorts make owning a turbo-specific kit a real proposition for most.
The multi-density gel pad is a real winner, as are the comfy straps. Built to last these bibs are ready for year-round wear.
We wouldn't put the FDX All Day bibs at the top of your list, certainly not when you can get the Sportful or Endura for not a lot more. However, for their price, we have tested a lot worse that cost a hell of a lot more.
Tested and rated, the best budget bib shorts
Best overall
What instantly struck me about the Sportful Classic Women's Bib Shorts is how high quality they feel. Their lightweight construction, which offers decent compression and feels remarkably soft, is not something you typically see in any cycling garment at this price, let alone shorts, which are a more complex construction. This is all before you get to the chamois or seat pad.
Which held up well across my testing. I use the Classics on quick spins and extended journeys, including demanding indoor trainer sessions, and the padding was consistently comfortable. This was certainly helped by a good fit across the board, offering a snug but never uncomfortable fit and in no way constrictive. This meant the pad and the fabric were never out of place, and I experienced absolutely zero discomfort.
The more I wore the Sportful, the more I liked them, even contemplating at one point how much I appreciated the leg length. The hemless finish and the silicon grips remained secure regardless of the style of riding I was doing, which is a testament to Sportful's choice of fabrics and once again highlights how well thought out these bibs are for their price.
The only minor point of critique I have is the length of the straps, which, being of average female height, I found to be a little short. Despite this small detail, the shorts way outperform their price and comfort you would never expect them to.
Read our full Sportful Classic Bib Short review
Best under $100/£100
Cut slightly short, this offering from Ale is excellent for summer riding. They have a low cut waistband, mesh bib-straps and the material is highly breathable. The pad was comfortable on longer rides and there was no sign of wear after several weeks of washing.
Not all cheap bib-shorts feel cheap and these certainly didn’t. The fit was supportive enough that the pad stayed in place and the grippers were functional enough that there was no sliding. A good, solid, set of shorts. These could be used for racing when paired with an aero jersey as the fit feels supportive and sporty.
Alternatively, you could wear them with leg warmers on mild winter days. These bibs are the most expensive in our list, but seem to be a pair that are often on sale meaning you’re able to snag some for way below the listed price.
Best under $150/£150
We are big fans of Rapha’s Core Bib Shorts here at Cycling Weekly, having awarded both the men's and women's versions 4.5 stars out of 5. As affordable bib shorts go, they don't get much better.
The chamois features dual-foam and is quite dense, a style that we prefer. It is well contoured in the shorts, allowing it to sit evenly. The result is ample comfort, even on rides lasting over four hours.
The dense-knit material of the shorts is relatively heavy and robust but they have a nice feel and are well contoured without any rucking or interference from the seams. In terms of coverage, the leg is fairly long in length finishing only an inch or two above the knee. The silicon gripper on the leg band did its job without any unwanted tightness and bulging.
The front of the bibs sits quite high, giving a “well-tucked-in” feel, which is emphasised by the double-thickness broad waistband. The bib straps are made of the same material as the shorts, which means they aren’t as lightweight as many other meshed materials, such as the Sportful Classic. Together, these factors make them less suited for warm weather riding. That said, there’s a nice stretch to the bibs, and this, combined with the broad shoulder straps, makes them really comfortable.
In essence, they’re a quality set of bibs for everyday riding, substantial enough to cope with a lack of care and attention that comes at the end of a commute or an opportunistic ride.
Read our full Rapha Men's Core bib short review
Read our full Rapha Women's Core bib short review
Best for indoor
Madison, aware that indoor cycling is a sweaty undertaking, has addressed this by using high-quality polyester Lycra with an antibacterial treatment. This means it can be washed at a high temperature without affecting the material while keeping odors at bay.
In addition, it is a multiple-panel bib short cleverly arranged to ensure that the seams don't rub. It comes equipped with wide leg grippers and an Italian-made TMF lightweight chamois pad.
Out of the gate, you would think such a thin pad wouldn't be comfortable, given the mostly seated nature of indoor cycling. However, it never once caused me any issues; in fact, it was a welcome break from the much thicker ones I use out on the road.
Honestly, the only aspect letting down the Madison shorts is the grippers. I believe that the length of the legs contributes to how much they ride up, making it even more noticeable. While the grippers may appear to be decent, they don't perform well in reality. This is tolerable indoors since there's no traffic to manage when adjusting them, but you wouldn't want to wear these on the tarmac.
Read our full Madison Turbo Indoor bib short review
Most durable
With budget bib shorts you can't expect every element to be outstanding – battles have to be picked to hit those most competitive price points. The Endura Xtract Gel II shorts focus their efforts on the chamois pad and the straps. They are described by Endura as “comfort that won’t break the bank” and I’d be inclined to agree.
If you’re a relatively tall, skinny cyclist you might find these shorts come up above the knee higher than some other pairs but it’s a minor inconvenience when considered in the context of the comfort and durability these shorts provide for the price.
The pad, which is the most important component of a pair of ‘mileage’ shorts, far exceeds the price point. These shorts have withstood a couple of months of use with no obvious signs of wear at the seams. A solid option - made for those who ride a lot on a tight budget.
One thing that is worth bearing in mind is that the grippers aren't amazing. They have a propensity to slide up your thigh during long, steady rides, which is a little frustrating and does require some periodic readjustment. That said, when paired with leg warmers, they have no trouble staying in place - so a good option for shoulder season riding.
Read our full Endura Xtract II bib short review
Honourable mention
The distribution of padding in the chamois of these shorts was the most immediate and interesting aspect of them. It’s centred quite heavily down the middle of the pad, which led me to wonder how comfortable they would be. In their first test, we dropping them straight in at the deep end, taking them out of the box and straight into a four hour ride in the mountains.
Perhaps that was a mistake. These were the only shorts to induce a bit of soreness post ride, which is notable. There was also quite a bit of chafing near the pad. The seams, on the other hand, proved no issue and in the heat, these shorts were absolutely fine, with the straps and waist being comfortable both with and without the FDX base layer. Their design isn't the most stylish either, with the FDX logo being less than subtle.
That said, these bib shorts do have pockets, which is a massive plus. Very helpful for storing nutrition, or just somewhere to put your phone when ordering a coffee, they came in handy so many times and provided absolutely no downside.
In all, these are a great value pair of shorts, but probably best for rides less than three hours. After a couple of washes, some wear and tear was visible in the seams, but nothing disastrous.
How we test
The Cycling Weekly team constantly tests clothing, especially due to the seasonal variety and layering styles. Since you can cycle without clothing, it is easy to dedicate a large number of hours to various garments.
Cycling shorts, in particular, are highly subjective; thats, why we always try to have multiple testers put them through their paces. The team certainly sometimes endures discomfort to provide honest reviews and advice, especially with more budget options.
When assessing budget cycling shorts, we prioritise fit, feel, and comfort. These areas are crucial and can determine whether a budget short is good or bad. Durability is also high on the list when considering budget shorts, which is why we wash them multiple times during testing. We also test the shorts, when possible, in various temperatures and conditions, often beyond their intended use, to uncover unexpected issues.
You can find out more information on our testers and on how we test via our helpful guide.
How to choose the best budget bib shorts for you
Choosing a budget bib short can be a bit of a minefield, especially if you're new to the sport and they all look the same on the peg. Follow these simple tips, and you should be on the path to comfort:
- Try them on - This is so obvious and simple but so valuable. Trying on the bibs will immediately tell you what feels comfortable and what doesn't. If there is a bench in the changing room or if the shop staff let you sit on a bike, do it. If the seams or the pad don't feel comfortable immediately, try something else. Getting a good fit makes such a big difference in the long run.
- Check the construction - Budget bib shorts will use cheaper fabrics, which means more seams are required to get a good fit and hold it all together. The key area is around the pad; Check how close the seams are to the pad; there should be a reasonable gap to avoid chafing.
- Straps & Grippers - again maybe sucking eggs here but the straps shouldn't dig in or pull on your neck at all. Grippers shouldn't ride up. If you're concerned, do a couple of squats when you try them on. Don't forget that grippers shouldn't hurt or dig in; they should be tight but comfortable.
- Take recommendations - Inquire within the club, forums, or among friends regarding their experiences. Ideally, this will enhance your understanding of the garment's longevity; hopefully, they have been using it for some time and have gone through several washes, etc.
- We always say to spend as much as you can. However, for areas like shorts and the best handlebar tapes or best bike saddles, this makes a huge difference to your comfort out on the road and, ultimately, to your enjoyment of cycling, so if you can stretch your budget and buy the best you can.
Frequently asked questions about budget cycling shorts
What makes a good bib short?
I could go through all the features of a short and argue that they are all equally important; however, two key factors make cycling shorts wearable and usable.
The first of these is, of course, the fit. If the shorts don't fit you correctly, they will likely cause you some discomfort, whether due to excessive compression and feeling restrictive or too loose and baggy, which can lead to friction and, ultimately, chafing. So, it's so important to find a good fit, and what fits you might not fit someone else, which makes a good bib short somewhat subjective.
Secondly, of course, is the chamois quality and construction, without getting too in-depth into multi-density foams versus gel and layering techniques. Most modern pads from reputable manufacturers, like the ones featured in this guide, are reasonably good in terms of their construction; it's how they are sawn into the short, cut-to-shape and their intended use that can make a short good or bad for you.
How much should I spend on bib shorts?
Our testing clearly shows there is a number of quality cycling shorts in the market that aren't going to break the bank. Even with the heavy use and abuse placed on them by our team of experienced tested we rated a number of the shorts very highly, for example the Sportful Classics which are well under $100/£100 in most places.
What will likely suffer with the more budget offerings is there durability long term. While we extensively test them for a number of months, we aren't using them for an entire season or multiple years before giving our verdicts. Something to think about when determining your budget.
How long do bib shorts last?
There are several factors that determine the longevity of your shorts, the most obvious being usage. Riders who ride a few hundred kilometres or miles a month are certainly going to find that their kit lasts nowhere near as long. Unfortunately, a lot of cycling kit is now so performance-oriented that durability tends to take a back seat as well.
This usage does go hand in hand with how often you need to wash your kit. We all understand how damaging some wash cycles can be on our clothes, especially delicates like cycling kit.
What also might play into this is the terrain, which ultimately determines the conditions you most regularly ride in. For example, I would never expect a pair of shorts to last as long, having been ridden regularly on gravel here in the UK as a pair thats spends its life swanning about in Provence or Southern Florida.
Ultimately, this is a hard one to give an exact number on; however, cycling shorts are an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and thrive. So, be sensible; if your shorts are showing signs of wear, for example, reflectivity detailing coming off, or the pad is not as soft and comfortable as it used to be, maybe looking a little thin around the seams, then replace them.
Should I wear underwear with cycling shorts?
No, never, for good reasons other than we cyclists like to take risks.
Any material that touches your skin when you sweat, get wet, or that can rub when you move increases the possibility of chafing and causing discomfort. It is likely that most people wear underwear made from cotton or polyester, which rarely have good wicking properties or sufficient structure to support the movements of cycling. Therefore, any material between your skin and your cycling shorts is likely to cause friction and movement, and inevitably some discomfort.
If you're worried about it, why not check out one of the best chamois creams, which can offer antibacterial properties as well as an additional layer of protection.
