Odlo Element cycling shorts review

The Pared-down Odlo Element cycling shorts have been designed with both home and away riding in mind. But can simplicity still be comfortable?

Odlo Element cycling shorts
(Image credit: Hannah Bussey)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

The women's specific Odlo Element cycling shorts are a easy to wear and versatile pair of shorts, that will be a great addition to any cyclists wardrobe. Balancing both comfort and practicality, the exceptionally well made shorts punch well above their price bracket when compared to their peers, making them one of the best non-bib options on the market. A great buy. 

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Minimalistic design

  • +

    Lightweight

  • +

    Breathable

  • +

    Sweat wicking

  • +

    Quick drying

  • +

    Comfortable waist

  • +

    Supportive chamois

  • +

    Reflective detailing

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Sizing

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Once upon a time, cycling was simply about propelling a two wheeled vehicle in a pair of shorts and jersey. Fast-forward to the year 2020 and the types of bikes and cycling clothing options mirror the coffee menu in a hipster cafe. Therefore, it can be incredibly refreshing when a simple pair of black shorts turn up.

>>>Best women's cycling shorts reviewed 

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Hannah Bussey

Hannah is Cycling Weekly’s longest-serving tech writer, having started with the magazine back in 2011. She has covered all things technical for both print and digital over multiple seasons representing CW at spring Classics, and Grand Tours and all races in between.

Hannah was a successful road and track racer herself, competing in UCI races all over Europe as well as in China, Pakistan and New Zealand.

For fun, she's ridden LEJOG unaided, a lap of Majorca in a day, won a 24-hour mountain bike race and tackled famous mountain passes in the French Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites and Himalayas. 

She lives just outside the Peak District National Park near Manchester UK with her partner, daughter and a small but beautifully formed bike collection.