Looking for the most comfortable women’s bike shorts? Don’t know where to start due to the wide number of brands, price points and styles on the market from skin-tight Lycra shorts to baggy shorts aimed at the female mountain biker? Everyone’s anatomy is slightly different so no one short can be perfect for all, but this article offers some advice on how to find the best-fitting bicycle short for maximum comfort on a long ride.
Women’s Cycle Shorts
Female cyclists today have a huge range of women’s cycle shorts to choose from, ranging in price from budget models around the £14/$20 mark to top of the range pro-cyclist gear from brands like Assos costing well over £100/$150. While online shopping can often secure the best price, it’s worth spending time at a bike store to try on as many styles of women's bike shorts as possible. Here’s what to look for:
- Padding design – look for an antibacterial synthetic chamois pad that is not too bulky and diaper-like and that does not have any hard seams that will cause chafing. Always perform the crouch test while wearing the shorts to feel where the pad moves when seated and remember that even the most comfortable padding will likely rub a little on a hot day after several hours riding. Plus look at your rear in the mirror; if the short is sagging due an ill-fitting panel design it will almost certainly be uncomfortable when riding.
- Number of panels – the greater the number of panels, usually the better the anatomical fit but additional panels means a higher price. Look for six panels on a pair of Lycra cycling shorts as a minimum.
- Fabric – shiny Lycra may be fine in cooler climates but it will be slippery in hot dusty conditions. For tight-fitting shorts, look for matte materials and consider baggy options if self-conscious about an unflattering Lycra short silhouette.
Women’s Baggy Bike Shorts
Mountain bikers usually prefer baggy bike shorts as those Lycra numbers have a nasty habit of catching on the saddle when leaning forwards or backwards on ascents and descents. Women used to have to opt for men’s baggies which were far too long in the leg and the liners were just not made for the female anatomy; luckily there is now plenty of choice.
Altura and Endura offer a good range of affordable women’s baggy cycling shorts and for those looking for a touch more style on the bike, there are up and coming brands like Harlot with their cheeky BCZ padding system which has multiple layers of silk to protect the delicate Beaver Control Zone.
Baggies can be expensive so a cheaper option is to buy an affordable under short for around £13/$19 and pop a favorite pair of ordinary shorts, preferably made of breathable material, over the top.
Padded Cycle Short Brands
Good brands to consider when looking for padded cycle shorts are Gore, Altura, DHB (exclusive to Wiggle in the UK), Assos (for top of the range pro-cycling gear) Sugoi, Pearl Izumi (great for feminine colors and co-ordinated styling) and Ground Effect, based in New Zealand, who offer a high quality 8-panel design, non-shiny Lycra cycling short with S-shaped seams for maximum stretch and a rapid-dry chamois liner for just NZ$86 (approximately US$68).
Buy Fitted Padded Bicycle Shorts
Get down to a local bike shop to try on as many women’s padded bicycle shorts as possible to find the best fit then either purchase there and then or check comparable prices online. Once the perfect fit is found, many women then stick to the same brand, making re-ordering online quick and easy.
Related Articles:
- How to Choose Comfortable Cycling Shorts
- Comfortable Bike Saddles for Women with Large Butts
- Best Padded Bicycle Shorts for Kids
- Women's Cycling Clothing: Where to Buy Women's Mountain Bike Gear
- How Often for Bike Saddles Need to be Replaced?
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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