When the sun shines and the going gets hot is when the best cycling shorts really show their worth, and there’s never been a more pertinent example than today in the UK. Temperatures are the hottest ever on record, topping 40C (104F) for the first time, so there’s every chance you’re thinking of upgrading your cycling shorts.
Before we get into it, we should say that we wouldn’t recommend riding in such high temperatures at all, but no doubt by the time your new shorts actually arrive, it’ll be a bit cooler again.
Padding is perhaps the first thing we have in mind when we’re picking out pair of cycling shorts before saddling up but – especially in the height of summer – ventilation, sweat-wicking and temperature regulation is where the technology that has trickled down from the pro peloton and benefitted from years of trial and error comes into its own.
The best cycling shorts are engineered for maximum comfort on long, hot – let’s face it, sweaty – rides. Lightweight, soft fabrics that offer UV protection and wick moisture quickly away from the skin, clever weaves that enhance airflow, flatlock seams that reduce chafing, and chamois that combine protection and padding with antibacterial, fast-drying properties.
Many of the best cycling shorts feature shoulder straps, and are also known as bib shorts. The straps keep them from falling down, and therefore keep the cushioning chamois (pronounced shammy) pad in place as you ride. If you’re not sure whether you need the straps, take a look at our feature on bib shorts v cycling shorts to help you decide.
Even the best cycling shorts can’t help if you’re on a saddle that’s totally wrong for you, though, so be sure to check out our guide to the best road bike saddles, as well as the best cargo bib shorts if you want a bit of extra storage – they’re basically the same, but with pockets and some other gravelly details.
We test each pair by riding them for many miles to really explore their limits, ensuring they are appropriate for the distances and the conditions – sun, rain, wind or (thankfully rarely) snow – their manufacturers claim they are suitable for. We compare them to their rivals and make sure they are comfortable and effective across a range of riding positions. We know that cyclists need them to be durable enough to maintain their performance not only after the first mile but for many more after that.
We’ve also got a sister list outlining the best women’s cycling shorts, which are…
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