10 Best Men’s Cycling Shorts for Long Rides and All-Day Comfort

Seasoned riders will appreciate Giordana’s attention to the small details that make a big difference on long rides or race days. An anti-bacterial band helps prevent odor, while a mix of Lycra blends provides targeted compression for the quads and reduces chafing on the inner thighs. A reflective leg band adds visibility for those rides that stretch into low-light hours.

One standout feature is the breathable back strap, which helps reduce heat and discomfort—especially welcome during hot-weather rides. While these bibs aren’t cheap, the performance and comfort gains might do more for your ride than spending the same amount to shave a few grams off your bike.

Louis Garneau is typically known for offering higher-end (translation: expensive) products, but the Optimum 2 Shorts are surprisingly affordable without cutting corners. Comfortable and breathable with four-way stretch for mobility and soft yet discrete padding, they feel great through any type of ride.

There is a single thigh pocket for gels and reflective elements for a boost of visibility. All told, those are a lot of benefits for not a lot of money.

If you’re looking for an affordable pair of baggy biking shorts that come with a liner, then check out this pair from Zoic. They’re stretchy for riding and have a removable, padded liner with a built-in flap that makes it easier to use the bathroom.

Tagless labels and taped seams reduce chafing, and five locking zippered pockets provide plenty of secure cargo storage. They’re as at home on the trail as they are on the road, gravel path, or just around town. The downside with these is that they may not withstand abuse the way you’d want them to.

If you’re shopping on a budget, Sportneer’s bike shorts are a great bargain buy. They’re comfortable, breathable, moisture-wicking, and fit well, with durable stitching and fabric that will last through many rides.

The padding is decent, though it does flatten a bit quickly and there’s no chamois. Grippers prevent the legs from riding up and a couple of reflective elements are thrown in. For $20 shorts, that’s hard to beat.

Go on any group ride and you’ll probably notice quite a few cyclists wearing shorts that sport the Pearl Izumi logo. Not necessarily considered a “premium” cycling brand, Pearl Izumi makes durable active wear that’s surprisingly comfortable and lasts for years. Made from nylon and spandex with a compression fit, the breathable fabric wicks sweat from your skin. Their “levitate” chamois, fashioned from a dense foam that eliminates bulk, provides just the right amount of padding.

One tester had this to say about her Pearl Izumi shorts, “I bought these when I first started riding; when I knew nothing, and they’re still one of my favorites. And they’ve lasted longer than a lot of the more expensive shorts I have.” She rides about 300 miles a week, so if anyone was potentially going to wear out a pair of shorts, it would be her.

Designed specifically for performance, Pearl Izumi’s Attack shorts have a compressive, tight fit similar to “higher end” cycling brands such as Rapha and Assos, but without the sky-high price tag. They feature a wide waistband that doesn’t pinch and a breathable, stretchable medium-density chamois for comfort no matter how far or long you’re riding. Plus, they’re made from a fabric woven with naturally stretchy (and recycled) yarns which minimizes the number of seams and, by extension, reduces the potential for chafing.P

Pearl Izumi shorts are also extremely durable. Several of our testers have had multiple models of shorts from this brand last for years – an uncommon trait for cyclings shorts.

Made from a stretchy and lightweight, yet durable nylon fabric, Specialized’s trail shorts are perfect for a day riding over rocks and roots in the mountains. These are long shorts—with an 13.5-inch inseam, so they nearly go down to your knees to protect you from spraying gravel or a stray rock. If you wear knee pads, they’ll reach past the top of the pads. The side tabs allow you to tighten the waist as needed to ensure they stay put, even when you’ve got stuff in your pockets.

Specialized uses what the brand calls a “body geometry 3D chamois,” which is designed to minimize unhealthy pressure on your seat. It also curves to mirror the shape of their body geometry saddles, so the two are designed to work in tandem for a most comfortable ride. Even without one of these saddles, these trail shorts are comfortable and provide the extra protection you need for an off-road ride.

If the price of most bib shorts makes you do a double take, The Black Bibs might be the antidote. These no-frills shorts are comfortable, durable, and built to withstand hours of riding without breaking the bank. The cut is simple, the materials aren’t high-tech, and there are no hidden pockets or premium features—and that’s exactly why the price is so impressively low.

Sure, there are a few trade-offs, but they’re pretty minor considering you could buy five pairs of these for the cost of one high-end option. The Lycra has a slightly heavier feel, and the waist sits a few inches higher than many other bibs—a detail we only really noticed on hot days, when the extra coverage felt a bit much. The chamois is also on the thinner side. Senior Reviews Editor Bobby Lea noted that, aside from avoiding them for long indoor trainer rides, the thinner padding didn’t cause any real comfort issues. What impressed him most was how well these bibs held up—often outperforming options that cost significantly more.

Pearl Izumi hit the sweet spot with the Expedition Bib. They offer the fit and comfort of more expensive options, boast well-padded chamois, and are durably constructed. They’re highly supportive without becoming restrictive, and can be worn on their own in the heat of layered in the cold. A couple of pockets provide decent storage, and grips prevent the legs from riding up.

The Endura Pro SL EGM is a premium bib short designed for racers and riders who prefer a slim, performance-focused fit. Both the men’s and women’s versions feature seamless construction and raw-edge hem bands—not only for a clean, streamlined look, but also to reduce the risk of chafing by minimizing seams.

These shorts include wide, elastic shoulder straps that stay comfortable on long rides without digging in. We also appreciate the ventilated lumbar panel, which provides extra support without trapping heat—a key detail for hot summer days.

While the Pro SL EGM is on the pricey side, this is one category where you generally get what you pay for—and in this case, you're getting top-notch materials, thoughtful construction, and long-ride comfort.