We’ve selected 10 best cycling pants for your reference.
As temperatures gradually rise, cycling should be brought back into our schedules. To help athletes stay as comfortable as possible on warm and hot days, we’ve spent a lot of time and effort testing nearly 100 comfortable, breathable, and durable cycling pants, and have selected 12 high-performance bike pants that are suitable for most riders and provide excellent value for money.
Below, we’ve organized these reliable cycling pants according to seasonal temperature changes.
Of course, cycling clothing is also essential cycling gear, and if you need it, you can refer to our other article on the Top 15 Best Men’s Bike Clothing [2023]. If you’re interested in outdoor sports, please remember to follow us.
Recommendation List
All prices in this article are at the time of testing.
- Souke Sports Men’s Bike Pants Long 4D Padded ($30.99 )
- Hugut Men’s Sweatpants Lightweight with Zipper ($28.97 )
- ROCKBROS Mens Cycling Pants Mountain Bike Pants ($37.99)
- Darevie Men’s Cycling Bib Tights 3D Gel Pad ($34.99)
- Qualidyne Men’s Fleece Lined Cycling Bib Tights ($39.99)
- Przewalski Men’s 3D Padded Cycling Bike Bib Shorts ($38.99)
- Louis Garneau, Men’s Neo Power Art Motion Cycling Bib ($99.95)
- Moxilyn Men’s Cycling Bib Shorts ($19.99 )
- Momooda Men’s 3D Padded 3/4 Cycling Pants ($42.99)
- Qualidyne Men’s Cycling Bike Shorts 3D Padded Bicycle ($24.99)
- Santic Cycling Shorts Padded for Mens Bicycle Riding Pants ($29.99 )
- Endura Men’s Cycling Padded Clickfast Liner II ($39.99 )
1. Souke Men’s Bike Pants Long 4D Padded ($30.99 )
- Available colors: Black
- Features: High elasticity and breathability
- Applicable seasons: Winter, spring, autumn
- Material: 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex
- What we like about it: Suitable for cool weather cycling, a reliable 4D sponge pad provides extra comfort.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s not very easy to put on and take off.
On days when the weather is not yet hot and occasional cold winds blow, choosing a pair of cycling pants that are both comfortable and warm can make your ride more enjoyable.
With 80% nylon and 20% spandex insulating material, these Souke Sports Men’s Bike Pants keep the rider’s legs warm at all times. Meanwhile, their excellent moisture-wicking ability and breathability prevent the rider from feeling stuffy during long rides.
Furthermore, although these pants don’t use the gel as a cushion, the upgraded 4D sponge pad has a high density and fits well to the rider’s buttocks, ensuring that the user’s hip bones are not injured during long-distance cycling.
However, the tight-fitting design may not be suitable for everyone as it can be a bit inconvenient to put on and take off. Fortunately, the high elasticity of these pants is designed to mimic the elasticity of the user’s skin, which tightly wraps around the legs without feeling too tight. Most importantly, this design provides great comfort for riders to move in all directions. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and comfortable design, you may consider the ROCKBROS Men’s Cycling Pants Mountain Bike Pants below.
2. Hugut Men’s Sweatpants Lightweight with Zipper ($28.97)
- Available colors: Black/Grey/Navy/Light Grey/ Olive Green / Slate Blue
- Features: Loose
- Applicable seasons: Winter, spring, autumn
- Material: 87% Polyester, 13% Spandex
- What we like about it: Versatile sweatpants, soft fabric.
- What we don’t like about it: More for amateur riders.
For true outdoor sports enthusiasts, having a pair of multi-functional athletic pants can be very convenient. These Hugut Men’s Sweatpants Lightweight with Zipper are made of soft and comfortable elastic fabric that can be used for a variety of sports, including cycling. Its low-friction performance is very suitable for pedaling during rides.
The soft and lightweight touch often makes users not even aware of its presence, because it’s so comfortable. The elastic waistband supports adjustment, so riders can customize the fit for their waist and ensure comfort. Similarly, the tapered leg and elastic ankle cuffs design are also very friendly to ankles, making movements even more effortless. In addition, the deep side pockets are equipped with zippers, making it very convenient to store personal items securely.
However, the downside of this multi-functional design is also apparent. From a professional perspective, it’s not as suitable for cycling as dedicated pants for bike riding. Especially for road cycling, the loose design is not suitable for wind-breaking sports. Plus, the pants don’t have any special treatment for the buttocks, so they’re not very friendly for endurance cycling. Therefore, the Hugut Men’s Sweatpants Lightweight with Zipper is more like cycling gear prepared for casual riders.
3. ROCKBROS Mens Cycling Pants Mountain Bike Pants ($37.99)
- Available colors: Black
- Features: Breathable, drawstring closure
- Applicable seasons: Spring, summer, autumn
- Material: 92% Polyester + 8% spandex
- What we like about it: Comfortable and dry touch, many details of the design.
- What we don’t like about it: No padding.
On cool days, it’s necessary to choose a slim-fitting pair of pants for cycling. The breathable polyester fabric with moisture-wicking and quick-drying features allows ROCKBROS Mens Cycling Pants users to stay dry and comfortable during exercise.
The elastic waistband and drawstring closure design are very friendly to riders of all sizes, and they can adjust to customize their comfort. The Velcro closure at the pants’ legs is very convenient for fixing the trouser leg, making it easy to wear. In addition, the high-reflective stripes around the pants increase the rider’s visibility in the dark, ensuring the rider’s safety. Like those multifunctional sports pants, ROCKBROS also has two zippered side pockets that support users to store important personal items such as mobile phones and wallets.
However, like other sports pants, ROCKBROS Mens Cycling Pants do not provide padding support for the buttocks. Therefore, if the vehicle’s shock absorption system is not perfect, it will affect the comfort of mountain bikers. Of course, if you are concerned about this, you can choose Qualidyne Men’s Fleece Lined Cycling Bib Tights below.
4. Darevie Men’s Cycling Bib Tights 3D Gel Pad ($34.99)
- Available colors: Black
- Features: Straps, aerodynamics
- Applicable seasons: Summer, spring, and autumn
- Material: 90% polyester and 10% spandex
- What we like about it: Aerodynamic detailing, comfortable and breathable padded protection.
- What we don’t like about it: The exterior can look stuffy.
Compared to loose-fitting cycling pants with drawstring closures, Darevie Men’s Cycling Bib Tights 3D Gel Pad bib shorts are more popular among professional riders.
The tight-fitting bibs fit closely to the body, ensuring that the pants do not shift during long periods of pedaling, affecting the rider’s performance. Combined with the fish scale fabric design on the side of the pants, our test riders felt less air resistance and less friction during riding. Of course, this design has not compromised its moisture-wicking and breathability, as the fish scale fabric has excellent breathability and sweat absorption performance.
In addition, the powerful elastic gel pad is also one of the biggest features of these pants. The soft and comfortable contact layer suede and shock-absorbing and breathable sponge bottom pad combine breathability and protection. Therefore, these pants are very suitable for endurance riding.
Many amateur riders are discouraged from choosing Darevie Men’s Cycling Bib Tights because of their seemingly “hot” appearance. The extra bib fabric can give people a feeling of restraint and wrapping. But the Lycra shoulder straps and bibs of the pants are very elastic, and there are hundreds of breathable holes reserved on them, which will not make the rider feel hot.
5. Qualidyne Men’s Fleece Lined Cycling Bib Tights ($39.99)
- Available colors: Black
- Features: Straps, breathable
- Applicable season: Spring, autumn
- Material: 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex
- What we like about it: Strong sweat-absorbing properties, more comfortable fit.
- What we don’t like about it: No zipper in the phone pocket.
These Qualidyne Men’s Fleece Lined Cycling Bib Tights with wool lining are more suitable for wearing in late autumn and early winter, but considering the moisture-wicking performance of wool, we still recommend them.
The soft wool fits well with the skin, making it very comfortable to wear, and the elastic design that fits the body is very suitable for cycling. The high moisture-wicking performance can keep the rider’s body dry after intense exercise.
Although it also uses a bib design, the bib of these pants is more breathable and comfortable than the Darevie Men’s Cycling Bib Tights above. Because of the breathable mesh design, it is mainly to make the pants fit close to the body, rather than for “warmth”. In addition, the 4D Ergonomic Chamois Pad is also softer and more comfortable. While protecting the buttocks, it gives the rider’s waist more support and minimizes the “pressure” on the buttocks caused by sitting for a long time.
Although these pants are equipped with phone pockets on both sides for users to store personal items, the design is only elastic and not equipped with zippers. When the rider is pedaling hard and focusing, there is a risk of losing personal items. Therefore, we do not recommend storing valuables in these pockets.
6. Przewalski Men’s 3D Padded Cycling Bike Bib Shorts ($38.99)
- Available colors: Black
- Features: Straps, absorbent
- Applicable season: Summer
- Material: 71% polyamide,29% spandex
- What we like about it: Cool and comfortable to wear, super cost-effective cycling pants.
- What we don’t like about it: Stifling heat.
If you’re an avid cyclist, you’ve probably heard of the Przewalski Men’s 3D Padded Cycling Bike Bib Shorts. Made with a fabric that has effective water diffusion and wicking properties and a mesh structure on the back, these cycling shorts offer an extremely cool and comfortable fit. Whether you’re sweating or in a damp environment, moisture is quickly absorbed to ensure that the skin stays dry. The clothing is sewn together using a 4-needle 6-thread flat-seam stitching design, which not only ensures reliable quality but also fits snugly against the skin.
For all off-road and endurance cycling users, the Coolmax Pad, which conforms to ergonomic principles, is a reliable design. The perforated layer in the crotch area not only protects sensitive areas but also ensures breathability. The high-density foam padding fits well against the skin and effectively absorbs shock. In addition, the silicon-grip leg hem keeps the shorts in place and reduces the possibility of clothes rolling up due to muscle movement.
Our biggest takeaway from the Przewalski Men’s 3D Padded Cycling Bike Bib Shorts is that it’s a perfect professional cycling garment, and it’s very affordable too. However, the thicker material can make it a bit stuffy on hot days.
7. Louis Garneau, Men’s Neo Power Art Motion Cycling Bib ($99.95)
- Available colors: Red
- Features: Half-wrap back Bib, skin-friendly
- Applicable season: Summer
- Material: Power Mesh
- What we like about it: More breathability and comfort, sun protection.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s expensive.
In contrast to the “heavy” full-covered bib straps of the Przewalski Men’s 3D Padded Cycling Bike Bib Shorts, the Louis Garneau Men’s Neo Power Art Motion Cycling Bib uses a hollow design to increase breathability and comfort.
Of course, Louis Garneau has also upgraded the material selection. The Power Mesh fabric, which stretches in all directions, is designed to adhere to the skin using Lycra fiber, making it not only more adherent to the skin but also lighter and thinner. Our testers found that wearing these cycling shorts often made them feel like they were “running naked” because they were so light and comfortable. Coupled with the powerful Motion Airgel chamois, laser-cut edges, and anti-chafing seams, riders can sometimes forget that they’re even wearing them.
In addition, sun protection is also an important topic for outdoor cycling, and luckily, Louis Garneau offers UPF/SPF 50 sun protection to ensure that riders’ legs are well taken care of.
The higher cost output from Louis Garneau, corresponding to the high-performance quality, means that the price of these shorts is higher than other cycling shorts listed. However, we believe that this comfortable, breathable, and lightweight pair of cycling shorts is worth the cost of $99.95.
8. Moxilyn Men’s Cycling Bib Shorts ($19.99)
- Available colors: 8 kinds
- Features: Tight-fitting, straps
- Applicable season: Summer
- Material: 90% polyester / 10% spandex
- What we like about it: Super affordable, functional cycling pants.
- What we don’t like about it: Average quality performance.
If you find the price of the Louis Garneau Men’s Neo Power Art Motion Cycling Bib above a bit steep, consider the budget-friendly Moxilyn Men’s Cycling Bib Shorts instead. Made with a cheaper 90% polyester and 10% spandex fabric, these fully-featured Cycling Bib Shorts can be yours for less than $20. This material also boasts reliable breathability and moisture-wicking properties, so riders can stay dry at least on less hot days.
Like other cycling shorts, the Moxilyn relies on multiple layers of high-density foam and a precision 4D gel pad to ensure the rider’s buttocks are protected in case of obstacles.
Of course, antiskid silicone grippers are also essential to prevent uncomfortable leg roll-up that could distract the rider. Additionally, on hot days, the UPF50+ fabric will reduce the risk of sunburn on the legs.
As a budget alternative to the Louis Garneau Men’s Neo Power Art Motion Cycling Bib, the Moxilyn Men’s Cycling Bib Shorts have room for improvement in terms of comfort and quality, but for low-budget riders, they’re more than adequate.
9. Momooda Men’s 3D Padded 3/4 Cycling Pants ($42.99)
- Available colors: Black
- Features: Tight-fitting, sweat-absorbing
- Applicable season: Summer
- Material: Nylon and spandex fabric
- What we like about it: Comfortable, durable fabric, reliable hip padding.
- What we don’t like about it: High price.
The Momooda Men’s 3D Padded 3/4 Cycling Pants are all about comfort. The pants use soft materials like nylon and spandex that are very skin-friendly and sweat-absorbent. Combined with the ergonomic mesh design, these pants not only protect my legs and sensitive areas but also keep my skin dry.
The elastic fabric of these pants also stands out for their elasticity. Along with the sturdy flatlock stitching technology, these pants are very durable.
Additionally, the 3D high-density sponge pad with solid seams is very practical. It fits closely to the saddle area to protect the buttocks from shock. During actual cycling, it not only bounces back to cleverly dissipate ground vibrations but also allows the rider’s hips to provide more efficient pedaling power.
However, compared to other cheaper men’s bike pants on the list, the Momooda Men’s 3D Padded 3/4 Cycling Pants do not have a price advantage. But in terms of quality, these pants are impeccable and can be used not just this summer. So it’s understandable to pay $42.99 for a durable and comfortable pair of cycling pants.
10. Qualidyne Men’s Cycling Bike Shorts 3D Padded Bicycle ($24.99)
- Available colors: Black/Gray
- Features: Tight-fitting, breathable
- Applicable season: Summer
- What we like about it: Excellent breathability, and good sweat absorption.
- What we don’t like about it: Average quality.
In the hot summer, riding a bike is also a very enjoyable thing. For hot days, those short cycling shorts will be more popular. The breathable and skin-friendly Qualidyne Men’s Cycling Bike Shorts are so popular precisely because of their comfort, which helps people overcome their fear of sweating profusely in the summer.
With soft and comfortable fabrics, Qualidyne has good moisture-wicking and sweat-absorbing capabilities. Just by touching it, this pair of shorts gives a very skin-friendly and comfortable feeling. When worn, the rider can feel cool and breathable, and the important parts of the body are protected without feeling stuffy. During cycling, these shorts with sweat-absorbing ability can eliminate the itching sensation caused by sweat flowing through the legs, keeping the rider feeling dry. I like its 3D Ergonomic Chamois Pad, which provides great support to the buttocks and waist, making pedaling easier.
In addition, the silicone particle design at the leg opening is also very detailed. They have a good fit and can firmly fix the shorts to the skin without easily rolling up.
If Qualidyne Men’s Cycling Bike Shorts invest more in material selection, they will be more popular because the quality of these shorts is average and they are prone to wear and tear, and not very durable. They can handle occasional rides for budget-conscious amateur riders, but may not be able to withstand the pressure of daily training.
11. Santic Cycling Shorts Padded for Mens Bicycle Riding Pants ($29.99)
- Available colors: 15 kinds
- Features: Elastic, breathable
- Applicable season: Summer
- Material: 82% Nylon, 18% spandex, and lycra
- What we like about it: Ergonomic design, breathable design.
- What we don’t like about it: Average sweat absorption performance.
We believe that the Santic Cycling Shorts with its 15 color options will allow riders to find their perfect pair of cycling shorts, even though most men aren’t too picky about colors. However, we recommend the Santic Cycling Shorts Padded not just because of its colorful options but also because of its ergonomic design.
The 12-panel anatomic design provides superior comfort, while the silicone leg grippers keep the shorts in place during the ride without hindering the rider’s performance. The Santic chamois, made of polyester and spandex, also play a significant role. Its high-density 3D design conforms to the body’s contours, offers breathability and elasticity, and reduces the shock and vibration from the bike, thus protecting the rider’s hips.
To enhance breathability, the designer added breathable mesh on both sides of the waistband to reduce sweat during the ride. Therefore, these shorts are also ideal for endurance cycling.
While the shorts are highly sweat-reducing, they are not very effective in moisture-wicking. Especially in extremely hot and humid weather, relying solely on ventilation to reduce sweat is not enough. However, they are suitable for morning or evening rides.
12. Endura Men’s Cycling Padded Clickfast Liner II ($39.99)
- Available colors: Black
- Features: Mesh, lining
- Applicable season: Summer
- Material: 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane
- What we like about it: Comfortable and breathable lining, support for wearing your favorite sweatpants.
- What we don’t like about it: Not suitable for direct external wear.
On extremely hot days, reducing contact between the body and various fabrics can make people feel cooler and more comfortable. The Endura Men’s Cycling Padded Clickfast Liner II, which uses a stretchy mesh design, has a very soft and skin-friendly touch. The elastic design also reduces the density of fabric contact with the skin, making it more breathable. The reliable 200 series pad is very soft, and elastic, and can properly protect the rider’s hips. It is compatible with the loose shorts of the Endura series or other loose cycling shorts.
Unlike most cycling pants, the Clickfast Liner II is noticed as a liner. Its “too transparent” design makes it not very suitable for direct outside wear. However, it gives hope to riders who prefer wearing their loose shorts because it has better breathability and comes with a pad compared to regular underwear. Of course, if you are riding alone on a deserted road and want to feel refreshed, you can take off your outerwear, but we do not recommend it.
FAQs About Cycling Pants
- Why should I buy cycling pants?
- Do I need to wear underwear under cycling pants?
- How to choose cycling pants?
- Maintenance and Care
Why should I buy cycling pants?
After long periods of cycling, riders may experience discomfort and muscle soreness in the buttocks and legs. In this case, it’s important to wear high-quality cycling pants!
Cycling pants are made of moisture-wicking fabrics that help quickly dissipate sweat during cycling, keeping the skin dry and comfortable. The padded insert reduces friction between the body and the bike seat and protects the inner thighs from pressure and friction.
Additionally, many cycling pants feature reflective strips, such as Souke Sports Men’s Bike Pants, Momooda Men’s 3D Padded 3/4 Cycling Pants, and Qualidyne Men’s Cycling Bike Shorts 3D Padded Bicycle, which are important for night riding, helping to increase visibility and ensure rider safety.
Tight Cycling Pants
Unlike ordinary sweatpants (Hugut Men’s Sweatpants Lightweight and ROCKBROS Mens Cycling Pants), professional cycling pants are tighter fitting. This design allows for better sweat-wicking and breathability, reducing wind resistance. In other words, if you are looking for speed and comfortable riding, you must have cycling pants. They cannot be replaced by regular workouts or yoga pants!
Bib Cycling Pants
Many cycling pants feature a backstrap design. Bib pants do not constrict the abdomen like regular pants and do not hinder core power, which is very important for riding stability.
Do I need to wear underwear under cycling pants?
For amateur riders, it may be customary to wear underwear with cycling pants. However, it’s not necessary.
Underwear is usually made of cotton, which absorbs sweat but does not effectively dissipate it. Wearing underwear may isolate the skin from the moisture-wicking and friction-reducing properties of the cycling pants, causing sweat to build up and increase friction, leading to skin irritation and infection.
The cycling pants we recommend, including those with built-in padding, are reliable and provide effective protection for your private areas and buttocks. Therefore, additional underwear is not necessary.
How to choose cycling pants?
To facilitate the readers to choose to fit the seasonal cycling pants, we especially also sorted these bike pants through the seasonal temperature changes.
From the days when the weather is still a bit cold in February today, to the warm spring days and the hot summer days, we have made arrangements so that riders can pick and choose according to the season of use.
Of course, in addition to temperature, we should also take fit into account. Fortunately, these great cycling apparels come in many sizes, making it easy to pick and choose.
In addition, I believe some riders are torn between the type of riding pants, shorts, or bib pants. Our advice on this is that if you care about breathability, or if you don’t have a pronounced waistline, choosing riding pants with less fabric contact will be more appropriate. If you’re looking for a more comfortable fit, there’s no excuse for bib pants.
Of course, you can also choose to have a breathable hole or half wrap design back pants, such as Qualidyne Men’s Fleece Lined Cycling Bib Tights, Louis Garneau, Moxilyn Men’s Cycling Bib Shorts, and other pants.
Maintenance and Care
If you want your cycling pants to last longer, proper maintenance and care are essential.
When washing, it’s best to follow the care instructions on the product label and avoid throwing them into the washing machine with other clothes. Przewalski, Momooda, and Santic Cycling Shorts are all recommended for hand washing. If using a washing machine, make sure to zip up zippers and fasten straps to prevent damage.
It’s also recommended to air dry as much as possible, as dryer heat and agitation can damage fabrics and reduce performance.
It’s worth noting that most of the fabrics used in the cycling pants we’ve selected are antibacterial, so riders don’t need to wash them after every short trip.
Conclusion
In summary, we believe that cycling pants with reduced air resistance, moisture wicking, and buttock protection are essential for cycling. After all, we don’t see professional cyclists wearing ordinary clothes in world championships. Therefore, it’s important to choose comfortable, reliable, and affordable cycling pants for your long-term cycling journey.
Therefore, the cycling pants we’ve listed are all affordable, functional, and cost-effective. We hope that this article can help readers find the right cycling gear. If you like our content, please share it with your friends, and don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for helpful tips and insights!
