Best cycling shorts 2024: gear up for comfortable cycling

Best cycling shorts for any weather and occasion, from MTB and commuting to urban bike shorts and more

best cycling shorts: rearview shot of a rider in autumn weather
(Image credit: Rapha)

Get ready to pedal through winter with the best cycling shorts, your trusty companion for long rides without the discomfort. With winter in full swing, layering up is key, and starting with the right cycling gear is essential.

If you've ever spent more than five minutes on a bike, you know the importance of padded cycling shorts – they're the last defence against chafing and saddle sores, allowing you to tackle hours in the saddle with ease.

There are two main types: waist shorts and bib shorts. Waist shorts are simple and budget-friendly, perfect for newer or casual cyclists. Bib shorts, on the other hand, are favoured by long-distance riders for their supportive braces, though they may complicate bathroom breaks.

Looking to complete your cycling ensemble? Check out T3's best cycling jerseys guide. And if you're in the market for a new ride, our best road bike guide has you covered. So grab your shorts, layer up, and hit the road with confidence!

Best cycling shorts to buy right now

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How to choose the best cycling shorts

All cycling shorts have some degree of padding, which is where they differ from your average pair, although how much is up to you. The same goes for the price. If possible, it's always worth grabbing your bike helmet and going for a test run in new cycle shorts before setting off on a long ride just to make sure everything sits as it should.

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.