Looking for a new pair of cycling shorts, but don’t want to spend too much? These are our picks for the best cycling shorts when you’re on a budget. They might not be the top of the line, but they are still high quality and comfortable.
Before we get to them, though, let’s quickly touch on the difference between bibs and regular cycling shorts. Bibs have straps that go over your shoulder, and shorts don’t. Bibs are typically more expensive than shorts. For more on the differences between bibs and shorts, we’ve written this article on the pros and cons of each option.
A good pair of cycling shorts can easily ring up to over $150, but we’ve gathered these that generally cost under $100.
Pearl iZumi Pursuit Attack Cycling Shorts
You can’t go wrong with these Pursuit Attack shorts from Pearl iZumi. Great fit. Comfortable, well designed chamois. What’s not to like? They also feature a lifetime warranty.
Read reviews or learn more on Amazon.
Giordana Fusion Cycling Shorts
Giordana’s Fusion Shorts will wick moisture away and stay in place with silicone gripping leg bands. With a compression fit and light elastic waistband, you’ll feel secure and comfortable at the same time.
https://giordanacycling.com/products/fusion-short?variant=12185179488361
Read reviews or learn more on Amazon.
Castelli Cento Cycling Shorts
Keep in mind with these shorts that Castelli tends to run small and most cyclists need to size up by one size. The legs feature Castelli’s GIRO3 leg grippers. Castelli says the Cento shorts have a more relaxed fit than some of their more expensive models, and are a great choice for riding your favorite century or gran fondo. Good quality chamois, and a reflective tab sewn into the shorts that light up when a car headlight shines on them.
https://www.castelli-cycling.com/us/cento-short/p/451720219P
Read reviews or learn more on Amazon.
Louis Garneau Fit Sensor 2 Shorts
Garneau’s Fit Sensor 2 Shorts feature a 10-panel anatomical design and nylon, polyester, Lycra combination fabric will fight wind and rain in chilled fall or winter season while keeping you cool and dry on hot summer days. They also offer light compression for added comfort on long rides.
https://garneau.com/us_en/fit-sensor-2-cycling-shorts-1050413
Learn more or read reviews on Amazon.
Specialized RBX Cycling Shorts
Specialized brings these RBX shorts to the saddle for comfort and a secure grip with their silicone lined hems. A very nicely designed chamois that Specialized continues to improve and develop with each new version of these shorts.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/mens-rbx-shorts/p/161846?color=247770-161846
Trek / Bontrager Solstice Cycling Shorts
These Solstice Cycling Shorts from Trek / Bontrager will provide comfort with compression and silicone lined leg grippers to keep them from riding up your legs during hard efforts. Good quality chamois.
Aerotech Century Cycling Shorts w/ Thick Padding
If these shorts sound familiar, it may be because you’ve seen them advertising in the back of Bicycling magazine for ages. They’re made in the USA and they compare well with all of the other top brands you are more familiar with in terms of construction, comfort and design. Aero Tech’s Century Cycling Shorts have the comfort of smooth seams and a thicker chamois pad for longer rides. They also have hem grips to keep the fabric secure.
https://www.aerotechdesigns.com/mececyshthpa.html
That’s the long and short of it and with the list above, you should be able to find the perfect fit for you for under $100. Did we miss your favorite pair of cycling shorts that should have been on the list? Let us know in the comments.
Over many years (but not recently), I have purchased a good number of Performance Ultra shorts and always found them to fit well and last a long time. When the seams eventually tear, they work great underneath unpadded tights or dress pants when commuting. They’re pricier than they used to be; I hope they’re still reliable.
Ordered 2 pair a month or so ago. $99 on sale for $79. Have 8 pair of them. Still a great short.
Several years ago, I purchased a pair of Louis Garneau cycling shorts. After wearing them on three rides, they pilled and perforated on the inside of my left leg. Having owned probably more than 50 pairs of cycling shorts from various sources and never experiencing this problem, I wrote to Louis Garneau gave them the history and photos showing the wear. As I recall, they were one of the more expensive pairs I have ever purchased. Their response was that it was not a covered issue. I asked if they would inspect them if I sent them in, and they said “buy another pair”. Although many of their products had demonstrated excellent quality, including other shorts, jerseys, gloves, and eye wear, I ceased doing business with them on that day. Caveat Emptor.
Did you buy those shorts online or at a bike store? I have twice has bike shorts fail prematurely — one Trek brand and the other Carnari. Since I had purchased both in bike shops, I never spoke to the manufacturer, but simply told my story to the bike shop staff. Both times, they accepted the shorts as evidence of the failure, and said they would talk the company rep next time he was in. In both cases, the reps gave me a new part of shorts at no charge, the next level up in quality.. The shop staff handled the whole transaction.
A good reason to do business with bike shops.
Purchased at Performance Bikes.