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.
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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.
I’m sorry to hear of your experience with the Fit Sensor 2 shorts. I love them to death, and have purchased them for many years. For me, they last a long time, are extremely comfortable, and I can usually get them for $59.99 at Excel Sports.
Purchased at Performance Bikes.
I buy a pair of Boure shorts every couple of years. I find they perform as well or better than big name brands. Made in the USA and guaranteed. You have a problem with them ( I haven’t ) just return for refund or replacement.
It would have been nice to have a pair or two of WOMEN’S shorts on the list. Maybe you could do another top 10 shorts JUST for women!
Thank you for the comment. Most of these have a women’s version of the same shorts, so we just stuck with the mens version for the sake of simplicity.
Our reviewer Sheri has covered a ton women’s shorts, if you want to look through her archives:
https://www.roadbikerider.com/category/sheri-rosenbaum/
Thank you for your comment. I totally agree.
You didn’t mention Sponeed which you reviewed in a previous issue. I’ve purchased 3 pairs based on that review and spent less than $100 for all 3.
https://www.roadbikerider.com/sponeed-mens-cycling-shorts-review/
Aero Tech Men’s Pro Bike Shorts – $55. Minimalist pad, wear very well. Have been wearing this model for commuting and rec writing for 7 years. Good quality materials and sewing – solid Pittsburg, PA product.
I used to use PI shorts for years until the model was discontinued and replaced with a new and improved version. Not the same, sorry I don’t remember which PI’s. I tried LG’s Fit Sensor 2 shorts a few years ago and haven’t looked back. Also tried their bibs this year, my first bibs, which will be my choice going forward. Fit and comfort are subjective and finding your shorts can be trial a error. Almost as bad as finding your perfect saddle.
After decades of investing in prime bibs, keeping them for 3-4 years, I decided to rebell. Lasr October I bought on Amazon 3 pairs of bibs for 25_30$. I use them for my shorter outings, 1-2 hours, 2-4 times per week, and honestly, I feel no difference. I steel use my prime bibs for longer, 4-6 hours rides once a week, but I’m going to give the cheep ones a chance.
I have worn Aerotech Bibs for years. For me they are really comfortable, wear well, and Aerotech offers tall sizes. I’m 6’7″ tall, and for me that’s important.
I save my best shorts for long rides. For shorter rides I have 30-mile shorts and 50-mile shorts. My best find so far were five pairs of Nashbar shorts that I purchased on sale for $10 each. These are 30-mile shorts. I use my worn, see-through shorts in the winter under tights. Lube also extends the mileage and comfort of any short.