Best Cycling Shorts Under $100, Compared
Updated in September 2026
You don’t have to spend $150 or more to get comfortable cycling shorts. The best budget shorts now use better chamois, more useful sizing, and fabrics that hold their shape for many rides.
The trick is finding a pair that fits your riding. Waist shorts are simple and easy to layer. Bibs stay in place on longer rides. Some riders want a short inseam, while others need more coverage. This guide focuses on current products that are under $100.
Prices and availability can change.
Quick picks
- Best overall: The Black Shorts — $35.
- Best value chamois: NeoPro Grey Shorts — $44.99.
- Best bib: The Black Bibs Ultimate, short inseam — $80.
- Best women’s option: Terry Women’s Actif Bike Short — $79.95.
- Best for a longer inseam choice: Aero Tech Designs Top Shelf Cycling Shorts — $84.99.
Waist shorts or bibs?
Waist shorts are quick to put on and work well for short rides, indoor training, commuting, and anyone who does not want shoulder straps. Bibs cost more, but they do not slide down at the waist and can feel better on a long ride.
The products below include both types. Read the fit notes before ordering, because the same price range includes very different inseams, compression levels, and chamois designs.
The Black Shorts
Price: $35 | Type: waist short
The Black Shorts are the low-cost choice for riders who want a simple, no-logo pair. The current product page lists sizes XS through 4XL. They are a sensible pick for indoor riding, commuting, and regular rides when you want a spare pair in the drawer. I bought a pair of these this month and I liked the construction and the chamois quality and am wearing them weekly and will probably buy more.
Product: The Black Shorts
NeoPro Grey Shorts
Price: $44.99 | Type: waist short
NeoPro uses a triple-density chamois with 3, 7, and 13mm zones. The grey version is a good value when you want more padding than a basic entry-level short. The current page lists sizes from 3XS through 4XL and states that the product is being restocked.
Product: NeoPro Men’s Cycling Shorts
Sponeed Men’s Upgrade Cycling Shorts
Price: $56.99 | Type: waist short
Sponeed’s Upgrade short has a padded chamois, a wide range of sizes from S through 3XL, and several color choices. The official product page was live, purchasable, and showed stock in each listed size when checked. Too bad they don’t do plain black and most of their stuff is overly branded.
Product: Sponeed Men’s Upgrade Cycling Shorts Padded
Pearl iZUMi Men’s Quest Shorts
Price: $65 | Type: waist short
The Quest is a familiar all-purpose short from Pearl iZUMi. It uses a comfortable, low-profile design for everyday road rides and training. The black version was available in sizes S through XXXL when checked.
Product: Pearl iZUMi Men’s Quest Shorts
Specialized Men’s Foundation Shorts
Price: $69.99 sale price; $99.99 regular price | Type: waist short
The Foundation is a low-compression, semi-form short with Specialized’s Body Geometry 3D chamois. It also has silicone waist and leg grippers and uses 80% recycled nylon. The current US product page showed sizes S through XL available to ship when checked. Specialized has made my favorite shorts for at least a decade, but I have not tried this newest version of them yet.
Product: Specialized Men’s Foundation Shorts
Terry Women’s Actif Bike Short
Price: $79.95 | Type: women’s waist short
Terry’s Actif is the women’s choice in this group. It is made for everyday riding with a supportive fit and a chamois designed for road and fitness use. The black and charcoal options showed sizes XS through XXL available when checked.
Product: Terry Women’s Actif Bike Short
The Black Bibs Ultimate Short Inseam
Price: $80 | Type: bib short
The Ultimate bib is the upgrade pick from The Black Bibs. The short-inseam version gives shorter riders a better option than a standard-length bib, while the current page listed sizes XS through 3XL. It is a practical choice when you want bib support without moving into premium pricing.
Product: The Black Bibs Ultimate
Aero Tech Designs Men’s Top Shelf Cycling Shorts
Price: $84.99 | Type: waist short
Aero Tech’s Top Shelf short is the choice for riders who want three inseam options: 6 inches, 9 inches, or 11 inches. It has an 8-panel cut, an Italian 10mm multi-density chamois, silicone leg grippers, and sizes XS through 5XL. The maker says it is handmade in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Product: Aero Tech Designs Top Shelf Cycling Shorts
Pearl iZUMi Men’s Quest Bib Shorts
Price: $90 | Type: bib short
The Quest bib brings Pearl iZUMi’s everyday fit to a bib construction. The black version showed sizes S, M, L, and XXL available when checked. Choose this one when you prefer bib straps but want to stay below $100.
Product: Pearl iZUMi Men’s Quest Bib Shorts
How to choose
Start with the fit. A short that is too loose can move against your skin, while one that is too tight can make the chamois feel misplaced. Follow the brand’s size chart and measure your waist and hips before ordering.
Next, choose the inseam. Shorter inseams feel cooler and work well for indoor riding. Longer inseams give more coverage and can reduce leg movement. Aero Tech and The Black Bibs give you useful options here.
For rides longer than two hours, give extra attention to the chamois and the leg grippers. A good chamois should stay flat against you, and the grippers should hold the leg without pinching.
What budget cycling shorts have worked best for you? Tell us about them 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.
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.