By Stan Purdum
Years ago, I purchased a pair of inexpensive bicycle shorts that were so uncomfortable that I discarded them after a couple of rides and vowed to wear only shorts from major cycling brands. But over the last several months, I noticed low-cost shorts from Sponeed, a company I’d never heard of, showing up in several articles with titles like “Best Cycling Shorts for 2019/2020” and decided to investigate.
I found them at Amazon in the $30 to $35 range, depending on size, but they can also be found for less elsewhere online. I liked that that they were available with color accents that might make riders more visible on the road. But what really got my attention, was the many enthusiastic and positive reviews from verified purchasers, with 72 percent giving the shorts five stars.
I have since learned that some Amazon sellers have schemes to buy reviews, but I have no evidence one way or the other that Sponeed is among the deceivers. Still, it’s probably best to view users reviews as a guide rather than as gospel.
In any case, ordered a pair, and have since worn them on rides of more than 50 miles, and they’ve kept my buns happy the whole way. I liked them so well that I now have a second pair.
According to Sponeed’s website, (https://www.teamsponeed.com/) they’ve been in business for eight years. The fact that English is not the copywriter’s primary language is obvious when you read the text on the website and in the Amazon description, but the company gets its message across. What it doesn’t describe very well, however, is how good their chamois is. The sales copy mentions that there’s “3D gel pad in key areas,” but the chamois deserves a photo to communicate the design. I’ve supplied one:
The chamois might best be described as “articulated” since the pads are in separate but strategically placed pieces with channels in between to keep the shorts from bunching up and to allow perspiration to flow away. The Amazon description says the shorts have “a great moisture feature and a four-way performance stretch, 6-Panel anatomic design for superior, chafe-free comfort. It is made of harmless high-quality fabric, 80% polyester and 20% spandex lycra with sublimation print that never fades out.”
What I’ve not yet had enough time to test is long-term durability, but I’ve washed both pairs several times and seen no deterioration thus far.
The sizing of these shorts uses the Asian standard, which runs smaller than the US standard, so it’s best to order a size larger than you usually wear.
Their bike shorts are great bicycle shorts, I have bought 2 pair, both very comfortable and well made. Great quality with great price！
Amazon never provides country of origin. China.
I just recieved my Sponged bike shorts and found the padding doesn’t cover the area of my “seat bones”! After a 50 mile ride and then a 25 mile ride 2 days later I could hardly walk!
I’m 5’9″, 175 lbs with a 34 inch waist.
I put the Sponged shorts in “File 13”
Would love to find a pair of padded bike shorts that fits my middle class budget.
Try this article for some more ideas.
https://www.roadbikerider.com/best-cycling-shorts-under-100/
Anyone tried the bib shorts? Fit/sizing?
I have a couple of their jerseys and am very happy with them. I gad one pair of shorts that had perforated holes in the chamois, vents I think, that deteriorated the shorts to the point that I discarded them.
I’ve seen them on Amazon and there are so many brands. That said this review just pushed me to try them out. Hoping for a positive experience.
If you want to know if there are fake Amazon reviews, check fakespot or reviewmeta.
I got into road cycling about half a year ago and got a pair of these shorts around the same time. They were cheep and had good Amazon reviews. On one ride, I lost control of my bike and I ended up on my side on a concrete road. I have since used the shorts for months and unless you know that I crashed, you can’t see the few frayed threads where I landed on my thigh.
Great products, great price. I have both shorty and calf-length cycling shorts(HOT in Ohio in summer.lot cooler in Fall). have washed both numerous times with NO shrinkage at all.
A little weird to walk in due to padding location,but can do 40 miles in comfort.
Also have jersey(ordering a second) with same excellent review,I highly recommend these products!
Keep up the good work guys1
The Company is under liquidation. Be aware and beware.
I haven’t seen anything by doing a search that would indicate company going out if business. What’s your source ? Anyway, as far as their bib shorts they seem very good quality for the money. I used them for probably 500 miles now and wash after each use and there is no sign of wear. Chamois seem as comfortable as they were day one. I don’t ride long distance, usually 15-30 miles and these are totally great for that. They might be good for longer rides as well, I have no evidence to suggest otherwise.
After a year of riding I have found that the holes for the pad to breathe have worn and started pinching as you ride. It feels like you are being stabbed with a tooth pick every pedal stroke. I guess it’s time to order new ones. I have four pair and ride 6 days a week, so one year to wear them out definitely worth the price.