If you’re reading this then I don’t have to tell you how great cycling is: Low-impact cardio that gets you outside (often with friends), breathing fresh air, and chasing the adrenaline surge of a blistering descent. Dialing in your cycling kit—maybe snagging a helmet and a jersey—is half the fun, and now all you need is a cycling bib.
Dedicated cycling bib shorts really are a non-negotiable if you’re looking to level up from casual cruiser to VO2 maxxing fitness enthusiast. They’ll keep you far more comfortable as you begin to increase mileage, and the chamois, or giant pad, is designed to fit comfortably on your sit bones and create an extra layer of insulation between you and the bike saddle. If you’ve seen a cycling saddle then you’ll understand the importance of this addition—they’re not exactly built for comfort alone.
In addition to providing comfortable padding for your nether regions, cycling shorts are built to wick away moisture and provide gentle aerodynamic compression. They also often come with additional storage pockets. Don’t let a sore ass slow you down, and these shorts will certainly save yours.
The Best Cycling Bibs, According to GQ
The Best All Around Cycling Shorts: POC Cadence Cargo Cycling Bib Shorts
POC
Cadence Cargo Bib Shorts
A good pair of cycling shorts is all about balance, mainly the balance between comfort, aerodynamics, and price. The POC Cadence Cargo Cycling Bib Shorts edge that line with near perfection. POC engaged in extensive pressure mapping research to develop their Novus chamois. It is wider than previous iterations with perforations and a central channel that helps improve ventilation and blood flow. Add in lightweight breathable fabric rated to UPF50+ sun protection, and you have a winning combination. The two cargo pockets also offer convenient storage. Overall these bib shorts are comfortable, well designed and, at $190, well priced relative to many other options.
The Best Race Cycling Shorts: Rapha Pro Team Bib Shorts III
Rapha
Pro Team Bib Short III – Regular – Men’s
To paraphrase fictional race car driver Ricky Bobby: “I want to go fast!” Thankfully you don’t have to be a pro cyclist in order to get your hands on the gear that will help you do just that. The Rapha Pro Team Bib Shorts III were fully redesigned for 2025 with the goal of creating a garment that is dialed in for speed and racing. Whether you’re locked in a competition with other riders or simply trying to beat your own Strava PR, these shorts have you covered. Rapha utilized input from WorldTour riders to maximize stability and comfort, while shaving excess weight. The proprietary chamois was designed to conform seamlessly to the body and wick moisture. The woven fabrics provide a high compression to weight ratio while regulating temperature. So if you’re ready to leave your competition in the dust, suit up.
The Best Splurge Cycling Shorts: Assos Mille GTO Bib Shorts C2
Assos
Mille GTO C2 Long Bib Short – Men’s
Assos make some of the most technically advanced and comfortable cycling specific clothing around. Its MIlle GTO Bib Shorts C2 are no exception. These bib shorts are specifically designed to maintain comfort on the longest rides, and they are incredibly comfortable. They use a variety of new textile blends to create a pair of shorts that are breathable while walking the tightrope of support versus restriction. Each leg panel gently tapers down the outside of the thigh, creating supportive compression that feels tailor made to the body. The chamois pad uses a multilayer construction and was the thickest of all the shorts we tested. The advanced technology also extends to the short’s distinct look. The bib suspenders anchor next to the chamois, and far lower than on most shorts. This, along with the contrasting fabric colors help these bibs stand out from their peers. So if you’re ready to splurge on the cycling bibs of the future, you know where to look.
The Best Cycling Shorts for Staying Cool: Castelli A/C Bibshort
Few things are worse than riding through a fog of oppressive heat. The air feels like it sticks to you, each pedal revolution more labored than the last, as that next PR recedes from view. Most bib shorts help wick moisture away and generally keep you cooler. The A/C Bibshort from Castelli takes things a step further. Specifically designed to promote cooling airflow, it is extremely lightweight with closed mesh panels positioned along the sides and leg grippers. The closed mesh also means that, while allowing air through, it still does a great job of blocking harmful UV rays. Reach for these the next time you head out for a mid-day summer scorcher, though I can’t promise it will be easy. However, you will be glad you have them.
The Best Budget Cycling Shorts: INBIKE Cycling Bib Shorts
INBIKE
Lightweight Biking Bib
INBIKE is our go-to for cycling clothing options that won’t break the bank. Its cycling bib shorts are a fraction of the cost of most other options on this list yet they will still go a long way to improving your comfort level on the bike. They may not have pressure mapped compression zones or a team of scientists developing their chamois but they are a significant improvement over gym shorts. They also feature two cargo side pockets, perfect for maintaining easy access to your phone or some snacks.
The Best Cargo Cycling Shorts: Specialized Prime SWAT Bib Shorts
Specialized
Men’s Prime SWAT Liner Bib Shorts
Looking to maximize on body storage space? The Specialized Prime SWAT Bib Shorts have you covered. They come complete with four pockets, two at the lower back and two on the thighs. The pockets are easily accessible and make it so you won’t have to worry about bike bags for most rides. You could even get away with riding sans jersey as the four pockets have plenty of space for a phone, snacks, and a spare tube. In addition to having great storage, the bibs also hold their own with regard to comfort. The plush fabric blend is comfortable on the skin and maintains a lightly compressive fit that stays aerodynamic without being restrictive. These bibs do have a tendency to run small, so dial in accordingly. I normally wear a size medium from most brands, so I went up to a size large for these and they fit great.
The Best Cool Weather Cycling Shorts: Pas Normal Men’s Essential Thermal Knickers
Pas Normal
Men’s Essential Thermal Knickers
When temperatures start to dip you will want to reach for some cycling bottoms that offer a bit of extra coverage. However this can be a difficult edge to balance, too much coverage and you will be overheated and dripping with sweat midway through the ride, and weat which, upon stopping for a post ride coffee, will quickly make you very cold. The Essential Thermal Knickers from Pas Normal Studios solve this problem. They are made from very warm yet breathable SuperRoubaix fleece and feature a water repellent DWR treatment. They also stop around mid calf, offering enough coverage to keep your knee joint sufficiently warm without becoming uncomfortable on high tempo winter rides. (If you are looking for maximum coverage, the brand’s Mechanism Deep Winter Long Bibs offer a ton of insulation and waterproofing while still maintaining a high level of breathability.)
What to Look for in a Cycling Bib
A good pair of bib shorts should manage being tight where you want it without going overboard into restrictive territory. A good chamois pad is essential and many brands conduct extensive research in an attempt to dial in the best fit. Of course that will always depend slightly on personal preference, though keep an eye out for moisture wicking and breathable materials. Some offerings such as the Castelli Climber’s A/C shorts take this a step further with dedicated ventilation panels. Cargo pockets can also be incredibly convenient but it is important to keep in mind your goals for the given ride. Logging that first 100 miler? I would reach for the thickest chamois with as much storage as I can find. Trying to win a race? Maybe it is worth cutting some weight and dialing things down to the bare essentials. As with all cycling gear, price can get out of hand. However considering the outsize impact that bib shorts have with regard to on-bike comfort, I would recommend investing in a quality pair.
How We Tested
For this article, we consulted with our network of life long cyclists and gear heads to dial in a list of the top brands currently available. From there we personally tested many of the offerings. Wearing them on rides long and short in a variety of weather conditions. The above is our honest review.
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