/PO-best-cycling-shorts-lead-3365ace09ec24cee9566e01cb60bd435.jpg "The 10 Best Cycling Shorts of 2022")
Best for Spin: Zella Live In High Waist Pocket Bike Shorts
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Nordstrom
If you’re someone who prefers a stationary bike over a racing bike, then this is the category for you. Cycling shorts for spin require a few different features than road cycling shorts do, and the Zella Live In High Waist Pocket Bike Shorts hit the marks that a spin enthusiast would look for. Peloton instructor, Camila Ramón, has a few golden rules to stick by when looking for a pair of shorts that are perfect for taking on those hills and flats. “I like to feel secure, and cannot feel like anything is digging into me so I don’t do elastic in the waistband. [And] if they have pockets that don’t distort the shape of the short and that can hold my phone, we’ve hit the jackpot,” Ramón shares, depicting her dream shorts.
This dependable pair from Zella is made from a sweat-wicking performance fabric material that won’t irritate or chafe the skin thanks to its smooth flatlock seamwork. Fitting into Ramón’s qualifications are the thin side pockets that can hold your phone or keys while still sculpting your shape and a high rise waist that keeps you feeling secure and comfortable. These shorts are also available in a variety of sizes, from XXS-XXL, so as to find the fit that’s just right for you. But Ramón’s final advice consists of asking yourself, “What makes you feel the most confident? What’s going to inspire you to wear them all the time? That’s what you should lean towards.” Note taken!
| Material | Polyester, spandex |
| Seat Pad | No |
| Leg gripper | No |
How to Pick the Right Cycling Shorts
With a wide variety of cycling shorts on the market, from bib to biker shorts, it can feel daunting to begin your quest for the right pair. Take it from Sagan, who shares that, “Choosing a single pair of shorts is never easy; it depends on many factors such as the hours on the saddle, the outside temperature and the selected discipline.” To help you find your footing, we think you should keep these factors in mind to help narrow the search.
Training Style
Something to definitely take into consideration is your training style and what activities that may entail. For instance, road cycling requires a much different skill set (and terrain) from mountain biking, which means they require different attire. Road, gravel and off-road biking often calls for compression shorts with bib straps and seat pads so they stay fuss-free and comfortable during long rides. But on the other hand, mountain biking and even DMXing requires looser-fitting shorts (with the option to wear compression cycling shorts underneath . And if you choose to bike for leisure or spin classes, you can opt for a pair of biker shorts that are long enough to prevent chafing in high-contact areas but don’t need all the extra features like seat pads and leg grips.
Design
Some people look for comfort (amazing seat pads) while others look for utility (extra pockets), so pinpointing the design aspects that you really love will help narrow down the product pool. “I’d say finding the correct length and material for your comfort is absolutely key,” muses Ramón. The Peloton instructor went on to share that, “There are a couple of things that I look for in a cycling short – non-restrictive on the waistband or the thighs (your girl has very strong legs) with muscles), [a] high waist, and dry-fit fabric for breathability so I don’t feel like my legs are being held captive, yet I still feel supported.” This feels pretty on point for us!
Comfort
Arguably the most important aspect of any sort of training gear is comfort, because the last thing you want to focus on is that digging waistband or saddle that hurts after a few hours. To battle the latter is the inclusion of a chamois, or a seat pad, which provides an extra layer of comfort and padding under the sit bones to make your ride more endurable and your training that much better. Comfort is also largely due to the fabric you choose, and no one knows this more than a trainer.“ The best fabrics for shorts with gentle compression, moisture wick, [and] breathability are usually synthetic like Lycra, nylon, and spandex,” Bullock shares. A blend of these materials are sure to sculpt and sweat-wick just where you need them to, keeping you cool in the saddle and concentrated on the road.
Take Our Word For It
Alyssa Brascia is a commerce staff writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as InStyle, Shape, and Real Simple. When researching the best cycling shorts, she spoke with Peter Sagan, three-time world championship winner and record holder of the Tour de France green jerseys; Christine Bullock, fitness expert and founder of Kayo Body Care; and Peloton instructor, Camila Ramón for their expert picks and insight. She also took a close look at material, cost, design, and functionality while compiling the list to ensure that a diverse range of needs for every type of cyclist were met.