Padded shorts can protect your bum from saddle soreness by cushioning the area where you sit on the bike. They also reduce friction between the seat and your groin, which can lead to chafing. You can choose from waist-length padded cycling shorts, also known as knickers; three-quarter lengths, called bib shorts; and full-lengths, which are sometimes referred to as tights. The padding is sewn into the fabric of the shorts, which are typically designed like second skin. They can be either loose or a compression fit and are usually gender specific, since men’s and women’s sit bone anatomy and genitalia differ.
Bib shorts, which have straps that support your shoulders and back, may be more comfortable than waist-length ones because they don’t ride up. They’re also a good choice for people who don’t want to have to put on their underwear every time they ride, says Aly Raymer, an instructor at the Boston-based indoor cycling studio B/SPOKE. Alternatively, you can get a pair of MTB shorts, which are looser than bib shorts and can be worn under normal clothing.
The Terry Madame X bib is our pick for the best padded bike shorts because it’s buttery soft and has a very comfortable chamois that works well on long rides. It also has a wide waistband that stays in place to prevent plumber crack, and the straps have a cross-back design to keep them from slipping. It’s an excellent value for the money, but it isn’t as durable as some of the higher-priced bibs we tested.
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