Your cycling jersey might be the hero piece when it comes to style points. But your cycling shorts are the bit of cycling kit that does the majority of the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping you comfortable on the bike. Because it doesn’t matter how great the weather is or how scenic the views are – if your hindquarters are uncomfortable, that’s all you’re going to be able to think about. Getting the best cycling shorts matters. But start shopping around, and you’ll notice there’s a huge variation in price points – ranging from the wildly cheap and cheerful, to the eye-wateringly expensive.
So what does a more expensive pair of cycling bib shorts actually get you (other than a bigger credit card bill), and is it worth the investment? We’ll guide you through what you can generally expect from a more premium pair of cycling shorts, the non-negotiable features to look for if you’re considering an upgrade. Plus, which Stolen Goat cycling shorts are likely to be best for you.
Quick recap: What are cycling shorts and why do I need them?
Already the proud owner of some cycling shorts? You can skip this part! But if you’re new to the wonderful world of cycling gear, stick with us. Cycling shorts, as you might guess, are shorts designed specifically for cycling. They tend to be close-fitting (because it’s better for aerodynamics on the bike and helps to reduce chafing), constructed from fast-drying, breathable materials. And most importantly, they have a sewn-in ‘chamois’ pad in the crotch and seat area. This layer of specially-constructed foam helps to reduce friction between your undercarriage and the saddle, and dampens any bumps and vibrations from the surface you’re riding on. Wearing shorts with a chamois pad is particularly important when you’re riding a road bike, because the saddle is far less forgiving compared to the more padded options you’ll find on a leisure bike.
The bottom line (sorry, had to get that pun in here somewhere!): if you’ve been struggling with a sore backside on the bike and you’ve just been wearing regular running shorts or activewear, a pair of proper cycling shorts is going to be a total revelation. Join the padded pants squad and get ready to unlock next level comfort!
Learn more about how to choose the best cycling shorts in our in-depth guide.
Premium cycling bib shorts vs budget shorts: what’s the difference?
Getting the right cycling shorts can be make or break when it comes to enjoying cycling. But it’s important to understand that more expensive doesn’t always equal better. There are some budget shorts out there which punch surprisingly above their price point if you’re sticking to shorter rides. And likewise, you’ll stumble across ‘premium’ options where really, you’re just paying for the name on the label. To help you make the right choices when you’re shopping for cycling bib shorts, next we’ll dive into in general what you should expect from a more premium pair of cycling shorts and the difference these features can make – so you can be confident your upgrade is going to tick the boxes for comfort and style.
Chamois pad
One of the key points of differentiation between premium cycling shorts and budget options is the chamois pad.
Cheap chamois pads: In general, cheaper cycling shorts are more likely to feature chamois pads which use a single density, thick sponge padding. At first this might feel fine, but it’ll compress pretty quickly and lose it’s plushness after just a few rides. Because they tend to use thicker sponge, cheaper chamois pads can also lack breathability and don’t usually have any sort of anti-microbial properties. This means they’re more likely to hold onto sweat and stay soggy, which not only creates friction – it can also leave bacteria hanging around. Add in the fact that a lot of budget cycling shorts also have a chamois pad which is a generic shape, isn’t sex-specific (and therefore doesn’t accommodate differences in anatomical shape and pressure distribution) and the higher chance of rough seams and raised stitching… and you might find yourself in prime chafing and saddle sore territory.
Premium chamois pads: In contrast, premium cycling shorts usually have a much more technical chamois pad. They’re usually made from high quality, multi-density foam with varied thickness to offer support where you need it – and minimal bulk where you don’t. The result is a more comfortable, lower profile pad which doesn’t bunch up and doesn’t compress too quickly so it’ll feel plush, and stay plush. Premium cycling shorts should also offer male and female-specific chamois pad options, with the shape and distribution of padding adapted in each to suit the unique demands of different anatomy and sit bone width (check out this in-depth blog post from VeloVixen to learn more about why women cyclists can be more prone to saddle discomfort and the importance of sex-specific cycling shorts for women). Premium chamois pads are also more thoughtfully shaped to maximise comfort in different cycling positions, without any bunching or excessive fabric movement. The top fabrics and multi-layer foam are designed to wick sweat away and dry quickly, which alongside flat-lock stitching and low profile seams can all help to minimise friction and reduce the likelihood of getting saddle sores.
Chamois pad non-negotiable features to check: If you’re about to upgrade your cycling shorts and invest in a more premium option, make sure the chamois pad is sex-specific, is constructed from multi-density foam and is designed to be breathable, quick-wicking and fast-drying.
Fabric
A premium pair of cycling shorts should be constructed from high end fabric which offers a good level of compression. This will give you a more supportive fit, and helps to promote better blood flow to your muscles to reduce fatigue on longer rides. Alongside compression, premium shorts are usually made from higher quality fabric which will perform better over time – with less likelihood of losing elasticity or going see-through (because nobody wants to be an accidental butt-flasher!). If you’re investing a little more, you’ll also want to ensure your premium cycling shorts of choice are quick-wicking, fast-drying and 2-way breathable for optimal temperate regulation while you ride.
Fit
Premium cycling shorts may also offer a more comfortable fit compared to their budget counterparts. Men and women tend to have different torso shapes, so look out for shorts which offer a gender-specific fit beyond just the chamois pad. The more expensive shorts can also have more of a focus on comfort in the riding position in terms of how they’re constructed, ensuring there’s no digging in or riding up whether you’re sat up on the hoods or riding down on the drops – with a neat interface between your shorts and your jersey. Another upgrade can be the leg grippers. Higher end shorts tend to make use of silicone grippers, rather than relying solely on over-tight elastic grippers (which can create uncomfortable ‘sausage legs’), and some even offer seamless grippers for an even sleeker fit.
When is it worth investing in premium cycling shorts?
As we’ve said, expensive doesn’t always mean better. But if you’ve found a pair of premium cycling shorts which check every box, you might be wondering at what point it’s worth the upgrade.
Upgrade if…
- You’ve been struggling with saddle-related discomfort and/or saddle sores. Your cycling shorts are just one part of the picture here (read more about potential causes of saddle discomfort) but compared to trying multiple different bike saddles, switching to a better pair of cycling shorts is going to be your most budget-friendly first port of call.
- You want to ride longer distances. You can get away with less fit-for-purpose cycling gear if you’re hopping on the bike for a quick 30 minute spin around the block. But if you want to start racking up the miles and enjoying long days on the bike, it’s important to invest in cycling shorts that are up to the job.
- You want to ride more often and/or you’ve got a trip planned with back-to-back cycling days. Upping your weekly mileage, or going on a bikepacking trip? Do yourself a favour and treat yourself to some good cycling shorts. You might not mind the odd bit of discomfort, but the more you ride, the more likely you are to get recurrent friction issues and saddle sores which can get pretty gnarly left unchecked.
You might not need to upgrade, if…
- You don’t plan to up your bike mileage AND you’re happy with your current shorts. That might sound a little bonkers coming from a cycling clothing brand – after all, shouldn’t we be pushing you to buy new stuff!? But at Stolen Goat, we’ve never been about pushing people to buy what they don’t need. We’re here to make sure that when you do need new gear and you choose us, it looks great, performs superbly, it makes you feel epic – and it’s built to last. Find out more about our values here.
- You only cycle for short commutes. Tend to jump on the bike in your work clothes and cruise into the office? You might not be wearing cycling shorts regularly anyway! In which case, padded cycling underwear (such as these VeloVixen padded pants) or a liner short might be a more practical choice if you’re after a touch of extra comfort but you don’t want to wear full cycling gear every day.
Which Stolen Goat cycling shorts are right for you?
Decided it’s time to upgrade your cycling shorts? Here at Stolen Goat, we’ve worked hard to ensure that whichever of our cycling shorts you go for, we’re striking the right balance between comfort and quality you can count on, and pricing that doesn’t instantly rocket your heart rate up into zone 5. That’s why whether you go for our Every Day bib shorts or our Advanced option, you can be confident that you’ve got cycling shorts that are built to last and made to perform. Here’s the key features to help you narrow down your choices.
Every Day cycling shorts
- Available as bib and non-bib shorts
- Designed for your every day adventures, in temperatures from 12-22C
- Best for: rides up to 4 hours
First up is our Every Day cycling shorts, designed for mid-week leg spins, weekend cafe rides and everything in between. These shorts are lightweight, versatile and offer premium quality at a great price point. Constructed from a fast-drying, gently compressive fabric our Every Day shorts come with a top notch Elastic Interface Core Evo chamois pad, in female- and male-specific fits. This pad features a 3D wing design and graduated foam density to keep you comfortable, plus it’s perforated to ensure there’s no soggy bottoms.
If you want a versatile cycling short that’ll keep you comfortable for up to 4 hours in the saddle, you’ll love the Stolen Goat Every Day cycling shorts.
Endurance bib shorts
- Here for the long rides
- Our most comfortable chamois pad, ever
- Best for: big adventures and long days on the bike
Plenty of bib shorts will claim to offer ride all day comfort. But we well and truly put our new Endurance bib shorts to the test – ticking off a 464km ride (24 hours moving time) to make sure they truly lived up to their ‘ride all day comfort’ promise! Our Endurance cycling shorts come loaded with a premium ‘Floating Armadillo’ chamois pad by Teosport. This is a high density pad, with clever technology to give you maximum support with minimal excess fabric to eliminate bunching or chafing. And of course, it comes in sex-specific fits for max comfort.
Beyond the chamois pad, these shorts are made from compressive, 2-way breathable fabric. They’re fast-drying, with a mesh rear panel for enhanced breathability and premium aerated bib straps. We’ve also added seamless hems and a silicone dot matrix leg gripper to these shorts, so they’ll stay put without any risk of digging in.
Roadie or gravel rider. Sportive or bikepacking adventure. For big days in the saddle where comfort is key, you need the Stolen Goat Endurance bib shorts in your life!
Advanced bib shorts
- Premium bib shorts packed with ride-enhancing features
- Race fit, for when aero is everything (but you don’t want to compromise on comfort)
- Best for: fast rides and long efforts
The Advanced bib shorts are our most technical bib shorts yet. Designed to help you ride far and fast, with a compressive race fit, superb breathability and a chamois pad that can go the distance.
These bib shorts come with the Elastic Interface Ronde WP3 chamois pad. Pre-moulded, ultra-high density with graduated support and curvature to keep you comfortable (suitable for rides >5 hours) and improve your stability on the saddle – crucial when every watt counts. These shorts are constructed from compressive fabric to keep your legs moving, and feature a redesigned strap for a cleaner finish. Add in 2-way breathability, fast-drying quick wicking materials and seam-free leg hems with silicone dot grippers. And you’ve got the ultimate race day bib shorts to send you on your way to your next personal best.
Kiko bib shorts
- Your between seasons hero, perfect for changeable conditions
- Same fit and feel as our Every Day bib shorts, but with wind- and water-resistant fabric
- Designed to keep you at the optimal temperature when it’s cool but not cold, with versatile performance (7-18 degrees C)
- Best for: spring and autumn rides
Our Kiko bib shorts are your weird weather hero. Designed for those between seasons rides when it’s cool, but not cold. Chilly to start, but warming up later in the ride. Too nippy for summer kit, but not nippy enough to go for the full-length bib tights. These cycling bib shorts are constructed from fabric which is wind- and water-resistant, while remaining lightweight and stretchy. They’ve also got a super soft Roubaix-style fleece lining. The result? Shorts that will keep you comfortable in a wide range of weather conditions, with enough breathability that you won’t be cooking if temperatures rise later in the ride. Add in the same ultra-comfy Elastic Interface Core Evo pad that you’ll find in our Every Day bib shorts, and you’ve got adventure-proof cycling shorts that are ready for anything.
Top tip: Pair our Kiko bibs with one of our thermal long sleeved jerseys for optimal cool weather comfort!
What The Herd say about Stolen Goat cycling shorts: real customer reviews
Obviously we reckon our cycling shorts are some of the best you’ll find – we wouldn’t be happy to let them out into the wild otherwise. But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what real SG customers have said about our cycling shorts:
“Excellent quality summer bib shorts, great fit and comfortable on an all day ride. Would use again.”
“Love the designs and the bib shorts are the most comfortable I’ve had.”
“I am really pleased with the service I received from the team. The endurance bibs are excellent quality, fit well and importantly super comfortable. I’ll definitely be back for more.”
“Wow these are GOOD… So soft, great pad, amazingly comfortable…”
“Awesome shorts…been using them on 5 hour indoor rides and super comfortable.”
“You know when for years you think you’ve been using decent kit, & one day, you use something that makes you realise what good feels like? This is them… Done a few five hour rides without the usual aching backside. Couldn’t imagine going back to my old bibs.”