When it comes to cycling shorts, many people clichédly think of tight bib shorts for racing cyclists or robust baggy shorts for mountain bikers, or perhaps waterproof overtrousers to keep out the rain. However, cycling shorts for everyday wear now form a category of their own beyond the motto "the main thing is to be functional". Some fashion designers, such as Alberto and Breddy's, have even specialised in everyday clothing for bike commuters and the like.
Which cycling shorts are also suitable for the office?
Of course, you can also cycle to the office, university or the shops in conventional jeans or chinos. But the warmer or wetter the weather and the longer the cycle routes, the more uncomfortable it will be in the saddle.
However, there is no such thing as the perfect cycling shorts for everyday use - nor can there be. Personal requirements and weather conditions are too different all year round. The most important details of fashionable everyday cycling shorts include
Six points that make up a pair of commuter trousers
1. the right cut
As cyclists usually sit slightly bent in the saddle, the trousers are cut slightly lower at the front and slightly higher at the back to prevent the back from getting cold. Some models also have pre-shaped knees.
2. stretchable material
The addition of elastane or spandex makes it possible for a classic denim fabric, for example, to follow the movements of pedalling well.
3. wind and water-repellent material
Anyone who also rides their bike in autumn and winter will appreciate trousers with weather protection.
4. the seams in the right place
The trouser seams must not chafe on the thigh even after several kilometres.
5. secure trouser pockets
Best closed with a zip or press stud. The bags and their contents should not interfere with pedalling.
6. safety elements
Reflective material, for example on the hem of trousers or on the back pockets, is intended to increase visibility in road traffic, especially at dusk and at night. However, many designers are reluctant to use reflective elements for fashion reasons and prefer to use reflective trouser bands or high-visibility reflective material on jackets and rucksacks, for example.
The MYBIKE-testers spent several weeks trying out twelve different cycling shorts in everyday use. And they also identified some very good models, such as those from Breddy's, Pearl Izumi and Alberto. However, all test riders emphasised one point: If you want to buy new cycling shorts, you should definitely try them on beforehand and ideally ride a few laps on your bike in them. Even the smartest bike jeans are no fun if they pinch, chafe or are too warm.
Hans-Peter Ettenberger, bike technology expert in the MYBIKE bike lab and enthusiastic year-round cyclist:
For me, the two most important details in a good pair of cycling shorts are quick-drying stretch material that follows your movements when pedalling and a water-repellent coating or waterproofing, especially for the damp morning hours.
Commuter trousers: these 12 cycling trousers for everyday use were tested
- ALBERTO Alberto Marta Bi-Stretch Dual FX
- ALBERTO Alberto Regular Fit Bike-B
- CHROME Brannan Riding Pants
- BREDDY'S New York
- PEARL IZUMI W ROVE JEAN
- JACK WOLFSKIN Gradient M
- PEARL IZUMI Rove Pant
- OSLOH No. 1 Pedal
- ISADORE Urban Jeans 2.0 Men
- RAPHA Men's Technical Trousers
- BREDDY'S Florence Slim Pants
- RAPHA Premium Denim Slim Fit
Commuter trousers in a women's cut: Alberto Marta Bi-Stretch Dual FX
- Price: 129,95 Euro
- Sizes: 34 to 44 (also long and short sizes)
- Material: 90 % cotton, 7 % polyester, 3 % elastane
Evaluation and test judgement of the Alberto Marta Bi-Stretch Dual FX
- Processing: 6 out of 6 points
- Comfort cycling: 5 out of 6 points
- Everyday comfort: 3 out of 6 points
- Drying behaviour: 2 out of 6 points
- Reflex material: 2 out of 6 points
- CONCLUSIONS: Elasticated, well-made five-pocket jeans with a high cotton content. Comfortable for cycling, not so for everyday wear. Cut too high at the front, which is a little uncomfortable when pedalling. The narrow trouser pockets are only of limited use when cycling.
- MYBIKE test judgement: SATISFACTORY
Alberto Regular Fit Bike-B - Commuter trousers in a men's cut
- Price: 119,95 Euro
- Sizes: W27 L32 to W40 L36
- Material: 67 % cotton, 31 % polyester, 2 % elastane
Evaluation and test judgement of the Alberto Regular Fit Bike-B
- Processing: 6 out of 6 points
- Comfort when cycling: 5 out of 6 points
- Comfort in everyday life: 5 out of 6 points
- Drying behaviour: 4 out of 6 points
- Reflex material: 4 out of 6 points
- Conclusion: Classic five-pocket jeans with comfortable cotton-polyester stretch. Reflective material on the back pockets and turned-up leg hems. Stylish all-rounder for the cooler seasons.
- MYBIKE test judgement: VERY GOOD (MYBIKE tip: bike jeans 2021)
Unisex trousers from Chrome: Brannan Riding Pants
- Price: 150 Euro
- Sizes: W28 to W36
- Material: 94 % nylon, 6 % spandex
Evaluation and test judgement of the Chrome Brannan Riding Pants
- Processing: 5 out of 6 points
- Comfort when cycling: 3 out of 6 points
- Comfort in everyday life: 4 out of 6 points
- Drying behaviour: 5 out of 6 points
- Reflex material: 3 out of 6 points
- Conclusion: Robust, slightly thicker trousers for the transitional period (softshell material). Loose cut with long legs that can be rolled up. Reflective strips then become visible. Secret pocket with zip on the right front pocket. Pockets have a large capacity, but the fabric bulges when filled.
- MYBIKE test judgement: GOOD
Trousers for everyday cycling with a men's cut: Breddy's New York
- Price: 129,95 Euro
- Sizes: 44 to 60 (also short and long sizes)
- Material: 48 % PA from castor bean, 48 % polyamide, 4 % elastane
Evaluation and test judgement of the New York from Breddy's
- Processing: 5 out of 6 points
- Comfort when cycling: 5 out of 6 points
- Comfort in everyday life: 6 out of 6 points
- Drying behaviour: 5 out of 6 points
- Reflex material: 1 out of 6 points
- Conclusion: Fits very well and does not constrict. Cotton-like feel despite the polyamide. The pockets are large and deep enough so that nothing gets lost when sitting down. Hardly any reflective elements. Many sizes and colours.
- MYBIKE test judgement: VERY GOOD
Breddy's Florence Slim Pants in women's cut
- Price: 129,00 Euro
- Sizes: 32 to 44 (also short sizes)
- Material: 48 % PA from castor bean, 48 % polyamide, 4 % elastane
Evaluation and test judgement of the Florence from Breddy's
- Processing: 6 out of 6 points
- Comfort when cycling: 5 out of 6 points
- Comfort in everyday life: 6 out of 6 points
- Drying behaviour: 5 out of 6 points
- Reflex material: 3 out of 6 points
- Conclusion: High wearing comfort thanks to hard-wearing, elasticated fabric. The bike jeans fit very well without cutting in. Ideal for the transitional period. Light rain drips off, wind is repelled. Not very reflective.
- MYBIKE test judgement: VERY GOOD
Pearl Izumi W Rove Jean
- Price: 99,95 Euro
- Sizes: S to XXL
- Material: 90 % cotton, 5 % polyester, 5 % elastane
Evaluation and test judgement of the Pearl Izumi W Rove Jean
- Processing: 5 out of 6 points
- Comfort when cycling: 4 out of 6 points
- Comfort in everyday life: 5 out of 6 points
- Drying behaviour: 4 out of 6 points
- Reflex material: 4 out of 6 points
- Conclusion: Looks and feels like a normal pair of blue jeans. However, the fabric is slightly more elasticated. When perspiring, the material quickly becomes sticky and dries slowly. Reflective stripes on the turned-up hem on the left trouser leg.
- MYBIKE test judgement: GOOD
Pearl Izumi again: The Rove Pant is designed in a men's cut
- Price: 119,95 Euro
- Sizes: W30 to W38
- Material: 70 % organic cotton, 27 % nylon, 3 % elastane
Evaluation and test judgement of the Pearl Izumi Rove Pant
- Processing: 6 out of 6 points
- Comfort when cycling: 5 out of 6 points
- Comfort in everyday life: 5 out of 6 points
- Drying behaviour: 5 out of 6 points
- Reflective material: 3 from 6 points
- Conclusion: Pleasant, straight cut in jeans style. The material is elasticated and very comfortable for cycling. Two back pockets, one with a zip and one with a button, two pockets at the front. Rain runs off very well, even after repeated washing.
- MYBIKE test judgement: GOOD
Jack Wolfskin Gradient M
- Price: 59,95 Euro
- Sizes: 46 to 54 (also available as a ladies' model)
- Material: 100 % polyester
Rating and review of the Jack Wolfskin Gradient M
- Processing: 5 out of 6 points
- Comfort when cycling: 4 out of 6 points
- Comfort in everyday life: 4 out of 6 points
- Drying behaviour: 6 out of 6 points
- Reflex material: 3 out of 6 points
- Conclusion: Very elasticated, lightweight and well ventilated. Two side pockets with zip. Adjustable waist size with Velcro fastener. Some testers missed belt loops. The commuter trousers can also be used as lightweight hiking trousers.
- MYBIKE test judgement: GOOD
Osloh No. 1 Pedal unisex cycling jeans
- Price: 69,00 Euro
- Sizes: W30 L32 to W36 L34
- Material: 98 % cotton, 2 % spandex
Evaluation and test judgement of the Osloh No. 1 pedal
- Processing: 6 out of 6 points
- Comfort when cycling: 2 out of 6 points
- Comfort in everyday life: 4 out of 6 points
- Drying behaviour: 2 out of 6 points
- Reflex material: 2 out of 6 points
- Conclusion: Very robust, rigid jeans from the New Yorker Bike Messenger. Cut too short at the waistband. Only buttons, no zips! Moderately comfortable to wear, both in everyday life and when cycling. The thick fabric dries slowly, but is highly water-repellent.
- MYBIKE test judgement: SATISFACTORY
Isadore Urban Jeans 2.0 Men - Commuter trousers in jeans style
- Price: 175,00 Euro
- Sizes: W30 to W38
- Material: 54 % Cordura (PA), 43 % cotton, 3 % elastane
Evaluation and test judgement of the Isadore Urban Jeans 2.0 Men
- Processing: 6 out of 6 points
- Comfort when cycling: 5 out of 6 points
- Comfort in everyday life: 4 out of 6 points
- Drying behaviour: 5 out of 6 points
- Reflex material: 4 out of 6 points
- Conclusion: Very good cut in five-pocket jeans style, elasticated material, very comfortable when pedalling. Rain runs off very well, even after repeated washing. Reflective stripes on the turned-up hem.
- MYBIKE test judgement: VERY GOOD
Rapha Men's Technical Trousers
- Price: 135,00 Euro
- Sizes: W30 L30 to W36 L34
- Material: 94 % nylon, 6 % elastane
Rating and review of the Rapha - Men's Technical Trousers
- Processing: 5 out of 6 points
- Comfort when cycling: 5 out of 6 points
- Comfort in everyday life: 5 out of 6 points
- Drying behaviour: 6 out of 6 points
- Reflex material: 4 out of 6 points
- Conclusion: The three-season commuter trousers: quick-drying, lightweight and crease-resistant stretch material that is comfortable to wear. Side and back pockets with zip. Reflective logo and piping on the leg ends. Offset seams in the seat area.
- MYBIKE test judgement: VERY GOOD
Rapha Premium Denim Slim Fit
- Price: 117,00 Euro
- Sizes: W28 L30 to W34 L34
- Material: 65 % cotton, 32 % nylon, 3 % elastane
Rating and review of the Rapha - Men's Technical Trousers
- Processing: 6 out of 6 points
- Comfort when cycling: 4 out of 6 points
- Comfort in everyday life: 5 out of 6 points
- Drying behaviour: 4 out of 6 points
- Reflective material: 3 from 6 points
- Conclusion: Good jeans cut with legs that are not too wide. Two back pockets, two front pockets without fastening. Fabric soaks up water, no beading effect. Reflective stripes on the turn-up.
- MYBIKE test judgement: GOOD
