Cycling shorts for women and men: 10 pairs of cycling shorts for under €100

Comfortable seating has never been particularly cheap. A box seat at the cinema? On average, it costs up to six euros more than a standard seat. First class on the train? It costs 60 to 70 per cent extra. And a VIP ticket for the Bundesliga? That can cost ten times as much as a standard seat in the main stand. But what about cycling shorts? Here too, premium manufacturers are charging almost ridiculous sums: the top-of-the-range shorts from Assos are available for 350 euros. Pas Normal Studios charges 300 euros for the Mechanism Pro. And Maap will still set you back 260 euros if you opt for the Australians’ finest fabric.

But is that really necessary? Can’t you sit comfortably in the saddle for a lot less? We say yes! That’s why we set out to find affordable cycling shorts for a maximum of €100 – and we’ve found what we were looking for: Our test selection includes the brands Alé, Cube, Ekoï, GripGrab, Nalini and Van Rysel for women’s shorts, as well as Gonso, Rose, Scott and Sportful for men.

We tested these 10 pairs of cycling shorts

• Alé Traguardo 2.0 – Women’s trousers >> e.g. available here
• Cube Road/XC WS Artline Bib Shorts – Women's Shorts >> e.g. available here at a reduced price
• ​​EKOI Perf Gel Power Women's Trousers >> e.g. available here at a reduced price
• GripGrab Women’s Ride Bib Shorts - Women’s Shorts >> e.g. available here at a reduced price
• Nalini Fast Lady Bib Shorts - Women's Shorts >> e.g. available here
• Van Rysel RCR-R 2 - Women's trousers >> e.g. available here
• Gonso Essential Bib Kit – Men's Trousers >> e.g. available here at a reduced price
• Rose M Bib Shorts – Men's Shorts >> e.g. available here at a reduced price
• Scott Sports Endurance ++ Men's Trousers >> e.g. available here at a reduced price
• Sportful Pulse Bib Shorts – Men's Shorts >> e.g. available here

It’s worth comparing prices!

Our research revealed that prices can vary considerably, particularly in online shops. At Ekoï, the price of the same model can vary by up to 50 euros depending on the size or colour. The cheapest trousers in the test are from Van Rysel, Decathlon’s own brand. One more thing to note: the availability of individual sizes also fluctuates over the course of the season – some models are hard to come by at times.

In terms of quality, these cycling shorts, priced at around 100 euros, make a good impression. It is astonishing how differently manufacturers approach the task of designing comfortable and functional cycling shorts, even though the brief seems so clear-cut. The wealth of details is certainly surprising – and offers every cyclist the chance to find a pair of shorts that fits them perfectly. The women’s shorts from Nalini and Van Rysel, as well as the men’s model from Rose, stood out particularly favourably. They feature pleasant fabrics, comfortable leg cuffs and well-fitting straps. Practical extras such as small pockets or a zip for easy toilet breaks – even for men – further enhance the practicality of individual models.

It’s the little things that make all the difference

Women's trousers come in a wide variety of styles.

• Soft, stretchy fabrics remain comfortable even on curvier figures, whilst cyclists looking for more support should opt for shorts made from a firmer fabric.
• The cushions range from thick, soft versions to thinner, sportier models with different support zones.
• There are various designs for leg cuffs: silicone grips are often used to keep the tights in place, but these can be uncomfortable when putting them on or during long rides. Nalini has designed laser-cut cuffs with a smooth transition that won’t ride up if they fit properly.
• The length, material and elasticity of the braces determine whether they sit comfortably on people with different torso lengths without digging into the shoulders or rolling up.
• The question of toilet breaks is also relevant: the Ekoï trousers have a zip, whilst with other models it works without one if you use the right technique.

New cycling shorts? You must try them on!

The differences in sizing are particularly noticeable in the men’s models. The Scott trousers are larger than average in the test size L. The soft fabric makes them very comfortable to put on. With the Gonso shorts, however, the coated leg cuffs make them difficult to slip on. On the other hand, the German manufacturer offers its model up to size 6XL. Trouser leg lengths vary considerably: in size L, some models reach the kneecap on a 1.80-metre-tall rider, whilst others cover significantly less of the leg. The seat panel – the section from the seat pad to the waistband – also varies greatly. On the Rose and Scott models, it is cut very high; this protects against draughts, but some may find it too warm and it can be awkward to put on.

The pads differ in volume and shape: when standing, the Gonso and Sportful pads feel like cushions, which is noticeable when in the saddle. The Rose pad is well segmented and positioned precisely under the sit bones. Scott and Sportful deserve criticism for their elasticated braces, which roll up as tension increases and leave visible marks on the shoulders. On the high-cut men’s models, a zip should really be standard to make going to the toilet easier.

Just a quick side note: light-coloured and, in some cases, very tight-fitting dark trousers can appear see-through, particularly around the backside. This isn’t pleasant for you or for any fellow cyclists, and it’s something to bear in mind when buying trousers.

In a nutshell – the editorial team’s verdict

In our test, the women’s trousers from Nalini and Ekoï, as well as the men’s trousers from Rose, impressed with their comfortable fit, pleasant materials and practical details. The many subtle differences in the padding, straps and leg cuffs are particularly noteworthy. We recommend trying them on. Matthias Borchers, Test Editor

This is how we tested the cycling shorts

Comfort (40 per cent)

The assessment is based on the testers’ impressions of how the trousers feel to wear. The focus is on the quality and fit of the leg openings and waistband, the hem, the feel of the fabric, and the overall construction of the trousers.

Seat cushions (30 per cent)

A seat pad is good if it does its job without drawing attention to itself. To achieve this, it must be held securely in place by the fabric of your trousers and provide good cushioning around the sit bones without causing chafing whilst cycling.

Features (20 per cent)

The assessment takes into account: the design and quality of the straps, the leg cuffs, the seams, the use of reflective material, strategically placed mesh panels and extras such as pockets.

Quality (10 per cent)

This check is carried out after washing to assess the quality of the seams and seam intersections, as well as the durability of the fabric, printed logos and reflective details.

The cycling shorts under review

Alé Traguardo 2.0 Women's Trousers

• Price: €87.95 >> available here
• Country of manufacture: not specified
• Weight (Size S): 155 grams
• Facilities: Comfortable leg cuffs, mono-elastic straps, mesh on the back, reflective material
• Upholstery length / width: 23 / 12 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: thick / firm
• Trouser leg length: 28 centimetres (measured from the hip bone)

Alé Traguardo 2.0 – Review & Verdict

The leg cuffs are comfortable to wear and feature subtle silicone dots that feel less sticky than those on GripGrab, for example. The fabric is opaque and has an overall high-quality feel. As is typical for Alé, the padding is rather generous; however, the seams can chafe slightly on long rides. Apart from that, the shorts are comfortable to wear and stay firmly in place even under strain. All in all, a solid pair of cycling shorts with impressive fabric quality.

Cube Road/XC WS Artline Women's Bib Shorts

• Price: €99.95 >> available here at a reduced price
• Country of manufacture: Albania
• Weight (Size S): 173 grams
• Facilities: Single-strap neck strap (toilet-friendly), mesh fabric at the front, reflective material
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 23 / 13 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: medium / firm
• Trouser leg length: 22 centimetres (measured from the hip bone)

Cube Road/XC WS Artline – Review & Verdict

At first, we were rather sceptical about the halter-neck straps – but this impression quickly changes once you’re out on the trail. Thanks to the silicone strips, the shorts stay securely in place at the back, though they only really stay put if you don’t wear an extra base layer underneath. A real practical bonus: for a quick change on the go, all you need to do is unzip the jersey, pull the straps over your head and slide the shorts down – there’s no need to take everything off.

The leg cuffs are less impressive. The relatively short trouser legs fit snugly, but can cut into the skin uncomfortably, especially as the all-round seams are clearly noticeable. The seat pad tends to sit slightly further forward, which does not suit every riding position equally well. On the other hand, the trousers score points for the double-layered fabric in the seat area, which ensures a secure, opaque fit.

All in all, the design is well thought out, but it does have its quirks: anyone who is sensitive to pressure on the back of the neck would be better off looking for an alternative.

EKOI Perf Gel Power Women's Trousers

• Price: €91.23 >> available here at a reduced price
• Country of manufacture: Albania
• Weight (Size S): 183 grams
• Facilities: Seamless, comfortable leg cuffs, single-elasticated straps, mesh fabric on the back and waistband, zip (pee-friendly)
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 23 / 16 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: thick / medium-firm
• Trouser leg length*: 28 centimetres

EKOI Perf Gel Power – Review & Verdict

The trousers fit surprisingly well right from the start: they sit comfortably around the waist without feeling tight, the straps sit comfortably, and the padding is also impressive, with its well-balanced positioning and excellent comfort. The low-cut waistband at the back makes the otherwise slightly scratchy zip practically redundant. With the right technique, you can even pull the trousers down whilst they’re zipped up: hook your thumbs into the back of the straps and, whilst squatting, pull the trousers down over your bum – this worked surprisingly well in our test.

Then, however, came the let-down: at least in the sand colourway, the trousers fall short when it comes to opacity. In the mirror, the sewn-in label was almost legible through the fabric – a clear no-go. At least the problem seems to be colour-specific; darker versions appear to be far less of an issue. Our verdict is therefore mixed: comfort, fit and performance are all spot on – if the manufacturer were to use double-layered fabric on the seat instead of a zip and get the transparency under control, the overall package would be close to perfection.

GripGrab Women’s Ride Bib Shorts

• Price: 100 euros >> available here at a reduced price
• Country of manufacture: Albania
• Weight (Size S): 156 grams
• Facilities: Seamless, comfortable leg cuffs with silicone print, elasticated straps, mesh fabric on the back and waistband, cargo pocket, reflective material
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 22 / 13 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: medium / firm
• Trouser leg length: 27 centimetres (measured from the hip bone)

GripGrab Women’s Ride Bib Shorts – Review & Verdict

The first time you slip them on, the trousers immediately impress with their comfortably wide leg openings, which stay securely in place – even if the silicone dots are a little too strong for that. We initially had concerns about the straps causing pressure marks, but in practice they’re more comfortable than expected: whilst they don’t lie quite as flat on the shoulders as on some other models, they’re far less uncomfortable than we’d feared.

These shorts also deliver when it comes to comfort: the padding is well-positioned and provides good support on longer rides. The cargo pocket on the right thigh proves handy for everyday use, offering enough space for a smartphone, energy bars or gels and often making it unnecessary to reach into your jersey pocket.

One clear weakness, however, remains the fabric’s opacity. Depending on the angle of the light – particularly in direct sunlight – the fabric can become surprisingly transparent in places, allowing unwanted views through. This noticeably detracts from the otherwise solid overall impression, although to be fair, this problem is not uncommon even with significantly more expensive cycling shorts.

Nalini Fast Lady Bib Shorts

• Price: €140 >> available here
• Country of manufacture: Italy
• Weight (Size S): 147 grams
• Facilities: Comfortable leg cuffs, single-elastic straps, reflective material
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 20 / 14 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: thick / medium-firm
• Trouser leg length: 29 centimetres (measured from the hip bone)

Nalini Fast Lady Bib Shorts – Review & Verdict

The Nalini impresses right from the first touch with its pleasantly soft fabric, which hugs the body even around a slightly rounder tummy without feeling constricting. In this respect, the trousers are surprisingly accommodating – they remain comfortable to wear even during times when your body is changing. However, anyone looking for targeted support around the tummy area is unlikely to find it here.

The thick, soft padding on the seat does a solid job, but really comes into its own on shorter to medium-length rides. The laser-cut leg cuffs are a delight to wear: nothing cuts in, nothing pinches. Despite the lack of silicone grippers, the legs stayed reliably in place during the test – a pleasant surprise. The straps also performed unobtrusively and showed no weaknesses.

The trousers score highly when it comes to fabric thickness: the relatively thick fabric feels secure and proved to be pleasingly opaque in our test. All in all, the Nalini is a comfortable choice for relaxed rides – though it does fall slightly short in terms of support around the waist.

Van Rysel RCR-R 2 Women's Trousers

• Price: €69.99 >> available here
• Country of manufacture: Albania
• Weight (Size S): 161 grams
• Facilities: Seamless, comfortable leg cuffs, single-elastic straps, back panel with laser-cut holes
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 21 / 13 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: medium-thick / firm
• Trouser leg length: 33 centimetres (measured from the hip bone)

Van Rysel RCR-R 2 – Review & Verdict

Visually, these trousers are an instant eye-catcher: the grey fabric combined with the pink print really makes a statement and stands out refreshingly from the usual, run-of-the-mill look. On the bike, they impress with a comfortably snug fit around the legs. The comparatively long trouser legs are held securely in place by vertical silicone strips, without feeling uncomfortable.

One clear drawback is how they handle a quick toilet break: the trousers aren’t exactly pee-friendly, which means a bit more hassle when you’re out and about. On the other hand, the overall fit on the bike is all the better for it. At first glance, the padding looks a bit odd when standing still; it sticks out slightly at the back and is also slightly raised at the front on the sides – but in the riding position, this impression is completely put into perspective; here, everything sits perfectly and comfortably.

The straps, however, feel a bit tight, at least on our relatively petite tester, who is 1.60 metres tall. Anyone who is sensitive to pressure on their shoulders should therefore definitely try it on beforehand.

All in all, this is a clear recommendation for anyone looking for a pair of trousers that are good value for money and have a bold look, and who aren’t counting the seconds when they need a toilet break.

Gonso Essential Bib Kit Men's Trousers

• Price: €109.95 >> available here at a reduced price
• Country of manufacture: Turkey
• Weight (Size S): 173 grams
• Facilities: Comfortable leg cuffs with gel print, single-elastic straps, mesh fabric on the back
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 30 / 14 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: thick / medium-firm
• Trouser leg length: 33 centimetres (measured from the hip bone)

Gonso Essential Bib Kit – Review & Verdict

The Gonso trousers made a generally positive impression in our test. The pleasantly soft, opaque fabric and the neatly finished seams are a testament to their solid quality. The waistband sits at a standard height, whilst the wide leg cuffs keep the trousers securely in place – though this comes at the expense of comfort when putting them on.

In terms of fit, this model has a rather slim cut: the trousers feel a bit tight, particularly around the upper thighs. Taller and heavier riders over 1.80 metres tall would therefore be better off choosing a size larger. Although the padding feels a bit bulky and not very stable at first touch, it performs well on the bike with a good fit and decent comfort.

One clear advantage: taking a toilet break is delightfully straightforward and requires no acrobatic manoeuvres. Another strong point is the wide range of sizes. With options up to 6XL, Gonso caters to a particularly broad spectrum of cyclists – something that is by no means a given.

Rose M Bib Shorts for Men

• Price: €79.95 >> available here at a reduced price
• Country of manufacture: China
• Weight (Size S): 185 grams
• Facilities: Comfortable leg cuffs with gel print, single-elastic straps, mesh fabric on the back, cargo pocket, reflective material
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 23 / 14 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: medium-thick / firm
• Trouser leg length: 38 centimetres (measured from the hip bone)

Rose M Bib Shorts – Review & Verdict

In the test, the Rose trousers really stand out thanks to their strikingly long legs, which reach just above the kneecap – visually and functionally, this is clearly a matter of personal taste. On the body, they are similarly compact to the Gonso model: the waistband sits snugly and is unusually high-cut, extending well beyond the navel and thus providing a very snug fit.

When worn, the harness system is particularly impressive. The elastic straps lie flat against the skin, hugging it comfortably without digging in at all. Both practical and stylish: the small cargo pocket adds an extra touch of practicality to the design.

The padding is where these trousers really shine. It feels high-quality, is neatly segmented and sits precisely under the sit bones. It also provides plenty of coverage at the front. Combined with the high-waisted fit, this results in a very stable and secure fit overall.

All in all, the Rose shorts are particularly recommended for cyclists who prefer long legs and a high-cut waistband – and who place particular importance on a well-designed, comfortable pad.

Scott Sports Endurance ++ Men's Trousers

• Price: €99.95 >> available here at a reduced price
• Country of manufacture: Albania
• Weight (Size S): 184 grams
• Facilities: Narrow leg cuffs with gel print, elasticated straps, mesh fabric on the back and waistband
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 22 / 15 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: medium thickness / medium firmness
• Trouser leg length: 34 centimetres (measured from the hip bone)

Scott Sports Endurance ++ – Review & Verdict

In our test, the Scott trousers proved to be a comfort-focused all-rounder with clear strengths in terms of fabric and fit. They have a slightly roomier cut and stand out thanks to a pleasantly soft, stretchy fabric that makes them noticeably easier to put on. On the legs, the slightly tapered cuffs, thanks to their grip coating, ensure a secure fit without slipping.

The extremely high-cut torso area is striking: at the front, the suit extends almost to just below the chest and is also very close-fitting at the back – ensuring a snug, warm fit all round. The padding complements this perfectly: it extends well forward, provides generous coverage and offers noticeable wind protection. At the back, it is slightly more voluminous than on the Rose model, yet feels significantly more stable than its Gonso counterpart – overall, it creates a pleasant, comfortable feel in the saddle.

However, there is one criticism regarding the straps: the elastic bands dig in noticeably and leave marks on the skin – which detracts from the otherwise very good overall comfort.

All in all, the Scott trousers are an excellent choice for anyone who values soft fabric, a comfortable fit and excellent wind protection – provided they can cope with the slightly bulky straps.

Sportful Pulse Men's Bib Shorts

• Price: €99.90 >> available here
• Country of manufacture: Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Weight (Size S): 184 grams
• Facilities: Comfortable leg cuffs with gel print, elasticated straps, mesh fabric on the back
• Upholstery
• Length / Width: 23 / 14 centimetres
• Thickness / Damping: medium thickness / medium firmness
• Trouser leg length: 30 centimetres (* measured from the hip bone)

Sportful Pulse Bib Shorts – Review & Verdict

In our test, the Sportful trousers proved to be a well-balanced pair with a few minor flaws in the details. They fit true to size and, with their comparatively long legs, are aimed primarily at cyclists with longer legs. They are easy to put on, the fabric feels comfortable against the skin and gives an overall impression of high quality.

There are some drawbacks to the padding: it’s quite bulky, seems a bit clunky at first and is noticeably thicker than usual. Although this impression is put into perspective when seated, the padding remains noticeable at all times. Another criticism: the stiff rubber supports, which press uncomfortably into the shoulders over time and noticeably reduce comfort.

The trousers, however, score points for their low-cut crotch, which makes for quick and easy toilet breaks – a clear practical advantage. At the back, a mesh insert between the straps ensures a high-cut, sturdy design, whilst the seams remain discreet throughout.

All in all, the Sportful shorts are best suited to people with long legs and a relatively short torso. However, anyone who is sensitive to pressure from the straps or prefers a flatter, more subtle pad will find more suitable alternatives among the options reviewed here.