The 6 Best Bike Shorts of 2025: Staff Picks

Find the perfect pair of shorts for your next cycling adventure.

Heather Balogh Rochfort| Updated April 22, 2025

23 reviews with an average rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars
Two mountain bikers ride down a dirt trail in the woods

Consider this: Your bike shorts are the last line of defense between your nether regions and the harsh, cold reality of your bike saddle. That’s why so much care and thought goes into the design; you’ll see a range of styles in terms of padding, storage options, length and sweat-wicking fabric, all brought to you for a comfy, bunch-free ride. Bottom line: A quality pair of bike shorts helps protects your bottom line.

But once you know you’re ready to move beyond your gym shorts, how do you know which to choose? Easy: You ask us. We’ve rounded up our staffers’ and customer favorite bike shorts available at REI. With nods to cyclists in both the road and trail world, we’re sure you’ll find a pair that suits your needs—and keeps that tush happy.

Staff Picks

Find our quick recommendations here or read on for the full review of our picks for best bike shorts available at REI.

It’s not easy to find a pair of mountain bike shorts that fit in everywhere from the downhill course and the cross-country uphill to the post-ride hangout session. But the Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride Bike Shorts do just that. The extra length provides ample coverage against sun and debris, while four-way stretch fabric allows for plenty of mobility and the high-back, cinchable waist means you’re not flashing the world while in the saddle. The side-loading pocket design is also a hit. “Pockets on the side work so much better when you’re pedaling,” says Dustin Kingman, a content producer at REI.  

The loose fit easily layers over a chamois, but pro tip: The shorts are not lined, so consider the men’s Fox Ranger Bike Shorts With Liner if a double short is essential. That said, some mountain bikers skip a chamois altogether, especially for shorter rides or downhilling where they’re mainly out of the saddle. 

Still, the versatile, comfortable Freewheel shorts are tough to beat: “These check all the boxes for the perfect bike short,” says Allison Williams, an avid mountain biker and REI buyer for cycle clothing and accessories. Buy the women's and the men's.  

Here's the secret to cycling bibs: They don't dig into your belly when you're hunched over the handlebars. The Rapha Core bibs use a fabric with 18% elastane, which offers a super stretchy fit that works for a variety of body types. And the silicone leg grippers prevent thigh creep: "I love how you put them on and don't have to worry about making any adjustments while riding," says one customer reviewer. While the fit is a highlight, we're truly stoked on the chamois; it's easily one of the most comfortable out there. Still, bibs may not work for everyone; some customer reviewers noted that the shoulder straps were too short or tight. Buy the women's and the men's.

A good pair of riding shorts are like your best cycling buddy: reliable and always ready to roll. The Terry Bermuda shorts are a cycling twist on the iconic adventure shorts with a high-back waist and longer-than-average length, providing protection and comfort when cruising around town. A generous side pocket fits a smartphone. The chamois isn’t as thick as other shorts (like the Pearl iZUMi Expedition) but it’s plenty to get you through casual rides to the market or your favorite indoor cycling workout. "I've gone through a LOT of different bike shorts and these are, by far, the most comfortable. I am barely aware I'm wearing them," says one customer reviewer.

Thanks to a 2-inch waistband that isn't too restrictive, the Bermudas sit comfortably against your gut, although some customer reviewers say that the waistband rolls down when the shorts don’t fit properly. One more fit note: When we say longer length, we mean longer length. Don’t be surprised if the Bermudas reach to just above your knees—just like a proper Bermuda short. "I love the length, they don’t cut in mid thigh and leave my legs bulging out over the hem, they go right to my knee," adds another customer-reviewer. Buy here. 

If you’ve ever spent a long ride feeling like your seat bones took more of a beating than your bike, it might be time to invest in a solid pair of bike liner shorts. The Zoic Essential Liner Bike Shorts with Fly would be one such smart purchase, at a price much lower than most of the competition. The spandex mesh fabric provides tons of breathability and sweat wicking, which is key when worn beneath a loose pair of mountain bike or other shorts. And the soft elastic waist minimally digs into your gut when you’re bent over the handlebars.  

The highlight, of course, is the padding from the chamois, which turns a bumpy ride into a quasi-luxurious experience. “My teen has these liners and can’t believe what a difference they make for his mountain biking adventures,” says our Expert Advice managing editor, Phuong Le. “He says they're comfy and help cushion his jumps.” Though if you want a bit more cushioning, consider the Zoic Premium Cycling Liner Shorts. Both options have a quick-relief flap makes it easy to privately pee on the go. Buy here. 

Long rides shouldn’t feel like a battle between your butt and the saddle. Enter the Terry Aria Liner Shorts to save the day with their multi-density foam that protects your nether regions. The foam has ventilation holes to encourage airflow throughout your undercarriage, and the elastic lace bands at the leg holes prevent thigh creep while pedaling. “Not only do they stay put at least as well as my old silicone grips, they’re incredibly comfortable,” says one customer reviewer. “I have trouble even pinpointing where they are under my baggies because there is no binding or constricted feeling.” 

The shorter-moderate length is designed to sit beneath any type of apparel—athletic shorts, pants, even jeans if you’re feeling sassy—with plenty of protection. And Terry uses an antimicrobial treatment to reduce the chance of odor-causing bacteria sprouting up in your shorts. Buy here. 

Stuck in a sea of indecision between bibs and shorts? Try the PEARL iZUMi Expedition shorts, a happy medium that provides the comfort of shorts without the logistics of bibs. A high waist prevents the wide waistband from digging into your belly or pinching extra skin, yet there aren't any straps to worry about when nature calls. Like the Junction shorts, dual thigh pockets mean you won't have to worry about a jersey with pockets—you've got all the cargo space needed. "I can easily do 75-110 miles in these without any issues," says one customer reviewer.

Shop All Bike Shorts

Buying Advice for Cycling Shorts

It may feel tempting to snag a gym shorts before hopping on your bike, but we wouldn't recommend it. Compared to regular shorts, bike shorts are made from breathable fabrics that wick sweat away from your skin, help manage moisture and prevent friction for a more comfortable ride. Bike shorts also offer a precise fit that best accommodates your cycling needs to prevent chafing and other uncomfortable ailments. Bottom line: Commit to a quality pair and you'll be happier. 

When selecting a pair of bike shorts, here are a few factors to consider. 

What type of biking will you be doing? 

While it may initially seem like all bike shorts are the same, there are key differences between shorts meant for road biking and shorts meant for mountain biking. Road cycling shorts (like the Pearl iZUMi Expedition Cycling Shorts or the Rapha Core Cycling Bib Shorts) are stretchy and very formfitting (think spandex) to create an aerodynamic fit that cuts down wind resistance. 

Two cyclists ride along a path.
Road cycling shorts are formfitting to create an aerodynamic fit that cuts down wind resistance. 

Mountain biking shorts (like the Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride Bike Shorts) look like everyday fitness apparel with a baggier fit; riders tend to sit more upright so aren't as concerned with aerodynamics. The material is typically more durable to withstand errant branches and scrapes, and they often have a longer inseam to protect your legs from the same scratches. Mountain biking shorts can be purchased with or without a chamois (the padding that's build into the shorts).

Do you want a pair of shorts you can use for a variety of biking activities? Consider recreational cycling shorts. Like mountain biking shorts, these shorts have a relaxed fit with a little more style and versatility better suited to everyday activities. 

Do you want bibs or shorts? 

Road cyclists have two options: shorts or bibs. Like standard road biking shorts, cycling bibs (like the  Rapha Core Cycling Bib Shorts) have a snug fit, but come up higher on your stomach and back, attaching at the shoulders via straps. This prevents the shorts from digging into your stomach when you're curved over the handlebars. Often, cyclists fall in love after trying them for the first time, but there is a tradeoff: price. Bibs usually cost more than standard shorts, so be sure you enjoy the sport before investing.  If you're taller or have a longer torso, be sure to consult the fit chart since most bibs don't have adjustable straps.  

Two black shorts turned inside out to show the padded part
Many bike shorts come with a chamois, the padded part built into the short for added comfort and support.

How much padding do you need? 

Many bike shorts come with a chamois (the padded crotch piece built into the shorts) to support and cushion your delicate bits on the bike seat; but plenty of bike shorts (often for mountain bike riding) have no chamois. The chamois can help reduce pressure points and friction, control moisture and help disperse road vibration. You may not need padding for shorter rides around town or mountain bike rides where you may spend as much time out of the saddle as seated.

In general, there are two types of chamois padding: standard foam or gel. Standard foam padding often feels thicker in your hands and is less expensive but compresses over time. A gel chamois feels thinner and firmer than foam, but it's also more dampening. Because of this, a gel chamois may work better for riders who spend long hours in the saddle and head out multiple times every week. Tradeoff: Gel is more expensive than a standard chamois. (Read more about padded bike shorts and cycling comfort).

More padding is typically going to be more comfortable but can feel bulky. Experienced riders are often satisfied with a standard chamois since their seat and sit bones are familiar with the hardships caused by a bike seat. However, if you're a beginner, we recommend the thickest padding you can find. This will make your early experiences more comfortable and set you up for future success. 

If you prefer a pair with no padding but still want protection, you can purchase separate padded liner shorts (cycling underwear) like the Zoic Essential Liner Bike Shorts with Fly or Terry Aria Liner Shorts. These can be worn under pants or regular shorts, turning any pair of regular shorts into cycling shorts.

Do I wear underwear under padded bike shorts?

No. A chamois is designed to be worn against your skin. Wearing underwear underneath padded bike shorts adds seams that may cause chafing and, depending on the material of the underwear, may not wick moisture away as quickly.

Editor's Note: This article was updated on April 22, 2025 to include new bike shorts from Outdoor Research, Pearl iZumi and Zoic; we removed shorts that were no longer in stock.

Methodology

We polled avid REI cyclists, combed through customer reviews, and came up with this short list of favorite bike shorts available at the co-op. Our employees shared their top choices for long rides, singletrack mountain bike trails, and even neighborhood jaunts. The shorts included in this list are currently available at REI.

Authors

Photo of Heather Balogh Rochfort
Heather Balogh Rochfort

Heather is a freelance writer and author specializing in the outdoors and adventure travel, particularly as they apply to women and families. Her organization WildKind educates and empowers families to find their wild. REI member since 2008.