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  4. 10 Best Cycling Shorts for Women UK 2024 | Rockrider, Triban and More
  • 10 Best Cycling Shorts for Women UK 2024 | Rockrider, Triban and More 1
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10 Best Cycling Shorts for Women UK 2024 | Rockrider, Triban and More

Cycling shorts are one of the most versatile pieces of activewear. Whether you're doing cardio, mountain biking, running or touring, there's the perfect design out there for your needs. You can even find bib shorts for professional level road cycling if you're looking to up your performance. They come in a range of styles, sizes and materials such as cotton or polyester. 


It can be hard to know which shorts are best, especially if you've just started cycling or fitness training. That's why we've put together this helpful guide with key information on what to look out for when choosing ladies cycling shorts. After, check out our ranking of the top 10 best cycling shorts for women in the UK - we've included loads of great picks from popular brands such as Nike and Adidas.

Last updated 22/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose Cycling Shorts for Women in the UK — Buying Guide

Although cycling is in the name, cycling shorts aren't all made for the same purpose! This buying guide will go through all the options available as well as the key information you need to make an informed choice. 

1

Ensure the Shorts Are Fit for Their Purpose

Before you think about anything else, you need to work out which shorts are best for your activity. Different styles of cycling shorts are needed for road cycling, spin classes and mountain biking. The section below will detail which shorts are best for which job.

Nylon Slim-Fit Shorts Are Best for Road Cycling

Nylon Slim-Fit Shorts Are Best for Road Cycling

If you're taking up road cycling as a hobby or want to start racing professionally, consider investing in some elastane and nylon blend shorts. The nylon (also known as polyamide) and elastane fabric is very stretchy, which helps the shorts move with your body when cycling, making it easier to peddle.


They also have less excess fabric than other types, making them more aerodynamic, and they compress your muscles to improve performance. The reduced fabric also keeps you free from sweat, allowing for a more comfortable ride.


If you're interested in racing, look for shorts with leg grips. These stretchy bands around the leg keep the shorts in place, so they don't run up. This feature will further help improve aerodynamics, which in turn increases your speed.

Durable Baggy Shorts Are Best for Mountain Biking

Durable Baggy Shorts Are Best for Mountain Biking

On the other hand, for mountain biking or leisure cycling, you'll need baggy shorts. The loose-fitting design won't restrict movement when you're engaging in more boisterous exercise, and you'll have extra space for knee pads. Mountain bike shorts also tend to have reinforced seat panels to offer better protection for rugged terrains.


Overall, they have excellent durability as the strong polyester and elastane mix is much less likely to tear if it catches on nettles and twigs. They also often come with tight undershorts for extra comfort and security, but if they don't, you can easily purchase the under-layer separately.


It's also worth looking out for water-resistant shorts so that you can use them in all weather conditions, which is especially important in the UK! Plus, ones with pockets and glove loops are especially useful if you don't like wearing a bag while you ride, so you can easily store your valuables and biking essentials.

Cotton and Polyester Fitness Shorts Are Ideal for Spin Classes

Cotton and Polyester Fitness Shorts Are Ideal for Spin Classes

Other slim-fit cycling shorts are made from cotton or polyester with elastane, making them perfect for fitness cycling. They haven't got the properties for road cycling or mountain biking, but they're great for spin classes or using cycling equipment at the gym.


They look similar to road-cycling shorts with a slim fit, providing support to hold everything in place as you exercise. Keep an eye out for cotton fabric as it's soft and breathable, meaning you'll feel much more comfortable while you work out.

2

Pick Shorts With a Chamois Pad for Better Shock Absorption

Pick Shorts With a Chamois Pad for Better Shock Absorption
Source:amazon.co.uk

If you're using the shorts for road racing or mountain biking, you're going to need a chamois pad that's made to fit a women's body. Sometimes they have one built-in, but if they don't, you can purchase one separately.


The pad is usually made of foam or gel and positioned on the underside of the shorts, where your body meets the bike's seat. It cushions and absorbs shock, adding comfort, preventing injury and stopping chaffing. Generally, gel pads are thought to offer the best comfort.


Padding comes in various densities (usually ranging from three to four) and affects the thickness of the shorts. Higher density fabric offers better shock absorption and is suited to longer rides on bumpy surfaces. Less dense padding is better for races, as you'll be able to achieve higher speeds with less fabric weighing you down.

3

You’ll Achieve Higher Speeds Wearing a Bib

You’ll Achieve Higher Speeds Wearing a Bib

Some slim-fit shorts also come with two-shoulder straps, called bibs. These straps pull the shorts tight against the skin, which stops them from bunching, reducing drag and improving aerodynamics


As they don't have a waistband, they offer much better comfort, as there's no digging into your skin while you're bent over cycling. Usually, professionals wear bib shorts under their vests or underneath baggy mountain bike shorts to offer better comfort and security.

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Top 10 Best Cycling Shorts for Women in the UK

Now, it's time to see our ranking of the top 10 best cycling shorts for women in the UK. We've got a great line-up with some professional standard shorts that are sure to help you win races.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Rockrider

Women’s Mountain Bike Shorts

Rockrider Women’s Mountain Bike Shorts 1

£24.99

Mid

A Great Pair of Shorts for Riding in Any Season

2

Triban

500 Women’s Cycling Bibless Shorts

Triban 500 Women’s Cycling Bibless Shorts 1

£19.99

Low Mid

An Anti-Bacterial Pad for Better Protection

3

Rapha

Pro Team Training Bib Cycling Shorts

Rapha Pro Team Training Bib Cycling Shorts 1

£140.00

High

Luxury Professional Bib With Leg Grips

4

Adidas

Women’s Fitness Cycling Shorts Aeroready

Adidas Women’s Fitness Cycling Shorts Aeroready 1

£24.99

Mid

Special Technology Creating Breathable Fabric

5

Turnhier

Women's Cycling Shorts

Turnhier Women's Cycling Shorts 1

£19.99

Low Mid

Comfortable Long Rides With a 4D Gel Pad

6

Nike

Women's W NSW Essntial Bike Short

Nike Women's W NSW Essntial Bike Short 1

£20.00

Low Mid

Breathable Fabric Perfect for Gym Workouts

7

Rockrider

Mountain Bike Shorts St 100

Rockrider Mountain Bike Shorts St 100 1

£17.99

Low Mid

Baggy Shorts for Great Freedom of Movement

8

NOOYME

Cycling Shorts for Women

NOOYME Cycling Shorts for Women 1

£16.99

Low Mid

Leg Grips and Extra Room for Wide Hips

9

Sundried

Women's Pro Bib Shorts

Sundried Women's Pro Bib Shorts  1

£31.50

High Mid

With Straps to Help You Reach Higher Speeds

10

Van Rysel

RCR Women’s Padded Cycling Shorts

Van Rysel RCR Women’s Padded Cycling Shorts  1

£34.99

High Mid

Three Density Foam Pad for Extra Comfort

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

RockriderWomen’s Mountain Bike Shorts

Women’s Mountain Bike Shorts 1
Reference price
£24.99
Mid
Reference price
£24.99
Mid

A Great Pair of Shorts for Riding in Any Season

Due to the huge range of features, these are the best cycling shorts on our list. For example, the fabric is water-replant, so you can wear them in any weather condition, and they're made from durable material, so are unlikely to rip. There are even two pockets that zip for storing personal items.


They have good breathability, and the crotch area is perforated to stop you from feeling sticky when riding. There's a built-in loop, so you can keep your gloves safe when they're not in use, and it doesn't come with a pad, so you can purchase the right one for you separately. What's not to love?

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No.2

Triban500 Women’s Cycling Bibless Shorts

Reference price
£19.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£19.99
Low Mid

An Anti-Bacterial Pad for Better Protection

This pair of cycling shorts has all the features you could ask for, including a foam pad for shock absorption, which is also anti-bacterial! This foam pad is wide and ventilated, which will stop chaffing, help you ride faster and feel comfortable as you do.


The shorts also have flat seams for comfort and grips to secure the legs in place, which help you achieve higher speeds. They also have excellent moisture-wicking abilities to stop the shorts from feeling sweaty and uncomfortable while you ride. 

No.3

RaphaPro Team Training Bib Cycling Shorts

Pro Team Training Bib Cycling Shorts 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Pro Team Training Bib Cycling Shorts 2
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£140.00
High
Reference price
£140.00
High

Luxury Professional Bib With Leg Grips

This luxury pro training bib that is both durable and comfortable is definitely worth the money. The bib is shaped to a women's body, so you'll get the best fit, and the straps are slightly wider for better support. They are also made from a mesh fabric to create improved breathability for keeping you cool on warm days.


The bib features a pad for comfort and shock absorption, plus it has leg-grips that will keep the shorts firmly in place to reach higher speeds. Not to mention it looks super professional, with a white upper and black contrast bottom.

No.4

AdidasWomen’s Fitness Cycling Shorts Aeroready

Reference price
£24.99
Mid
Reference price
£24.99
Mid

Special Technology Creating Breathable Fabric

Sometimes, you're just after a pair of cycling shorts for cardio and spin classes, and these certainly fit the bill. They're breathable and built with special technology to absorb sweat, and being a slim fit, they offer excellent support.


Furthermore, these shorts as made from 89% recycled polyester, so they're eco-friendly and sustainable. Plus, the cut will give you good freedom of movement when you're doing vigorous exercise.

No.5

TurnhierWomen's Cycling Shorts

Women's Cycling Shorts 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Women's Cycling Shorts 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£19.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£19.99
Low Mid

Comfortable Long Rides With a 4D Gel Pad

Here we have a pair of shorts with lots of great features, like an extra-wide elastic band around the waist to keep them firmly in place as you cycle, providing better aerodynamics. They also have an extra-thick 4D gel pad, which will better protect against injuries on bumpy rides.


There are a few different versions of these cycling shorts, and some have a reflective pad that will give you good visibility if you plan to cycle at night. They also have leg grips that will stop the shorts from riding up. 

No.6

NikeWomen's W NSW Essntial Bike Short

Women's W NSW Essntial Bike Short 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Women's W NSW Essntial Bike Short 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£20.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£20.00
Low Mid

Breathable Fabric Perfect for Gym Workouts

Are you looking for some cycling shorts for spin workouts or fitness? This pair is mostly composed of a soft, breathable, cotton material, meaning you'll stay feeling fresh as you exercise. Plus, they have the Nike tick of excellence, so you know these high-quality shorts will perform well.


The shorts come in fairly large sizes, so there should be a pair to fit most people. Plus, they come in both grey and black, so you can choose which colour best matches your other fitness wear.

No.7

RockriderMountain Bike Shorts St 100

Reference price
£17.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£17.99
Low Mid

Baggy Shorts for Great Freedom of Movement

This pair of mountain bike shorts have a baggy outside and come with padding and a slim-fit inner leg, so you won't have to purchase any extras. The baggy outside is durable and offers freedom of movement, whilst the pad (and inner leg) help stop chaffing and improve comfort.


Sad to say, these shorts don't come with pockets like other mountain bike designs, so you'll need to wear a backpack or jumper to store your valuables. On a positive note, they're ideal for the summer months as the fabric is breathable and not too thick.

No.8

NOOYMECycling Shorts for Women

Cycling Shorts for Women 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£16.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£16.99
Low Mid

Leg Grips and Extra Room for Wide Hips

These shorts are particularly good for women with larger hips as they have side panels and widened wings to offer a better fit. They have all the right features, like flat seams for comfort and leg grips to keep the shorts firmly in place as you ride.


Plus, they come with a 4D pad, which will better absorb shocks and vibrations on longer rides. They do have a slight drawback, though, as some people think the leg band is too tight and uncomfortable - but that all depends on your body shape.

No.9

SundriedWomen's Pro Bib Shorts

Women's Pro Bib Shorts  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Women's Pro Bib Shorts  2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Women's Pro Bib Shorts  3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£31.50
High Mid
Reference price
£31.50
High Mid

With Straps to Help You Reach Higher Speeds

If you're planning on going into professional road cycling, you should consider investing in these bib shorts. They have straps that hold the shorts in place to help you reach higher speeds, and there's no waistband for improved comfort. They also feature leg grips to secure the shorts in place.


Some people who've purchased them think the fabric is too see-through, however, they're fairly good value for the money. They also come with a gel pad for shock absorption, which you don't get with them all!

No.10

Van RyselRCR Women’s Padded Cycling Shorts

Reference price
£34.99
High Mid
Reference price
£34.99
High Mid

Three Density Foam Pad for Extra Comfort

First up, we have these great cycling shorts that can be used on rides for up to 3 hours. They have a triple density foam pad that offers extra comfort without weighing you down and have larger amounts of elastane, giving them even better moisture-wicking abilities to stop you from feeling too sweaty.


The shorts feature flat seams for added comfort, and they're machine washable, making them super easy to clean. Unfortunately, these shorts don't seem to have leg grips like other road racing designs, which could slow you down.

Other Cycling Essentials for Your Dream Ride

Other Cycling Essentials for Your Dream Ride

If you're looking to take up cycling or you're a seasoned pro, there are a few other things you should consider investing in, like cycling glasses to help you see in difficult weather conditions. Make sure to also purchase a good seat cover for comfort and a helmet to keep you safe.

Summary

Whether you're looking for shorts for fitness or bike riding, now that you've read our buying guide, you should know which things to consider when choosing cycling shorts to improve your performance. Remember to pay attention to padding and style to help you find the best shorts for your needs.


Author: Rosa Fairfield

Top 5 Cycling Shorts for Women

No. 1: RockriderWomen’s Mountain Bike Shorts

No. 2: Triban500 Women’s Cycling Bibless Shorts

No. 3: RaphaPro Team Training Bib Cycling Shorts

No. 4: AdidasWomen’s Fitness Cycling Shorts Aeroready

No. 5: TurnhierWomen's Cycling Shorts

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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