Shorts & 3/4s

Not everyone wants to wear lycra, and these baggies from Outeredge have a neutral style that's fine for the commute, the towpath or the MTB trails, The captive liner limits their appeal a bit but they're surprisingly comfy on the bike and nice and light for Summer riding.

New for 2009, these 3/4 length versions of Endura's well respected FS-260 bibshorts will give you the extra warmth you need when the temperature drops. They're not full on winter gear but great for cooler conditions and early starts.

These shorts from DHB’s new high-end range justify their relatively weighty price tag with an impressive performance.

Their best feature is the seat pad from Cytec. It’s contoured, made from four different types of foam in different densities to keep the bulk down and the comfort high, and it’s stretchy enough in all directions to stay in contact with your skin as you move. It’s also soft and very breathable. We stayed perfectly happy in the saddle throughout our regular all-day ride so we have no complaints at all on that front.

Endura's Hummvees have been around for ages and the latest incarnation is every bit as good as its predecessors. They're not perfect, but for a general purpose commuting/leisure/MTB short they're pretty hard to beat.

Three quarter leggings are an essential part of any cyclist’s wardrobe. They’re for those not-quite-winter and almost-summer moments where you really would feel the cold if you put your shorts on!

The fabric is thick and the seams reassuringly robust. The inner padding is encased in a bright pink lining, reminding wearers that this product is quite clearly for the ladies.

Bontrager’s RXL short is an upper mid range short aimed at the enthusiast road rider and represents a considerable improvement over cheaper eight panel designs. The fitted design incorporates Contra, Profil and micromesh fabrics to offer an unrestrictive, contoured fit and from the outset feels a notable improvement over traditional full Lycra. However, their muscle fatigue prevention properties sound little more than clever marketing.

Need longs but don’t want tights? Seeking the mid-price option? Then look no further than Revolution’s pursuit. Made by Endura, these shorts bridge the gap between summer wear and winter training tights.

The substantial CoolMax insert provides ample support and has good wicking properties, keeping the crotch area drier and therefore less prone to bacterial infection. Seamless, eight-panel Nylon/Polyester/Lycra construction scores further points, maximising mobility while the high back protects against early season chill.