Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Commuter shorts recommendation please

I've now taken delivery of a bike to use for trips to the office (12km distance 200m elevation each way) plus general errands. I'm really happy with it, mudguards, lights, rack, panniers, motor, etc ticks load of boxes and have done an after work dry run to test it. All good so far.

The whole point is so I can leave my van at home and wear "normal" clothes (actually very casual at my place) and not change shoes, shorts, top etc when I get there. 

Does anyone have any experience of decent non-padded technical shorts that work for this use case? For example, quick drying, no chafing, don't look bike specific.

From reviews here on road.cc I'm looking at Rapha and/or Specialized, but before pulling the pin, wondering what else anyone swears by, or at least quite likes?

Cheers and TIA...

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

Add new comment

8 comments

Avatar
AndyH01 | 1 year ago
1 like

I have similar distance commute , work as a postie so again I could wear same kit cycling as for work and a lot of my colleagues cycle in their uniforms. I have one pair of cheap fdx bib shorts that I'm looking to replace and can't decide whether to go baggy casual or stick with cycle specific bibs and just quickly change at work
My current short list includes the Endura Hunnvies also available in 3/4 length non rip nylon and for £50 include the removal inner padded liner shorts . The advantages being if I don't like/get on with the pad it can be removed and if I do like , I can get a couple extra liner. The only downside I can see is going back to waist shorts and getting rain running down versus bibs ... Along with any movement between the two layers (inner liner pad and shorts) and baggies riding up

Avatar
HoarseMann | 1 year ago
2 likes

Any sort of chino shorts tend to work well if they're an elastaine/cotton mix, it doesn't have to be a technical fabric.

If the bike is fairly upright and has a big padded saddle, then normal clothes work (although I'd steer clear of any expensive high-fashion items!).

As for quick drying, I just try not to get wet. I've a poncho that is always in my pannier bag ready to go at the slightest hint of rain.

Avatar
mark1a | 1 year ago
0 likes

Thanks everyone so far, some things to look at there. 

Avatar
Paul J | 1 year ago
0 likes

Vulpine.cc have shorts with diamond gussets - i.e., without a central seam. Which makes quite a difference.

They are a tightish cut though, probably want to size up if you want a looser fit.

Avatar
jaymack | 1 year ago
0 likes

Alpkit.com for a pair of their Strada shorts. They're fabulous and not too pricey. They do MTB baggies as well but I've not tried those

Avatar
momove | 1 year ago
0 likes

I've got a pair of Madison baggy shorts, that are good to ride in, but also just a good all round pair of shorts. They were a gift, so not sure of the exact model, but from their site I think they're the Madison Roam stretch shorts. They're my go-to shorts for summer, whether I'm cycling or not. Highly recommend.

Avatar
Steve K | 1 year ago
0 likes

I have two pairs of these - they are great https://sigr.cc/collections/sale-chinos-chino-shorts 

Avatar
David9694 replied to Steve K | 1 year ago
1 like

Christmas List 2023 unlocked. New favourite added. 

Latest Comments