What to look out for when buying new cycling legwear [Buyer's Guide]

Do you spend a lot of time on your road bike, mountain bike or gravel bike, only to find that your backside starts complaining after an hour in the saddle? Trust us - it’s probably not your fitness level; it’s your legwear! A high-quality pair of cycling shorts is perhaps the most essential part of your entire kit. At Mantel, we want you to enjoy every ride with a smile, whether you’re heading out for a quick local loop or tackling an epic climb in the Alps. In this Buyer's Guide, we will walk you through the differences between men’s and women’s shorts, the quality of different chamois pads, and those clever details - like seamless bib straps - that make the difference between a good ride and a fantastic one. Whether you are looking for men's cycling shorts or women's cycling shorts, we are here to help you make the best choice.

Women's versus men's cycling shorts: How do they differ?

It might seem obvious, but there are some fundamental differences between cycling shorts designed for women and cycling shorts designed for men. And no, it’s not just about the colours or patterns. The most significant differences lie in the chamois (the padded insert) and the overall fit.

• Women’s cycling shorts: These are specifically designed for the female anatomy. Because women’s sit bones are generally spaced further apart than men's, the chamois in women's legwear is usually wider at the back. Also, the cut of the shorts is often shorter in the torso and slightly wider at the hips. Moreover, for women, many brands offer specific 'drop tail' (DT) straps, which make toilet breaks much easier without having to remove all your layers.

• Men’s cycling shorts: The chamois tends to be narrower with a different pressure distribution at the front. Furthermore, men’s legwear is almost always equipped with bib straps (i.e. bib shorts), whereas women have more variety in designs.

For the soigneurs who want to combine comfort and style, the Castelli Espresso bib shorts come highly recommended. The women’s version features the convenient drop-tail design. It is truly worth choosing a pair of shorts specifically engineered for your body; your backside will thank you!

Castelli Espresso 2

RRP 179,95

159,95

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Castelli Espresso 2 DT W

RRP 179,95

159,95

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Chamois quality: How long can you last?

Let’s be honest: your bike ride stands or falls on the chamois. The chamois is that soft pad in your shorts that absorbs shocks and prevents chafing. If you’re looking for cycling legwear with padding, at Mantel we distinguish between three categories. First up is the entry-level category: These chamois are perfect if you are new to cycling or if you spend a maximum of 1.5 to 2 hours on the bike. They offer excellent basic protection for shorter rides.

Do you often go on rides lasting 2 to 4 hours? Then the mid-range category is your best friend. These seat pads offer better cushioning and wick away moisture more quickly, preventing skin irritation. For the real long-distance riders who spend more than 4 hours in the saddle, we offer the top-of-the-range category. These are the flagship products from brands such as Assos and Castelli. These chamois consist of several layers of high-density foam in the areas where pressure is greatest. Our tip: Never wear underpants in cycling shorts! Underwear causes extra friction and sweat, which counteracts the effect of even the best padding.

Entry level

Rogelli Econ

30,95

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Rogelli Core W

49,95

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Medium level

Rapha Core

144,95

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Sportful Pulse W

99,95

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Top level

Assos Mille GT S11

159,95

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Assos Dyora R S11

199,95

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Comfort and style

In the past, cycling legwear was always black, but these days you can make a statement with it! We’re seeing cycling shorts in bold colours like olive green or deep blue becoming the norm. But it’s not just the colour that has changed; the technology behind the bib straps has also improved significantly. Don't like bib straps? Then you can opt for cycling shorts without them. This way, you will not be bothered by straps around your shoulders and back, and shorts often have a tighter waistband that keeps them securely in place, although they will never be as stable as bib shorts.

If you want your shorts and chamois to stay perfectly in place at all times, bib straps are the solution. There are classic bib straps with flat seams, which are sturdy and functional. Do you want more comfort? Then go for seamless bib straps. These are cut from a single piece of fabric and feel like a second skin - you will almost forget you’re wearing them. For hot summer days, there are seamless mesh bib straps. These have an open structure that helps keep your upper body cool. Whether you choose women’s bib shorts or a men’s model, the right bib straps prevent the chamois from moving around while cycling.

Men's cycling legwear in all colours

21Virages Ventoux

RRP 89,95

From 84,95

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GripGrab PACR

129,95

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Castelli Free Aero Race S Kit

RRP 219,95

199,95

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Men's cycling shorts (without bib straps)

21Virages Izoard

39,95

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Rogelli Core

RRP 39,95

36,95

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Rapha Core

119,95

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Women's cycling legwear in all colours

Sportful SRK W

RRP 119,95

From 96,95

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GripGrab PACR W

129,95

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Castelli Premio Evo DT W

289,95

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Women's cycling shorts (without bib straps)

21Virages Marie Blanque

39,95

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GripGrab RIDE W

89,95

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Castelli Espresso 2 W

159,95

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Leg ends: from silicone grippers to raw-cut finishes

You may well have experienced it: shorts' legs that ride up or are so tight that your legs look like a meatloaf. The finish of the leg ends of a cycling short is crucial for your comfort. The simplest version is the silicone band - effective, but it can be a bit tight and/or start to dry out after frequent use. An elastic band is wider and often more comfortable but may offer slightly less grip. The non-slip elastic band combines the best of both worlds: comfort as well as grip.

For road cyclists seeking ultimate comfort, there’s the raw-cut (or laser-cut) finish. This eliminates any stitching at the ends of the legs, which not only looks super sleek but also prevents irritation from seams. The fanciest option is raw-cut with non-slip for a seamless fabric-to-skin transition with perfect grip. And what about winter? With long cycling tights, you can choose between models with zips at the leg ends that make the tights easy to put on and take off, or zip-free models that enhance the tights' sleek, aerodynamic fit.

Good padding is only half the battle: the saddle measurement

Did you know that even the best (bib) shorts cannot save you if you’re sitting on the wrong saddle? It’s a golden duo: the chamois in your shorts and the saddle on your bike. If those two do not work well together, you will still end up with saddle soreness. Because everyone has a different sit-bone width, finding the right saddle can be quite a puzzle. But don't worry, we won't leave you out in the cold (or in pain)!

In our Mantel Superstores in Arnhem, Den Bosch, Rotterdam and Utrecht, we perform professional saddle measurements. Using a special pressure plate, we will measure the exact distance between your sit bones. We will also look at your flexibility and sitting position while cycling. This way, we will be 100% sure which saddle fits your body perfectly. After all, only when that foundation is right can you get the most out of your new cycling shorts. And that is how we can help you get what you need for a comfortable ride!

Conclusion

Buying the right cycling legwear is an investment in your own cycling enjoyment. Whether you’re a leisure cyclist or a competitive racer, the details make all the difference. When making your choice, pay close attention to a chamois quality that suits your rides, the type of bib straps for optimal comfort, and a leg finish that is not too tight. Also, remember that your saddle is the foundation of your comfort; a saddle measurement in one of our Superstores can work wonders. Still unsure about the size or the type of padding? Then pop by and see us in Arnhem, Den Bosch, Rotterdam or Utrecht. Our expert staff will be happy to help so you can succeed in one go and get back to clocking up those kilometres comfortably and carefree!