Best Spinning Shorts For A Longer And More Enjoyable Ride
When going for a ride on a bike, whether inside or outside, it can be important to be equipped with the right gear in order to maximize the comfort on the ride. After all, if you are comfortable on the bike, then it is easier to continue with the workout. Longer workouts makes for a more healthy body, which is always a good thing. What can be one of the most important pieces of equipment that one can get for these rides? Pants of course! Or more specifically, shorts.
We’ve looked through the various cycling shorts that are available on the market in order to sift out the best and brightest (sometimes literally) of these riding shorts. Because these shorts are different based on sex, unlike our usual lists we have divided this one into two halves: a top list for the women and a top list for the men.
Of course, there are a variety of factors that play into our rankings for these shorts. We will be going over these rankings in our buyer’s guide after the men’s list. Then we shall look at some of the most frequently asked questions about these shorts or cycling in general before wrapping up. With all of that out of the way, let’s sit down and take a look at our list of the best shorts for spinning workouts!
Best Spinning Short To Buy For Your Home Workout
PEARL IZUMI Women’s Elite Pursuit Shorts
Coming up first on our list of the best indoor cycling shorts for women are the PEARL IZUMI Elite Pursuit Shorts. These are great shorts for just about every rider out there because she will be able to go on short, long and medium-length rides with no difficulty at all. With the well-made six-panel design, the wide waistband and the longer length, these shorts will fit like a glove on just about any rider who wants them (provided they get the right size, which is usually true for all clothing). The durability of the shorts is also quite impressive, with a warranty policy that will match any possible tear.
Pearl Izumi offers a lifetime guarantee on their shorts for anything other than road rash. This is extremely impressive and should be commended. These shorts also come in a variety of colours other than the basic black, lending a bonus to their style points. The only possible weakness is their chamois, which tends to bunch awkwardly during longer rides.
Additional Information:
The PEARL IZUMI Elite Pursuit shorts come in sizes ranging from extra small to double extra large. They do run small. The main fabric is made of 66% nylon, 34% elastane. It has 6 panels and the inseam measures at 9 inches. As mentioned, they come with an extremely generous warranty that covers them under all circumstances bar road rash.
The Pros:
A fantastic pair of shorts that will hold up under intense circumstances. Durable and covered by an excellent warranty if they do break, the Elite Pursuit shorts are a very fine pair for cyclists.
The Cons:
The chamois does have a tendency to bunch on the rides longer than two hours. They might also be a tad expensive for some, with prices ranging from $60-$120.
Louis Garneau Women’s Fit Sensor 5.5 Bike Shorts
The Louis Garneau Women’s Fit Sensor 5.5 Bike Shorts come second on our list, and for good reason. These are excellent entry-level cycling shorts for just about any woman who owns an indoor spin bike. They are made with a double-face construction polyester that is resistant to abrasion and designed to manage moisture and help regulate body heat.
The chamois that comes with the Fit Sensor 5.5 shorts is Airzone 2. While that might not mean anything to many people, all we can say is that it most certainly is a solid one. It does come in pieces, which is a bit inconvenient, but overall it is still comfortable.
The cuffs on the thighs also reduce pressure on the lower leg without affecting circulation, avoiding the dreaded “sausage legs.” There is also plenty of padding in the hind area to make sure that you can be comfortable on any spin bike so long as it isn’t going for a crazy distance workout. They aren’t the flashiest shorts in the world, only coming in black and dark blue.
Additional Information:
These shorts come in sizes ranging from small to double extra-large. Their fabric is made up of a Fit Sensor. The inseam is (as the name implies) at 5.5 inches. There is a 30-day full refund warranty on these shorts. Unfortunately, this warranty is pretty bad if it is from Garneau themselves, as the shorts must be unworn and unwashed with original tags and packaging.
The Pros:
Excellent entry-level shorts that are adaptable and comfortable for all but the more intense rides. The chamois is comfortable, the legs adaptable and the shorts breathable.
The Cons:
The price might be a concern for some at $99. The sizes are also a tad hard to figure out, so it might take a bit of guesswork if ordering online. Combine that with the not great warranty and you might have a bad mix.
BALEAF Women’s Bike Shorts
Our next shorts on the list are the BALEAF Women’s Bike Shorts. These are lower priced shorts that still serve their rider well. They come with a 3D gel padded chamois, which serves their purpose. It certainly isn’t the highest quality chamois that is out there or shall ever be experienced, but they still ensure a comfortable ride. The BALEAF shorts are made from high-stretch properties fabric that also features silicone grippers in the hems, holding them in place to stop any risk of slipping or moving.
A cool little feature that separates these shorts from many other cyclist shorts and pushes them more towards the world of regular shorts is that they come with hidden pockets. They aren’t exactly the shorts that you want to go for if you want flashy colors. These come in black, and black only. No rainbows here. As we mentioned at the start, the price is the major draw for these shorts. At around $30, it really is one of the cheaper options on this list.
Additional Information:
These shorts come in size ranges from small to double extra-large. The fabric is made up of 80% Nylon and 20% Spandex. We were unable to find any information on a warranty for these shorts. BALEAF has a chart on their website to determine the inseam length for the various sizes.
The Pros:
A cheaper pair of shorts that perform well on spin bikes. They are durable, comfortable and flexible. They’ve got pockets for those who want to use those.
The Cons:
There are no other colors than black. They also don’t do anything particularly special. Just normal shorts.
Beroy Women’s Bike Shorts
The Beroy Women’s Bike Shorts are both stylish and good at what they do. These shorts come with a blend of polyester and spandex in order to provide a comfortable feel while also fitting well. Speaking of fitting, they offer a range of small to triple extra-large for the sizes, so they are available to pretty much everyone under the sun who is interested in cycling. The chamois in these shorts are excellent, as they come with a 3D padded gel that feels airy and light. This makes it more suitable for those who want longer rides on their spin bikes.
The shorts feature a non-slip band on the hem bars the shorts from gliding upwards when biking. The fashion is also upped on these black shorts, with stripes coming in pink, blue, white purple, colorful, red, and sky blue. One of the only problems that we have found with these shorts is the fitting. There have been reports that the sizes just seem to fit differently, being just too small or tight of a fit for those who would otherwise fit comfortably. For a similarly cheap price as the BALEAF shorts, these are an excellent choice of shorts.
Additional Information:
The Beroy shorts come in a range of small to triple extra-large. The fabric is made up of 80% polyester and 20% spandex. We were unable to find any information about a warranty for these shorts.
The Pros:
Comfortable material and well-padded chamois makes this a very good pair of spin cycling shorts. The cheap price only raises that value.
The Cons:
The size scale seems to be the most common complaint, as many who expected the shorts to fit them have found that is not the case.
NOOYME Women’s Bike Shorts
The NOOYME Women’s Bike Shorts are shorts that are primarily aimed at an audience of more amateur riders who suffer from soreness while they work out on their spin bikes. This intention affects just about every aspect of the design, with the fabric being specially constructed with smooth flatlock seams for softness next to the skin and easy stretchability.
The chamois is padded and made to be both breathable and antibacterial at the same time. Its two-part spandex leg band and soft silicone grippers hold the legs in place comfortably, allowing you to really get going while cycling. The waistband of the NOOYME shorts most certainly won’t move on you, but this can also be considered a weakness. It cannot be adjusted, so if it is too tight, then there is nothing that can really be done about it.
For those looking into the style, these shorts come in black, but like the Beroy shorts, they have a variety of colors such as stripes down the side of the leg. Rose, violet, sunset orange, blue, turquoise and others can all give it just a bit more of the flair that some might want from their shorts. Again, these are a cheaper pair, ranging around $20-$30 depending on where you get them.
Additional Information:
The shorts range in size from small to triple extra-large. The fabric is made up of 80% Polyamide and 20% spandex. We were unable to find information on a warranty, though NOOYME does claim that if there is a problem to contact them and they will see what can be done. They also seem to run small.
The Pros:
A solid pair of shorts for those who are just getting into cycling or who want a cheaper pair to just get them some OK shorts for their regular rides. They have a nice selection of colors.
The Cons:
The waistband cannot be adjusted, which might be annoying to some. There have also been complaints of the padding being too far back, giving the feeling of wearing a diaper.
Louis Garneau Men’s Fit Sensor 2 Bike Shorts
Switching over to our list of the best men’s shorts for spin cycling, we come upon our first choice: the Louis Garneau Men’s Fit Sensor 2 Bike Shorts. These shorts are designed to be both comfortable and to help your body regulate internal temperatures when the external temperatures are moderate.
It is actually quite an impressive feat, the way that they have gone about this. Like the women’s pair, the chamois of these shorts is the Airzone 2, which features a smooth transition from pad to fabric to eliminate pinching and chafing. These shorts also contain a 10-panel design, which makes the shorts move and flow with whatever body shape or movement the wearer might have or do.
They also incorporate power bands at the cuffs to keep the shorts in place. For those looking for some flash and color, they won’t find any besides a smooth black here. The shorts are also a little pricey for entry-level shorts at $80, but that price is justified by the quality.
Additional Information:
The LG Sensor 2’s come in sizes ranging from extra small to extra large. The fabric is made from Louis Garner’s special Fit Sensor fabric, which has a double layer of nylon and polyester. The same bad warranty from the women’s shorts remains.
The Pros:
An extremely high-quality pair of entry-level shorts. For those looking to get some of the most comfortable and most durable shorts available for men.
The Cons:
They are pricey and have a poor warranty. There have also been complaints about incorrect sizing, but these appear to be in the minority.
PEARL IZUMI Men’s Pro Escape Shorts
The PEARL IZUMI Men’s Pro Escape Shorts are certainly nothing to escape from. They are quality shorts that can be used for both intense and casual workouts on any spin bike you can imagine. They are cut in Form-Fit fashion, so it sits close to the body and engages stretching and compression. The 7-panel design that PEARL IZUMI has opted for is used to minimize seaming to the body.
In terms of the chamois, it uses a floating top sheet design in order to provide maximum comfort for the wearer. They are designed in a durable way, so that they can handle everyday use by even the most athletic of cyclists. For looking for some style in their shorts, they come in a more varied amount of colours than the Sensor 2’s, though it isn’t exactly a rainbow. There’s the classic black, navy, and black with yellow stripes on the legs.
One of the biggest issues with these shorts is the price. At the time of writing, they were discounted and cost $112 on PEARL IZUMI’s website. Normally, they come at a price of $150. For that sort of price, one wonders if the shorts should get up and serve them coffee in the morning as well as doing their normal duty.
Additional Information:
These shorts come in a range of sizes from small to double extra-large. Their material is made up of 46% nylon, 38% polyester and 16% Lycra. They come with a rather nice lifetime warranty. The inseam on a medium-sized pair measures at 9.5 inches.
The Pros:
A quality pair of shorts that are comfortable and do exactly what is promised. They come with a lifetime warranty that will allow anything that goes wrong to get them back.
The Cons:
The price is the biggest issue here. As said, one might expect them to do much more than they actually do for such a tall ask of money.
BALEAF Men’s Cycling Shorts
BALEAF holds both number 3 positions on our lists, remaining an extremely solid choice for cyclists of both sexes. These shorts act like underwear for the rider, being easily coverable for any cyclist who would prefer to wear something over top.
The fabric wicks away moisture, allowing riders to keep both dry and cool while they continue their workout. The 3D gel chamois alleviates saddle discomfort and pressure points on long rides. These longer rides aren’t that long in the grand scheme of things, however. They still feel a bit short.
These shorts come with the option of having pockets or not, as well as having a variety of color stripes down the sides. In terms of price, these shorts remain cheap at around $30, making them a good choice for most cyclists.
Additional Information:
The sizes range from small to double extra-large. The material is 80% Polyester, 20% Spandex. We were unable to find any information about the warranty.
The Pros:
A solid pair of shorts that do what is promised. They are comfortable and durable for regular usage by all skill levels. Affordable too.
The Cons:
They do seem to have a common complaint of incorrect sizing. They seem to commonly run large. They aren’t great for overly long rides either.
Sponeed Men’s Cycling Shorts
The Sponeed Men’s Cycling Shorts are a pleasant surprise for anyone who is looking for a quality pair of cheap cycling shorts. They are made of polyester and spandex, lycra and nylon. That design offers unrestricted movement on the bike with the added benefit of a chamois for comfort. The chamois is well designed and keeps the shorts from bunching up.
With a 6-panel anatomic design, these shorts allow for a workout that is chafe-free. Those who are looking for color will find a nice variety with these shorts, but not an overly extensive selection. It is a bit difficult to figure out what sorts of other features that the Sponeed shorts come with, as both on their site and on Amazon, the descriptions are in somewhat broken English.
The reviews speak for it, with many verified buyers shouting from the rooftops about how good these shorts are. For the price, we’re going to agree with their quality.
Additional Information:
The shorts come in sizes ranging from small to triple extra-large. The material is 80% Polyester and 20% Spandex lycra. They offer a similar warranty to Louis Garneau, a 30 days guarantee of a refund.
The Pros:
A solid pair of shorts for a cheap price. They are comfortable and will not chafe while working out.
The Cons:
The long-term durability is not completely determined. The warranty is also extremely limited. The sizing is also based on Asian standards, so for those in the US, ordering one size larger is a good bet.
Sportneer 4D Men’s Cycling Shorts
Finally, we have the Sportneer 4D Men’s Cycling Shorts. These are for those on a tight budget and will do their job accordingly. You still get quality for the price, as they are fitted with 3 layers of sponge cushioning for maximum comfort. The silicone gripper offers a stay-put fit for those who want freedom on the spin bike.
They come with grid ventilation on both sides of the thigh, allowing for more ventilation. In a similar fashion, the breather material keeps the seat dry even during strenuous exercise. Not to mention, for those who might want to wear them outside on a night ride, they come with a highly visible reflector on the logo that makes it much safer.
Being made of 82% Nylon and 18% Spandex blend it allows for moisture transfer to keep you dry and chafe-free. For the extremely cheap price of $20, these are the shorts that those that don’t want to drop more than is necessary on this type of equipment.
Additional Information:
These shorts come in a range of small to double extra large. Their material is made up of 82% Nylon and 18% Spandex. You can return it to Sportneer within 30 days of receipt for a full refund.
The Pros:
The price is the cheapest on this list. But you also get comfort alongside that price.
The Cons:
These aren’t made for longer rides than maybe 1-2 hours. Meant for beginner cyclists and perhaps those going to classes.
Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Spinning Shorts For You
There you have it. Our list of the top shorts for spin bike workouts, some of the most appreciated gifts for indoor cyclists as well as a great gift idea for mountain bikers. Now we’re going to go over how we chose these shorts and some of the aspects that you should look out for on your hunt for these pieces of clothing.
- The chamois. Perhaps the most important part of these shorts, this is where the padding that differentiates them from normal compression shorts comes into play. These keep the crotch area from chafing and can make the difference between a good pair of shorts and a bad one.
- The fit. This can refer to multiple aspects. How does the size match your body? How do the grippers keep the shorts from rolling up? How does the waistband adjust? Basically, if a pair of shorts don’t fit, then regardless of the material, it won’t be comfortable.
- The material. Many shorts use a combination of nylon and spandex, but some differentiate from this formula. These materials are usually quite comfortable, but it is worth investigating whether or not they will be the type of fiber you want to be wearing.
FAQs
Q: What do bike shorts do?
A: Bike shorts basically allow the wearer to simply be more comfortable when riding on a bike, regardless of what type. This is due to their design, which targets pressure points and seeks to lessen the pressure from the bike seat. Especially on budget spin bikes, you might find seats that are not too comfortable, so along with buying one of the best seats for spin bikes, wearing the right shorts will help a great deal.
Q: What’s the difference between men’s and women’s shorts?
A: Besides the difference in sizes between the two of them, the main difference between these types of shorts are the chamois in each. Due to the anatomical differences between men and women, the chamois in each target different pressure points.
Q: What do panels in the shorts do?
A: The panels determine how well the shorts move with the body. Generally, the more panels there are, the more flexible and comfortable the shorts are. However, this is not always true and depending on the shorts, those with fewer panels can work just as well as those more expensive shorts with tons of panels.
That concludes our list of the best shorts for spin bikes and the workouts on them. As always, this guide is not a holy tome, and one should do their own research as to which product would fit them best. Now hop into those shorts and get cycling!