Tune into any professional level cycling race and the elite peloton will exclusively favour a bib cycling short. By omitting a waistband in place of the shoulder straps that hoist them up, they’re preferred because they remove any discomfort around the midsection as you ride. If you’re serious about your cycling, they’re well worth considering the slightly heightened investment. Consider, though, that just as a jumpsuit on a night out makes having a wee an ordeal, they’re that bit less in keeping with your regular get-up, so the compromise is that they’re not the most convenient for that seamless transition from commute to desk. How much should I pay for a pair of men’s cycling shorts? Lycra may look a little unflattering and revealing, and feel like you’re wearing nothing at all, but it is superb at staying in place when exercising, no matter how much how move your arms and legs.

Rapha's Technical Trousers really are a do-it-all piece of kit, ideal for the urban rider. Rapha describes these as 'a pair of hard-wearing trousers for riding around town, commuting and travelling', and calls the fit 'slim', but I'd say they're closer to the relaxed end of the slim spectrum, which makes for more comfortable riding. They're a progression from Rapha's (now defunct) Randonnee trousers, and feature the same style waist, cut higher than a standard pair of trousers so that there's no unsightly gap when you're leaning forward on the bike. It’s always possible you’ll wear your shorts in the dark. It might be a balmy summer’s night, or maybe you’ll pair them with leg warmers for cooler night-time commutes. Either way, reflective details help you stay visible to motorists. Commuter Shorts FAQs Reflective logos give you a bit more visibility on a dark commute. 8. Pearl Izumi Men’s Escape Quest Shorts (best lycra waist shorts) Pin

They get a very useful durable water repellent coating. This allows the shorts to be used in damp conditions where they’re more than capable of protecting you from spray. They've held up without issue after a bunch of washes too." One potential benefit with these undershorts is a saving in money, as you can buy several pairs of these rather than multiple pairs of bike shorts with built-in pads.

But before we get going, a few tips to make sure you don’t compromise your comfort just to look trendy. First off, don’t bother with tight clothing that can’t stretch much – it will feel stiff at a time when you really need that flexibility.As the seasons change, adjust your base layer to match. You can buy vests, short and long sleeves versions. They also come in a variety of weights and even with windproof panels to keep you toasty. Spring essentials: what to wear for bike commuting Whether you’re commuting in training mode or just rolling into work, our choice of best commuter bike shorts has you covered.