Finding the perfect pair of cycling shorts can make or break your ride. For women, comfort, fit, and durability are key factors when choosing the best shorts. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 women’s cycling shorts in black that promise ultimate comfort, no matter how long or tough your ride may be. From budget-friendly options to high-end picks, we’ve got you covered.
Key Takeaways
- Velocio Signature shorts offer great comfort with a unique 'comfort break' feature for easy pit stops.
- Rapha Core shorts are durable and comfortable, making them a great value for the price.
- Assos UMA GTV shorts are perfect for long rides, providing excellent support and comfort.
- Sugoi RS Pro Bib Shorts are known for their high performance and sleek design, ideal for serious cyclists.
- Sugoi Evolution Bib Shorts offer great comfort and quality at a more affordable price point.
Velocio Signature
The Velocio Signature Bib Shorts are a top choice for women seeking ultimate comfort and performance in black cycling shorts. These shorts are designed with a proprietary Signature Chamois developed in collaboration with Elastic Interface, ensuring exceptional support and comfort for endurance rides.
Key Features
- Sizes: XXS - XXXL
- Colors: Black, navy blue
- Chamois: Velocio proprietary Signature Chamois
- Easy pee design: Yes
Reasons to Buy
- Close body-hugging fit: The shorts offer a snug fit that moves with your body.
- Mesh bib for modesty: Provides coverage and breathability.
- FlyFree design for easy comfort breaks: Allows for quick and easy bathroom breaks without removing the jersey.
- Chamois is comfortable for long rides: Ideal for both short and long-distance cycling.
Reasons to Avoid
- Premium price range: These shorts are on the higher end of the price spectrum.
The Velocio Signature Bib Shorts are perfect for those who prioritize comfort and performance, making them a great investment for serious cyclists.
Specifications Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS - XXXL |
| Colors | Black, navy blue |
| Chamois | Velocio proprietary Signature Chamois |
| Easy pee design | Yes |
| Weight (medium size) | 150g |
| Fabric | Lightweight, breathable, odor control, UPF 50 |
| Leg Grippers | Secure without over-compressing |
The Velocio Signature Bib Shorts stand out for their understated design and minimal branding, making them stylish yet highly functional. The FlyFree design is a game-changer for women, allowing for easy bathroom breaks without the need to remove the jersey. The chamois provides excellent support, making these shorts suitable for both short and long rides. However, they do come at a premium price, which might be a consideration for some. Overall, these shorts are a top pick for those who value quality and performance in their cycling gear.
Rapha Core
The Rapha Women's Core Bib Shorts are designed for everyday use, offering a balance of comfort and durability. These shorts are made from a thick material that ensures they can withstand the rigors of daily commutes and mid-week rides. The dense dual-foam chamois provides excellent support, making them suitable for a few hours in the saddle.
Key Features
- Sizes: XXS - XL
- Colors: Black, navy, or burgundy shorts; white bibs
- Chamois: Dual density foam
- Easy-pee design: No
Reasons to Buy
- Robust enough for day-to-day wear
- Great fit and comfort
- Well contoured and flat seams
- Comfortable chamois
- Range of colors
Reasons to Avoid
- A little too heavyweight for warmer days
- No easy-pee system
The Core Collection from Rapha is designed for the everyday; less fancy, more rugged and more affordable than most of the Rapha range. The Women's Core Bib Shorts are a straightforward design and we found they were extremely comfortable; everything just does what it's supposed to.
Performance Ratings
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Comfort | 5/5 |
| Performance | 5/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 |
| Value | 5/5 |
The Core's material is quite thick, making them durable and able to handle the lack of care that comes with daily use. However, this thickness might be a bit much for warmer weather. The design of the bib section gives a snug feeling, which could be too much if you're riding in hotter conditions.
Assos UMA GTV
The Assos UMA GTV bib shorts are designed for long rides, offering a blend of comfort and performance. These shorts are available in sizes XS to XXL and come in classic black.
Key Features
- Comfort Break Design: The UMA GTV bib shorts feature a unique comfort break design with two magnetized clips at the lower back. This allows for easy and quick bathroom breaks without having to remove the entire bib.
- Chamois: The shorts include an Elastic Interface chamois with goldenGate technology, 3D Waffle Foam, and 9mm Superair Microshock. This combination provides excellent support and comfort for endurance rides.
- Fabric: The fabric offers moderate compression, making it suitable for long-distance cycling. It is also durable and well-made, ensuring longevity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comfortable for long rides
- Moderate compression
- Innovative comfort break design
- Durable fabric
Cons:
- Clasps may cause irritation during breaks
- Takes time to get used to the magnetized clips
Specifications Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS - XXL |
| Colors | Black |
| Chamois | Elastic Interface, goldenGate, 3D Waffle Foam |
| Comfort Break Design | Yes (Bisclick) |
The Assos UMA GTV bib shorts are a great choice for cyclists who prioritize comfort and functionality on long rides. The innovative comfort break design and high-quality chamois make these shorts stand out in the market.
Sugoi RS Pro Bib Short
The Sugoi RS Pro Bib Short is a top choice for cyclists seeking ultimate comfort and performance. These bib shorts are designed with high-quality, breathable fabric that ensures you stay cool and dry during long rides. The supportive chamois provides excellent padding, making it ideal for endurance rides.
Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Inseam Measurement | 21.6 cm / 8.5 in |
| Main Fabric | Firo (78% nylon, 22% spandex) |
| Number of Panels | 9 |
| Chamois | Formula FX |
Reasons to Buy
- High-quality, breathable fabric
- Supportive chamois for longer rides
- Easy bathroom breaks
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive
- Double-layered chamois can take getting used to
The Sugoi RS Pro Bib Short nearly outperformed all other shorts and bibs included in this review - and at a fraction of the cost.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit are crucial when choosing cycling shorts. The Sugoi RS Pro Bib Short excels in this area with its compressive and supportive design. The multi-panel construction contours to your body, ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit. The seamless edges reduce friction, preventing chafing during long rides.
Durability
Durability is another strong point of the Sugoi RS Pro Bib Short. The high-quality construction ensures that these bib shorts can withstand the rigors of frequent use. However, some users have noted minor wear and tear on the seams over time.
Style
While the Sugoi RS Pro Bib Short is primarily designed for performance, it doesn't compromise on style. The sleek, aerodynamic design makes you look fast and feel faster. However, the color options are limited, which might be a drawback for some.
In summary, the Sugoi RS Pro Bib Short is an excellent choice for cyclists who prioritize comfort, durability, and performance. Despite its higher price point, the quality and features make it a worthwhile investment for serious riders.
Sugoi Evolution Bib Short
The Sugoi Evolution Bib Short is a standout choice for cyclists seeking a balance of comfort, performance, and affordability. These bib shorts are designed with high-quality materials and thoughtful features that make them a favorite among riders.
Key Features
- Comfortable Fabric: The main fabric, Evoplus, is composed of 81% nylon and 19% spandex, providing a soft and stretchy feel.
- Soft Chamois: The RDC Pro chamois offers adequate padding for rides over two hours, ensuring a comfortable experience.
- Easy Bathroom Breaks: The design allows for simple and quick bathroom breaks, a crucial feature for long rides.
- Durability: With a high durability score, these bib shorts are built to last.
Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Inseam Measurement | 20.3 cm / 8 in |
| Main Fabric | Evoplus (81% nylon, 19% spandex) |
| Number of Panels | 8 |
| Chamois | RDC Pro |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very comfortable bib fabric
- Soft chamois
- Simple bathroom breaks
- High durability
Cons:
- Not the most padded
- Leg openings can be tight for some women
The Sugoi Evolution Bib Short combines technical design and high-quality materials, making it a top performer without breaking the bank. It's perfect for cyclists who need a reliable and comfortable option for long rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Velocio Signature shorts special?
Velocio Signature shorts are known for their comfort and fit. They have a comfortable chamois, a mesh panel at the front, and a unique 'comfort break' solution that makes pit stops easy.
Are Rapha Core shorts good for hot weather?
Rapha Core shorts are durable and comfortable, but they might be a bit warm on very hot days. They are made with thicker materials and lack a quick-stop design.
Why are Assos UMA GTV shorts best for long rides?
Assos UMA GTV shorts are designed for long rides with their high-quality padding and durable fabric. They provide excellent support and comfort for extended periods.
What is the main feature of Sugoi RS Pro Bib Short?
Sugoi RS Pro Bib Short is known for its fast and sleek design. It offers great comfort and support, making it ideal for serious cyclists.
How does Sugoi Evolution Bib Short compare in value?
Sugoi Evolution Bib Short offers great value for money. It combines comfort, durability, and affordability, making it a popular choice among cyclists.
What should I look for in women's cycling shorts?
Look for shorts that fit well, have padding in the right places, no irritating seams, and leg grippers that stay in place without over-squeezing. Breathability, wicking, and durability are also important.
Should I choose bib shorts or non-bib shorts?
Both styles have pros and cons. Bib shorts offer better support and comfort, while non-bib shorts are easier to put on and take off. It depends on your personal preference.
How do I ensure my cycling shorts last longer?
To make your cycling shorts last longer, follow the care instructions on the label. Wash them in cold water, avoid using fabric softeners, and let them air dry.