Cycling Shorts & Bib Shorts
Cycling shorts and bib shorts for road and gravel riding, each with a chamois built for long hours in the saddle. Our LTD and Elite shorts are made from Italian fabrics. Below you will find which type of shorts suits you, how our chamois differ, what to wear from summer to winter and answers to common questions.
Bib shorts, waist shorts or high-rise shorts?
All three hold a chamois in place. The difference is how they stay up and how they feel in the riding position.
| Type | How it stays in place | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Bib shorts | Mesh straps over the shoulders, no waistband | Long rides and a low position on the road or TT bike |
| Cycling shorts | A waistband instead of straps | Shorter rides, and riders who do not like straps |
| High-rise shorts (women) | A high, wide waistband that stays put when you lean forward | Long rides with quick comfort stops |
| Bib tights | Bib straps and full-length legs with a warm inner fabric | Cold days and winter training |
Men's and women's models differ in cut and in the shape of the chamois. You will find them on the pages for men's cycling shorts and women's cycling shorts.
Which chamois do you need?
The chamois decides how comfortable the third and fourth hour feel. We use three chamois, each shaped separately for men and women.
| Chamois | Models | Built for |
|---|---|---|
| Core multi-density chamois | Core Cycle Bib and Core Cycle Short | Regular training in a more relaxed fit |
| TMF multi-density with carbon fabric | LTD Cycle Bib, LTD Exos Bib and cargo bibs | Rides of up to 8+ hours on the road or TT bike |
| PRO CARBON | Elite Cycle Bib and Short, LTD Seamless Bib and Short | Our most advanced chamois: carbon-infused to reduce the heat build-up that leads to chafing |
From summer to winter
- Summer: bib shorts or shorts made from fabric with UPF 50+ sun protection. On hot days, a mesh bib upper lets heat escape.
- Cool days: the Elite Cycle Thermo Bib has brushed-back Gavia fleece on the legs and a fleeced bib upper. Combine it with knee or leg warmers.
- Winter: the Elite Hallocore Thermal Bib Tight with Hallocore fleece, a water-repellent DWR outer layer for light rain, reflective details and a carbon chamois for rides over five hours.
- Gravel: our cargo bibs have a pocket on each leg and a mesh pocket on the bib upper for food and tools. More for mixed terrain is in our gravel clothing.
How cycling shorts should fit
- The chamois sits flat under your sit bones without creasing. If it moves when you pedal, the shorts are too big.
- Leg grippers hold the hem without cutting in. Our Elite and Seamless models use laser-cut leg openings with silicone grippers, the LTD models a 70 mm wide Italian gripper.
- Zoot shorts are cut race fit. If you are between two sizes or want less compression, choose the next size up.
FAQ
Why are cycling shorts so tight?
A close fit keeps the chamois exactly where you sit and stops fabric from rubbing. Loose shorts move with every pedal stroke, and that movement causes chafing over long distances.
Do I need special shorts for gravel?
Not necessarily: the chamois is the same. Cargo bibs help on long gravel rides because you can carry food and spares in the leg pockets instead of only in your jersey.
Can I wear cycling shorts on an indoor trainer?
Yes, and they make a big difference there. On a trainer you move less in the saddle, so pressure stays on the same spots. A good chamois spreads that pressure.
