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Best Cycling Pants
Finding the perfect pair of quality pants might seem a bit overwhelming, but not to worry, that is why we are here. We have researched the best cycling pants on the market to ensure that you have a good base when selecting pants to hit the roads or Tour de France with. Check out our list below.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
When you’re searching around for the best pants, you’ll want to take a look at the material. Since pants for cycling are made to be worn when the weather is at its worst, you’ll want to make sure you get enough weather protection designed into the materials. So, you want to make sure you get something that can keep you warm and dry, as well as providing plenty of ventilation so that you don’t overheat or wind up sitting in your sweat as you ride.
The material becomes essential with these types of pants to help with both weather protection as well as ventilation, and sometimes, this can be a bit of a balancing act. So, you need to make sure that the pants for cycling you decide upon are both waterproof and breathable. Many styles of waterproof pants for cycling are made to be worn over cycling tights or regular pants, and that means you can wind up sweating a lot if you are wearing layers. That’s why you need some ventilation.
If your pants don’t breathe, then your legs will wind up getting soaked with sweat as you ride, which can be a very miserable experience when the weather outside is freezing. That’s certainly an issue you’ll want to avoid. The best materials used in pants for cycling will help keep the rain from coming into the interior while pushing water vapor from your perspiration out of the interior of the pants. That means the best pants for cycling are made from materials that offer you plenty of weather protection as well as ventilation.
You want to make sure your pants have some pores in the fabric for ventilation, so that water vapor can escape that way, but are also not so large that rain can trickle into the interior of the pants. Again, if you wind up with pants that can’t keep the rain out, you’re likely to get soaked with a lot of cold rain, and that can be another miserable experience for you. In addition, you can check our guide on the best rain boots.
Water Resistance
Gore-Tex waterproofing offers you some of the best technology to help your pants keep both the wind and rain out while you are on your bike. Invented in 1978 by the W.L. Gore Corporation, this waterproofing method is considered the best on the market, and it’s also more expensive than most other waterproofing techniques used to make pants good at protecting your legs from the weather.
Gore-Tex fabrics give you a fully waterproof type of pants, and many other brands have attempted to create generic versions of this waterproofing technology.
Gore-Tex technology is known to make outdoor garments both breathable and waterproof. While Gore-Tex is not the only company known to do offer great weather protection for outdoor wear, they are the best-known manufacturer, and their brand ensures that the pants you purchase are waterproof, and not just water-resistant.
Fit
Fit is going to be an important thing to consider when you select your pants for cycling. You may wind up layering underneath your pants, so you need to have something that is baggy and offers a relaxed fit. You’re probably used to your clothes being form-fitting when you hit your bike, but usually, these pants themselves have to fit a bit baggier since they are made to help you layer.
We’ve noted what elements of the fit were like for each one of our products, and exactly how the pants fit. Along with fit, we also mentioned the pants that offered the most comfortable feel and even had things like drawcord to help adjust the fit of your pants. Make sure you search around for pants that offer you the ability to easily adjust them, so you always get the best fit.
Also, since the fit can be hard to determine and a matter of personal preference, it’s almost always better to go to the store and try your pants on before you decide on them. That way, you’ll know you like the fit, and you’ll be able to pick the pants that are most comfortable for you.
After all, if they don’t fit right, you’ll probably never enjoy wearing them, stop using them, and then you’ll wind up wasting your money. So, make sure you take a bit of your time to determine the best fit for you, and that way you’ll always feel comfortable when you ride your bike.
Features
When we reviewed each one of the products on our list above, we also covered the essential features that each style of pants offered you. Features on each style of pants vary quite a bit from brand to brand, but there are two important features you’ll want to consider. First, make sure your pants for cycling are seam-sealed, and second, also check to make sure your pants are easy to get on and off. Other than that, we focused on features that offer conveniences, such as pockets or reflectiveness (click here for a list of reflective jackets). Pockets are always a useful feature, even if the pocket only boasts enough space for a twenty-dollar bill.
The holes from any sewing are sealed with either a fully taped or critically taped approach. If you are in a need of a good sewing kit check this guide. If the pants are fully taped, then you’ll see that each seam that’s on the pants is taped and sealed, and this offers a lot of weather protection.
If pants are critically taped only, then you’ll only see the seams taped in areas that are more prone to weather exposure. If you need full water and wind protection in your pants, then you’ll want to focus on getting a pair of pants that are fully taped, and that will prevent any cold air or water from getting into the seam areas. If you live in a very moist climate, then fully taped seams are a must-have to keep you feeling comfortable and warm when you venture outdoors on your bike.
Also, if your pants are too wide at the bottom part of the leg, they might even catch in your chain, and that can create further problems. To make sure you get pants that offer you quality design, make sure you can get them on and off easily and look for the velcro or zippers at the ankles and bottom of the pants legs.
Value
Value is another essential factor to consider when you are purchasing a good pair of pants for cycling. You’ll want to get the most for your money, so we’ve noted the value of each pair of pants we reviewed. Some pants on our list are more expensive than others, and in many cases, that has to do with the durability of the pants and how long they last.
So, if you have the money to invest, you can probably make it go further by purchasing pants that are very durable. If you aren’t able to afford pants that are a bit more expensive and more durable, then we’ve also listed plenty of affordable options that can still work well if you are shopping on a budget.
Typically, when you are getting more affordable pants, you’ll be giving up some weather protection features and durability. So, if you are okay with taking that step and do need to save money, then you can still get a decent pair of pants on a budget. We’ve covered some pants options that are incredibly affordable, so you should be able to make the best choice for yourself.
Top Ten Cycling Pants
1. Gore Bike Wear
Gore Bike Wear’s Pants are made to give you ample amounts of weather protection while you are on the go. They are also lightweight and designed to provide a lot of comforts whenever you are busy on your bike.
Read moreMaterials
These machine-washable pants are a great blend of comfort and function. On the exterior and the interior lining, you'll find 100% Polyester. To ensure durability and weather resistance, the exterior features Gore-Tex active dry technology.
Water Resistance
They are made to be both waterproof and breathable; these pants feature 2.5 layers of weather protection. You’ll get 100% polyester pants designed with a Gore-Tex membrane, and the stitches are fully seam-sealed.
Fit
These cycling pants are designed to be lightweight and include an active shell. They are designed to be flexible and won’t restrict your movement. They are not tight, nor flared, and are suitable for year-round use.
Features
You get a lot of freedom to move with these pants and water-resistant seat enforcement. The knees in these pants are reinforced, and you also get Velcro straps so you can better adjust the fit. They are comfortable enough wear without a base layer, but also loose enough to fit comfortably over shorts or insulating pants.
Value
These pants are not too expensive and fall into the average price range. So, you get a good value and a lot of durability for the price.
2. Cycling Windproof Athletic
4ucycling’s Windproof Athletic Pants provide you with an affordable option and decent comfort for all of your cycling needs. You’ll love the baggy fit and freedom of movement.
Read moreMaterials
These pants are made from fleece and also feature a double-layer synthetic material that is comprised out of 75% polyester and also helps to repel water on the front side of the pants. The backside of the pants has 85% polyester, providing great breathability.
Water Resistance
The high-quality polymer on the front panel of the pants is water-repellant. The backside features slightly less, but will still repel some water. It seems as though the information written about the water resistance of these pants is quite modest because reviewers rave about how well these pants function in the rain. They do a good job of protecting you from the weather while still feeling breathable.
Fit
Made to have a baggy fit, these pants will bring you plenty of flexibility and mobility. You won’t ever have to worry about feeling restricted when you wear these pants.
Features
You get a lot of additional padding and ventilation in these pants, which will certainly help you out if you tend to sweat a lot. Plus, these pants also come with a thermo-lined fleeced interior to help keep you warm when the temperature drops.
Value
These pants offer you a decent value for their price and are very affordable. In fact, they are one of the lowest-priced pants on our list.
3. DuShow Warm Fleece
If you are looking for some very warm and comfortable pants that come at an affordable price, then you might like DuShow’s. Made to be flexible and provide great insulation, you’ll stay toasty warm even when cycling on cold days.
Read moreMaterials
DuShow’s Cycling Pants are made with micro polar fleece fabric and designed to be both warm and windproof.
Water Resistance
However, they aren’t waterproof, so if you’re looking for that type of weather protection, these might not be the pants for you.
Fit
These pants come with a great fit and are also very easy to adjust so that you get the correct feel each time you hit your bike. Made with a drawstring stretch elastic waistband, you’ll be able to get the right level of comfort when you adjust them.
Features
These pants include a zipper on the ankle strap so that it is easy for you to get them on and off. They are also designed to be stylish and have an ice appearance.
Value
These pants are very affordable and do offer a bevy of great features if you want to stay warm this winter when you are cycling. With a great fit and nice flexibility, you’ll feel great each time you hit the road wearing these pants.
4. Showers Pass Transit
The Showers Pass Transit Pant comes ready with a lot of weather protection, and ripstop fabric for extra durability. These pants are affordable and meant to give you the long-lasting durability you’ll want for your rides.
Read moreMaterials
These pants are designed with breathable waterproof technology and are comprised of 100% nylon materials. Also, there are 3 layers in these pants, and the outer shell uses Artex Hard-shell ripstop fabric.
Water Resistance
You can ride in confidence with these pants, knowing that they feature a waterproof rating of 10,000mm.
Fit
These pants are designed to be lightweight and offer a very comfortable fit and feel. Ankle zippers on the sides of the pants make the pants very easy to get on and off. If you plan to wear these with layers underneath, you should size up.
Features
The Showers Pass Transit Pant features articulated needs for extra mobility, and you can also purchase suspenders if you want them. You’ll get a lot of options if you decide to purchase these pants. There is also a reflective strip that runs the length of each leg, keeping you safer in low-light conditions. Additionally, if the weather suddenly changes, these pants also include a mesh stuff sack.
Value
These pants are pretty affordable considering what they’ll give you. They are very durable, waterproof, and won’t burn a hole in your pocketbook.
5. Baleaf Thermal
These Baleaf Thermal Cycling Tights are a fantastic option if you are not only into cycling but running, too. It's nice to have gear that is versatile, and as tights, these pants fit that bill. Not to mention, they are also thermal, so they will keep you super warm in colder months.
Read moreMaterials
These tights are made of both polyester and spandex. The spandex in them allows for comfort, so there is no feeling of being too tight. Inside of these pants, you will find warm fleece, which will mean you can cycle all winter long in comfort.
Water Resistance
The materials that make up these pants make them slightly water-resistant, but not waterproof. They offer great breathability and will keep you comfortable in chilly weather. They are breathable so that you can work those quads in an uphill climb, but still feel cool. The fabric wicks away sweat, to keep you even cooler.
Fit
These tights feature a comfortable mid-rise, making them versatile enough for many different activities. Most reviewers agree that they fit true to size without being too tight or baggy.
Features
To keep these pants super convenient, there are leg zippers to allow for easy on and off. Additionally, there is a zippered back pocket that allows you to carry small items, such as keys or credit cards with you. Not to mention, the legs sport reflective strips to make sure ongoing traffic sees you.
Value
All in all, these pants have a low price tag and high quality. If you want pants that offer you versatility, breathability, warmth, but still allow for compression, these are the ones for you. Because of their make, these pants will keep your muscles supported and aid in your recovery time.
6. Showers Pass Club Visible
Showers Pass Club Visible Pant brings you trousers that offer a lot of weather protection and also provide you with extra reflective features. You’ll like the large pockets and the flexibility designed into these pants.
Read moreMaterials
These pants are made from 100% nylon and have water-resistant zippers. These are genuinely a pant made for cycling in the rain.
Water Resistance
Showers Pass Club Visible Pants are made to be both waterproof and breathable, and feature three layers of Artex fabric. Plus, they are seam-sealed and have a waterproof rating of 10,000 mm and a breathability rating of 10,000 g/m2.
Fit
You’ll get an excellent fit with these pants, which bring you articulated knees for extra mobility. You’ll also get a gusseted crotch, and a lot of flexibility whenever you wear these pants.
Features
These pants feature reflective materials so that you are always visible, even if you prefer to ride when the light is low. You’ll also get optional suspenders and large pockets with these pants.
Value
These pants are priced in the average range, so they aren’t a steal, but for what they offer, they are a good value. They are a solid investment overall.
7. Showers Pass Refuge
Showers Pass brings you a waterproof and breathable option that provides a lot of weather protection. You’ll get a great range of motion and a lot of excellent features if you decide to purchase these pants.
Read moreMaterials
These pants are made from 100% nylon and will need to be hand-washed.
Water Resistance
Showers Pass Refuge Cycling Pants are made with waterproof and breathable materials including 3 layers of Elite waterproof-breathable hardshell fabric. These pants also come fully seam-sealed to give you plenty of weather protection.
Fit
These pants fit very well and feature a reinforced seat for extra protection. They are flexible and offer plenty of freedom of movement whenever you hit your bike.
Features
Developed with articulated knees, you also get a reinforced seat and zippered vents if you need extra ventilation. You can also purchase additional suspenders if you feel you need them.
Value
These pants run on the expensive end of the spectrum, and therefore, aren’t as affordable as some of the other options on our list. If you are shopping on a budget, you might want to consider some other options.
Sources
- , 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants, Informational Cycling Website
- , Top 20 Best Men's Cycling Pants, Informational Cycling Website
- , Bike to Work , Informational Cycling Website