For several years, ultra-distance cycling has been experiencing an unprecedented boom, mainly popularized by the Transcontinental Race (TRC) and numerous races around the globe such as the BikingMan franchise, the Race Across America/France, etc. The number of participants has skyrocketed, with men and women taking part in these novel races, drawn more by the challenge and self-overcoming than by a ranking. They range from 300 km to several thousand kilometers in the most extreme events like the Transcontinental - The best cycling shorts
One of the most important elements in a cyclist’s equipment is the cycling shorts. Choosing them is very important to succeed on long distances. Both established and new suppliers have recognized this and all offer special long-distance cycling shorts.
The 5 best cycling shorts for long rides
Van Rysel RCR-R
The performance brand Van Rysel stands for uncompromising sportiness and brings pure professional technology to the road at an absolutely fair price. The short cycling shorts RCR R were specially designed for men who want top performance in warm temperatures between 15 and 35 °C in spring and summer. Weighing just 170 grams (in size M), they are a true lightweight. The skin-tight Pro Fit cut creates an extremely aerodynamic silhouette, while the advanced polyamide-elastane fabric quickly wicks sweat to the outside and ensures super light, fast drying.
The centerpiece for maximum drive is the high-quality Elastic Interface® seat pad, which is completely seamless inside to fully eliminate skin irritation and chafing even during intense rides. Designed for performance-oriented riders of all levels, these cycling shorts consciously omit unnecessary features such as pockets or zippers to keep weight minimal. Thanks to the wide silicone bands on the thighs and the perfectly fitting mid-rise waistband, the shorts stay absolutely stable in place even during hard efforts and long sprints.
Castelli Endurance 4
The Italian brand Castelli is one of the absolute legends of cycling and is known for groundbreaking innovations – just think of the famous Gabba series. With the Endurance 4, Castelli offers the ultimate answer for men looking for comfortable and uncompromisingly long-distance optimized cycling shorts.
The centerpiece is the Progetto X2 Air Seamless chamois, which is one of the most comfortable on the market: it separates a skin-friendly protective layer from the actual padding with integrated gel inserts, minimizing friction and maximizing air circulation. The Endurance Evolution material provides optimal muscle support and keeps you pleasantly dry even at temperatures from 15 °C to 35 °C. Thanks to the flat-fitting GIRO3 leg grippers and airy mesh straps, these cycling shorts fit like a second skin and guarantee lasting comfort on every ride.
Assos Mille GT S11
The Swiss brand Assos is the undisputed pioneer in high-end cycling shorts and has always been considered the absolute reference for premium comfort. With the Mille GT S11, the experts present the new flagship of their endurance series, specially designed for men who want to make no compromises in everyday life and on long distances. The new opaque QUARTZ material has become even lighter and more robust, while the rollBar straps adapted from the professional series ensure the shorts are perfectly stabilized even during sprints and cornering.
The centerpiece is the revised goldenGate 2.0 chamois: thanks to its floating construction, it smoothly follows the pedaling movements and almost completely eliminates friction, supported by 12 mm thick padding and the breathable 3D Waffle structure. Combined with the pressure-free zeroPressure waistband and the innovative PILtec Plug-In leg cuffs, which hold in any weather thanks to invisible silicone dots, these shorts fit like a second skin. An extended leg cut also provides a modern silhouette and maximum comfort on every ride.
LeBram Training
The French brand LeBram specializes in developing functional and stylish cycling apparel with an unbeatable price-performance ratio. The LeBram Training collection in elegant slate grey was designed as a versatile all-rounder to optimally support men in all types of cycling activities. Made in Europe, these cycling shorts impress with a minimalist design and robust material made of polyamide and elastane that moves effortlessly with every motion. A wide elastic band at the leg opening also ensures that the shorts stay reliably in place without slipping throughout the ride.
The absolute highlight of these shorts is the Paris HP chamois from the experts at Elastic Interface, specially developed for epic long-distance rides on road or gravel bikes. Thanks to a high-density foam with triple density (up to 120 g/m²), it offers outstanding shock absorption and guarantees maximum comfort even on epic rides of more than 7 hours in the saddle. If you are looking for straightforward, durable, and extremely comfortable shorts for daily training and extended weekend rides, this model is exactly right for you.
Rapha Core
The British cult brand Rapha is world-renowned for its minimalist, elegant design and top-class premium quality. With the Core line, the brand proves that the perfect balance between style, comfort, and an attractive price-performance ratio is possible. These versatile shorts in elegant dark blue with white straps were developed as an absolutely reliable all-rounder for men. The dense, high-quality mesh fabric on the main parts provides excellent muscle support, remains absolutely opaque even when stretched strongly, and is equipped with highly elastic straps and a central back cutout to guarantee maximum breathability on any kind of ride.
For lasting comfort in the saddle, the proven Rapha chamois with uniform density absorbs vibrations reliably and provides consistently comfortable seating on both short and long rides. To consistently avoid friction and skin irritation, the flat seams have been extremely carefully placed throughout the garment. The laser-cut leg cuffs coated with soft silicone close cleanly and keep the shorts in place without cutting in. If you’re looking for the legendary Rapha look and top-class functionality for daily training, you’ll find your perfect companion here.
