Cheap Cycling Shorts for Cycling Softies

Jun 28, 2010
Helen Smeaton

Cheap Cycle Shorts from DHB - Wiggle.co.uk with permission

Learn where to buy cheap comfortable cycling shorts, which type of bike short to consider and tips on how to get the best online discounts.

Looking for comfortable padded bike shorts but don’t want to spend a fortune on expensive brands like Assos aimed at pro cyclists and keen club riders? This article looks at the best cheap cycling shorts available for cycling softies who just want a comfortable pair of bike shorts at a reasonable price.

Cheap Cycling Clothing

While most cycling softies can wear cheap leisurewear in lieu of more expensive cycling clothing, a comfortable pair of cycle shorts is must for anyone planning to spend more than an hour or two on a bicycle in the warmer summer months.

The cheapest padded bike short option is a basic Lycra short with prices starting from around £25/$37. Look for shorts with leg-grippers that are not too tight and padding that is not too thick and bulky for maximum comfort but bear in mind that cheap cycle shorts may not fit so well or have as much breathability as higher priced options.

Cycling softies who hate the thought of tight-fitting Lycra can always pop a pair of loose fitting shorts over the top or invest in a more costly pair of baggy bike shorts, like those worn by mountain bikers. Alternatively, a much cheaper option is to consider a simple padded short liner.

Padded Cycle Under Shorts

Short liners are also known as cycle under shorts and look like a pair of briefs or boxer shorts but with a lightly padded crotch. With prices starting at around £13.50 or $20, they are a cheap option that can be worn under any trouser or short plus they do not feel as tight as Lycra nor do they generally have potentially uncomfortable leg-grippers.

The drawback of under shorts is that they can be too baggy for some riders and can move around too much underneath the outer short, causing chafing and soreness even with an ultra-comfortable bike saddle.

Women’s Bike Shorts

There was a time when women’s bike shorts were ridiculously expensive, largely as there was so little choice in the market. Thankfully, the growth in popularity of cycling means that ladies can also find cycle shorts at discounted prices.

The DHB brand, exclusive to Wiggle, a UK-based cycle retailer that delivers to over 70 countries worldwide including the US and Canada, has entry level women’s cycle shorts from just £25/$37 and under shorts from only £13/$20. Wiggle also stocks other competitively priced brands like Nema with padded short liners from under £20/$30.

Buy Discount Bicycle Shorts Online

Other places to look for discount bicycle shorts online include:

Chain Reaction Cycles – specializing in end of line clearance items with worldwide delivery.
Discount Supermarkets – many of these often have a summer-only range of cheap cycle accessories and clothing basics like shorts and gloves.
DIY centers – many now similarly offer a compact range of essential cycling basics.

For online cycle retailers, it’s a good idea to sign up to newsletters in order to receive coupons on a regular basis, plus with clearance-orientated chains, be sure to buy quickly as they tend to operate on a when it’s gone, it’s gone basis.

Cheap Padded Bike Shorts

Recreational cyclists looking for cheap padded bike shorts should search for an entry level pair of lycra shorts, baggy MTB shorts or a budget pair of cycle under shorts. Check out best prices at specialty online cycle retailers but be sure to grab any bargains when first seen to avoid disappointment.

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Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information