Finding your perfect cycling legwear

We all love cycling for the sense of freedom and movement it gives us. This movement is driven by our legs so lets make sure we give them the freedom to move.

Whether you have a preference for lycra, baggy shorts, or tights, your cycling legwear plays a crucial role in your overall comfort. It's about a whole system working together to keep you dry, warm, moving freely and importantly, comfortable at the interface between you and your bike. If you look good while doing it, then bonus.

Factors affecting your riding comfort

Environment: Wether commuting to work, cycling the Northumberland coastline or heading off for an overnighter on the Cairngorm loop your surroundings play a huge role in determining which legwear you choose for your cycle adventure.

Weather: Nothing is going to stop you getting out, not even the endless reruns of Modern Family. Rain, wind, sun, snow, meh! they are all just part of the ride. With the right cycling legwear you can take these conditions in your stride.

Intensity: A leisurely ride isn't going to require the same gear as a high-intensity workout. But saying that how many times have we just popped out for a 30 minute spin and found ourselves still out 2 hours later. Know yourself, you need legwear that can keep up with your activity level.

Carrying items: This isn't going to be a biggie in the greater scheme of things, but if the weather is good and you feel like being Mr Minimal for the day, a small pocket in the back of your bib tights is useful for ditching your shirt or stashing some cash for a coffee. But we have to ask, shouldn't you be using our bike luggage!

Season: Cycling is an all year round activity and what you wear has to keep up with the changing seasons. Winter requires insulation, while summer demands breathability. Change is good and transitioning between the seasons is something to look forward to.

Fit: As well as having to fit to your body, cycling legwear is an important contact point between you and your bike. Whether you choose shorts, bib tights or baggies your legwear shouldn't ride down, be so baggy it gets caught in your chain, have cuffs that are so tight they cut off your circulation or have pads that shift around so that they are halfway up your belly button 10 minutes into your ride.

Duration: For rides longer than a couple of hours, comfort becomes even more critical. If there is anything wrong with your system it will start to show in chaffing around your bum and inside leg. The longer you're in the saddle, the more important it is to have legwear that keeps you comfortable.

The payback

By keeping this considerations in mind when choosing your cycling legwear, you will enhance your cycling experience. You'll be more comfortable, which means you'll enjoy your rides more and perform better. You'll stay dry and warm, reducing the risk of hypothermia on mountain epic rides. You'll move freely, without chafing or discomfort, allowing you to focus on the ride and not on your clothing.

Legwear is a vital part of the broader layering system, yes I know we keep banging on about it. Here's how you can make smart choices about materials and designs:

Material choices:

• Synthetic fabrics: Great for wicking moisture and drying quickly. Ideal for high-intensity rides or wet conditions.
• Merino wool: Excellent for temperature regulation and comfort. Perfect for colder weather or longer rides.
• Hybrid options: Combine the best of both worlds, offering moisture management and warmth.

Cycling shorts vs bib shorts

Cycling shorts are a staple amongst cyclists due to their streamlined design and padded chamois. These shorts minimise chafing and maximise aerodynamics, helping you maintain speed and endurance. Made from moisture-wicking fabric, they keep you dry and cool, ensuring a comfortable ride even on the hottest days. Modern materials such as Lycra, improvements in fit and design features such as high waists mean cycling shorts are now self-supporting and negate some of the advantages that used to extend to bib shorts and tights.

Cycling bib shorts have been historically preferred for their secure fit and additional support. The straps - a throw back to days when cyclists wore braces to keep their shorts up, prevent them from slipping down, which eliminates the need for constant adjustments during your ride. They feature a high-quality chamois for comfort and are designed to distribute pressure evenly, reducing fatigue. Bib shorts are ideal for long-distance rides where comfort and fit are paramount.

Under shorts

Under shorts are perfect for those who prefer to wear regular shorts or trousers over a padded layer. They offer the benefits of a chamois without the tight fit of traditional cycling shorts. Under shorts wick moisture and provide extra cushioning, making them a versatile option for both casual and intense rides.

Cycling bib tights

When it gets too chilly for shorts it is time to go long. With the same features as bib shorts, but with longer legs, bib tights come into their own in winter and generally miserable weather. Full winter bib tights have microfleece face fabrics and higher body sections to prevent wind chill.

Over trousers

Over trousers are essential when you are out in wet and windy conditions for extended periods of time; such as when cycle touring or bikepacking. Look for ones that are lightweight and breathable, easy to pack and put on when the weather turns bad. It is crucial to choose a pair that are not too baggy so they don't flap around in the wind or catch in your chain.

Baggy shorts

Baggy shorts like our Floe shorts are popular with mountain bike and gravel riders who prefer a more relaxed fit. They offer freedom of movement and durability, with additional pockets for practicality. Often layered with padded under shorts, they provide comfort and protection while allowing for a casual look and versatile performance on varied terrains. For greater protection in wet weather baggy shorts are also available in waterproof fabrics.

Genuinely great shorts. I was unsure about them when I first bought them last minute for a cycle tour. Ended up wearing the everyday of my six week cycling tour, and now am consistently wearing them back home. Really comfortable, hard wearing, and the zip pockets at the back are fantastic. - Highland Scamper

Benefits of padded cycling shorts

When it comes to the question of pad vs no pad in cycling shorts, here's a clear stance: padded cycling shorts are generally the better choice for most cyclists, especially for longer rides.

1. Reduced chafing: Padded shorts are designed to fit snugly, which helps reduce chafing and skin irritation. Friction between you and your saddle is transferred to your shorts and your saddle saving your skin, which is especially beneficial during long or intense rides.

2. Moisture management: Quality padded shorts are made from moisture-wicking materials that help keep you dry. This padded zone known as the chamois helps to manage sweat and reduce the risk of saddle sores.

3. Riding comfort: The padding in cycling shorts serves to absorb some of the shocks and vibrations from the road or trail. Don't expect padded shorts to make up for a poorly fitting saddle. A saddle that helps cushion your sit bones and reduce pressure points, will outperform any amount of padding and should be the first element to address if you are experiencing discomfort during long rides.

Sustainability: It is in our nature to look after things that are important to us. By using eco-friendly materials like Econyl, PFC free water repellency and by selecting factories committed to the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code we make long lasting, repairable and ultimately recyclable performance gear.

What do you wear on your legs when it is raining?

Our legs rarely get the same first class treatment as our upper half. Part of this is physiological; the cold does not seem to penetrate our core as much, they are constantly moving generating heat, but sometimes it just feels like too much faff for a short journey.

This changes if you are on a multi-day ride or committing yourself to the mountains. Managing your exposure, rather than enduring your exposure takes priority and for this, waterproof overtrousers provide the surest line of defence.

We recommend overtrousers that are lightweight and pack down small. It is likely you will be packing them as a just-in-case item, and if they are bulky and heavy you will forever begrudge packing them. They should be a slim cut so they don't get sucked into the chain with a zipped ankle to make them easy to slide on over your cycling shoes.

Top picks from the Alpkit range

Rhythm Elite Shorts: Our go to bib-free padded cycling shorts with microbial finish for wearing alone or as a liner. I have worn these everywhere from a pootle along the Monsal Trail with the kids to the Tuscany Trail.

Tour Cargo Bib Shorts: Lightweight, low profile cargo bib shorts for riders who spend all day in the saddle. Made in Europe with Econyl 78% recycled nylon. These high torso, full-length bib tights use fleecy Italian ThermoRoubaix® fabric to keep your core and legs warm throughout the seasons.

Strada: Quick-drying shorts for bikepacking, touring, gravel and extended cycling adventures. Wear them alone or layer them over your undershorts.

Floe Short: Comfortable mountain bike shorts, designed for durability, comfort, practicality and fit. Thigh zips with mesh inserts accommodate pads and increase ventilation. PFC-free DWR finish.

Floe Trousers: These softshell, full length mountain bike trousers keep off wind, mud and rain. Breathable 4-way stretch fabric and articulated knees ensure you can pedal in comfort.

Parallax over trousers: Super comfortable waterproof over trousers with an active, articulated fit and full freedom of movement. The neat cut eliminates excess fabric. They’re made with a soft, quiet 2.5-layer fabric, and they’re PFC-free.

Summing up

Investing in a quality pair of shorts, tights or leggings designed specifically for cycling will provide a noticeable improvement in comfort, performance and safety.

See you on the trails.