Keep your hands free and your riding must-haves contained with these comfortable bottoms.
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Instead of slapping on a bulky frame bag that can weigh down your bike or hauling a backpack with you on the trail, bike shorts with pockets are a streamlined and practical way to carry smaller items that are most valuable and useful to you.
It's important to remember that bike shorts with pockets are not the most technical gear on the market, and are a better option for lifestyle and athleisure wear. Your favorite cycling bib or cycling shorts will be a better companion to get you through your toughest rides, and may even come with a small pocket already built-in. But if you like to bring a gel as post-workout fuel, need an extra pair of cycling gloves at the ready, or feel unprepared without a multitool packed, then a pair of bike shorts with pockets might be right for you.
Padded bike shorts can help relieve pressure in the saddle, absorb shock, and protect against chafing. The chamois is designed to sit next to your skin and they are often made with fabrics that are moisture-wicking. Adam Schram, Assistant Reviews Editor who covers all things gear-related for Runner's World and is a long-time cyclist, recommends grabbing a pair of padded bike shorts. They can often give you a better fit over a padded bike seat, though they might take some getting used to if you're a first-time wearer.
You'll get the most use out of a pair of bike shorts that suit the type of riding you do. Schram tells us that baggy bike shorts are more suited for mountain biking, since they won't rip as easily when you crash, give you some more wiggle room, and are less revealing. But, he mentions that you are more likely to chafe with mountain bike shorts because the fabric shuffles around.
Tights are better for road biking since they are skin-hugging, aerodynamically efficient, and you'll get better mobility in a tucked-over position. Keep in mind the type of riding you partake in so that you can maximize your gear when you're on two wheels.
Look for bike shorts with pockets that are made of stretchy, moisture-wicking materials like spandex, elastane, and polyester to prevent ending up with a pair that traps sweat, doesn't have much give, or makes you feel too exposed.
Our search for the best bike shorts with pockets was based on criteria like material, design, comfort, and padding. We scanned for options that are good for mountain biking and road biking, and some that can do a little bit of both. We spoke with Schram for his recommendations and pointers on what you should look for when shopping, and we also consulted reviews written by people who have bought these top contenders to get a better understanding of how they perform. We've settled on the following list of the best bike shorts with pockets for a smoother and more convenient ride.
These bib shorts are a favorite for Schram, and mainly because of the pockets. "Bib shorts are a great option for long-distance riding because they lack an elastic waistband that can cause chafing," he says. "The problem: Few of them have pockets. Thankfully, this pair of Specialized shorts has five, and they’re tucked neatly on your lower back and outer thighs so you can quickly reach under your shirt or outer shorts to get your goodies."
Remember that these are liner shorts, and not full shorts. They’re made with a lightweight mesh material that isn't completely opaque, so Schram suggests layering up.
While the Prospect bike shorts from Pearl Izumi are on the more simplistic side, they still come complete with everything you’ll love about a pair of bike shorts: a thick waistband to hug your torso, silicone grippers on the legs so they won’t shift while you’re in motion, and a removable chamois. Plus, dual side pockets and a secret stash pocket to keep your valuables close.
If you're seeking an option that has more comfort for your tush, the brand offers the same style with padding for $10 more.
Affordable, soft, and available in just about every color, these bike shorts are great for everything from long weekend rides to running. You can store your phone and wallet in the deep side pockets, and keep more valuable items like your house key stashed away in the hidden interior pocket.
The shorts are made with a polyester and spandex blend, so they'll have plenty of stretch and will wick away moisture in a jiffy. They are high-cut with a thick waistband that won't roll down while you ride.
This style is available in three different inseam lengths, and Baleaf also offers a similar type of biker shorts with padding.
Whether taking to the road or hopping on your Peloton, these bike shorts will keep you comfortable mile after mile. They are made from a highly stretchy spandex, which moves easily with the body, and even offers SPF 50-plus protection for rides out in the sun.
The side pockets can accommodate phones of up to 5.5 inches, and will hold all of your belongings snugly. The cushion is made from breathable sponge and silicone that won’t overheat, and the tight fit of the material make these a good option for road biking.
These biker shorts are a good option for casual cruises to your local hangs, with super deep side pockets that can securely hold the largest of phones, a thick waistband, and a longer inseam that won't bunch up.
They're made with sweat-wicking, compressive material, and the four-way stretch will allow for some more wiggle room.
These mountain biking shorts have a relaxed fit while still providing a comfortable and secure fit. They have both Velcro and zippered pockets to help keep your belongings safe whilst hitting the trails, and they can hold a majority of smartphone sizes.
There is a compression liner which will prevent shuffling, and the thick pad will protect your sitz bones. The elastane fabric gives good stretch and will offer more mobility.
Reviewers loved these shorts for their affordability, and we think they're a great pick for short rides and new cyclists alike.
You can stay visible to passersby no matter the time of day thanks to the reflective light strips on these shorts. There are two deep side pockets and two zippered pockets for safe storage of more important items.
These mountain bike shorts have an extra-wide cushion that flares out in the back, keeping it secure where you need it most. The liner has an anti-slip silicone grip at the bottom seam to keep them from riding up, and they have a drawstring at the waist, which keeps them super secure.
They are also made with waterproof materials, so they are great for rainy and muddy days— and could even keep the interior of your pockets free from sweat buildup.
While they look a bit like a cargo short, these are a full-on technical biking short complete with stretchy, water-resistant materials, a two button closure, and elastic waist tapes. This pair has an impressive five pockets, including three with zipper closures and one with a reflective logo.
The interior of the shorts have waist adjusters for a snug fit, and there are vented thigh zippers for even more breathability while you're powering down the trails.
Amber is the Digital Content Producer for Popular Mechanics, Runner's World and Bicycling, where she covers a range of tasks for the commerce team. She also writes fashion and beauty content for Best Products. Her work has been featured across all of the Enthusiast Group sites. In her free time you can likely find her watching horror movies, reading a good thriller book, or listening to a comedy podcast.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
Adam Schram is an Assistant Editor of Commerce at Runner's World, though you might see his byline on Bicycling and Popular Mechanics, too. A lover of all things outdoors, Adam's writing career comes after six years as a bike mechanic in his hometown of State College, PA. His journalism experience is steeped in cycling and running gear reviews, and he's also a published creative nonfiction and satire author. When he's not writing, riding, or running, you can catch Adam at home mixing cocktails, watching Star Wars, or trying in vain to do the Sunday crossword. You can check out his latest work below.
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