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5 Best Bike Shorts 2026, Reviewed
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EnhanceLift Seamless Shorts
Pros
- Compressive waistband stays in place for a secure feel.
- Reinforced bum scrunch.
- 13 colourways — all with matching sports bras and tops.
Cons
- Tight fit, so I sized up once to boost my mobility.
When it comes to weightlifting — or rather weighted HIIT, as I prefer working under the direction of someone else — I’ve always called on scrunch-bum leggings. However, my best friend prefers these shorts, waxing lyrical about how they show off her gains and, more importantly, stay put when hitting a PB. While not specially designed for cycling or spinning, I found the compressive fit worked in my favour, limiting any movement and somewhat aiding my recovery — the top of my glutes didn’t ache for days like they usually would. Granted, the tight cut can make them a little difficult to pull on in a hurry, so just bear that in mind. But the brand also scores top marks for the ample choice in terms of colour.
How I test the best bike shorts:
It’s not quite as simple as prioritising each pair of bike shorts for a month’s worth of spin classes — although this is where I tend to start. After calling in a sample from a brand, I spend a week wearing them to various studios and casually, in a bid to comment accurately on fit and comfort.
After wearing each pair of shorts multiple times, I then review against the following criteria:
| Design | Are the bike shorts fit for purpose — are they made from breathable fabrics, quick-drying and fitted with padded liners? Are they aesthetic, and do I have options in terms of colour and design? Do they have flatlock seams for improved comfort? |
| Fit | Are they true to size? Are there tall and petite options, or a choice when it comes to length? Do they fit securely around the waist — or are they adjustable? Is the sizing and associated guide easy to understand? |
| Support | Did they effectively prevent uncomfortable chafing and offer some padding where needed? Are they compressive and also aid my recovery? |
| Price point | Would I be willing to spend that much on a single pair of bike shorts again? Did they wear well? |
| Delivery | How quickly did each pair of bike shorts arrive, and what were the associated costs? |
As you’d hope, only the bike shorts that impressed made it into this edit. However, I also tried the following, which sadly weren’t up to par:
- TALA’s AirForm Cycling Short, £49 — While these were buttery soft, the waist came up a little too low for my liking. As a result, they kept rolling down, meaning I had to keep releasing one hand from the handlebar to adjust them.
In terms of what I’m currently testing, stay tuned for these reviews:
Why you can trust me:
Despite starting my journalism career on the showbiz desk of a national newspaper, I pivoted to shopping three years ago and have since penned product reviews for leading UK titles such as Glamour, GQ, Condé Nast Traveller, Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health. In that time, I’ve reviewed everything from wardrobe essentials to wellness launches, including running shorts, gym leggings, gym trainers and period pants.
In terms of my working week, it mostly involves hours of personal testing; although, I also squeeze in as many press events as possible, as well as one-to-one chats with industry experts, quizzing them on common style-related FAQs.
In terms of my personal relationship with exercise, I aim to sweat three times a week — whether that’s training for my upcoming half-marathon, heading to HIIT classes at 1Rebel and F45 or spinning while singing my favourite tunes at the top of my lungs. To summarise, you could say I’m clued up when it comes to activewear, considering how often I call on mine.