Men's long cycling shorts

Below 12–15°C, knee-length shorts are recommended; below 8–10°C, long cycling shorts or tights are essential. Below 10°C, the quadriceps and, above all, the knees cool down quickly and become more vulnerable to injury (patellar tendinitis, windscreen wiper syndrome). As the knees cool, joint lubrication decreases. These thresholds vary from person to person: some cyclists wear long cycling shorts from 15°C, others only put them on when it’s below 8°C. If in doubt, it’s better to be too warm than to risk joint injury.

With bib straps for rides lasting over 2 hours or in very cold temperatures. The bib straps keep the long-sleeved cycling shorts in place and prevent the chamois from slipping, a problem that is more common on long rides. They also provide better compression of the abdomen and reduce pressure on the waistband when leaning forward. Without straps, the long-sleeved cycling shorts are more practical for toilet breaks but can slip down and cause uncomfortable chafing during long rides.

The shape is identical, but long-sleeved bib shorts often feature thicker pads or are designed for winter comfort. In cold weather, cyclists generally pedal less hard and with a slightly different style: colder muscles are less efficient and rides can be longer at a moderate pace. The best ranges of long-sleeved cycling shorts therefore feature chamois pads suited to long winter training rides, with more padding and optimised densities for comfort over several hours.

The recommended layering: long-sleeved base layer + shoe covers + lightweight windproof jacket + neck warmer or balaclava. The long-sleeved base layer forms the base layer for the legs: when well-fitted, it keeps the muscles warm without constricting. In very cold weather (-5 to 5°C), add a pair of windproof overtrousers (Assos, Sportful) over the long-sleeved base layer. The arms are easier to manage with removable arm warmers or arm sleeves. The golden rule: you should feel slightly cold at the start and warm up after 10 to 15 minutes. If you’re hot at the start, you’ll quickly overheat.

Yes, and this is often more practical in changing conditions. Removable leg warmers (Castelli, Assos, Gore) attach under the silicone band of the short bib shorts and cover the leg down to the knee or ankle. Major advantage: you can remove them and slip them into your jersey pocket if the temperature rises during your ride. Long-sleeved cycling shorts cannot be removed as easily. For rides where temperatures vary (0°C in the morning, 15°C at midday), the combination of short-sleeved cycling shorts and leg warmers is more versatile.

Assos, Castelli, Rapha, Gore and Sportful dominate the market for high-quality long-sleeved cycling shorts. The Assos Équipe RS Winter Bib is the gold standard, featuring Fugu Speedy thermal insulation fabric and Mille GTO fabric. The Castelli Velocissimo 5 offers excellent wind and cold resistance. Gore Safeties Mid Thermo are popular for their durability and value for money. Sportful Fiandre NoRain is a safe bet for mixed conditions of cold and light rain. For a more affordable option, Decathlon Van Rysel and Craft Pursuit are good alternatives at under €100.

Wash at 30°C maximum, without fabric softener, do not spin dry vigorously, air dry. The technical fabrics used in cycling shorts (Lycra, fleece, Roubaix) degrade when exposed to heat and harsh chemicals. Fabric softener clogs the fibres of breathable and waterproof fabrics, eliminating their properties. Use a technical detergent (Nikwax Tech Wash) that preserves water-repellent treatments. Turn the shorts inside out so that the chamois is on the outside during washing. Do not tumble dry.

Between €80 and €150 for an excellent pair of long cycling shorts; more for ultra-technical ranges. Under €60, the quality of the fabric and chamois is often insufficient for long winter rides. Between €80 and €150 (Craft Pursuit, Gore Viz Thermo+, Castelli Entrata Thermal), you get high-quality Roubaix or Softshell fabrics with good chamois. Above €200 (Assos, Rapha), the materials are finer and lighter, and the seamless chamois offer maximum comfort for 5 hours or more in intense cold.

Yes: cyclosportive bib shorts are lighter and more aerodynamic, whilst training bib shorts are thicker and more insulating. Competition bib shorts (Assos Equipe RS or Castelli Free Aero Race) use thin, highly compressive Lycra fabrics, optimised for performance and lightness. In cold weather, they need to be worn with leg warmers. Winter training bib shorts (Assos Mille GTO Lining, Gore Wear Thermo) feature a warmer fleece or Roubaix fabric, which is less aerodynamic but comfortable for long training rides in temperatures of 5–10°C. For cyclosportives taking place at 10°C or above, a lightweight competition bib short is sufficient.