Jixr

I'm looking for suggestions for mens casual shorts to wear while cycling. I've gone through two pairs of regular cargo shorts when the butt part gets caught on my saddle and rips when going from standing over to getting on the saddle.

I know there are bike brand specific shorts, but they can get pretty pricey, looking for something more affordable that can be picked up at a retail clothing store.

Tiniest jorts

My favorite are my Prana Brion shorts that I got at REI. Not super cheap but bought them at a discount. They're a good length and pretty stretchy. Interested to see what others use though.

RubeRad

I ride in "athletic" shorts, basically basketball shorts, but not quite as nice. Very loose and comfortable and cheap. I didn't buy them, my wife did, but they were probably about $5/pair at either target or walmart.

And I try to ride in boxer briefs instead of tightey-whities, to avoid irritating seams.

idiotekniQues

Endura Humvee Mountain Bike Shorts. I wear them on all my fitness rides. They are bike specific but they are not expensive at $62 on Amazon. Great riding shorts. For all other quick local errand rides I just wear any cheap pair of cargo shorts I find on Amazon, which I wear as regular shorts off of the bike.

wphamilton

Cargo shorts, running shorts, basketball shorts, cut-offs. I prefer some inexpensive MTB shorts I found on Amazon.

no motor?

I like nylon cargo shorts that could double as a swim suit.

wolfchild

I use cargo shorts or knickers made from synthetic quick drying material, they are much more durable and comfortable then the ones made from cotton.

martianone

Try J&G Touring shorts ?

rumrunn6

these are on my wish list

Expedition Recumbent Shorts
by Bend It Cycling
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K5WAAOY...TOU8CPN0&psc=1

Intrepid DH Recon Jet Black Shorts
by Shift Cycle Wear
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EKQQXTW...18GXSJG0&psc=1

canklecat

Pearl Izumi and Zoic make bike shorts that look like any casual shorts -- no weird looking strips of spandex or lycra (although some of their other shorts do have those). I put a few on my Amazon wish list and waited until they went on sale. A couple of months ago Amazon had a brief sale on the Pearl Izumi plaid canyon shorts at $20, way down from the usual price. Great shorts, wish I'd ordered two pair.

Check Nashbar, REI, AeroTech and a few other discounters and you'll eventually see a pair at a price you'll like.

lost_in_endicot

Guide Series Mens Trailhead Convertible Pant

I bought a couple of pairs of these, and they have worked out pretty well so far. Especially this time of year when I need my legs covered for warmth in the morning, but I need shorts for the ride home in the afternoon. Cuts down on packing a lot of crap for the day.

Usually I do like RubeRad, $5 or $10 basketball shorts from wherever. Cheap and comfortable.

BobbyG

I wear synthetic golf shorts. I like having beltloops (for a belt) and pockets.

stdlrf11

Sounds like the shorts are too baggy, if they're getting caught on the saddle.

Just get a few pair that aren't as loose.

I'm a fan of bargain shopping for my commuting clothes. My most expensive pair are some UnderArmor shorts I bought for $15 at TJMAXX.

lostarchitect 

I agree. I have been wearing basic cargo shorts from Old Navy and the like for years and never had this issue.

InTheRain

I don't commute in bike specific clothing. I prefer quick drying fabric I find on many brands of hiking shorts at REI. I have two pair of shorts that have seen 90 percent of my commutes between April and September. They are extremely durable. One pair going on year 7, the other on year 5. They have faded some, but I don't seem to notice any wear. They are not baggy in the thighs and are about knee length.

Archwhorides 

Cheap nylon MTB shorts w/ Nashbar gel liners underneath. Dry, comfy and durable.

TenSpeedV2

I often wear these. I wasn't keen on the price to be honest. They have held up amazingly well, especially in the seat area. I have a pair that is going on 9 years old. I wore them in to the store to find the exact same ones new. The woman there could not believe how good they looked. Probably nearing a thousand washes and they look almost new minus a bit of fading since I have the all black version. Bought two more pair on the spot.

https://shop.lululemon.com/p/men-sho...LM7Y05S_027028

canklecat

I'm still trying to find a smaller pair of Wear First shorts with lightweight fabric and zippered pockets, otherwise identical to the pair I got years ago when I weighed over 200 lbs. Now that I'm back down to 160 that older pair is too baggy, but I wear 'em anyway -- just not in public. Ideal for biking because nothing will fall out of the zipped pockets, and the lightweight poly/cotton blend fabric is as good as my bike-specific shorts.

RubeRad

Those look really nice. Is it only the inseam panels that are stretchy?

TenSpeedV2

They are a slimmer fit but seem to stretch well while on the bike. Comfortable waistband, regular pockets, and a slim zippered side pocket as well. Very ideal to wear on and off the bike.

Kedosto

I recently picked up a pair at Costco. Mine aren't zippered pockets but the fit and fabric are pretty nice.

Found the same ones on Amazon -
https://www.amazon.com/Wearfirst-Leg...V8G?th=1&psc=1


-Kedosto

canklecat

Thanks. I already had those on my wish list, but I'm still holding out for zippered pockets. My Pearl Izumi Canyon shorts have one small zippered pocket, just enough for a small ID/credit card-sized wallet, but the other pockets are open and not really deep enough to be secure.

My Nashbar Lancaster shorts have good deep pockets with a reverse slash opening, so they're secure while cycling. And the velcro-tabbed wallet pocket is okay. But the overall construction quality is a bit lacking, although acceptable for the price. The materials and design are good, but the stitching tends to come loose.

I've noticed locked stitching is where cheaper clothes cut corners. Costs more for that kind of attention to detail.