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Summer Cycling Essentials: The Coolest Bike Shorts for Your Hottest Adventures
As the mercury rises and the allure of the open trail calls to cyclists, staying dry and comfortable is paramount. Our Summer Cycling Essentials guide is tailored to feature bike shorts like the Riley Lightweight Bike Short—a perfect blend of breathability and inclusive sizing—that ensure your summer rides are a breeze. We've also spotlighted the versatile Freel Bike Short, with water-resistant prowess for those unpredictable summer downpours, and the Alyssa Chammy that brings the much-needed padding for endurance rides under the scorching sun. Equip yourself with these carefully selected essentials and make your summer cycling experiences as cool as the wind against your spokes.
Knowledge from
3 Experts
Beat the Heat with Wild Rye’s Summer Cycling Staple
Lightweight Champion: Riley Lightweight Bike Short
As cyclists, we’re always on the lookout for gear that can tackle the heat and keep us comfortable during long summer rides. Enter the Riley Lightweight Bike Short, designed by Wild Rye to address the sweltering challenges of summer cycling. The Riley is a testament to practical design, featuring an elastic stretch panel on the waistband, which offers a forgiving fit that adapts to your waist, allowing you to breathe and move without restraint.
Choose from a vibrant array of colorways, from the fiery 'Painted Poppy' to the serene 'Sicilian Summer,' adding not just comfort but style to your cycling adventures. The shorts boast a 10-inch inseam — perfect for those seeking modest coverage without sacrificing flexibility. And, in line with Wild Rye's inclusive sizing philosophy, you can find the Riley in sizes up to 24, ensuring that cyclists of all shapes can ride in confidence and comfort.
Not just for biking, the Riley Lightweight Bike Short, thanks to its resilient yet non-restrictive build, doubles as a trusty companion for hiking trails. While the Riley doesn't come with a padded chamois, its design accommodates separate chamois shorts underneath, granting customizable padding. The WR BreezeLit fabric offers quick-drying properties and a water-resistant coating that lends splash-protection on those wet rides.
Elastic stretch waistband
10-inch inseam coverage
Sizes up to 24
Splash-resistant fabric
The Riley Shorts have become my go-to for all outdoor adventures. They handled the intense trails of Moab with ease and style, proving to be both durable and comfortable. The stretch panel is a game-changer for flexibility, making them perfect not just for biking but also for hiking!
written by
Jane T.
$87.20
Riley Lightweight Bike Short
Your Go-To Summer Cycling Companion
Beat the Heat: Freel Bike Short
During those sweltering summer bike rides, comfort and durability are key, and the Freel Bike Short by Wild Rye rises to the occasion. Crowned with Outside Magazine’s Gear of the Year accolade, these shorts boast a design crafted for the fervent mountain biker challenging the rugged terrains from Alpine heights to dusty trails. The durable nylon fabric stands up to scrubs and splatters, keeping you protected as you navigate through nature's obstacles. The Freel shorts invite you to conquer the woods with their lightweight, breathable fabric and four-way stretch technology, ensuring no movement is hindered.
Thanks to their deep pockets, your essentials stay secure, whether you're jumping over logs or enjoying a peaceful break amidst wildflowers. For aesthetic pleasure, Wild Rye doesn’t hold back either - lively prints like the Alpine Bloom or Desert Dream-Ochre marry functionality with style, making you stand out on any trail. And let’s talk comfort – the longest inseam among Wild Rye shorts at 12 inches provides ample coverage, while the roomy design caters to cyclists with different builds, even those blessed with thicker thighs or a curvier silhouette. For the ultra-discerning, the Freel FLEX variant ups the ante in sizing options.
However, as versatility is essential, sizing is crucial — the Freel Bike Short comes in an impressive range to fit bicyclists of various body types. Not to forget, these shorts accommodate a liner, ensuring an athletic fit. While they come in set waistbands, those seeking a snugger fit might consider sizing up, especially in darker colors with less stretch. Always daring and never dull, the Freel Bike Short promises to be the steadfast workhorse for your summer cycling adventures.
Durable and versatile
4-way stretch technology
Playful prints and styles
Ample storage pockets
They nailed it with the balance between rugged durability and functional style. I've worn them on some of the toughest trails, and they've been fantastic—not just in performance but also in comfort. Whether it's the stylish prints or the extra coverage, they're designed for real riders.
written by
Marion R.
$111.00
Freel Bike Short
Designed for Long Adventures and Comfort
The Alyssa Chammy: Your Summer Ride Companion
As the sun arcs high and the trails beckon, the Wild Rye Alyssa Chammy emerges as a premier choice for hot summer cycling. Constructed from soft, compressive nylon, the Alyssa Chammy is a testament to Wild Rye’s commitment to comfort and performance during the longest of rides. During multi-day adventures where the alpine views captivate and the duration demands endurance, these shorts ensure that the last thing on your mind is discomfort from your gear. With a form-fitting design that provides a flattering silhouette, they are versatile in both function and style.
Variants like Slate Green - Mist and Alpine Bloom - Black appeal to aesthetic preferences while catering to a broad range of sizes, ensuring inclusivity and a perfect fit. Plus, the longer 9-inch inseam and available pockets stand as an answer to those who seek more coverage and practicality on the go.
For those who prioritize a generous cut through the hips, the Freel Bike Short from Wild Rye is recommended. However, if the Alyssa Chammy's blend of padding and longer inseam captivates you, these shorts promise long-lasting comfort and significant padding for those with a very bony bottom while keeping a low-profile fabric that won't distract you while pedaling vigorously through rough terrains or sleek cityscapes.
Soft compressive nylon
Flattering silhouette
Spacious pockets
9-inch inseam
The soft nylon keeps things comfortable and breathable, even on the longest days. What I really love is the tailored fit that flatters without restricting movement, making it perfect for both trails and city rides. The deep pockets and longer inseam are thoughtful touches that make it a top pick for any cyclist who values comfort and practicality.
written by
Alexandra F.
$125.00
Alyssa Chammy