Cycling shorts are such a critical piece of equipment and experienced riders all have their favorites. Usually, once you’ve locked into a brand/chamois that really works for you, the manufacturer will change or discontinue that model. That leaves us at square one, trying again to guess which short will take care of our business. Since most cycling shorts don’t have more than a two or three year lifespan, particularly if they’re in heavy rotation, most of us will have an eye out for our next favorite.
Last year, the riders at Women’s Adventure fell in love with the 3K Zone short (even the photo shoot model loved them and scored a pair to take home). This year the Sugoi RPM 8-panel short is at the top of our list. The RPM is an under-$100 short that supports with gentle compression but basically disappears from your notice while you’re riding. No shifting, no bunching, no leg hem riding up. These shorts stay in place on hard climbs, with a smooth, unbulky chamois and gentle compression-band leg hems. Shorty-short lovers may not like the 8.5 inch inseam length but it does provide great thigh support.
The option of a pattern detail in the logo gives the basic black short a splash of fun color without going overboard. I’m planning on stocking up on this favorite.
Sugoi RPM Short MSRP: $75 available in six different logo colors/patterns
