When you’re trying to measure how much you should spend to get a decent pair of bike shorts, especially if you are on a budget, then you have to consider a few things. First, make sure you know how you will be using your shorts, your cycling skill level, and how much you can actually spend on a pair of cycling shorts.
It’s almost always better to spend a little more if you can because construction and quality really do matter when you’re investing in cycling shorts. If you try to cut back a bit because you need to save money, you might wind up wasting your money since some cheaper pairs of cycling shorts wear out faster than a slightly more expensive and durable pair.
If you’re trying to categorize a price range for a decent style of cycling shorts, then the $50 price range puts you right in the decent quality range. If you can spend around $75, you’ll get better quality and comfort, especially if you plan to do more long-distance rides of around 90 minutes at 20 miles or less.
However, if you plan to ride fast and long, like 50 and 100-mile rides, then you’ll need to get higher-end shorts around $100 or more. The harder, faster, and longer you ride, the better the quality of cycling shorts you’ll need to purchase for your skill and comfort level.