The main places to buy bicycle shorts
Bicycle shorts are sold at sporting goods chains, department stores, specialty bike shops, and online retailers. The choice depends on whether you want to try them on first, need informed fitting information, or prefer to shop from home. Each route has different return policies, price ranges, and stock depth.
Sporting goods chains like Dick's Sporting Goods and Academy Sports stock multiple brands and sizes in one trip. Department stores including Target, Walmart, and Kohl's carry basic options at lower price points but with narrower selection. Specialty bike shops offer the most knowledgeable staff and often stock premium brands, though at higher prices. Online retailers like Amazon, REI, and brand websites give you the widest range but require shipping time and return logistics.
Key Takeaways
- Dick's Sporting Goods and Academy Sports let you try shorts on in-store and return them easily if they don't fit.
- Specialty bike shops have staff trained to fit shorts for comfort on long rides and stock brands you won't find in chain stores.
- Target and Walmart offer budget options under $30, though selection is smaller and quality varies by brand.
- Online retailers like Amazon and REI have the most styles and inseam lengths, but you'll wait for shipping and handle returns yourself.
- Brand websites (Pearl Izumi, Castelli, Rapha) often have sales and the full current collection, but shipping costs and return policies vary.
Sporting goods chains: selection and convenience
Dick's Sporting Goods and Academy Sports are the easiest option if you want to see and touch shorts before buying. Both carry brands like Nike, Adidas, and Spandex House across multiple price points. You can try on different inseams and waistbands in the fitting room and walk out the same day. Return windows are typically 60 days with a receipt, which gives you time to test them on a ride.
Stock varies by location and season. Stores near urban areas or college towns tend to have deeper inventory. Call ahead if you're looking for a specific size or inseam length, because popular sizes sell out. Prices are usually 10 to 20 percent higher than online, but you avoid shipping costs and return hassle.
Specialty bike shops: informed fitting and premium brands
Local bike shops carry brands like Pearl Izumi, Castelli, Rapha, and Assos that sporting goods chains don't stock. Staff are cyclists themselves and can explain the difference between road-specific shorts, mountain bike shorts, and casual cycling shorts. They know which brands run small or large and can recommend inseams based on your actual riding position, not just your height.
Prices are higher — expect $80 to $200 for quality shorts — but you're paying for fit informed and access to durable, performance-focused gear. Many shops offer a 30-day return window if the shorts don't work out on the road. Some will let you exchange for a different size or brand without a restocking fee. If you plan to ride regularly, the investment in proper fitting often saves money on replacements later.
Department stores: budget options with limited choice
Target, Walmart, and Kohl's sell basic cycling shorts under their own brands or through partnerships with athletic labels. Prices range from $15 to $40, making them the cheapest entry point. These shorts work for casual neighborhood rides and commuting, though they lack the padding and moisture-wicking of dedicated cycling gear.
Selection is limited — usually two to four styles in a handful of sizes. Return policies are generous (30 to 90 days depending on the store), so you can buy a pair, test it, and return it without penalty. The trade-off is that you won't find specialized features like chamois padding or race-specific cuts. These stores are best if you're new to cycling and want to test whether you like shorts before spending more.
Online retailers: widest range and price comparison
Amazon, REI, Backcountry, and Performance Bike stock dozens of brands and inseam lengths in one place. You can read customer reviews, compare prices across sellers, and filter by features like chamois type or fabric weight. Shipping is usually free or low-cost, and return windows are 30 to 60 days depending on the retailer.
The downside is that you can't try shorts on before buying, so sizing mistakes happen. Read the reviews for fit notes — customers often mention whether a brand runs small or large. Check the return shipping cost before you buy, because some retailers charge for returns on clothing. REI members get free returns on most items, which reduces the risk of ordering the wrong size.
Prices online are often 15 to 30 percent lower than in-store, especially during sales. Sign up for retailer emails to catch seasonal discounts. Amazon Prime members get faster shipping, but check seller ratings carefully — third-party sellers sometimes list counterfeit or old-stock items.
Brand websites: full collections and direct sales
Pearl Izumi, Castelli, Rapha, Assos, and other major brands sell directly from their own websites. You get the complete current collection, including colors and sizes that retail partners don't carry. Many brands offer sales during off-season months — typically November through January and July through August.
Shipping costs vary by brand and location. Some offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount; others charge a flat fee. Return policies are usually 30 days, though some brands require you to pay for return shipping. Buying direct means you're not competing with other retailers for stock, so popular sizes are more likely to be in stock. Brand websites also have detailed sizing charts and fit guides specific to their cuts.
What to compare when choosing where to buy
| Retailer Type | Price Range | Try On First | Return Window | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sporting Goods Chain | $30–$100 | Yes | 60 days | Quick purchase, multiple brands |
| Specialty Bike Shop | $80–$200 | Yes | 30 days | informed fitting, premium brands |
| Department Store | $15–$40 | Yes | 30–90 days | Budget entry point |
| Online Retailer | $25–$150 | No | 30–60 days | Widest selection, price comparison |
| Brand Website | $40–$180 | No | 30 days | Full collection, seasonal sales |
Price is not the only factor. If you're buying your first pair and unsure about fit, paying more at a specialty shop or sporting goods chain saves time and frustration. If you already know your size and preferred brand, online shopping and brand websites offer better prices. Return policy matters most if you're ordering without trying on — a 60-day window gives you time to ride in the shorts and decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between cycling shorts sold at sporting goods stores and specialty bike shops?
Sporting goods chains carry athletic shorts that work for cycling but aren't designed specifically for it. Specialty shops stock shorts built for long rides, with better chamois padding, moisture-wicking fabrics, and cuts that match your riding position. You pay more, but the shorts last longer and feel better on rides over an hour.
Can I return shorts to a store if I bought them online?
Most online retailers don't accept in-store returns. Check the return policy before you buy. Some retailers like REI and Dick's Sporting Goods let you return online purchases at physical locations, but Amazon and brand websites usually require you to ship items back yourself.
How do I know what size to order online if I can't try them on?
Read customer reviews for fit notes — people mention whether shorts run small or large. Check the brand's sizing chart and compare it to shorts you already own. Measure your waist and inseam with a soft tape measure. If you're between sizes, most reviewers will tell you which direction to go.
Are shorts from department stores good enough for regular cycling?
They work for casual rides under an hour. For regular commuting or longer rides, the thin padding gets uncomfortable and wears out faster. If you plan to ride more than a few times a week, investing in cycling-specific shorts from a specialty shop or online retailer pays off in comfort and durability.
When do bike shops and online retailers have sales on shorts?
Most brands discount inventory in November through January (winter clearance) and July through August (summer clearance). Sign up for retailer emails to catch flash sales. End-of-season sales offer the biggest discounts, though selection shrinks as popular sizes sell out.