baleaf Women's Bike Shorts 4D Padded Cycling Spinning Road Bike Pockets Wide Waistband UPF50+

Firstly, let me confess to not being a Pelotonian (did I make up that word?)Got a bike last summer to get moving and healthier, rode it twice and put it away for the winter. Swore this summer I would put that bicycle to use and challenge myself.I'll share details about my experience with the pants first and then you can read my adventure that led to these pants at the end if you're interested.If you've never worn padded biker shorts before (the case for me) You might notice it feels like they're not all the way up into position against the undercarriage. And it might feel like things are sagging down, but when you view yourself in the mirror from behind, things are in the right place if you have the right size. I am 5'3, 180 lb and got XL since I've got some booty and thighs, and figured they would be pretty tight given what they are. One side tends to feel more out of place than the other side underneath for me, but we are not a symmetric species so I talked it up to that. And wouldn't say I got used to it, but it all seemed to work out.Washed them right away as I do most clothing I purchase. Think I washed them in like lukewarm, hung them to dry. Worked well. After my event, washed in warm to hot, and still were okay. Unsure how many times I could get away with that with the rubbery padding. So perhaps warm is enough. Might need to read other reviews for details on that.Thankfully the thighs came down low enough, landing 3 to 4 inches above my middle knee. I would say for someone taller, this is may indeed be short, but again I take up some space with thighs and booty. And while they were a bit snug where they landed, it was not uncomfortable or cutting.The silicone lining at the leg 100% prevented roll up. They were high enough at the waist to prevent roll down even with some belly (I'm trying to change a dessert habit). But I wear a moisture wicking cami untucked under my main top, so it's possible this helped keep the waist up.I am a general fan of Baleaf. Although the thermal tops have changed a bit and sadly not as robust, are thinner and some other things, but that's a story for another day. The Baleaf logo on the thigh is stamped, but is a nice touch and looks of quality overall. Think it is meant to be a bit reflective, but it's small and not likely to catch the eye at night.Why the five stars? Well, all of the things above as well as two more things. 1) I didn't think in a million years this little, angled hip pocket was going to hold my giant phone with its protective case. I ride (listen to me sounding like a cyclist) with a small crossbody. But when I finally made it to the event, I did have music playing in my pods because frankly I wasn't sure that without distraction I would make it through lol! But ended up shoving the phone into that stretchy little pocket for accessibility versus the crossbody on my back, and it totally fit! And seemed secure. Did not fall out once because the pocket was deep enough.2) I had bailed on conditioning for a 9 mi bike fundraiser which may seem short to some, but was the longest I would have ever ridden considering I had been on my bike twice, and had only ridden around my neighborhood about one to three miles.Even though I signed up 2 mo in advance intending to condition for it, 3 weeks loomed before the event and I finally decided to start riding through the neighborhood again, but my undercarriage was so tender for a week after one ride! I bailed from conditioning... again.That may be TMI but I figure we get these pants for a reason. That soreness talked me out of getting on the bike until a week prior to the event. Soreness? Laziness? Let's call the whole thing off!A little over a week out from the event, I ordered these pants hoping they would be a game changer. And they were! Essentially I did a bike cram session at a local bike trail, but now with a little cushioning. I overdid it of course, clocked 12 mi by accident. Story for another time. But was somehow in less discomfort than when I would just ride 1 to 3 mi!As far as breathability, I wear under cotton underclothes beneath these. I don't know what others do. But let's just say I'd be surprised if anything's really "breathing" where the padding lives. But since I shower right afterwards anyway it's been a non-issue.There may be a higher-end brand for more serious riders. And again, I have no basis for comparison so these could be as amazing as it gets, or as terrible as it gets. But what I know is when I finally made it to my 9 mi event, at a group pace much faster than expected, where I popped the chain off of my gears and was in one speed the whole time grunting it out, I was at a level of maybe 1-2 out of 10 discomfort at the end where I used to be 15!So for someone, these will resolve any discomfort. And I believe with time it will continue to improve for me. I did read somewhere that undercarriage discomfort is not something you are supposed to just wait to fade away. You may need a better seat. Not sure how a seat could rectify all discomfort, but again, novice. And I do know these changed it for me and were very functional! Hope this helps and that they work for you!

Wonderful to finally find a pair of biking shorts that are a bit longer and cover your thigh and stay in place while riding. They are very well-made, comfortable material. The padding is in all the right places. I am 5’3” and 128 pounds. I purchased a large because I don’t like things super tight, and these fit me perfectly, but I am sure I could have easily fit into a medium.

I have been looking for longer inseam shorts to provide sun protection for more of my upper thigh. There are very few options out there in female sizes. These shorts fit well, are well made, and priced reasonably. The legs don't ride up any worse than any other brand. The thigh pocket is utterly worthless when cycling. Anything in the pocket works it way out from the motion of your legs, although it is a convenient place to put your gloves during bathroom breaks when you are just walking around. Generally, I would prefer no pocket since the pocket is not very useful and makes the shorts a little hotter.One note, the crotch pad is unusually thick. It is actually rather uncomfortable when walking around, however it is rather welcome when actually on the bike.

I bought the 10” shorts. One was a medium and was a bit snug but wearable with a bit more compression. Then I bought 2 of the large and they were a bit looser but still fit fine. I am 5’7” and weigh around 130 pounds. Consider sizing up on these shorts.I just got back from riding RAGBRAI (Registers Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) where I rode a total of 7 days and 526 miles, with the longest days being 92 miles and another three exceeded 80+ miles,. These were my go-to shorts - so comfortable. I even washed out one pair and used it again on the ride. So a total of 4 riding days in these shorts and 3 in the others I had with me. By far these were the best AND the least expensive.I am a long time rider (over 25 years) and have bought lots of cycling shorts. These are by far the best value for the money. They appear to be well made and I love the 10” length and the side pockets are extremely handy.Don’t know how long they will last, but these certainly compete with many of the the high end expensive shorts I have worn.Be aware, the pad is a little thick, but it is very comfortable.

Truly comfortable when in the saddle. Pockets are spacious and handy. Quality construction. Fit as expected. I'm ordering another pair.

Great bike shorts. High waisted with just enough compression. The leg bands are comfy and stay in place with no binding. The shorts are light weight and thin and could be worn under another layer but are fine alone. The padding is generous and comfortable.

I'm 5'0", 115lbs., and according to the size chart and Amazon recommendation I should wear medium. However, they were too tight, couldn't get them over my mid-thighs. Returned for large (even though I weigh 115 pounds!!) which is too loose. The waist is comfortable but the fabric is slightly loose on my hips and thighs, the leg grippers are a little loose. However, they were close enough that I decided to try them on a short ride, under 20 miles. They were useable at that distance but the padding shifted around a bit and I would not risk wearing loose shorts for a distance longer than that. If they fit properly they might be quite comfortable. The padding seemed to be a good thickness, maybe a bit bulky in back above the seat but since that part is not in contact with the saddle it's not an big issue. I did not return them after using for sanitary reasons. They're useable for a short distance if I don't have any others clean. I also think the pockets are not placed for easy access, too high on the hips.

Used to order pearl izumi but runs very small so had to order large and last purchase had irritating lining. Baleaf seems to have normal sizing …typically wear size medium so first got large which were ok but medium fits perfectly. Lining is , much better than pearl izumi. . Love these! So size like you normally wear.