Comparison of the four Löffler cycling shorts
1. transtex® light cycling undershorts – the basic model
A comfortable entry-level model for active cyclists, designed for short to medium-distance rides.
- Seat Pad: Comfort Basic (6 mm thickness, 60 kg/m³ density) – discreet with low volume
- Material: transtex® light – rapid moisture transport, exceptionally lightweight
- Fit: Close-fitting, wide elastic waistband, extra-short leg length, elastic leg cuffs
- Best for: Short rides of up to 1.5 hours, upright riding position, city biking, commuting
- Price: EUR 39.99
- Women: 03965 | Men: 02965
2. Elastic 2.0 cycling undershorts – the all-round model
A comfortable all-round model with ergonomically optimized panel construction for ambitious recreational cyclists.
- Seat Pad: Comfort Elastic (12 mm thickness, 80 kg/m³ density) – multiple foam zones for optimal pressure distribution
- Material: Elastic – highly stretchable, breathable, and quick-drying
- Fit: Wide elastic waistband, extra-short leg length, leg cuffs with silicone grippers
- Special Feature: Ultra-soft flatlock seams that are barely noticeable. Also ideal for e-bike tours
- Best for: Regular rides of 1–3 hours, touring, e-biking, and upright to slightly forward-leaning riding positions
- Price: EUR 49.99
- Women: 26593 | Men: 26585
3. hotBOND® cycling undershorts – the premium model
The premium model for cyclists seeking maximum comfort, unrestricted freedom of movement, and reliable cushioning on long rides.
- Seat Pad: Comfort Gel Air (16 mm thickness, 90 kg/m³ density) – shock-absorbing gel inserts in the sit-bone area, fully perforated for optimal thermoregulation
- Material: Elastic – highly stretchable for a perfect fit
- Fit: Wide elastic waistband, short leg length, comfortable wide leg cuffs
- Special Feature: hotBOND® technology – ultrasonically bonded seams instead of conventional stitching. No chafing, no pressure points, and increased tear resistance. Enhanced breathability through mesh inserts
- Best for: Long rides exceeding 3 hours, frequent cyclists, e-bike riders, and upright to compact riding positions
- Price: EUR 79.99
- Women: 21273 | Men: 21265
4. hotBOND®-SQL cycling undershorts – the performance model
A highly athletic and comfortable model designed for predominantly forward-leaning riding positions, such as on gravel bikes or mountain bikes.
- Seat Pad: SQlab-XP/6 Pro (6 mm thickness, 360 kg/m³ density) – extremely compact foam, race-oriented ergonomic shaping, with a tapered perineal area for enhanced comfort in aggressive riding positions
- Material: Elastic – highly stretchable for a perfect fit
- Fit: Wide elastic waistband, short leg length, wide leg cuffs with silicone grippers
- Special Feature: hotBOND® technology. The SQlab pad is specifically developed for sporty, forward-leaning riding positions. It is thinner than conventional pads but features an exceptionally high density (360 kg/m³) for long-lasting cushioning and support.
- Best for: Gravel riding, mountain biking, road cycling, sporty forward-leaning positions, and rides of any distance
- Price: EUR 99.99
- Women: 29232 | Men: 28727
Which cycling undershorts are best for which type of ride?
| Best for | Model | Seat pad | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occasional cyclists, commuters, city biking | transtex® light | Comfort Basic 6 mm | EUR 39,99 |
| Touring, leisure rides, e-bike tours | Elastic 2.0 | Comfort Elastic 12 mm | EUR 49,99 |
| Frequent riders, long-distance tours | hotBOND® | Comfort Gel Air 16 mm | EUR 79,99 |
| Gravel, MTB, road cycling, performance-oriented riders | hotBOND®-SQL | SQlab-XP/6 Pro 6 mm | EUR 99,99 |
Which cycling undershorts are best for which type of ride?
Kurze Ausfahrten, City, Pendeln
Modelltranstex® light
PolsterComfort Basic 6 mm
PreisEUR 39,99
Regelmäßige Touren, E-Bike
ModellElastic 2.0
PolsterComfort Elastic 12 mm
PreisEUR 49,99
Lange Touren, Vielfahrer
ModellhotBOND®
PolsterComfort Gel Air 16 mm
PreisEUR 79,99
Gravel, MTB, Rennrad, sportive Position
ModellhotBOND®-SQL
PolsterSQlab-XP/6 Pro 6 mm
PreisEUR 99,99
Cycling undershorts or cycling shorts – What’s the difference?
What should you look for in a cycling undershort?
Seat Pad: Denser is better, not necessarily thicker
The most common misconception is that a thicker seat pad is automatically more comfortable. In reality, the density of the foam is what determines the quality of the cushioning. A thin, high-density pad (such as the SQlab-XP/6 Pro with 360 kg/m³) provides more durable support and cushioning than a thicker, softer pad that compresses under load.
Choosing the right seat pad also depends on your riding position:
- Upright riding positions (touring bikes, e-bikes) place more pressure on the sit bones. In these cases, wider and thicker pads, such as the Comfort Gel Air (16 mm), are often the better choice.
- Forward-leaning riding positions (road bikes, gravel bikes) distribute pressure more toward the perineal area. Here, narrower, denser pads with a race-oriented shape, such as the SQlab-XP/6 Pro (6 mm), offer superior comfort and support.
The key takeaway: The best seat pad is not necessarily the thickest one—it is the one that matches your riding position and provides the right combination of density, shape, and support.
Material: Elastic vs. hotBOND®
The entry-level models (transtex® light and Elastic 2.0) use elastic functional fabric combined with conventional, ultra-soft flatlock seams. The premium models (hotBOND® and hotBOND®-SQL) replace traditional seams with ultrasonically bonded connections, resulting in a flatter, smoother, and more durable construction.
Fit: Designed to be worn directly against the skin
A cycling undershort must fit snugly so that the seat pad stays exactly in the right position. Cycling undershorts that are too large will shift while riding and can cause the very pressure points they are meant to prevent. When in doubt, choose one size smaller.
Care: How to make your cycling undershorts last longer
Wash after every ride using a gentle cycle at a maximum of 40°C. Sweat, salts, and sunscreen can damage the material and reduce its elasticity. More cycling undershorts are ruined by washing them too infrequently than by washing them too often. Do not use fabric softener—it clogs the pores of the fabric and reduces both breathability and the cushioning performance of the seat pad. Air dry only; do not tumble dry.
FAQ
Which cycling undershorts are best for beginners?
Which cycling undershorts are best for long rides?
Which cycling undershorts are best for gravel riding and MTB?
The hotBOND®-SQL with the SQlab-XP/6 Pro pad. This pad was specifically developed for sporty, forward-leaning riding positions, featuring a race-oriented shape and a tapered perineal area. The thin yet extremely dense pad (6 mm, 360 kg/m³) stays securely in place and provides long-lasting cushioning on varied terrain.
Do you wear anything underneath cycling undershorts?
No. Cycling undershorts are designed to be worn directly against the skin. The seat pad is engineered to perform optimally without an additional layer underneath. Regular underwear can create folds and pressure points that may lead to chafing.
