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Children's cycling shorts

Guide

Children's cycling shorts

Children's cycling bottoms should move with their pedalling and keep the pad in place. Let your child sit in a riding position and check whether waist and fastenings are easy to manage.

Key points

Choose a pad proportioned for the child's size.
Wear padded cycling bottoms without extra underwear beneath.
Allow room in outer shorts for knee pads.

Which bottoms for which ride?

Use	Choose	Bear in mind
Roads and cycle paths	ChoosePadded cycling tights	Bear in mindThe pad should stay beneath the sitting bones while seated.
Trails and pump tracks	ChooseLoose outer shorts	Bear in mindTry with knee pads and add padded inner shorts where needed.
Cool days	ChooseLong tights or trail trousers	Bear in mindLegs should move freely; match wind protection to the temperature.

What to look for

Question	In brief	Why
How much growing room?	In briefMovement before spare room	WhyToo much width lets the pad and waist move around. Compare current height with the brand's size chart.
Waist or bib?	In briefConsider breaks	WhyA waistband makes independent toilet stops easier. Bib straps hold the shorts up but should not pull on the shoulders.
Is a liner included?	In briefCheck the contents	WhyLoose outer shorts may come with padded inner shorts or need them separately. Check before ordering.

Common questions

Should I size up for growth?

Choose a size in which your child can pedal comfortably now. A much larger pad can slip and fold. Compare height and measurements with the brand's chart instead of buying a large spare margin in the hope of longer use.

Does every child need a pad?

A suitably shaped pad can help on longer periods in the saddle. On short play rides, freedom to move may matter more. Check the seated feel on the child's own bike and choose padding proportioned to their current size.

Will trail trousers fit over knee pads?

Let your child wear the intended pads while trying the trousers and squatting down. Knees and hems should not catch. Check the actual combination rather than assuming that a loose cut will always leave enough room.

How should I care for padded bottoms?

Wash according to the label and let the pad dry fully. Extra underwear beneath padded shorts can introduce seams that rub. The inside should be clean and dry before your child wears them on the next ride.

Last updated: November 2026