Why choose Acelera women's cycling shorts?
Anyone who has ever ridden in shorts that don't fit right (too loose, too tight, or with the chamois in the wrong place) knows exactly how quickly comfort turns into irritation. At Acelera, all women's cycling shorts are designed around the female anatomy: a shorter rise, wider hips and a chamois positioned for how women sit in the saddle, not an adapted men's version. From the first pedal stroke to the last mile, the shorts feel like a second skin.
Our fabrics meet the demands of serious female cyclists. Whether you're heading into your first season or have been putting in the kilometers on your road bike for years, the Acelera range has women's cycling shorts to suit your level, your body and your ride.
Types of women's cycling shorts
Bib shorts: cycling shorts with straps
Bib shorts, or cycling shorts with straps, are the standard for good reason. The straps keep the shorts in place so the chamois doesn't sag while you ride. That may sound like a detail, but on a two-hour ride you'll notice the difference. Acelera offers women's bib shorts in the Essential, Intermediate and Professional lines, each with a matching chamois level, from short training sessions to long-distance rides.
Cycling shorts without straps
Not everyone likes riding in bib shorts. Women's cycling shorts without straps are easier to put on and take off, and a great choice for recreational cyclists or shorter rides. Just make sure the waistband fits well so the shorts don't ride up, and that the chamois still has the right women-specific fit.
Leg warmers for cycling
Do you ride year-round? Then leg warmers are a smart addition to your cycling shorts. They protect your legs in cold or changeable weather without the need for separate cycling tights. Ideal for the typical Dutch spring and fall, when you want to quickly add or remove a layer.
Why the chamois in your cycling shorts matters so much
The chamois is the heart of every pair of cycling shorts. It absorbs shocks, wicks away sweat and prevents chafing in the most sensitive areas. A good pair of women's cycling shorts with a chamois is thicker exactly where you experience the most pressure, which is in different places than in men's shorts. With the Acelera Essential chamois, you're well protected on rides of up to about three hours. Choose Intermediate and you'll ride comfortably on longer outings. The Professional chamois is made for the most demanding female cyclists, including those who ride multi-day tours.
Good chamois pads are made from synthetic, quick-drying materials that are easy to wash. Never wear underwear under your cycling shorts; the material is designed to be worn directly against the skin.
Short and long cycling shorts for every season
In summer, you ride in women's cycling shorts with a chamois, and most female cyclists opt for bib shorts. Once temperatures drop toward fall or winter, thermal cycling shorts or cycling tights are a better choice. The Acelera Intermediate Bibtight for women combines a water-repellent outer layer with a soft fleece interior, suitable for temperatures below 10°C. And for the days in between, leg warmers are a flexible solution you can easily take off when the sun breaks through.
How to choose the right women's cycling shorts at Acelera
Not sure which women's cycling shorts suit you best? Use our size chart before you order. Our shorts are cut specifically for women, but every body is different, so check your hip and waist measurements separately. Between two sizes? Then choose the larger size for extra comfort in the saddle.
Plus-size cycling shorts with a chamois are simply part of our range; we believe every woman should be able to ride comfortably, regardless of her clothing size. Free shipping and free returns are standard, so you always have room to try things on at your leisure.