If you’re a cyclist, chances are you’ve experienced the discomfort that comes with spending hours in the saddle. But there’s no need to suffer in silence—or in uncomfortable, ill-fitting shorts. Padded cycling shorts are designed to provide cushioning and support where you need it most, so you can focus on the ride instead of your sore backside.

In this article, we’ll take a close look at two of the best padded cycling shorts on the market: the Pearl Izumi Men’s P.R.O. In-R-Cool Shorts and the Sugoi men’s RSE Alpha Shorts. We’ll compare and contrast their features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you decide which pair is right for you.

Pearl Izumi Men’s P.R.O. In-R-Cool Shorts

The Pearl Izumi Men’s P.R.O. In-R-Cool Shorts are made of a polyester/elastane blend that’s designed to wick away sweat and keep you cool and dry on even the hottest days. The shorts have a 10-inch inseam and a comfortable, relaxed fit. They’re equipped with Pearl Izumi’s P.R.O. Transfer In-R-Cool fabric, which features UPF 50+ sun protection.

The Pearl Izumi Men’s P.R.O. In-R-Cool Shorts are available in black or white and come in sizes S-XXL. They’re priced at $110.

Sugoi men’s RSE Alpha Shorts

The Sugoi men’s RSE Alpha Shorts are made of a polyester/elastane blend that’s designed to wick away sweat and keep you cool and dry. The shorts have a 9-inch inseam and a comfortable, relaxed fit. They’re equipped with Sugoi’s RSE Alpha fabric, which features UPF 50+ sun protection.

The Sugoi men’s RSE Alpha Shorts are available in black or white and come in sizes S-XXL. They’re priced at $90.

Comparison

Inseam

The Pearl Izumi Men’s P.R.O. In-R-Cool Shorts have a 10-inch inseam, while the Sugoi men’s RSE Alpha Shorts have a 9-inch inseam. If you prefer a shorter inseam, the Sugoi shorts may be a better option for you. However, the extra inch in the Pearl Izumi shorts provides more coverage and may be more comfortable for some riders.

Fit

Both the Pearl Izumi Men’s P.R.O. In-R-Cool Shorts and the Sugoi men’s RSE Alpha Shorts have a relaxed, comfortable fit. If you prefer a tighter or looser fit, either of these shorts should work for you.

Fabric

The Pearl Izumi Men’s P.R.O. In-R-Cool Shorts are made of Pearl Izumi’s P.R.O. Transfer In-R-Cool fabric, while the Sugoi men’s RSE Alpha Shorts are made of Sugoi’s RSE Alpha fabric. Both of these fabrics are designed to wick away sweat and keep you cool and dry. However, the Pearl Izumi fabric also features UPF 50+ sun protection, which the Sugoi fabric does not.

Price

The Pearl Izumi Men’s P.R.O. In-R-Cool Shorts are priced at $110, while the Sugoi men’s RSE Alpha Shorts are priced at $90. If you’re on a budget, the Sugoi shorts may be the better option for you. However, the extra $20 for the Pearl Izumi shorts gets you a pair of shorts with UPF 50+ sun protection.

Conclusion

Both the Pearl Izumi Men’s P.R.O. In-R-Cool Shorts and the Sugoi men’s RSE Alpha Shorts are great choices for padded cycling shorts. They’re both made of sweat-wicking fabric that will keep you cool and dry on hot days. They both have a relaxed, comfortable fit. And they’re both available in black or white.

The Pearl Izumi Men’s P.R.O. In-R-Cool Shorts have a 10-inch inseam and feature UPF 50+ sun protection. The Sugoi men’s RSE Alpha Shorts have a 9-inch inseam and are priced $20 less than the Pearl Izumi shorts.

If you’re looking for a pair of padded cycling shorts that will keep you cool and dry on hot days, either of these shorts will work for you. However, if you prefer a shorter inseam or are on a budget, the Sugoi men’s RSE Alpha Shorts may be the better choice.