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Essential Cycling Short

Name: Essential Cycling Short
Brand: machinesforfreedom
SKU: RS01BLKXS
Price: 148.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$ 148

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Color: Black

Model Measurements

Kaelani is wearing size Medium // Model is 5'10" / bust 34" / waist 28" / hips 40"
Anna is wearing size X-Large // Model is 5'9" / bust 45" / waist 33.5" / hips 47"

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SKU:

RS01BLKXS

THE SHORT THAT SOLD OUT IN 24 HOURS.

So. Many. Firsts. The first cycling short EVER from Machines For Freedom. The first new piece in the Machines’ line to feature our new inclusive size range, extending from X-Small to XXX-Large! The first cycling short truly designed for the long-distance rider.

Many view shorts as the novice kit, a first step on the way to bibs. But our community was saying something different… They aren’t beginners; they’re out there riding centuries and multi-day tours, mile after mile. But they prefer the easy in and out of a short without losing any of the technical benefits of a high-performance bib.

Enter: The Essential Short. Designed for the endurance rider who simply prefers a short. With thoughtful details like a yoga-inspired waistband to eliminate uncomfortable pressure and a seamless silicon leg band so they stay put. The 8.5" Inseam makes for a versatile, mid-thigh fit.

After more than one year of development, we’re confident this is the best cycling short for women. Period.

Features

The 8.5" Inseam makes for a versatile, mid-thigh fit.
The Essential Short features the same fan-favorite chamois as Machines’ Endurance Bib. It’s graded for 6+ hours in the saddle, bacteriostatic to inhibit infections, and wide enough for most women’s sit bones.
The yoga-inspired waistband is revolutionary: compressive enough to stay up without sagging, but soft enough to eliminate elastic bands that dig when in the riding position.
New seamless leg bands stay put without squeezing.
Machines’ iconic paneled construction combines style and a flattering sleek silhouette.
Highest quality European fabric is compressive, moisture-wicking, and silky soft to the touch.

SEE THE LOOKBOOK

Sizing Calculator

Size & Fit

	WAIST (in)	HIPS (in)
XS	23.5 - 25.5	34 - 36
S	25.5 - 27.5	36 - 39
M	27.5 - 30.5	39 - 42
L	30.5 - 33.5	42 - 45
XL	33.5 - 36.5	45 - 48
XXL	36.5 - 39.5	48 - 51
XXXL	39.5 - 42.5	51 - 54

Notes about fit

For cycling bibs and shorts, the HIP MEASUREMENT is the most crucial factor.
Measure around the WIDEST POINT of the hips/bum.
If you are between sizes or petite (5'3" or under), we recommend SIZING DOWN for a compressive fit.
A snug fit is crucial to performance.
Check out our FIT GUIDE for more detailed instructions, or pop your measurements into the fit calculator above for a personalized recommendation! (Please note, the fit guide requires chest, waist and hip measurements.)

The Chamois

Ultra high density ischiatic inserts will stay comfortable for up to 6 hours in the saddle. Positioning works for all sit bones widths.
Thermo-molded design makes this chamois look, and feel, less bulky.
High density ‘pelvic track’ insert shaped for a woman’s anatomy.
Extremely soft and breathable fabric. Polymide-carbon threading makes the fabric ultra fast drying, bacteriostatic, and reduces heat gain during long hours in the saddle.

Great for wide sit bones

These provide excellent padding and good comfort after a long ride. Definitely a snug fit and somewhat sheer when stretched (I'm usually a 00/0 and according to the size chart I ordered the XS) but after reading other reviews I got the sense that that's typical.

You get what you pay for

I am not an aggressive rider but I do ride everyday and rely on padded shorts to make the miles more bearable.
Being a larger woman, my choices are few. I had some shorts that I wore for years and liked them. When I went to replace them, they had changed and we no longer good for me.
I learned of Machines for Freedom on Reddit. I took a looked but was dismayed by the cost. I made the mistake of trying other brands that either fell apart in two months or were just wrong from the start. I spent more money trying to save money.
I got some money for Christmas and ordered a pair. I knew they would be snug, but I was not prepared for these shorts. But once I got them on and went for a ride, ahhhh. My lady bits swore I wasn’t even on a bike!
Now that the weather is warmer, I think it is time to invest in a second pair.

Better than Bibs

I was skeptical about trying out shorts as opposed to bibs like I am used to and I can honestly say that I like these better than bibs. Granted, they are my first pair of Machines for Freedom, so maybe I am just experiencing the fact that they're engineered for a woman's body with curves but either way, I am sold. I only began to feel a little saddle sore after sitting in these for 50 miles. If you're on the fence, you'll be glad you tried. 100% worth it.

I am 5'4" and 155lbs and ordered a medium and they're perfect, for reference.

Finally stylish bike shorts

I like these shorts. They dig in a bit more than the bibs but the convenience is worth it and they are in my regular rotation.

Great bike shorts- have just used them for spin so far- NH winter... very comfortable. I would prefer a bit longer inseam but otherwise the fit for small- I’m 5’3” 113 lb- is perfect.

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