30-Day Road Test Guarantee
Try our bibs for 30 days and if they're rubbing you the wrong way send them back. Each order comes with a pre-paid return label, simply use this label to ship them back for a full refund or exchange for a new size. If you're exchanging your bibs that have been ridden in, please note that the 30-Day Guarantee applies to 1 replacement bib per purchase. If the second pair doesn't work out, they must be in new/unworn condition in order to qualify for a refund. For in-store purchases check with your local dealer for details.
1-Year Crash Replacement Program
Nobody likes the thought of going down on a ride, but if it happens and your kit becomes unridable, we'll replace it up to 1 year from purchase. Email us a picture of your shredded kit, along with your order number, and we'll replace like-for-like goods. Please note, minor bumps and scrapes don't apply. (They just add to your badass credibility!) If you're unsure whether the damage warrants a replacement, shoot us a picture and we can assess the damage.
6-Month Manufacturer's Guarantee
With proper care, our jerseys and bibs can hold up to the most intensive training programs. On the off chance that you notice a manufacturer's defect in your bibs or jersey within 6 months of purchase, send them back for exchange. To arrange shipping, please contact us at info@machinesforfreedom.com with your order number and the item(s) that need to be replaced.
Fine Print
Please note that the 30 Day Road Test Guarantee applies to bibs only. Jerseys and Bibs are covered under the 1 Year Crash Replacement and 6 Month Manufacturer's Guarantee. Offer does not apply to accessories. For international exchanges, we ask all customers to return the item at their expense using a local carrier. Items can be returned to us at PO Box 50600, Los Angeles, California 90050. Please be sure to include your order number, name the order was placed under, and a contact email. We recommend insuring and tracking the package as Machines For Freedom is not responsible for lost merchandise. Machines For Freedom will cover the cost to ship you your new items. For International Crash Replacements, the customer will be responsible for the shipping costs of the new item.
Essential for every adventure.
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.
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.
I've spent a lot of time in Machines bibs and my first impression slipping on the shorts is that they offer slightly less compression, but feel so smooth and sexy. The high waist was super flattering on my pear shape and I felt comfortable riding in a crop with them. The chamois is supple enough for long rides but comfortable enough for quick commutes.
Giving them 5 stars because they are truly the only bike shorts, with a chamois, that I have ever felt sexy in.
I did feel that they ran slightly larger than the bibs because of the compression factor, but that could also be due to my thick bottom and smaller waist, and the lack of bands on the legs. My thighs are 30"in diameter (LOL) and the right leg does roll up a little bit but not enough to annoy me. The yoga inspired waist is extremely comfy but it could use a seam along the top like a traditional yoga short to keep it from rolling down if you have a short torso. Even with these small gripes, these are by far the most flatter chamois short I've ever worn, and they are so ideal for gravel rides and hot summer commutes.
For sizing reference, I am 5'8" 200lbs
Chest:42"
Waist:33"
Hips:51"
I really, really liked these shorts - seem to be thoughtfully designed, good fabrics, compression in all of the right places, etc. I followed the size chart exactly, but they were just too small. I'm patiently waiting for these to be re-stocked in a larger size so I can finally get my hands on a pair!
No joke. I've been wearing bibs for years because, well, they suck it all in...! I've been a professional bike guide for 15 years + I raced my mountain bike professionally for 7 years & I've literally tried EVERYTHING. I wish I'd had these shorts during my mountain bike guiding days in Moab... they are the ultimate mountain bike chamois & fit perfectly underneath a pair baggies if that's what you're going for. I've missed having that casual BUT also functional chamois that lets me ride my ride but also look good if I just want to wear a T-shirt instead of a jersey. This is the first time I've warn a "simple" pair of chamois in years, I'm very pleased with my purchase & I HIGHLY recommend to any style of rider. Cheers!
After years of being in bibs and feeling the pressure of bib straps it was so nice to ride in these shorts and have my upper body breathe. Open jersey recommended for maximum breeze enjoyment. The leg bands don’t sausage you, they’re really nicely cut and the waist band is like a comfy yoga pant top. Doesn’t dig into your stomach. The chamois is super pro so you can go for long rides in the shorts.
Also the MFF chamois is one of the only ones I’ve found for women with larger sits bone width. I have the widest on the market -168mm, despite my smaller sized booty. And usually the chamois doesn’t even cover my sits bones. But the MFF is wide enough so I can have a happy comfy ride.
Looks kewl with t shirts or just a kewl sports bra.
These shorts are the most comfortable I've ever ridden in. I usually have issues with shorts being too tight around the thigh and/waist, but these shorts don't dig in at all. I haven't gotten a single saddle sore with these shorts and I've worn them for a handful of 60+ mile rides, and a multi-day bikepacking trip. Not to mention the fabric has remained soft and shiny through multiple washings. Highly recommend.
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Shipping & Returns
Shopping for cycling clothes isn’t easy so we took the risk out of shopping online.
FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING
Get your order within 1-4 business days, even to Hawaii and Alaska.
FREE DOMESTIC RETURNS
Don’t love it? No problem. A pre-paid return label is included in every shipment.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
We ship worldwide! Free for orders over $500.