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.
Fit is great, chamois seems like it would be great for all rides. It is unfortunate that the shorts are see through . With all the technical fabrics out there, I am surprised with how thin and transparent these are. A quick bend test is all you need to see for yourself. Disappointed, they will be going back.
I spent all of last summer trying to get my hands on a pair of the MFF bibs but the stars never aligned with the sizing availability. When these popped up in my email, I knew it was worth the wait.
Pros:
Comfortable, awesome compression, fit like a glove, perfect high waist so you don’t have to sacrifice tummy control and happily sausage leg free.
Also love not having to worry about straps on my trainer rides and loooove not having to hang my sweaty jersey on any more random, grungy gas station door hooks ever again!
Neutral:
Like Korie said below, black chamois would be a huge win for next go round.
I’m 5’8” and feel comfortable in the current length (still not as long as my Raphas) but a shorter option would be nice.
I received my new shorts and was so excited to take them for an overnight trip. My first impression was that I loved the shorts. Very comfortable, great waist band and good length for me (5’8). My second day wearing them, my partner told me they were see through :( the first day he said it wasn’t as bad likely due to the lighting. I felt very uncomfortable in them after being told this. When I got home I looked closer at the material and can see quite a bit through them un-stretched. My hip measurement is 43 inches so I purchased a large accordingly. I plan on returning them if the 30 day guarantee applies to shorts and hopefully finding another product that provides the coverage I want. The photo below shows the amount of light coming through without tension.
Wore these on a 2-hour indoor training session today, and they were great.
Pros:
Bottom of the shorts are perfect - no sausage legs
Very comfortable, with the right amount of compression
Perfect length for me (about 5- 6 inches above the knee)
Price point is good for the high quality
No complaints on the chamois
Minor Complaints:
-While the top is very comfortable, I did experience slight rolling down while cycling. To be fair, I was indoors and not wearing a shirt, so maybe a good cycling jersey would keep them in place a bit more.
-Very high rise for me - came to the bottom of my rib cage. This may be personal preference and the fact that I'm all legs and no torso.
Overall very happy with my purchase and could see myself buying another pair.
I went riding with them today and I felt so comfortable the entire time. I LOVE the high waist and everything fits like a glove. I typically like a shorter short because I have short legs, they are a bit long, but nothing that is a big deal...as long as i'm comfy! You need a pair.
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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.