Sugoi is one of several brands to offer specialist apparel to cyclists and triathlon athletes. It has built a reputation over the years for great quality products with excellent functionality.
Sugoi bike shorts are by far their most popular product line.
In fact, bike shorts are the product that made Sugoi famous.
Way back in 1987, two cyclists got together in a garage in Vancouver. They weren’t happy with the existing products on the market and set out to design a pair of shorts that would be suitable for high-end performance. They chose ground-breaking fabrics for that time – and the Sugoi brand gained rapid popularity in cyclist circles.
Today it is a worldwide brand, albeit one that it is probably only familiar to athletes.
So what makes Sugoi cycling shorts worth investing in? And how do they deliver such a comfortable riding experience?
This article takes an in-depth look at the top Sugoi bike shorts and compares their high-tech fabrics and uses to help you figure out which pair is right for you.
What Are The Best Sugoi Bike Shorts?
Let’s start by looking at arguably the most famous of the Sugoi bike shorts:
Sugoi Evolution Shorts
The Sugoi Evolution is one of the most popular compression shorts for cyclists.
The material is made from ‘Evoplus’ (81% Nylon 19% Spandex) which is designed to wick away moisture and dry extremely quickly. This makes it perfect for both cycling and triathlon athletes.
The chamois uses a performance-tailored 3D design, which absorbs both shock and heat to keep you comfortable. It also includes a locking zipper with security pocket on the lower right hand side of the short to securely store your valuables when out riding. They are available in sizes S to XXL.
The Sugoi Evolution shorts are famed for being supportive without being restrictive. They have a nice ribbed inner material that does a great job of wicking away sweat.
Overall, it’s an excellent collection of bike shorts with popular options for both men and women.
Sugoi RS Pro Shorts
Another popular choice of shorts from Sugoi are the RS Pro shorts.
They’re made with a Firo fabric design (78% Nylon 22% Spandex), similar to the Evolution shorts, but a slightly adjusted design and feel.
The 3D chamois is thinner than that used on the Evolution collection, meaning it doesn’t provide quite as much padding or support. However, for most cyclists this probably won’t be an issue. The material does move well and keeps you comfortable during long rides – perfect for those training sessions over several hours.
One of the things that really stands out in this model is just how quick these shorts dry – which makes them great for multi-sport events (particularly triathlons).
The shorts boast Ultra Aero fabric at the outer thighs for maximum aero efficiency, and they also utilise an infused silicone gripper leg band, which provides a nice snug fit – perfect for long rides.
The downside? They come at a premium.
These shorts are not cheap and will cost over $150 if you purchase directly from Sugoi.
Thankfully they can normally be picked up much cheaper if you’re lucky enough to find them in discount stores, or on sale on marketplaces like Amazon or eBay.
Sugoi RPM Lined Shorts
Finally we have the more casual RPM Lined shorts series.
They’re made with a slightly lighter material than the Evolution and RS Pro lines, but still provide great performances on or off the bike.
The fabric is their Mobil design (87% Polyester 13% Spandex). It allows high breathability and moisture wicking abilities, although not with the same performance advantages of the RS Pro or Evolution series.
These are all-purpose baggy shorts that you’re not going to be using for a race. They are designed for comfort and convenience. You can wear them to explore, commute to work, or just ride around town when you’re not in a rush.
Sugoi’s RPM Lined Shorts come with a removable liner which features the RC 100 Chamois for lightweight comfort. They have two front hand pockets and a side zipper pocket for any valuables you want to tuck away safely on your ride.
Looking for Sugoi shorts that are suitable for every-day riding, that won’t break the bank? These are your best bet.
Are Sugoi Cycling Shorts Worth Trying?
Sugoi offer several different options for cyclists and triathlon athletes, but all three of the models above are worth checking out.
The price varies depending on sizing/colours, etc., so it’s important to check the product to ensure you get exactly what you want. However, the quality of performance is consistent across all three lines – making Sugoi one of the most trusted brands in cycling apparel.
Is it only cyclists that use these shorts?
The majority of users are certainly cyclists, but they are popular with triathlon athletes too – which suggests they perform well across a variety of disciplines.
Which is what you’d expect for such a premium pair of shorts, right?!
How Expensive Are Sugoi Shorts?
Sugoi is a popular brand within the world of cycling and triathlons for a reason – their clothing delivers excellent comfort and high-end performance gains relative to cheaper options.
With that said, it would be hard to describe the Sugoi collections as “cheap”.
At the time of writing, the Evolution Shorts are selling for $143.99 on the Sugoi website.
The RS Pro Series (available in black or grey) is currently listed at $187.99.
As you’d expect, the general-purpose RPM Lined Shorts are much cheaper – currently coming it at around $80.
All apparel from Sugoi comes with a 60 day comfort guarantee:
If you want to buy a pair of the best bike shorts on the market, you would expect to pay upwards of $150, and Sugoi certainly belongs in this category. Their shorts fall in to the mid-to-high-end range as far as price is concerned.
There are cheaper brands, like Sponeed, Baleaf and a whole raft of budget imported bike shorts on Amazon. But from our experience, these options simply do not provide the level of technology and craftsmanship that goes in to the Sugoi’s.
(And we wouldn’t want to skimp on quality before a full day in the saddle.)
If you’re looking for maximum comfort from performance boosting bike shorts, the RS Pro or Evolution series are two of the top contenders.
Let us know your favorites!
