With these women’s bibless menstrual shorts, Van Rysel offers a road-focused option for hot-weather riding – still a relatively uncommon approach in cycling. The idea is simple: combine a classic summer short, a chamois shaped for road rides, and an integrated absorbent layer rated at 12 ml. Priced at €39.99, it sits in the affordable bracket and brings real day-to-day practicality for riders who need it.

Shorts designed to make riding during your period simpler

The core feature of this model is of course its integrated menstrual insert. Van Rysel states absorption of up to 12 ml per use, which is a useful benchmark, even if it does not tell the whole story about in-saddle feel or actual duration depending on flow.

On paper, this type of shorts can help you avoid piling on layers or rethinking your setup on ride days. The choice of a bibless cut pushes in the same direction, simplifying kitting up and making comfort breaks easier.

For summer road rides

The brand rates these shorts for temperatures between 15 and 35 °C. So we are looking at a model aimed at mild to hot conditions, with a fabric advertised as breathable and quick-drying.

In practice, this matters as much for overall comfort as for moisture management on medium-duration rides. That said, beyond the claims, the fabric’s real-world behavior in peak summer or over long hours will ultimately need to be judged on the road.

Some well-thought-out practical details

These shorts include pockets on the outside of the thighs (cargo pockets). It is not new, but on a bibless road model it can be handy for keeping a small item within easy reach without having to dig into your jersey pockets.

The high-density foam chamois suggests at least a serious approach to in-saddle comfort. Again, it is hard to conclude much without perspective on the shape of the insert, its stability, and how it holds up after several washes.