Decathlon Van Rysel launches EDR menstrual cycling shorts and EDR Ultra

Decathlon’s Van Rysel cycling range has gained a new pair of cycling shorts designed specifically for women during their periods, aiming to prevent pain and discomfort. It enters the market at a low price point, in a category where competing products carry high price tags. An “Ultra” version is also available.

Decathlon has introduced a new product to its cycling department. Van Rysel, the brand owned by the French company that designs, manufactures and sells sporting goods, is launching new “EDR” cycling shorts. They have been created especially for women during their periods. This new model joins menstrual running shorts co-developed with Smoon, another French brand specialising in technical menstrual underwear.

Menstrual cycling shorts must address several issues

These new menstrual cycling shorts are intended to tackle several challenges women face on bike rides during their periods. First comes comfort - or, more accurately, managing pain. With close-fitting shorts made from very thin fabric, leaks and anxiety about staining can spoil the ride. Protection can also cause irritation, whether from a sanitary pad that shifts, an uncomfortable tampon, or simply heat and moisture.

The other key issue with cycling shorts for women during their periods is toilet stops. Unlike sports shorts, cycling shorts have straps, meaning riders need to uncover themselves and remove their top. This is particularly inconvenient when protection needs changing regularly. Cycling shorts with “drop tail” systems, allowing this without straps or without taking the straps off, are therefore preferable.

Decathlon’s new Van Rysel EDR menstrual cycling shorts

Decathlon addresses these constraints with new strap-free menstrual cycling shorts, developed for road riding and regular outings, with menstrual flow management in mind. Their built-in chamois pad has been designed to improve comfort through greater thickness (13 mm), absorbing vibrations from the saddle. Decathlon says the chamois remains non-compressive, with bi-elastic construction to adapt more easily to different body shapes.

This additional thickness should not compromise breathability either, and Decathlon states that its first Van Rysel menstrual cycling shorts can be worn in temperatures between 15 and 35 degrees. It would not be surprising if Van Rysel later developed full-length leggings for rides in cooler conditions.

Another addition is an absorbent area integrated directly into the cycling shorts, removing the need for underwear or extra protection. Decathlon claims a second-skin effect, along with added leak protection and a capacity of 12 ml per use. The lack of straps is intended to be offset by a wraparound waistband that provides reliable support despite the riding position. Side pockets are incorporated on both sides. Van Rysel claims full effectiveness “even after 25 washes”.

The new Decathlon Van Rysel menstrual cycling shorts are available for 39.99 euros in XS, S, M, L and XL sizes. They arrive in a market where cycling shorts are already expensive, and are even more so when designed specifically for women during their periods (between 100 and 300 euros). At present, the Van Rysel menstrual cycling shorts are only available in black, although other colours may follow. It remains to be seen whether further versions will be introduced, such as a strapped model for riders who want to retain the support while benefiting from the menstrual cycling shorts’ specific features.

Van Rysel also launches the EDR Ultra cycling shorts

For cyclists who want the comfort of proper cycling shorts with genuine straps, Van Rysel revealed the EDR Ultra cycling shorts a few weeks after the EDR shorts. They are intended for long-distance and ultra-endurance cycling. Alongside the straps, the materials move up a level, with a high-performance Elastic Interface® Corsa chamois pad designed to provide lasting comfort for more than 7 hours.

However, the straps also conceal an advantage: Van Rysel has introduced its new Back Ease design, making toilet visits easier. Riders therefore do not need to remove either their jersey or their strapped cycling shorts. We will try to bring you a full test of this new system when possible. Otherwise, the EDR Ultra cycling shorts are listed at 119.99 euros on Van Rysel’s website, still a price far below that of competing products.