A top pair of bib shorts doesn’t come cheap, but it will arguably enhance your cycling experience more than any other piece of kit – and that’s why it’s worth the investment. There is a general rule of thumb: whatever you’ve set aside for a pair of bib shorts, spend more. We all know that cycling is already an expensive pursuit, but if you can stretch to a high-quality pair of bibs, like the ones we've included in this guide, this is where you’ll see the biggest improvements in comfort levels.
The best bib shorts are designed not just to mitigate but to totally eliminate the discomfort, overheating and chafing of the olden days thanks to their use of the latest high-performance technical fabrics, constructions that ensure unrestricted pedalling while at the same time cushioning the sit bones via breathable, shock-absorbing foam pads.
However, as with any big purchase, it's worth, first of all, spending some time familiarising yourself with what's on the market. We're confident that our selection, which we've tested at home and abroad, represents the best bib shorts available in 2024.
In some of our articles you will find links to buy products from various external retailers. These links contain an affiliate code, and it means that Rouleur may receive a small percentage of the money you spend if you choose to buy that product via the link. This does not affect the amount you pay. All products are independently reviewed and selected on our judgement of them, not on whether they offer us affiliate revenue.
Rapha Pro Team II
Perfect blend of style and performance with premium fabrics, top build quality and a luxury look and feel
Rapha calls the Pro Team II “performance bib shorts built for your fastest rides and races, as worn by pro cyclists.” They have a premium look and feel, the build quality is beautiful, the stitching meticulous, and the fabrics soft and luxurious.
I’ve generally found Rapha’s jerseys and shorts more flattering than many. It’s not that I have an unusual body shape, but Rapha looks good on most people, and that’s the case here thanks to a great cut and well-designed, fashion-inspired visuals: for example, the seams on the front swoop outwards and in again, giving the illusion of muscular quads and a narrow waist even if they’re not actually present.
There are two leg lengths on offer. I went for the long version in size small and the fit is perfect in every way.
The fabric is fairly traditional Lycra (78% nylon, 22% elastane) and doesn’t claim to be compressive, while the bib section is more of a built-in baselayer than the more minimal elastic braces style of Assos, Castelli and Pas Normal Studios. However, there are stretchy elastic inserts over the shoulders to keep it taut.
I found torso coverage was extensive enough that it’s not necessary to wear a baselayer. Breathability is excellent for both the bib and shorts sections.
The chamois is thinner than the pads in the other shorts here. Rapha doesn’t make any claims about it being suitable for long distances or supreme comfort, so I’m guessing we’re to take “fastest rides and races” literally. This suited me fine – a too-thick chamois can move about, chafe and generally distract, but if you prefer café riding to racing, you might prefer a more substantial pad.
But for a perfect combination of classic style and racy performance, the Pro Team IIs hit the mark.
Weight: 183g (size small)
Price: £235
Pros
- Stylish aesthetic
- Perfect fit (with two leg lengths offered)
- Beautiful build quality
Cons
- Chamois could be too thin for some
Velocio Concept
Clever, well-designed features behind a stylish, unfussy aesthetic
The US brand that’s owned by SRAM takes an innovative approach to its shorts – the clue is in the name. The Concepts are, according to Velocio, “aimed at the highest levels of performance and reimagining the current standard for bib shorts.” What’s conceptual about them is mostly the way the chamois is integrated. Whereas most bib shorts have the pad simply sewn in with flatlock stitching, Velocio’s chamois is invisible, sandwiched between two layers of fabric so that there are no seams around it. Velocio says it also allows a more fluid pedalling motion.
Not only is the chamois visually invisible, but when riding, I simply didn’t notice it, which is probably the highest praise for it. That includes doing sessions on the Wattbike, which is unforgivingly rigid.
The rest of the construction backs up the clever centrepiece. The fabric is thin and lightweight but strong and is claimed to be compressive. The panel layout gives the shorts a simple, clean look. I particularly liked the single, seamless panel up the lower back with no itchy labels. The same panel tapers, gains perforations and anchors the elastic bib straps above the shoulder blades.
I went for the size S (I’m 178cm and 69kg and found the fit was exactly right. The leg length is good, and the cuffs feature very strong silicone grippers on the insides, which will stick them down if necessary.
The price is at the premium end, but these are premium shorts that perform incredibly well.
Weight: 164g (size small)
Price: £235
Pros
- Innovative design that works
- Very lightweight
- No labels in itchy places
Cons
- None
Isadore Alternative
Bold use of sustainable fabrics and vibrant colours
“Aerodynamic shorts from sustainable materials for long summer trips with a minimalist look” is how the brand founded by former pros Martin and Peter Velits describes these. The Alternative bibs are made from GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified material, with recycled polyester and recycled polyamide making up the majority of the fabrics used. They’re also made in the EU (Lithuania).
The Velits brothers are all about a low impact on the environment, while the Alternative range makes a high impact visually. This is the black/purple colourway, but also on offer are ‘Mysterioso’ (purple with pink trim), ‘Roasted Cashew’ (a very pale Pas Normal-style brown), and Quetzal Green (green with purple trim and brown straps). The chamois is an Elastic Interface model that’s comfortable and not overly thick.
For me, Isadore has got the cut and fit exactly right (size M here) – the high waist is more flattering than Assos’s lower one. There’s no risk of muffin topping. The mesh-ribbed elastic straps have the mesh panel sewn between them at the back, which Isadore says is for effective moisture wicking. I found on a hot ride that if you’re not wearing a baselayer it’s nice to have that extra strip of mesh between jersey and skin for this exact reason, especially if your pockets are loaded.
The leg length is perfect – nice and long – and there’s some big reflective print on the sides.
Priced below other premium brands, Isadore has got everything right with the Alternative bibs – they are excellent.
Weight: 176g (size medium)
Price: £175
Pros
- Bold colours
- Great fit
- Good price
- Sustainability
Cons
- None
Assos Equipe RS Schtradivari S11
An all-new design that’s still made with Assos’s traditional levels of quality
Assos’s S11 shorts are all new, with a new textile and pad design. Type.911 is a “new warp-knit knit textile composed for the Schtradivari”. Also, kudos to Assos’s copywriter for the use of the word “composed” to describe shorts named after a legendary violin.
Type.911 is very thin and stretchy, but also very dense and deep black. Assos says its elasticity has allowed a complete re-engineering of the cut since it “envelops the rider’s body in omnidirectional, body-mapped stability.” This is, in fact, an accurate description of how the fabric operates – it’s impressive stuff.
Additionally, Assos now offers a long leg length along with the standard one, which was traditionally a little too short for me.
The bib straps are also new, featuring three different elastics with different levels of stretch. On this new generation of shorts, the straps are sewn to the shorts section in a more standard way than before so that you don’t see them below the jersey hem at the rear – this was a feature of the previous S9 shorts.
The RS S11 chamois is also brand new, and it is – perhaps surprisingly – not as thick and padded as before. It is a “single 9mm racing platform that minimises volume and weight” but is perfectly sufficient for a long ride.
The one thing that hasn’t changed is the very low-cut waist, and that’s unfortunate for people who don’t have the ripped torso of a pro in his twenties. However, these are Assos’s WorldTour-level shorts and are designed for young athletes – but it’s something to watch out for if that’s not you. Otherwise, incredible shorts that are ‘only’ as expensive as other brands’ flagship shorts this time, and everything about them is exceptional.
Weight: 165g (size M)
Price: £215
Pros
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Exceptional comfort
- High quality fabrics
- Luxury aesthetic
Cons
- Waist can be too low for more mature riders
Pas Normal Studios Essential
Super stylish and extremely comfortable bibs from the cool Danish brand – and competitively priced, too
According to the Pas Normal, the Essentials were created “to suit both short training efforts and long days in the saddle. With fully-dyed fabric and the same four-layer ultralight foam chamois used in our other bib shorts, the Essential Bibs are our most versatile offering.”
I’ve been wearing the Essential Bibs for almost a year, and they’ve served me very well – and continue to do so. Like the Essential jersey, I’d probably choose these over the more expensive Mechanism bib shorts just because, as the brand says, they’re more versatile for all-round riding, but they have their own features that I particularly like. It’s hard to see from the photos, but these shorts are made from a textured stretchy fabric with a grid pattern that’s quite different from that used in other shorts. It’s soft and stretchy but feels thicker and more compressive than the average ‘Lycra’. That said, it’s breathable and doesn’t feel too warm on hot rides.
The bib section is cut from a single piece of mesh with more coverage at the back than simple elastic straps supply. This wicks well if you’re not wearing a baselayer on hotter days.
The leg length is perfect, as is the sizing in general. There are wide cuffs at the bottom of the legs, but they’re not actually necessary since the shorts don’t ride up. The chamois is also faultless – thick and cushioned with a feeling of plushness.
In fact, the only fault I could find with the Essential bibs is with the printed lettering, which is starting to crack. That’s a pity since this is an expensive pair of shorts that otherwise still look great after a lot of washing.
Weight: 185g (size small)
Price: £175
Pros
- Close-fitting cut
- Flattering fit
- Plush chamois
Cons
- Printed lettering on the legs is cracking slightly
Shop now at Pas Normal Studios
Le Col Pro Bib Shorts II
Some shorts just look and feel right, and this is the case with Le Col’s
I’m pleased that the latest version of the Pro Bib Shorts II is an evolution of the previous version rather than a ground-up redesign. Compared to some of the more radical designs of the moment, like the Santinis or the Velocios reviewed here, they’re almost traditional with flatlock rather than thermo-welded seams and a bib section made from stretchy mesh like a baselayer rather than the raw-cut elastic that more brands are favouring now. The warp-knit fabric is compressive but more like Lycra than the superlight papery materials we’re seeing, and there’s a reassuringly wide elastic cuff at the bottoms of the legs with lots of tiny silicone dots.
The pad is Le Col’s Pro Chamois, which it says is constructed with a performance memory foam insert. It’s comfortable but not as plush as Santini’s – but the shorts overall are a few grams lighter than, and it’s down to this. Le Col says the Pro IIs are aimed at racing and high-tempo riding, whereas the flagship Hors Categorie II shorts are for long-distance riding and have the more padded ‘Long Distance’ chamois.
The other thing that makes these shorts great for me is the long legs. They’re designed to sit just above the knee, so if you have long levers, they’re ideal, and those grippy cuffs aren’t called into action.
I’m in between sizes with Le Col’s shorts but have always sized down, and this strategy still works. The price is also good: these are priced below the Hors Categorie Bib Shorts II, but you wouldn’t know it from the fabric and build quality.
Weight: 173g (size S)
Price: £185
Pros
- Lighter than before
- Timeless styling
- Mesh bib section
- Great fit
Cons
- No reflective details
Castelli Premio Black
Super light, super comfortable, and exceptionally well designed: these really could be your favourite bib shorts ever, as Castelli promises
According to Castelli, “the Premio Bibshort has been engineered to provide the ultimate in long-distance comfort and to be your favourite bib short ever.” It’s a bold claim, but these are incredibly good shorts that incorporate all the pros and none of the cons of the others here.
The fabric is incredibly thin but very compressive with a papery feel, similar to Assos’s Type.701kompressor textile. Castelli says it’s a woven fabric that’s 30% lighter than comparable knit fabric, and indeed, these are the lightest shorts on test, in a size M, too (the correct size for me at 178cm and 69kg).
The cuffs are raw cut with rubberised yarns, rather than the more standard silicone grippers, though the legs are a good length and didn’t ride up above the tan lines.
There’s a rear panel with a soft lining to “avoid any transparency issues”, and the bib straps are Assos-style raw elastic at the front, meeting a soft, stretchy mesh section at the back. The Castelli bibs are cut low at the front but not quite as low as the Assos Schtradivari. They don’t smooth out ‘relaxed muscle’ unlike Le Col Pro II and Pas Normal Studios Mechanism with their high-cut fronts, which incidentally make comfort breaks slightly less Ferrari pitstop-like, but they don’t accentuate it either.
The chamois is Castelli’s flagship Progetto X2 Air Seamless, which I’ve used in previous Rosso Corsa shorts and is superb. Like Assos’s, it’s small and goes down the ‘all killer, no filler’ route.
Last but not least, Castelli has to be commended for the unusually discreet, almost absent branding – there’s a cool, understated confidence in that.
Overall, Castelli is right: these are up there with my favourite shorts ever.
Weight: 148g (size medium)
Price: £250
Pros
- Extremely light
- Perfect fit
- Almost zero branding
Cons
- Honestly, no cons
Santini Redux Speed
Superlative comfort and contemporary style with lightweight, breathable and matt fabric
The Redux Speed shorts are, according to Santini, designed for long distances, and they feature Santini’s top-of-the-range C3 chamois.
The short's fabric is almost papery – very lightweight but with limited stretch so that they grip the quads pretty tightly with a degree of compression. Santini claims optimal muscle support and describes a ‘tattoo effect’ because the fabric is that thin. The legs are cuffless and raw cut with little printed silicone strips around the inside ends.
Above the shorts section, and under where the jersey overlaps, is a stretchier, breathable waistband that anchors the bib straps. These are made from seamless elastic cut into Santini’s crossover pattern – though they don’t actually cross, so there’s no double layering, bunching or risk of twisting when putting them on.
The weight of these shorts is in the chamois, and I liked that. The C3 chamois is really heavy-duty with its multiple densities and gel inserts that feel incredibly plush. Shorts for long distances is an accurate description.
The medium (178cm, 69kg) was perfect – I’ve found that it’s best to size up with Santini if you’re between sizes – and I found the fit was great, with the right level of support from the straps without them pulling. It’s just the leg length that wasn’t quite right for me. If you have long femurs, you might find them on the short side.
There are four contemporary and very cool colourways on offer that are striking yet stylish, though this blue version can show sweat patches, particularly if you’re training indoors.
Pricing is up there with the most expensive, but you’re getting what you pay for here.
Weight: 187g (size small)
Price: £214
Pros
- Compressive fit
- High-end, plush chamois
- Great aesthetics
Cons
- Futuristic fabric may not for everyone
- Short leg length
Specialized Prime
High-quality shorts with a low price compared to competitors
The Primes are Specialized’s only road bib shorts (there’s a SWAT version with cargo pockets for an extra £35) and were launched earlier this year. The price is mid-range, but the quality and the performance are up there with much pricier offerings from other brands, and crucially, Specialized’s BG Contour 3D chamois is excellent.
The cut is nicely done – the leg length is perfect so that the silicone grippers aren’t really called upon to stop them from riding up, and there’s a flatteringly high waist that’s ideal if you’re wearing a thin aero jersey that’s on the sheer side. The sizing is accurate.
The shorts section, which has no visible branding, so you can wear these with any jersey, is made with a softer, plusher and slightly thicker fabric than some racier options from other brands. Although Specialized doesn’t specifically say so, this makes them ideally suited to British conditions at the minimum shorts temperature of 15°C and lower with leg warmers.
The bib section consists of simple straps which are made from wide elastic with no hems. They sit comfortably over the shoulders with no bunching. At the rear, the straps cross over dungarees style so that they can move independently, and this is the only element of the shorts that doesn’t quite work for me: it’s too easy for them to twist or fold them at the stepping-in stage and then due to their position mid-back it can be difficult to flatten them out. They’re super comfortable with no pulling when you’re in the saddle – but if you’re getting ready in a hurry, you have to watch out for it.
Overall, superb shorts at a very reasonable price.
Weight: 196g (size small)
Price: £130
Pros
- Soft, comfortable fabric
- High quality build
- Low price
Cons
- Straps can twist at the back
