Cycling shorts are one of the most important pieces of clothing for the serious cyclist. The close-fitting shorts were originally from tightly knit wool with a piece of deer skin as a liner pad to avoid saddle sores. Cycling shorts have not changed conceptually, but they do employ significant design and material improvements compared to the wool and leather counterpart of yore.
As we move into the heart of summer, rides are longer and temperatures are higher. With drop bar gravel riding as one of the fastest growing categories of cycling, comfort on long mixed terrain rides becomes a concern, unlike an hour long cyclocross race. Paramount to that comfort in the saddle (considering you have a saddle that fits and is properly adjusted) is the short liner pad and the fit of the shorts.
In recent months, we have had four top-end bib shorts from prominent cycling clothing companies under review. We evaluated shorts from these companies because they have historically introduced new technologies to cycling shorts that others have copied.
The innovations start at the high end with input from sponsored racers, and that technology trickles down to the other products in their lines. The companies sent bib shorts, the most popular style among enthusiasts since the design offers more comfort by removing pressure around the waist.
The shorts are: Assos XC Bib Shorts, Castelli Premio 2, Rapha Classic Bib Shorts II and SQ Lab One12 Racing Bib Shorts.
Getting a pair of bibs with the proper fit is essential. For reference, all shorts were size M. I am an off-the-shelf medium, size 38, European 3, 5’10”, 31-inch waist, 155 pounds. Each pair was ridden several times on different saddles. Washing the shorts over the evaluation period in a top load washer according to instructions gave me an idea whether the characteristics change with a wash.
One true test of short padding was my road tandem test. We have a tendency to stand less when on the tandem, often choosing to spin up in the saddle. That places significantly more time actually sitting in the saddle, leading to discomfort of many types.
To read about each of the four bib shorts, scroll through using the next button.
Rapha Classic Bib Shorts II
The Rapha Classic bib short has been a mainstay of the Rapha clothing line almost since the British company started in 2004. Rapha melded function and fashion, toning down colors and graphics to make sleek apparel that is not all about racing. All the while, Rapha supports the cycling community and racing since the latter is a good product test bed.
Although the Rapha Classic shorts have changed in the past 15 years, they remain very similar to the original. White piping covers all the fabric edges of the bib straps, which have a bridge piece across the back that keeps the straps from falling off the shoulders. Stylistically, this gives the shorts the appearance of having a big hole in the back.
In the center of the back of the shorts is a small “radio” pocket. The fabric is thick lycra with a 2.5cm rubbery band sewn inside the bottom of the 25cm (just under 10 inch) inseam legs.
The straps fit around the back, leaving a circular hole. Rapha Classic Bib Shorts II. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
The Rapha Classic bib shorts have a very thick 10mm pad with medium firmness and a laminated stretchy fabric cover that has a similar smoothness to the SQLab shorts. The pad is large and divided into two halves with a thin channel down the middle. It does not lie flat—which is good considering the pad is large—it contours with the shape of the shorts. This type of pad reminds me of the Assos Elastic Interface pad from 15 years ago. Classic indeed.
The pad on the Rapha shorts is 10mm thick and has a medium firmness. Rapha Classic Bib Shorts II. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
The overall fit is of the Rapha Classic bib shorts is also what I consider an American-style medium. The thickness and width of the pad feel bulky when you first put the shorts on. The wide pad comes down to encroach the inside of the back of my thighs. The padding is relatively soft, so the pad compresses easily.
The Rapha bib shorts have an American-style fit. Rapha Classic Bib Shorts II. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
When you are riding in the saddle, the pad is not really as noticeable as it is when you are standing around. Perhaps that’s an indication of proper distribution of pressure from sitting on a small perch.
The groove between the halves of the pad removes some pressure from the central crotch that will cause numbness. During long periods seated, the Rapha Classic Short is quite comfortable. Among the four shorts tested here, the onset of sit bone soreness and soft tissue numbness took the longest. Despite the thick large feel of the pad when putting the shorts on, these are the long distance winners.
Price: $235 USD
More Info: rapha.cc
