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.
The Verdict
Short fit is somewhat unique to each rider’s preference, so trying the shorts before purchase is ideal. My personal favorite for a long ride is the old school Rapha Classic II. The thick divided diaper-like pad worked for me if I knew it would be a long day with a lot of saddle time, tandem rides especially.
My choice for a shorter, spirited ride or a race is the Castelli Premio 2 for its seamless, snug fit. Keep in mind it fits quite snugly, so you might consider sizing up if you like a looser fit.
The Assos fit is equal to the Castelli. I actually liked the suspender arrangement and the seat pad better, but the stiff dynaRope side panels were just a bit less comfortable, even if the other fit qualities are great. Perhaps Assos’ standard road bibs would be a better choice for this comparison.
Conceptually, the SQLab shorts make sense, and I grew to like the lack of bulk, but in the end I like a bit more padding than just my saddle can provide if there is going to be a lot of saddle time. The SQLab One11 has 2mm more thickness and perhaps that would be the perfect combination. You can’t really go wrong with any of these shorts from the quality standpoint. Each has its unique design points and you have to decide what’s important to you.
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