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Assos' new top shorts cost 290 euros. They are said to be the lightest and most comfortable bib shorts that have ever left the Swiss textile laboratory. But for the same price, there are three of them in our test field. This begs the question: Are the inexpensive cycling shorts really so different from the Swiss manufacturer's fine thread?
At first glance, hardly at all. This is because wide, seamless straps, which were reserved for the top models just a few years ago, are now used by many manufacturers on their entry-level trousers. The tight-fitting silicone straps of years gone by, which were still visible on the thigh hours after the tour like brand marks, have been replaced by wide, flexible leg cuffs. They keep the trouser legs in position without leaving marks. These inexpensive cycling shorts even score points when it comes to materials. Sportful uses high-quality yarn from Italy, Löffler weaves its own fabrics in Austria and Endura sews a particularly grippy and robust fabric.
The differences only become apparent in the saddle. While the padding of the top trousers usually consists of four to five layers of foam of different densities and prevents pressure points even after hours in the saddle, the simple inserts of many test trousers are quickly worn through. In order for the padding to function properly, it must be held in place by the fabric and straps - in the case of women's trousers by a non-slip waistband - during the ride. Less flexible seams or fabrics with varying degrees of stretch press into the skin on the move and reduce comfort. And yet: even for just 100 euros, a number of manufacturers are tailoring all-round successful trousers.
You can find out which cycling shorts scored well with the testers in the test report. You can download the complete comparison test of 24 cycling shorts from BIKE 4/20 as a PDF below the article.
The test costs 1.99 euros. Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them, hundreds of thousands of euros every year.
Cycling shorts for men / for women in the BIKE test:
- Cube Blackline Bib Shorts / Teamline WS Shorts
- Dynamics Order no. No. 358210 / 358288
- Endura FS260-Pro / Wms FS260-Pro
- Gonso Sitivo Bib / Sitivo W
- Gore Wear C5 Opti Bib Shorts+ / C5 Short Tights+
- Löffler Bib Shorts Winner / W Short Tights Evo
- Pearl Izumi Att. Bib Shorts / W Elite Escape Shorts WS
- Rose Premium Pro bib shorts / Race Shorts
- Scott Bibshorts M's Endurance / RC Pro
- Shimano Breakaway Bib Shorts / Sumire Shorts
- Sportful BFT Classic Bibs / BFT Pro LTD W Shorts
- Vaude Me / Wo SQlab LesSeam Shorts
You can find this article in BIKE 4/2020. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
Downloads:
Stefan Frey
Editor
