Cycling combo in the endurance test: Softshell jacket & bib shorts from Schöffel

Hikers and skiers have long been familiar with Schöffel clothing. The family business has been rooted in the German clothing industry for over 200 years. Mountain bikers have not been able to enjoy the sustainably produced clothing developed in the Bavarian town of Schwabenmünchen for as long. Cycling clothing from Schöffel.

Schöffel itself sees the durability of its clothing as a core aspect of sustainability and writes on its homepage: "Branches, dirt and small falls should not harm your cycling clothing for mountain biking". The materials have been selected to be both hard-wearing and functional. Recycled fabrics are also used where possible.

What the Schöffel Hybrid Jkt Grimaldo M has to offer

With the Hybrid Jkt Grimaldo M, Schöffel wants to score points with male mountain bikers and gravel bikers on tour. Materials are used on the back and forearms that promise particularly good breathability. The integrated stretch should offer good freedom of movement on the trail.

Manufacturer information

• Price: 189,95 Euro >> available here
• Material mix for wind protection at the front and breathability at the back
• Front zip
• Pre-shaped elbows
• Three-part back pocket
• Printed logos
• Water column: 10,000 millimetres
• Breathability: 10,000 MVTR

Softshell jacket from Schöffel in the endurance test

A full year of varying conditions accompanied the Schöffel Hybrid Jkt Grimaldo M our test editor. Over the course of 1100 kilometres and 19,300 metres in altitude, he was always happy to reach for the bright orange bike jacket. In the hand, the Schöffel softshell jacket impresses with its good workmanship and light weight. The discreet prints and the rather thin material are very appealing.

According to the Schöffel size chart, the tested size 52 should be slightly too small for our 1.90 metre tall tester. Once put on, the sleeve length and waist size fit very well. The sleeves tend to be cut longer and don't ride up even when sitting in a stretched position on the gravel bike. This is also helped by the elasticated cuffs and waistband, which still have sufficient tension even after the end of the test period. For a slim upper body, the jacket is quite wide in the chest area. This ensures a casual fit and does not constrict like many other sporty, thin jackets. Softshell jackets on the market.

One disadvantage of the casual cut is particularly noticeable on fast descents on gravel or tarmac. The jacket then flaps heavily in the wind. When it is open, it is particularly puffy. It is not easy to find the small zip straight away, especially when wearing thick gloves. If the small handle disappears right at the top under the overhanging zip, it takes a little time or two hands to open the jacket when wearing gloves.

A clear strength of the Hybrid Jkt Grimaldo M is the combination of good wind protection and breathability. Thanks to its thin construction and the particularly breathable material on the back and forearms, you won't start sweating until late, even on demanding climbs. At the same time, the orange outer material is reliably windproof and effectively keeps cold air away from the body. The Schöffel softshell jacket also copes well with light drizzle and the onset of snowfall. Moisture from the outside is not absorbed directly, but is kept out by the outer material. Even after the test period and many washes, the Hybrid Jkt Grimaldo M shows no signs of wear.

What the Schöffel Skin Pants Bib 8h M has to offer

The multi-layer upholstery of the Schöffel Skin Pants Bib 8h M promises optimum pressure distribution and blood circulation thanks to its anatomical fit. In addition, the material is said to be particularly breathable, offering a high level of comfort even on long rides. The bib shorts are treated ex works with active silver nitrate, which is intended to reduce the proliferation of bacteria. The treatment is said to remain effective for 20 washes.

Manufacturer information

• Price: 99,95 Euro >> available here
• Elasticated waistband
• Mesh inserts for ventilation
• Elasticated leg cuffs with silicone dots
• Thermoformed seat cushion
• Flatlock seams

Bib shorts from Schöffel in the endurance test

Just like the Schöffel softshell jacket, the Skin Pants Bib 8h M have a high-quality finish in the hand. There is absolutely nothing to criticise about the clean seams and the silicone-coated leg cuffs. The bib shorts also feel good when put on. The size 48 fitted our 1.90 metre tall, slim test rider perfectly. Despite the thick seams, the straps are discreet and the material has a pleasant stretch.

Although the bib with the addition 8h is Schöffel's bike trousers for the longest riding time, the seat pad is rather thin. This means there is no "nappy feeling" and the bib is also unobtrusive off the bike. As the Bib Pants are largely made of mesh fabric, they are also quite transparent on the front of the thighs and in the genital area. The Schöffel Skin Pants Bib 8h M are therefore best worn with a pair of overtrousers. There is a practical back pocket at the junction of the bibs and trousers.

Thanks to the permeable mesh material, the Schöffel Skin Pants Bib 8h M do not create a sweaty climate even during strenuous activity. The entire bib is well ventilated. The trousers also offer good comfort on long distances. The eight hours of riding time were exhausted on a 305 kilometre gravel tour. Even after 11.5 hours of riding, the bibs did not cause any pressure points or chafing. Only in rough mountain bike terrain with a lot of vibrations in the seat area do the Schöffel cycling shorts have to admit defeat to other bib shorts with thicker padding. In this case, the thin padding provides little cushioning.

The advantage of the antibacterial treatment with silver nitrate ex works was not noticeable in practice and should have disappeared after 20 washes at the latest anyway. After the endurance test, the Skin Pants Bib 8h M are still very comfortable to wear, they are not worn out and have no defects to report.

Conclusion: Endurance test Schöffel Hybrid Jkt Grimaldo 8h & Skin Pants Bib 8h M

"The fact that Schöffel has many years of experience in the field of outdoor clothing can also be seen in the workmanship of their mountain bike clothing. The Hybrid Jkt Grimaldo 8h offers a very good mix of breathability and wind protection. The rather loose fit might bother sporty bikers. The Skin Pants Bib 8h M also fulfil their promise and are the right bib shorts for long rides on warm days. For mountain bike use, we would have liked a little more cushioning from the thin seat pad." Jan Timmermann, BIKE tester