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This article was first published in March 2022 and was revised in June 2024.
Overview: The cycling shorts in the test
The cycling shorts for men in the test
- Dos Caballos DC34-2 Evo
- Everve Me trousers
- Gonso SQlab Go Bib
- Assos Mille GTO Bib Shorts C2
- Café du Cycliste Mathilde Bib
- Castelli Premio Black Bibshort
- SQlab SQ-Short One12
- Sportful BFP LTD Shield Bibs
- Velocio Luxe Bib Short
- Isadore Gravel Bib Shorts
- Gorewear Long Distance Bib Shorts+
- Protective P-Traverse Bib
Women's cycling shorts in the test
- Assos Dyora Summer Bib Short
- Café Du Cycliste Mathilde
- Löffler W Bike Tights Hotbond RF XT
- Sportful Supergiara W Bibs
- Dos Caballos Ease ladies bib shorts
- Protective P-Traverse W
When every muscle fibre begs for the finish line at the end of the Ronda Extrema, even the smallest disruptive factors in the cycling shorts become instruments of torture. A scratchy seam suddenly grates like a saw on the thigh. The saddle presses like a pincushion through the sagging seat pad. And braces that are too tight weigh on your shoulders like heavy barbells. The cycling shorts are the most important link between rider and bike. Lucky are those who have already found a pair that fits perfectly. For everyone else, we have tested 18 bib shorts for men and women that are suitable for long distances.
Lots of development in modern cycling shorts
The fact that the latest cycling shorts differ enormously from the often flabby trousers of the past becomes clear as soon as you try them on. Perhaps some of you still remember the trouser standard of a few years ago: Narrow, sticky silicone leg cuffs pressed uncomfortably on the muscles, irritated the skin and still slipped up. Thin straps with thick seams rolled up on the shoulders. And the material of the cycling shorts sometimes had the elasticity of the skin of a Chinese wrinkled dog. As a result, the seat pad moved between the saddle and the bum instead of lying supportively under the sit bones.
Clear differences in the test of the 18 cycling shorts
In contrast, the latest bib shorts are true luxury items. Even the cheaper models from Gonso, Protective or Sportful are equipped with seamless straps that spread comfortably over the shoulders and distribute the pressure over a large area instead of cutting in at certain points. The tension of the bib straps has also changed and is usually sufficiently tight to keep the rest of the cycling shorts in place. The cut of the shorts has also changed over the years. There are no longer any bib shorts in the test that we would actually advise against buying. And yet there are clear differences between the 18 men's and women's cycling shorts tested.
Thin or thick trouser padding - which is better?
When it comes to trouser pads - which are actually an elementary component of cycling shorts - there is an immense range of thicknesses and hardnesses, from the figurative plush sofa to the hard beer bench. While occasional riders like to choose the soft "sofa cushion", which can easily sag in the long term, long-distance riders should opt for firmer padding. Your sit bones are usually well accustomed to the pressure of your body weight on the saddle due to regular training. In addition, a thin, hard padding harbours less risk of pressure points developing in the perineal area and blood vessels being constricted there. If the width of the padding also matches the distance between the sit bones, you will still be relaxed as you roll over the finish line of the big marathon lap, even after many hours in the saddle.
The cycling shorts for men in the individual test
Dos Caballos DC34-2 Evo
- Price: 190 Euro
- Sizes: S-3XL
- Weight in M: 199 grammes
- Equipment: seamless straps, wide stretch waistband; lots of reflection
- Upholstery length/width: 19 cm / 15 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium / 11 mm
- Country of manufacture: Albania
BIKE rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 8/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 8/10
- Equipment (20 %): 8/10
- Quality (10 %): 9/10
Conclusion: They hold the trouser legs in place well, but can be a little tight on thicker thighs. The airy honeycomb material at the front is particularly comfortable. However, the high-cut DC34-2 can be a little constricting at the hips. It sits so firmly there that the somewhat loose straps seem almost superfluous. Although the wide padding suits many rider types, in the long term it transfers a little more pressure to the body than some competitor products. The seams are a little thick in places.
BIKE-URTEIL good 49 points
Everve Me trousers
- Price: 160 Euro >> available here
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Weight in M: 137 grammes
- Equipment: seamless straps and cuffs; 9 padding hardnesses; 2 waistband versions
- Upholstery length/width: 13 cm / 12 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: various hardnesses / 9 mm
- Country of manufacture: Germany
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 9/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 9/10
- Equipment (20 %): 7/10
- Quality (10 %): 9/10
Conclusion: The padding and cut of the Me trousers can be customised to suit your needs. The configurator offers a choice of nine padding hardnesses and a slightly higher waistband. The Everve therefore covers a wide range of uses. The very lightweight trousers fit snugly and smoothly. Despite the small silicone dots, the rather short trouser legs tend to ride up slightly. Readjusting them is fiddly. The small pads allow little adjustment. The pads can be replaced using a special construction with small pockets. Very good value for money and made in Germany!
BIKE-URTEIL: very good - 51 points
Gonso SQlab Go Bib
- Price: 130 Euro
- Sizes: S-6XL
- Weight in M: 197 grammes
- Equipment: seamless, rubberised leg cuffs; mesh back
- Upholstery length/width: 18.5 cm / 16 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: hard / 6 mm
- Country of manufacture: Turkey
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 8/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 10/10
- Equipment (20 %): 6/10
- Quality (10 %): 9/10
Conclusion: Even if the cut of the Gonso can't quite keep up with the best trousers in the test, it is an absolute price-performance tip. The thin, firm padding remains pressure-resistant even on the longest rides, but requires well-set sit bones. The Gonso is therefore not the best choice for beginners. The fabric is comfortable, although sometimes a little scratchy. The seamless straps are sufficiently tight and keep the trousers firmly in place. We also liked the slightly longer trouser legs, whose wide, seamless cuffs effectively prevent them from riding up.
BIKE-URTEIL: good - 50 points
Assos Mille GTO Bib Shorts C2
- Price: 290 Euro >> available here
- Sizes: S-TIR
- Weight in M: 189 grammes
- Equipment: seamless straps and cuffs; 2 leg lengths; reflective
- Upholstery length/width: 18.5 cm / 15 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium / 22 mm
- Country of manufacture: Bulgaria
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 10/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 10/10
- Equipment (20 %): 9/10
- Quality (10 %): 10/10
Conclusion: With the Mille GTO, Assos has found the perfect compromise between comfort and compression. The trousers fit tightly without constricting. There are no seams in any of the cuffs. Silicone dots fix the trousers inconspicuously to the thigh. The seamless straps that cross at the back keep the padding in place. If you still feel like you're wearing a nappy when standing, the extremely thick padding and the fluffy insert in the crotch provide comfort even after hours. There is some criticism for the slightly scratchy strap attachments. The workmanship is excellent and, from experience, the money will be well invested for years to come.
BIKE-URTEIL: super - 58 points
Café du Cycliste Mathilde Bib
- Price: 250 Euro
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Weight in M: 206 grammes
- Equipment: Generous mesh body; seamless cuffs with silicone strips
- Upholstery length/width: 21.5 cm / 12 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium / 12 mm
- Country of manufacture: Albania
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort (40 %): 8/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 7/10
- Equipment (20 %): 9/10
- Quality (10 %): 9/10
Conclusion: The Mathilde has only one seam on the thigh, which is very comfortable, and the cuffs are held in place by long silicone strips. However, the fit is not ideal. The narrow pad does not fit every rider and can slip a little when in action. The somewhat old-school mesh straps enclose the body almost like a bodysuit, but take some getting used to. Although they are pleasantly airy to wear, their seams are constantly noticeable during the ride and the material pinches a little. The padding is only suitable for long distances to a limited extent and puts noticeable pressure on the sit bones early on.
BIKE-URTEIL good - 48 points
Castelli Premio Black Bibshort
- Price: 230 Euro >> available here
- Sizes: S-3XL
- Weight in M: 147 grammes
- Equipment: seamless straps and cuffs; mesh back
- Upholstery length/width: 20 cm / 12 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium / 15 mm
- Country of manufacture: Moldova
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort(40%): 9/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 9/10
- Equipment (20 %): 8/10
- Quality (10 %): 9/10
Conclusion: The Castelli is the absolute minimalist and fully trimmed for racing. It consists of just three panels and has almost no seams. Extremely lightweight yet stretchy material cools and supports the muscles. Rubberised seams keep the leg cuffs and straps in place. Aligning them when putting them on is a bit of a patience game, however, as the straps roll up a lot. The padding is somewhat narrow, but is positioned in the right place in the trousers and, with its gel insert, offers very good comfort even on long rides. Creases can occur in the bend of the hips when pedalling.
BIKE-URTEIL: very good - 54 points
SQlab SQ-Short One12
- Price: 200 Euro >> available here
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Weight in M: 193 grammes
- Equipment: seamless straps; wide stretch waistband with silicone
- Upholstery length/width: 20 cm / 16 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: hard / 4 mm
- Country of manufacture: Italy
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort(40%): 8/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 10/10
- Equipment (20 %): 7/10
- Quality (10 %): 8/10
Conclusion: At first glance, the SQlab is a high-quality standard bib - wide, airy and seamless leg ends, comfortable, sufficiently tight straps that keep the trousers in good shape. The exciting thing is revealed when you look inside. The Ergo experts have opted for a four millimetre thin and very firm padding that retains its shape even on long rides and does not sag. Well-established riders find this type of padding very comfortable. The wide design offers space for changing position, but there is a little less space at the front in the crotch. When walking, the wide padding presses into the buttock muscles.
BIKE-URTEIL: very good - 51 points
Sportful BFP LTD Shield Bibs
- Price: 160 Euro >> available here
- Sizes: S-3XL
- Weight in M: 158 grammes
- Equipment: seamless mesh straps; abrasion-resistant Cordura fabric on the OS
- Upholstery length/width: 21.5 cm / 12 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: soft / 13 mm
- Country of manufacture: Croatia
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort(40%): 8/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 8/10
- Equipment (20 %): 9/10
- Quality (10 %): 9/10
Conclusion: Due to their elaborate cut, the Sportful fit particularly well around the wearer. However, the many seams are not always optimally positioned and the trousers also run very small. Airy mesh leg cuffs keep the legs cool and hold their position even without silicone. The tight mesh straps, on the other hand, are difficult to adjust. Cordura fabric protects the thighs in the event of a fall. The seat padding is one of the softest in the test field and is quickly worn out on longer rides. The mesh on the thigh is not opaque, which takes some getting used to.
BIKE-URTEIL: good - 50 points
Velocio Luxe Bib Short
- Price: 239 Euro
- Sizes: XS-XXXXL
- Weight in M: 163 grammes
- Equipment: Seamless stretch straps and cuffs; many colours available
- Upholstery length/width: 19 cm / 13.5 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium / 13 mm
- Country of manufacture: Italy
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort(40%): 10/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 8/10
- Equipment (20 %): 9/10
- Quality (10 %): 8/10
Conclusion: No other trousers in the test were more comfortable to wear than the Velocio. The fabric literally caresses the skin, seams are only visible but not noticeable. Even the straps that cross at the back lie smoothly on the shoulders, but still have enough elasticity to keep the trousers in position while riding. This can also last longer, as the medium-hard padding is well positioned and offers sufficient comfort. Otherwise, the stylish Velocio is kept rather simple, but is available in many stylish colours and has a clean finish, although the material is not very abrasion-resistant.
BIKE-URTEIL: very good - 54 points
Isadore Gravel Bib Shorts
- Price: 210 Euro
- Sizes: XXS-XL
- Weight in M: 175 grammes
- Equipment: DWR coating; abrasion-resistant material; back pocket
- Upholstery length/width: 17 cm / 13 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium / 12 mm
- Country of manufacture: Czech Republic
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort(40%): 8/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 8/10
- Equipment (20 %): 10/10
- Quality (10 %): 10/10
Conclusion: The exotic model in the test comes with a water-repellent treatment and ceramic-coated surface, making the Isadore ideally equipped for off-road use. In fact, the material is surprisingly robust, but also extremely tight. It is therefore better to choose a size larger for the already tight-fitting Gravel Bib. Otherwise the material will cut into your hips when pedalling. The leg ends and straps are seamless and fit snugly. The large back pocket is practical. The thin padding is similar to that of the Gore trousers, but is not quite as pressure-resistant in the long term.
BIKE-URTEIL: good 50 - points
Gorewear Long Distance Bib Shorts+
- Price: 200 Euro >> available here
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Weight in M: 177 grammes
- Equipment: seamless waistband and straps; windstopper in the crotch; back pocket
- Upholstery length/width: 20 cm / 12.5 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: hard / 10 mm
- Country of manufacture: China
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort(40%): 8/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 9/10
- Equipment (20 %): 10/10
- Quality (10 %): 10/10
Conclusion: The Gore is a real skin flatterer, the material is soft and supple and the few seams are barely noticeable. Despite the thin silicone band, the leg cuffs do not ride up as long as the thighs are strong enough. The material could do with a little more elasticity. Despite being elasticated, the straps don't hold the trousers in place perfectly, and they roll in a lot when you put them on. Gore also relies on a thin, rather hard pad, which absorbs the rider's weight well and is also suitable for long rides. Windstopper in the crotch protects you from cooling down on long descents.
BIKE-URTEIL: very good - 52 points
Protective P-Traverse Bib
- Price: 130 Euro >> available here
- Sizes: S-3XL
- Weight in M: 206 grammes
- Equipment: seamless straps; mesh back; wide, rubberised cuffs
- Upholstery length/width: 21 cm / 10.5 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium / 15 mm
- Country of manufacture: Lithuania
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort(40%): 7/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 6/10
- Equipment (20 %): 8/10
- Quality (10 %): 8/10
Conclusion: Simple cut, classic leg cuffs and slightly thicker seams - the Protective's rather low price is noticeable. The padding is extremely narrow and should really fit the sit bone distance well, otherwise you'll quickly find yourself sitting on the wrong side. The materials lack a bit of elasticity, while the leg ends are rather tight. Even the comfortable straps don't hold the trousers in place perfectly. The P-Traverse's cut is not very pre-shaped, causing creases at the hips, which can be uncomfortable on long rides. Solid entry-level trousers for shorter tours.
BIKE EVALUATION: satisfactory - 44 points
The cycling shorts for women in the individual test
Assos Dyora Summer Bib Short
- Price: 200 Euro >> available here
- Sizes: XS-XLG
- Weight in M: 156 grammes
- Equipment: seamless X straps; wide, rubberised stretch cuffs
- Upholstery length/width: 21 cm / 13 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium / 11 mm
- Country of manufacture: Bulgaria
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort(40%): 9/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 9/10
- Equipment (20 %): 9/10
- Quality (10 %): 10/10
Conclusion: In typical Assos style, the Dyora only fits perfectly in the saddle. The robust material offers light compression and fits snugly to the body. The wide, taut straps are positioned comfortably at the sides of the chest and hold the trousers perfectly in place, but can pinch at the shoulders. We recommend buying one size larger if necessary. Leg cuffs with woven-in silicone and the slightly raised waistband ensure a high level of comfort even on long rides. The padding is well positioned and moves with the rider. Minor criticism: the seams in the bend of the hips and at the base of the straps are slightly scratchy.
BIKE-URTEIL: very good - 55 points
Café Du Cycliste Mathilde
- Price: 250 Euro
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Weight in M: 180 grammes
- Equipment: Mesh body; seamless, rubberised cuffs; chest clip
- Upholstery length/width: 17.5 cm / 12.5 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: soft / 12 mm
- Country of manufacture: Albania
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort(40%): 9/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 6/10
- Equipment (20 %): 10/10
- Quality (10 %): 9/10
Conclusion: If you want a really stylish pair of cycling shorts, you should take a look at the French brand. The Mathilde also impressed all the testers with its supple comfort. Their pleasant fabric caresses the legs and there are no noticeable seams. The silicone-free cuffs of the longer-length trousers are also great. You also feel well wrapped up in the mesh body. The cut is only a little tight at the neck and under the armpits. The soft padding is well positioned, but sits through more easily on longer tours. You have to peel yourself out of the cocoon for a wee break.
BIKE-URTEIL: very good - 51 points
Löffler W Bike Tights Hotbond RF XT
- Price: 140 Euro >> available here
- Sizes: 34-46
- Weight in M: 160 grammes
- Equipment: Wide comfort waistband; reflective seams; fleece in the back area
- Upholstery length/width: 19 cm / 13 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium / 14 mm
- Country of manufacture: Austria
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort(40%): 7/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 8/10
- Equipment (20 %): 10/10
- Quality (10 %): 9/10
Conclusion: Löffler welds the pleasantly soft fabric panels with special reflective seams. This increases comfort and safety. The waistband sits high on the stomach and the kidney area is also protected by a fleece layer. However, the waistband can fold down during the ride and then pinch the stomach. The slightly thicker padding sits in the right place and remains sufficiently pressure-resistant even on longer rides. The silicone on the more classic leg cuffs pulls when worn. Even without straps, the Löffler sits securely and therefore offers advantages when taking a wee break.
BIKE-URTEIL: good - 49 points
Sportful Supergiara W Bibs
- Price: 140 Euro >> available here
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Weight in M: 163 grammes
- Equipment: Mesh straps; rubberised leg cuffs; side/back pocket
- Upholstery length/width: 19 cm / 15 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: soft / 13 mm
- Country of manufacture: Italy
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort(40%): 7/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 8/10
- Equipment (20 %): 10/10
- Quality (10 %): 8/10
Conclusion: You literally have to peel yourself into the Supergiara - or you buy them one size bigger. The trousers almost force you into a cycling position, their straps sit tightly and roll up a little during the ride, which not every tester found comfortable. The material offers slight compression, but also feels a little scratchy. The rather longer leg cuffs are held in place by sticky silicone, but no tester complained of any pulling or skin irritation. Although the seat pad is rather soft, it is wide enough to allow you to change position from time to time.
BIKE-URTEIL: good - 47 points
Dos Caballos Ease ladies bib shorts
- Price: 130 Euro
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
- Weight in M: 141 grammes
- Equipment: seamless mesh straps; wide leg cuffs with silicone
- Upholstery length/width: 21.5 cm / 14.5 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium / 13 mm
- Country of manufacture: China
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort(40%): 7/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 7/10
- Equipment (20 %): 9/10
- Quality (10 %): 8/10
Conclusion: The fact that the straps of the Ease don't pinch, even though they run across the front of the chest, is due to their low tension. You could almost do without them. The trousers fit well even without them, even if the many seams - the seam on the stomach was particularly noticeable to the testers - reduce the comfort somewhat. In addition, the cut is not ideally adapted to the cycling position and creates noticeable creases when pedalling. The padding appears rather thin, but fits inconspicuously and without pressure points between the body and saddle. Despite the silicone on the cuffs, the rather short trouser legs tend to ride up.
BIKE-URTEIL: good - 47 points
Protective P-Traverse W
- Price: from 90 Euro >> available here
- Sizes: 36-46
- Weight in M: 163 grammes
- Equipment: wide, tight waistband; rubberised leg cuffs; side pocket
- Upholstery length/width: 19 cm / 10.5 cm
- Upholstery hardness/thickness: medium / 15 mm
- Country of manufacture: Lithuania
Bike rating
- Wearing comfort(40%): 7/10
- Seat cushion (30 %): 7/10
- Equipment (20 %): 9/10
- Quality (10 %): 8/10
Conclusion: Ahe second strapless model in the test also has the problem that the waistband rolls in at the stomach and then causes pressure points. Otherwise, the high-cut P-Traverse is quite comfortable to wear and wraps the wearer well. The material has the same elasticity all round, but feels a little cheap when sweaty, but the seams are hardly noticeable. Good: the cuffs of the long trouser legs do not press directly on the muscle. The generous use of silicone is a little annoying. As with the men's trousers, the padding is very narrow and leaves little room for changing position.
BIKE-URTEIL: good - 46 points
Stefan Frey
Editor
