Test cycling shortsSportful Supergiara 2 - light, robust, gravelly

Stefan Frey

 · 07.07.2025

The new Sportful Supergiara 2 Bibshort should be light, robust and comfortable. Can the more classic cut cycling shorts keep up with the current top models?
Photo: Georg Grieshaber

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The Sportful Supergiara 2 Bibshort is designed to please gravel bikers in particular. To this end, the Italians have tailored their cycling shorts from a pleasantly light yet hard-wearing fabric. With four pockets, the Supergiara is well equipped. Can they also score points in practice?

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The Italian manufacturer Sportful has actually developed the Supergiara 2 Bibshort developed for gravel adventures. However, marathon racers should also feel attracted by the features of these cycling shorts. The material used is a very thin yet abrasion-resistant fabric. Two pockets on the thighs hold bars and gels for energy supply and there are two additional mesh pockets on the back in which small items can be transported.

Classic cut with attached cuffs

Sportful's cut is more orientated towards classic cycling shorts. The Italians have already opted for tight, seamless straps. However, these should be a little wider. This is because they roll up when you put them on and after a long ride they can also press a little on your shoulders.



The straps are airy but somewhat narrow and can pinch the shoulders on long journeysPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe straps are airy but somewhat narrow and can pinch the shoulders on long journeys

As with the Löffler Bib Short in the test, the leg cuffs are attached and are also not too wide. As a result, they are not as inconspicuous as the seamless cuffs of other models. We were also not completely convinced by the feel of the fabric. Although the material is light and airy and hard-wearing, it is also a little scratchy. The seams are also slightly noticeable during the ride. In addition, the fabric - at least in this colour - is not completely opaque.

Practical slit pockets on the thighs. The narrow silicone trims are not the ultimate in comfortPhoto: Georg GrieshaberPractical slit pockets on the thighs. The narrow silicone trims are not the ultimate in comfortSportful has also given the Supergiara two pockets on the backPhoto: Georg GrieshaberSportful has also given the Supergiara two pockets on the back

Seat cushion - comfortable, but rather soft

For the seat pad, Sportful relies on an in-house development called DMS. The length and width should be adapted to the off-road riding style. The padding was wide enough and well positioned for our test buttocks. However, we found the foam used to be a little too soft. We would have liked a little more support in the longer term, especially around the sit bones.

Zones with different densities are designed to increase comfort. We found the padding a little too soft overallPhoto: Georg GrieshaberZones with different densities are designed to increase comfort. We found the padding a little too soft overall

Sportful Supergiara 2 Bibshort - Info & Price

Solid trousers with plenty of pockets. However, the cuffs and straps of the Supergiara 2 are not optimisedPhoto: Georg GrieshaberSolid trousers with plenty of pockets. However, the cuffs and straps of the Supergiara 2 are not optimised
  • Price: 179,90 Euro >> available here
  • Weight¹ (L): 192 grams
  • Sizes: S - 3XL
  • Made in: Bosnia
  • Features: seamless mesh straps; mesh back; 4 pockets; silicone cuffs; reflective
  • Cushion (length / width / hardness): 23.5 cm / 16.5 cm / soft - medium
  • Leg length (from trochanter major): 31.5 cm

Evaluation & conclusion

Soft padding and the somewhat scratchy material cost the Supergiara pointsPhoto: Stefan FreySoft padding and the somewhat scratchy material cost the Supergiara points

The Sportful Supergiara 2 Bibshort is comprehensively equipped, but the cut is a little too playful. The material and seams feel a little rough and scratchy, and the attached leg cuffs with lots of silicone are no longer up to date. Although it is very thin, the material has good elasticity, but in the colour we tested it is not very opaque. The seat pad is well positioned and sufficiently wide, but rather soft.

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Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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