Top Five Cycling Bib Shorts
For This Season
As the mercury starts to drop, it's time to think about switching out your summer shorts for something warmer and more resistant to the elements. If you're not quite ready for full bib tights, you can pair some winter bib shorts with knee or leg warmers and get just the protection you require without feeling overdressed. We've picked out five excellent options for the colder months and those more changeable conditions.
1. Mavic Ultimate Merino Bib Short
2. Castelli Tutto Nano Bib Short
3. Gore Wear C5 Gore-Tex Infinium Bib Short
1. Mavic Ultimate Merino Bib Short
Merino boasts numerous benefits, hence its frequent use in technical outdoor and sportswear. Incredibly soft and warm, this wool effectively regulates your temperature, wicks moisture and is naturally antibacterial. All of these properties are hugely beneficial in a piece of kit that's likely to be worn for long and potentially hard winter miles. In this Mavic Ultimate Bib Short, the Merino is blended with synthetic fibres to add support, with a woven construction for additional wind-resistance.
Despite the understated aesthetics, everything about this bib short is premium, including the multi-layered Ergo 3D Pro Seat Pad. There's plenty of stretch so the pad will move with you as you pedal, and it's light and highly breathable while providing just the cushioning and shock absorption you require. There’ll be no annoying ride-up on the legs thanks to comfortable silicone grippers, and if the roads are wet or there’s a risk of rain, the Durable Water Repellent treatment means water will bead and roll off.
2. Castelli Tutto Nano Bib Short
Incorporating fabrics that have undergone years of development and fine-tuning, the Castelli Tutto Nano Bib Short excels in all conditions. Nano Flex 3G is a winter material that uses nanotechnology water-repellency and is warm, soft and stretchy so you can really enjoy those cold-weather rides.
Of course, temperatures can change dramatically and despite the protection offered, overheating won't be an issue as 3G Nano Flex balances insulation and breathability. A capable all-conditions short, the seams are kept to a minimum, the cut is anatomical and safety is taken care of by reflective inserts. A good seat pad can make or break a ride, and the KISS Air 2 seat pad perfects the placement of cushioning and is designed to move with your body with every pedal stroke.
3. Gore Wear C5 Gore-Tex Infinium Bib Short
Renowned for their wet and cold weather performance gear, Gore Wear extensively test every piece of kit in the conditions it’s specifically created for. When the weather is less than ideal, the C5 Gore-Tex Infinium Bib Short is just the thing. Be it strong wind, showers or bitter cold, you’ll be ready to face it thanks to Gore-Tex Infinium™; wind-resistant, breathable and water repellent.
4. Endura MTR Spray Bib Short
A true do-it-all short, whether you’re hitting the roads or trails, come rain or shine, the Endura MTR Spray Bib Short is a versatile choice, designed to be worn under baggies or as a single layer. It’s a true bad weather piece, unique in that it has a floating pad system so the rear panel of the short can be fully taped, giving you the best chance of staying dry when the conditions are less so.
Endura has included their 700 series lite seat pad that, just like the entire short, suits a range of disciplines and conditions. The reticulated foam will make the winter training miles more comfortable and has an antibacterial finish for freshness. You needn’t worry about ride-up on the leg, whether worn alone or with warmers, thanks to comfortable silicone grippers.
5. Sportful Fiandre NoRain Pro Bib Short
Tried and tested in damp, cold conditions, the Sportful Fiandre NoRain Pro Bib Short is a solid choice for three-season wear in colder climes, paired with warmers or worn as a single layer. NoRain thermal material is one of the highlights; combining a brushed inner with a water-repellent nanotechnology outer. It’s not completely waterproof but will significantly extend how long you remain dry. The fabric has been created longer in the leg for more coverage.
Another major selling point of these shorts is the TC Pro seat pad. It’s impressively comfortable hour after hour in the saddle. A dimpled top surface wicks moisture and reduces pressure, while the multi-density foam beneath soaks up shock. Not overly bulky, you’ll get excellent protection without any interference in your ride comfort. Up top, the perforated lie-flat bibs add support and evenly distribute pressure across the shoulders, while the lower back is well covered for additional warmth.
There’s no need to retreat to the turbo when cold weather hits, these bib short options will get you through autumn and into early winter. Shop our wide range of shorts and bib shorts.
