Bontrager Classique Bib Shorts

A perfect foil for the excellent Classique jersey, the Classique bib shorts continue the luxurious all-day feel of the whole Classique range.

That all-day feel comes via a slightly thicker than normal lycra blend, which feels relaxed, yet fits to the skin perfectly. That's in part down to the cut, which impresses thanks to the 23cm inseam length. That's slightly shorter than a lot of bib shorts on the market these days, and is actually a slight nod to the days when bib shorts barely made it halfway down the leg.

I really like this more classical length on the leg, but that classical touch belies a level of modernity, just like the jersey. The straps are lightweight mesh, and are extremely comfortable, distributing any stretch evenly across the straps. They're well vented too, keep you cool where necessary.

The legs feature silicone grippers. They're not my favourite form of retention on the leg, but in this case they perform very well indeed – possibly the most comfortable grippers I've ever used.

The seams are well styled and tidy. They're hard wearing and I've no doubt at all that they'll stand the test of a whole summer season, and probably more besides. The fabric itself seems resilient to the snaggy wooden surfaces you come across at coffee stops, too, indicating that you can genuinely spend all day in them worry-free.

And you would, too, because they're incredibly comfortable. While not fleece-lined, the internal fabric is a cotton mix that sits snugly against the skin, and doesn't get itchy or irritating at any point during the day. It's also equally resilient to washing too, coming out as new each time.

As ever, however, it's the chamois that makes or breaks a pair of bib shorts and there are no worries in this regard. As you might expect, bearing in mind the quality of the rest of the Classique range, the pad is top notch, too. It's an Arcus inform BioDynamic model, and is comfortable regardless of the distance you ride, or the time you spend in the saddle.

It features graded padding for cushioning where you need it most, and is generous where it's needed without making the shorts look as though a pillow is installed between your legs. In fact, this is one of the most comfortable pads I've ever ridden in.

At £129.99, as with the Classique jersey, the bib shorts aren't cheap but they're great to look at and excellently designed, and equally make a superb matching pair with the jersey as they would function as standalone all-day cycling bib shorts.

Verdict

Lovely bib shorts for the Classique range, or to pair with your other jerseys