Altura Podium Elite Bib Short

Good bib shorts are the cycling equivalent of a little black dress, and the Altura Podium Elite bib shorts are up there with the best of them. They're a modern take on a classic design, with noticeable focus having been paid to the cut and to the interface at the leg grippers and strap area – Altura's 3D ErgoFit patterning.

Branding is left to the grippers and across the rear, and they're available in just one colour: black with white logos. There are two small reflective bands on the rear of the thighs and, as with most shorts, they're minuscule and it's hard to see what benefit they offer. 

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The main short material is slightly shiny and very lightweight, which is reflected in the all-up garment weight of 183g. They stay fairly dry and deal effectively with wicking sweat away as well as keeping rain at bay. Everything from the waist up is made from a fairly close-woven mesh, which means excellent wicking ability, keeping sweat away from the midriff and back. The straps are wide and softly trimmed, which helps keep them in place and avoids chafing.

At the other end of things, wide leg grippers are helped by the inclusion of silicone, and they certainly stay put. They have also stayed in shape during the test period, without any crinkly edges developing due to wear.

At the back of the shorts, just above the kidneys, there are two pockets. I had to look carefully for these and although I think it's a novel idea for keeping a single house key or a credit card – or, Altura suggests, energy products – in practice I didn't ever use them. I couldn't see myself ever putting anything in them really – there are just better options for storing stuff than right next to your skin under a jersey.

Finally, the pad – the most important element of any cycling shorts. In short (excuse the pun), it's pretty good. It's thicker than the pad in the Hoy-Vulpine bib longs I tested during the winter, but not uncomfortably so. It's as good on long days in the saddle as it is on short, quick, summer blasts. It has breathable perforations, using Altura's ProGel and Altura Dry technology, and does its job very well. It's not the comfiest pad I've ever used, but it's not far off. It has also kept its shape well.

The shorts are lasting well, too – other than Altura's printed logo in the back, where the thin band around the sizing information has already started to peel. I'm keen that manufacturers start printing/weaving their washing information to do away with labels sewn into seams, but here perhaps it's fortunate that Altura hasn't done that as it would be in danger of doing a Marty McFly and disappearing from the picture. That said, most modern cycle clothing has the same care instructions, so it's not a huge worry.

> Check out our guide to the best bib shorts

In terms of value, you can get similar shorts for less – though you can also get these for less than RRP. That said, there's obviously been quite a bit of thought put into their design, and they do fit very well. If the pad suits, you certainly won't be disappointed.

Verdict

Classic pair of black bib shorts with thoughtful details to help them stand out from the crowd