2XU Compression Cycle Bib Shorts

2XU's Compression Cycle Bib Shorts are designed with a host of features aimed to keep you comfortable and powerful during a long day in the saddle, and generally they work well. The pad isn't ideal for me, but that's highly subjective and it might suit you fine, but I was disappointed with the quality of the stitching holding it to the shorts in this critical area. The compressive technology is a benefit, but it's a hard one to measure.

• Pros: Cool, lightweight materials, comfortable straps and waist, subtle design, compressive technology
• Cons: Stitching around the pad, compression benefits hard to verify

As the name suggests, the shorts are marketed heavily on 2XU's compression technology, and are made predominantly from '105D / CK' Lycra, which provides muscle stabilisation and compression and thus lessens vibration and fatigue.

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I was lucky enough to receive the shorts for testing before a trip to Spain, and tried them out on a couple of four-hour rides which included a few nasty intervals. I could certainly feel the compressive element, particularly around the thighs and hamstrings, which did give a nice feel of being 'supported' – a reassuring squeeze I guess you could describe it as.

During those long rides, and a few shorter test rides on the turbo, I finished feeling strong, and the legs felt reasonably fresh afterwards. How much of that can be attributed to the compression fabric and how much to external factors such as form and fitness is hard to determine though.

Other elements of the shorts are easier to assess. The moisture-wicking fabrics worked a treat in the mid-20s Spanish sun, as did the UPF50+ treatment – I came back without any element of burn in the areas under my shorts, and was spared that unpleasant feeling of clammy, sweaty legs.

The low-cut waist is also noticeable and effective, preventing the feel of sweaty belly and also eliminating any unpleasant feeling of the waistband cutting into your gut after the all-important tostada stop. I'm also a fan of the bib straps, which are wide in profile and thin and light of material. They fit comfortably over the shoulder and you hardly notice they're there, neither cutting into the skin nor causing a buildup of sweat.

The chamois pad is a tricky one to review; everyone's undersides are a different shape and so what works for some doesn't work for others. The 2XU Stelvio chamois, which uses 'dimpled fabric technology and 120 density foam for maximum breathability and comfort', just didn't feel quite the right shape for me, with the seams in slightly the wrong place. This issue, which is just the case of a millimetre too much or too little in various places, was exacerbated slightly by the stitching that holds the pad in place, which feels a little crude and rough. The stitching is wide and slightly raised, which is not ideal in terms of mitigating chafing. The density of the material is good, though, and relieves any sense of ache from being in the saddle for a long time.

Looks-wise, 2XU keeps it subtle, which I like, with only stealthy embossed black branding: understated and cool. Being all black, it makes them very easy to pair with any colour jersey, which is a big bonus for me. There are also small reflective tabs on the back of the legs, which is a nice nod to safety.

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At £135, these shorts are definitely at the higher end of the market and there's a lot of competition out there. For example, the recently reviewed Castelli Velocissimo IV bib shorts – £100, with a pad that received rave reviews, or the Pearl Izumi Pro Escapes, at £129.99 and well worth a look. And if £100 is too much, Stu rated the comfort and performance of the £89.99 Northwave Extreme 3 bib shorts.

Pad fit and comfort is a very personal thing, and the 2XU's might suit you perfectly, but the quality of the stitching lets these otherwise good shorts down, especially at this price.

Verdict

A mostly good pair of shorts, but the quality of the stitching could be improved