RH+ PW Revo Bibshort

The RH+ PW Revo bibshorts are among the most expensive shorts we've ever tested on road.cc, but they're also very good, working hard to defend that big asking price.

We'll start with the pad because that's crucial. If the pad's no good, you might as well forget it. Thankfully, you get a CyTech Elastic Interface pad here: the Road Performance Carbonium Men. http://www.elasticinterface.com/cycling-pads-clothing/cycling-technology... It's a really impressive option with three different densities – up to 14mm thick beneath your sit bones.

It doesn't feel massively bulky, though, because it's much thinner in the areas where you need less cushioning, and there's a channel down the centre. I've done 5hr rides on this and it's not left me feeling even close to tender. Plus, the foam is perforated to help keep you cool and dry. All round, it's a winner.

The shorts are very well made into a pre-formed shape, with mostly flat seams and bonded side inserts. The fabric isn't as elastic as some and there's a very definite end to the amount of stretch it offers, meaning that these shorts feel very supportive. They're also highly breathable while the wide leg grippers come with loads of silicone woven on the inside so they never inch upwards. Reflective stripes on the back add extra visibility.

The uppers consist of mesh panels in the lumbar region and microfibre straps. You get just one fairly narrow strap down the centre of your back. I wondered whether that might be a bit uncomfortable over the spine, but it isn't at all – it's a good design that holds the shorts in place well.

Downsides? The thermal transfer print on the rear strap has started to wear quite quickly where it has been rubbed by the maintenance pouch that I always carry in my middle jersey pocket. Still, no one will ever see that because it's underneath my jersey. And those white panels on the sides aren't quite as white as they once were. That's always the way with white panels on shorts, in my experience, especially after a few wet rides.

On the whole, though, these are great shorts with the only really sticking point being that they ain't cheap.

Verdict

Very good, supportive bib shorts with an excellent seat pad, but they ain't cheap