Picking the best cycling bib shorts is essential for your comfort and, thus, for your performance.
Cycling bib shorts feature heavily in the wardrobes of most cyclists.
A good pair of bib shorts can make a significant difference on long rides and provide the support and comfort you need for a smooth, enjoyable ride.
It’s therefore essential to choose suitable cycling bib shorts.
This post provides an overview of the 10 best cycling bibs shorts of 2023 and offers an in-depth comparison.
Before making a final decision, it’s important to take the time to consider the key features of each.
Meet the Best Cycling Bib Shorts of 2023
POC Essential Road VPDs
Originally founded in 2005, POC Sports is a Swedish cycling apparel and helmet manufacturer.
Their Essential Road VPDs Bib Shorts feature a Race Pro fit design and a construction tailored to the serious cyclist.
The shorts are well-crafted and come with high-quality panels and a compression-fit waistband.
What sets the Essential Road VPDs apart is the new VPD (Visco-Elastic Polymer Dough) chamois.
This chamois was developed to reduce friction and keep the shorts in their intended position during a ride.
The Essential Road VPDs are constructed from a polyamide and polyester blend fabric and is available in sizes XS-XXXL.
Specifications:
- Fabric composition: polyamide and polyester blend
- Available sizes: XS-XXXL
Price: US$ 175
GORE WEAR C3
GORE Wear, powered by the GORE-TEX brand, is a leader in performance cycling apparel.
Their C3 Bib Shorts come with the GORE Wear C3 Seat insert and have a comfortable, relaxed fit.
The construction of the C3s combines mesh and elastic fibers for optimized stretchiness.
The shorts feature mesh inserts at the middle back for improved breathability and adjustable bib straps for a tailored fit.
The C3s are available in sizes XS-XXXL and are also available in long and short lengths.
Specifications:
- Fabric composition: mesh and elastic fibers
- Available sizes: XS-XXXL, long and short lengths
Price: US$ 100
MAAP Team Bib Evo
MAAP is a Melbourne-based cycling company that designs stylish and performance-driven apparel.
The Team Bib Evo is one of the brand’s most popular bibs.
They are made from a four-way stretch fabric with aero mesh inserts that provide superior comfort and breathability.
The bibs also feature ergonomic straps, silicone grippers, and raw edge leg openings. The Team Bib Evo is available in sizes XS-XXXL and is fully machine washable.
Specifications:
- Fabric composition: four-way stretch fabric with aero mesh inserts
- Available sizes: XS-XXXL
Price: US$ 250
Assos Mille GTS C2
Assos is a Swiss clothing company whose bib shorts have an excellent reputation amongst cyclists.
The Mille GTS C2 is the brand’s first foray into winter bib shorts.
The construction of these shorts features a three-layer engineered fabric and an anatomical fit.
The thigh panels are made with knitted microfiber fabric and have an integrated wind-resistant windproof membrane.
The bibs are available in sizes S-XL, although they are slightly large.
Specifications:
- Fabric composition: three-layer engineered fabric with knitted microfiber fabric and integrated windproof membrane
- Available sizes: S-XL
Price: US$ 220
LE COL Men’s Pro
Le Col is a London-based cycling brand founded in 2011 by former British pro rider Yanto Barker.
The Men’s Pro Bib Shorts are the brand’s top-of-the-line bib shorts, featuring a mix of performance fabrics and lightweight panels.
The Lycra Sport fabric offers four-way stretch for movement, and the bib straps are made with a breathable mesh fabric.
They are available in sizes S-XXL and come in a heathered black color.
Specifications:
- Fabric composition: Lycra Sport fabric with lightweight panels
- Available sizes: S-XXL
Price: US$ 235
Fizik Lin R3 Bull
Fizik is an Italian cycling brand that was founded in 1996.
The LINK R3 BULL Bib Shorts are designed for avid cyclists and feature a compression fit with a breathable mesh fabric.
The shorts come with a Comfort Padded insert and have a laser-cut band on the leg openings.
These AirPlane-inspired shorts are available in sizes S-XL and have a regular fit.
Specifications:
- Fabric composition: breathable mesh fabric
- Available sizes: S-XL
Price: US$ 200
Pearl Izumi Men’s 10.5″ Attack
Pearl Izumi is an American cycling brand creating cycling apparel since 1950.
Their Men’s 10.5” Attack Cycling Bib Shorts are lightweight, and comfortable for cyclists.
The fabric is made from a four-way stretch nylon/elastane blend, which offers plenty of freedom of movement.
The bibs also feature an Ergonomic 3D Chamois and a drop tail for added comfort and convenience.
They are available in sizes S-XL and are fully machine washable.
Specifications:
- Fabric composition: four-way stretch nylon/elastane blend
- Available sizes: S-XL
Price: US$ 100
Castelli Cycling Competizione
Castelli is an Italian cycling clothing company that has been creating cycling apparel since 1876.
Their Cycling Competizione Bib Shorts offer performance and comfort in a high-end package.
The bibs are constructed with advanced four-way stretch fabric, featuring an anatomical fit and a Pro Dry Soft insert.
They come with a laser-cut band in the lower leg openings and are available in sizes XS-XXXL.
Specifications:
- Fabric composition: advanced four-way stretch fabric
- Available sizes: XS-XXXL
Price: US$ 235
Endura Men’s SingleTrack
Endura is a British cycling company that was founded in 1994.
The Men’s SingleTrack Bib Cycling Liner is the brand’s entry-level bib short.
It features a comfortable race fit with a soft chamois and is made with a breathable four-way stretch fabric.
The liner has adjustable straps for a tailored fit and is available in sizes XS-XL.
Specifications:
- Fabric composition: breathable four-way stretch fabric
- Available sizes: XS-XL
Price: US$ 100
Velocio Luxe
Velocio is an American cycling clothing brand that focuses on creating apparel for all types of cyclists.
The Luxe Bib Shorts have an Elite chamois constructed from three layers of Italian-made foam for superior comfort.
The shorts feature wide 8″ straps, silicon gripper tape, and lightweight fabric construction.
They are available in sizes XS-XL, and have a relaxed fit.
Specifications:
- Fabric composition: lightweight fabric
- Available sizes: XS-XL
Price: US$ 279
Best Cycling Bib Shorts Key Takeaways
After evaluating the list of the 10 best cycling bib shorts of 2023, we would recommend the POC Essential Road VPDs Bib Shorts, the Assos Mille GTS C2, and the Velocio Luxe.
These bib shorts offer unique features and benefits that set them apart from the rest, providing a comfortable and performance-enhancing experience for cyclists.
The POC Essential Road VPDs Bib Shorts are an excellent choice for cyclists who prioritize comfort and protection.
These bib shorts feature POC’s VPDs chamois technology, which offers multi-density padding that provides optimal cushioning and support during long rides.
The shorts are made from a high-quality, moisture-wicking fabric that ensures a comfortable fit and excellent breathability, helping to keep you dry during intense efforts.
The POC Essential Road VPDs Bib Shorts also include silicone grippers that prevent the shorts from riding up, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit throughout your ride.
The Assos Mille GTS C2 bib shorts stand out for their comfort, performance, and durability combination.
Assos is renowned for its high-quality materials and attention to detail, and the Mille GTS C2 bib shorts are no exception.
These shorts feature Assos’ GoldenGate technology, which allows the chamois to move independently from the shorts, reducing friction and enhancing comfort during long rides.
The shorts are constructed from a combination of compressive and breathable fabrics that provide excellent muscle support and moisture management.
The Assos Mille GTS C2 bib shorts are an investment in comfort and performance, ensuring a great riding experience.
Lastly, the Velocio Luxe bib shorts offer a premium, luxurious experience for cyclists seeking comfort and performance.
The Luxe bib shorts are made from a soft, compressive fabric that provides excellent muscle support and reduces fatigue during long rides.
The shorts feature a high-quality, anatomically designed chamois that delivers exceptional comfort and support. The Velocio Luxe bib shorts also include laser-cut leg grippers, which ensure a secure and comfortable fit without causing any irritation.
The attention to detail and premium materials make these shorts a top choice for cyclists who value comfort and performance.
While the other cycling bib shorts on the list offer specific benefits and features, the POC Essential Road VPDs Bib Shorts, Assos Mille GTS C2, and Velocio Luxe stand out for their combination of comfort, performance, and high-quality materials.
Each of these bib shorts is suitable for a wide range of cyclists, from recreational riders to competitive racers, and offers a reliable solution for those looking to enhance their cycling experience.
The choice between these three bib shorts ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences, but you can be confident that any of them will serve you well on your cycling journeys.
