The best cycling bib shorts 2024

Rapha has been a mainstay of the professional peloton since 2013 when it started work with Team Sky, now INEOS. Since then, its have gone on to sponsor EF Education-EasyPost in the men’s peloton, and before working with EF education EasyPost in the women’s pro peloton, it even sponsored Canyon//SRAM.

All the information that's given to Rapha by professional riders and teams since 2013 has trickled down into these, the entry-level Core bib shorts at Rapha. A high-stretch lycra fabric gives support and modesty with laser-cut, low profile leg grippers to hold the shorts in place.

The uppers are supportive, lightweight and breathable with a central cut out for excellent temperature regulation.

Tried and tested by Commercial Content Editor Adam Binnie: "Mountain bikers have been stealing the best kit from other sports for decades - baggy jerseys from motocross, dirt jump helmets from skateboarding, and protective body armour from the ski slopes.

"Road cycling is another discipline we've started pinching things from more recently - with downhill racing kit getting tighter, stretchier, and less like a wind-sock thanks to clever technical fabrics.

"Roadie bib shorts may still be a bit controversial, but once you try a pair you will be converted, particularly now there are trail-specific ones like these from Endura.

"No more dreaded droopy shorts getting caught on your saddle nose as you try to get over the back wheel, no more hitching up your pants every time you stop for a drink.

"These bib shorts come with loads of extra functionality too - a huge vertical pocket for storing stuff, including a drinking reservoir if you want to go completely rucksack free. There are also elastic loops to help route the drink hose too.

"Lightweight and breathable mesh fabric used throughout is a real luxury but also quite see-through, so these are definitely for use under a pair of shorts rather than by themselves. The waistline is also much higher than on my other bibs, which I like, and necessitates a cutout section on the front so you can use the toilet without getting undressed.

"Because these are from Endura they also feature Clickfast poppers than snap into corresponding fasteners on any of the company's shorts, so they basically function as one item of clothing. Comfy, practical, and packed with features, these have become essential trail clothing for me."

Dhb has been brand operated by online superstore Wiggle since its inception. Since then, like Rapha, dhb (which stands for 'don’t hold back') has gone on to sponsor professional teams, not in the World Tour, but Continental teams. Think of it as the European Cup and not the Champions League.

In the early days of dhb, its clothes were a little baggy and not very well fitted. Since the innovations and information from the professional riders have started to make their way down to its clothing available to buy, too.

The Aeron collection is the go-to dhb collection for bib shorts - they’re incredibly well priced for what they offer.

Tried and tested by Commercial Content Editor Adam Binnie: "The chamois pad in these is a game-changer when it comes to long-ride comfort, and the construction features huge mesh panels to help channel cooling air. They are lightweight and stretchy and after a short time, you forget you've even got them on.

"Your riding mates won't know they're there either (unless you tell them you're wearing bibs every ride, as I do) thanks to low-profile seams and thigh grippers, which are invisible under a pair of shorts and a loose-fit top. A pair of cargo pockets on the back adds practicality too."

If you don’t want black or graphical print but just a nice bit of colour, Castelli offers the Competizione in Military Green.

If you’re unfamiliar with the brand Castelli, they have been a mainstay in cycling apparel since 1935 and can trace its roots back to 1876 and tailor Vittore Gianni. Providing clothing to some of the biggest names in cycling, Castelli has possibly been worn and raced at more Grand Tours than any other clothing brand.

In the Competizione, we have that trickle-down effect of technical know-how with the Kiss Air2 seat pad. A Chamois comes from the range-topping Progetto X2 but at a much more affordable price bracket.

Le Col is a British brand and was co-founded by former British Pro rider Yanto Barker. The Wiggins Collection is a design partnership with Britain's first Tour de France winner, Bradley Wiggins.

An ergonomic cut makes for a supportive fit on any type of ride even without bib straps. They are ideal for indoor training use, too, and retain that comfort even when remaining in the same position for long periods of time.

A women’s Dolomiti chamois offers a metered approach to comfort in the saddle. With reflective tabs for low light and a secure fitting topped off by the Wiggins gold lettering

These shorts pack Le Col technologies and characteristics into a more relaxed riding style. Le Col drew on the experience of Olympian and Tour de France-winner, Sir Bradley Wiggins, in the design process.

Whether you’re hunting Strava Segments or going for a relaxed, low-intensity ride with mates, the Le Col by Wiggins Sport Bib Shorts will continue to perform. Made from 210g Lycra, the shorts are lightweight as well as being breathable and supportive in the right areas.

They ensure this thanks to mesh bib straps and a snug, secure fit courtesy of Le Col silicone leg grippers.