Chapeau Classic bib shorts

The Chapeau Classic bib shorts are well made and look good but a couple of drawbacks mean they're better for commuting than Sunday best.

Chapeau have two pairs of bib shorts in their range and the Classic’s are the entry level in regulation black and priced at £59.99.

They’ve only been in the clothing game a couple of months but Chapeau aimed their clothing line at a particular, less race-orientated niche and the Classics reflect that. Not everybody that rides a bike is a racer or wants to emulate the pros and Chapeau’s design brief picks up on that. The Classics are only intended to be worn for short to medium length rides, as they put it ‘perfect for the daily commute or a quick spin in the evening.’ Thanks to the simple design and plain colour scheme they look just as good paired with a t-shirt as a full on Lycra jersey.

The main reason behind the ride length suggestion is that the TMF pad is a touch on the thin side. It has the usual multi-density, 3D design found on a lot of shorts liners, with padding to reduce friction and channels to remove pressure, but it’s just not quite as voluptuous as some.

I managed up to about 90 minutes before the pad stopped offering the kind of protection from the saddle it had at the start of the ride. For those 90 minutes though, the comfort offered is pretty good whether you’re cruising along or crouched down over the nose of the saddle.

The cut of the shorts is spot on as well. Plenty of panels means the shape is formed to fit when you’re in the saddle and moves well with you as you change position or pedal. Leg grippers do a good job keeping the shorts in place once the first two pedal strokes have got things settled while the front is cut low aiding toilet stops. I personally prefer a bit more material at the front up to say mid stomach providing a bit more comfort and support.

The bibs have mesh at the rear to keep you cool, while the straps are a decent width to avoid pressure points as they pass over the straps. There isn’t much give in them, so if you are long in the torso you’ll notice the straps pressing against the skin a bit.

Material wise the Classics are built to last thanks to the lycra having a reasonably heavy knit, heavier than say the Castelli and RH+ shorts we’ve been testing of late. They should take a good few scuffs and knocks without issue.

There are some neat little touches like the reflective Chapeau logo and the size tag is stitched to the outside of the bib section removing any chance of irritation.

Sizes range from XS through to XXL but only come in the men’s range whereas the more expensive Pave shorts have a ladies version too.

On the whole the Classics are a good all rounder with regards to comfort, fit and looks without really excelling at any of them. Where they do score well though is the overall quality which is of a standard normally seen on more expensive shorts.

The sixty quid asking price is fair enough when you take the quality into consideration as they will easily stand up to the abuse of daily riding for commuting twice a day. The bigger brands can compete on price easily but if you want something a little more niche the Classics are worth the investment.

Verdict

Reasonable performers backed up by top quality construction.